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fender jazz vs stingray

#41
Just like with nearly 90% of all the threads on this forum, it's a matter of taste, style and feel.

I have a Sterling, an SR5, a Fretless Jazz MIA, and a Geddy Lee (just got it about a month ago). I'm really not sure which one I like best. I suppose I keep them all around because I seem to change my flavor from time to time and end up playing one for awhile and then switching. The SR5 and the Sterling get played the most though.

I'll add another variable that I didn't notice anyone else mention (if they did, excuse me for being redundant). I'd say that it can have something to do with the amp you are playing. I find that with my Trace Elliot rig, I prefer the Stingray and Sterling because sometimes I love a super modern tone. With my SWR rig, I find that the Jazz basses and the Sterling sound best. The SR5 sounds good although it is a bit scooped sounding, on top of the scooped sound of the SWR it lacks so much of the lower mids that I have to run an EQ in the effects loop to help compensate. I sold my old SVT years ago because it was too heavy, but I miss that tone. I'm sure that my tastes would likely be different with that amp too. I'm saving up for an Eden, and it's likely that maybe my tastes might be different there once again.

If possible, try out both basses with your rig(s) and a drummer. You should really take it one step further and try it with a full band, especially guitar players and left-hand heavy keyboard players.
 
#42
Build quality goes to EBMM products...My experience with a StingRay that I owned wasn't all that...dead ( not dull ) spot on 9th fret of the g string that affected the 8th and 10th frets also.. I didn't have the common problem of the weak g string on mine though the bass was thin and the bass boost added more distortion than lowend .. I no longer have this bass....I tried an HH Bongo recently that I was quite impressed with ( even though I'd sworn to never pick up an EBMM product).
Shelly is right on...play both and find what suits you and fits with the style of music you are playing...I can play a Jazz in any situation and be right at home ...I found that I couldn't with a StingRay 'cause it's "voice" was a bit harsh...Other than a Jazz I would suggest a Jaguar or any CIJ Fender as there Build quality is right up there with EBMM...hate the fact that it doesn't have a pickup blend as the rear pickup alone is a bit thin but it rocks....
In a nutshell and my Opinion only.... Tone, versatility and overall MOJO = Jazz
Build Quality = StingRay
 
#43
I have an American Jazz & 2 Stingrays. I much prefer the 'Rays. I love Fender basses, but my Jazz just doesn't seem to do much for me anymore. After playing a Stingray, the Jazz's tone just seems a little "blah" to me. Also, my Jazz doesn't have nearly the build quality of my Stingrays; the 'Rays just have a much more solid feel to them.
 
#45
A Tribute G&L L2000 would get you in the ball park of both sounds and save you some money. I have a Tribute that I really dig. Nearly as good as the US ones. I got it used for $300. New they can be had in the $500 range on Ebay. There is a G&L Forum here and at The Dudepit.

Dave
 
#46
I've been playing jazz basses since I started playing bass a little over 10 years ago. A year ago I got a Buttercream Dual Humbucker Sterling. My '75 RI has been in its case under the bed since, and I'm selling off one of my other jazz basses. The HH Sterling does it for me. There is a lot of sound in this bass.
 
#50
Ampeg, series will exagerate the mids more. I have found that strings and EQ make a big difference. Also the sound that I like for practicing alone is rarely the one I settle on with the band. I run my SR5 in series most of the time (more agressive midrange) with a slight bass boost and a slight high cut - DR High Beams. If I am playing bluesier material I will cut the mids or turn up the contour on my amp.
 
#51
The original Fender Jazz Basses are what others are judged by; the MM Stingray is what Leo Fender would probably have developed the Fender Precision into, the old discontinued MM Sabre was more like a develpement of the the Jazz Bass, so you are really comparing two different models.
I owned both a 1965 Fender Jazz and an early MM Stingray, both totaly different instruments therefore it wouldn't be appropriate to compare.
 
#52
When I was a newbie to active electronics, I did the same thing that a couple of folks mentioned...cranked the EQ on my Stingray all the way up. After a while, I learned how to work the EQ & get a variety of sounds. It's a little strange when I play a passive bass now. :D
 
#57
Both of them are laying in the mix very good. Jazz bass is well-known for it`s midrange tone, that cut through the mix very well. It growls) Stingray is also a great choice, with excellent onboard preamp and humbucker pickup... lows on `ray is awesome... But trust me, jazz bass with pup`s wired serial and external preamp with EQ (I using MXR M-80 on dirt channel with low gain) can give to you the same sound as stingray do, maybe with less bottom (with alder J body)... but playability of jazz bass is much better than `ray! because of the neck, because of the body... the problem is, if you`re a finger player, you may have some problems with playing in bridge position. In that cause, place some thumbrest between the two pup`s, and you`re ready to rock!
 

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