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Ernie Ball Stingray - NAMM Bass of the Year

bassgrackle

bassgrackle

Aug 17, 2010
983
2,211
#1
I knew this was a special bass the moment I picked one up from Chicago Music Exchange @cmebass (thank Marc). But I didn't realize it would become NAMM's Bass of the year.

Congratulations Sterling Ball and the team at Music Man @scottball for continuing to build amazing instruments and being able to stay focused on the fit / finish and details that we bassist so greatly love.
Screen Shot 2019-01-27 at 7.27.07 PM.png

And of course a picture of my beloved Stingray Special.
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#2
What so special about these Stingrays?
Isn't this basically the same bass Leo invented in the 70's?

I give MM props for the Big Al and the Bongo as original ideas (the Big Al being a really original idea and the Bongo body shape was the same IMO).

What was the criteria for these being best in show other than politics?
 
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#3
Jim C said:
What so special about these Stingrays?
Isn't this basically the same bass Leo invented in the 70's?

I give MM props for the Big Al and the Bongo as original ideas (the Big Al being a really original idea and the Bongo body shape was the same IMO).

What was the criteria for these being best in show other than politics?
Click to expand...

Perhaps a little research on your part, I don’t think anyone here needs to justify it to you.
 
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#4
Jim C said:
What so special about these Stingrays?
Isn't this basically the same bass Leo invented in the 70's?

I give MM props for the Big Al and the Bongo as original ideas (the Big Al being a really original idea and the Bongo body shape was the same IMO).

What was the criteria for these being best in show other than politics?
Click to expand...
Why so salty??:p
 
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#5
mdogs said:
Perhaps a little research on your part, I don’t think anyone here needs to justify it to you.
Click to expand...

True, but why the snarky approach? I'm curious about what it was that made the Stingray the NAMM Bass of the year, too.

But because I'm genuinely interested in the criteria used to make the decision. Not because I think there was something nefarious involved in the decision-making process.

I think it was a great choice. And it's quite alright if some folks don't agree. No need to get snarky about it either way
 
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#7
It looked like this year had some new and intersting designs at reasonable price points.
I was hoping to see some new guy move up the ladder.
Isn't this the same production bass they have making for years?
 
#11
SteveCS said:
Far from it, but the visual changes do not tell the story. You need to get one in your hands to really appreciate the changes.
Click to expand...

Found the specs and I stand corrected.
Sounds like new pe amp design, new pickup(s); also 1 extra fret, and different body contours

Edit: For the record, I like Stingrays. I have an 83' and a 06' and used to have a 96'
 
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#12
Jim C said:
Found the specs and I stand corrected.
Sounds like new pe amp design, new pickup(s); also 1 extra fret, and different body contours
Click to expand...

All that, plus lightweight aluminium hardware, lightweight roasted maple necks and impeccable fretwork. Yet in spite of all that, they still feel like home. All the right junk in all the right places!
 
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#14
My 06' is satin finish and feels great.
Sadowsky had said that he didn't care for roasted necks as he felt the wood was unstable.
Looks like MM has had different experiences with this material.

On the Special, is the pickguard painted or did they figure out how to mold a metallic finish onto plastic?
 
#17
Jim C said:
My 06' is satin finish and feels great.
Sadowsky had said that he didn't care for roasted necks as he felt the wood was unstable.
Looks like MM has had different experiences with this material.

On the Special, is the pickguard painted or did they figure out how to mold a metallic finish onto plastic?
Click to expand...

Capture.JPG
 
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#18
Jim C said:
My 06' is satin finish and feels great.
Sadowsky had said that he didn't care for roasted necks as he felt the wood was unstable.
Looks like MM has had different experiences with this material.

On the Special, is the pickguard painted or did they figure out how to mold a metallic finish onto plastic?
Click to expand...
If he removes the moisture doesn't that make it more stable?
 
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