Fender P or Stingray??

[bmaker]

Currently play a MIA Jazz that suits 95% of the stuff I do. However, have been gassin for something new for a while now. Want to add the stereotypical "P" sound and was wondering for those who have had experience with these 2 animals, which is the better choice. I know these 2 are different in several ways (body wood, active/passive etc..) but both seem to have their following for roughly the same use. Ideas/opinions? Thanks to all and Merry Christmas!

 

[Rumblefisher]

You got it right...very different.

Depends on the application really, but I myself like the P bass. In fact, my personal favorite P-type of pickup is the Dark Star. It's got a full, chewy, almost rubber-band kind of sound that I find awesome.

Just generalizing, but I find the Stingray to be much more aggressive, with a tone that sits very nicely at the bottom of the mix (don't misunderstand, it stays apparent though). P basses tend to be more within a mix. Sometimes my ear loses them here and there, but it is a great team player with a wonderful sound.

All in all, my suggestion: A Lakland with a Dark Star.

 

[eyeballkid]

so, just to be even handed... STINGRAY!

 

[Rockmusician]

I have owned Ps and Stingrays. I had two different Stingrays and both had dead spots. I will never buy another one. I would go for the P.

 

[darkstorm]

Well, you could allways add a preamp to the P along with bypass switch for it. Between the two, Id dunno which Id choose. Prob the P and add preamp.

 

[electracoyote]

To have a P and a J in your arsenal covers lots of sonic ground, it's the one-two punch of basses.

I have Ps, Js, and Rays. If I had to go with only two, it would be a P and a J.

 

[derridiandrift]

I own both. The 'ray has been in the case for a couple of years. But having said that, I'm taking the 'ray to my shows in NYC next week.

 

[fish slapper]

Subscribed. I'm in the same boat. I'd never sell my J but would like something different. I've had P's the past but they end up getting lost in the mix with the band. Stingray's are definitely aggressive but my knock is they are heavy and I really don't like the looks of the oval pickguard.

I'm toying with the idea of getting another P and doing something with an outboard pre to get it to the tone I'd like.

 

[bmaker]

Interesting you mentioned a Lakland. I did play a Duck Dunn the other day that was quite nice (Ltd Silver). However, it was the Skyline version. Don't get me wrong I know the Skylines are top shelf and very good quality but it didn't feel as "solid" as the Lakland USA models nor the MIA Fender/MM. Don't flame, just my opinion! I also toy'd around with a Modulus Flea in the same shop. Nice Bass!!

 

[JonPol]

To me a jazz is kind of the middle ground between the two... to get the most tones I'd probably get the P and throw a pre into the Jazz and make it a slapper (don't know if you slap). Some other things to consider are the woods used, but I don't think others consider woods as much as a game changer as I tend to.

 

[moto_bruce]

Bottom line up front: If you are looking for a P sound and get an SR4, you will still be looking for a P sound.

If you are looking for a P sound, get the P. If you want to add more sonic choices, an SR4HH is worth an audition.

I think the scooped Ray tone gives a good fundamental, and the transient attack comes through in the mix because of the strong treble content. The Jazz with both pickups on full kind of has this also, a scooped mid, but because of its active pre, an SR can really boost the treble, I think more than 12db. I don't particularly like the Ray sound by itself when I practice, usually have to roll the treble back. But is just sounds right when set flat when playing with others. Mine is an SR4H, not an SR4HH.

Also, I find that a lot of the P bounce comes from where I pluck it. I sit on the pickup. The Ray pickup is closer to the bridge, so I get more high harmonic content. Kindo like the diff between plucking on the neck and bridge pickup on the Jazz.

Only my humble opinion.

Bruce

 

[Doug Parent]

Just picked up a Vintage Modified Precision 4 banger to scratch the same itch, (although I changed the pickup to an old Seymour Duncan) and I have had a few 'Rays in the past that never lasted long in my arsenal. Me think this bargain "P" will be however. 'Rays seem to cut well but for the type of music I play the phatness of "P" is undeniable. I find that cutting lows a little, boosting low and upper mids it can cut through much better.

I concur with the P and J guys as well. Good luck.

 

[wshines1892]

I've never played a Precision with a dead spot, even crappy no name copies. Every OLP I've played, had one.

Also, just to be the Devil's Advocate, have you ever tried installing a series switch? It gives you a much thicker P-ish tone and may be all that you're looking for without having to buy a new bass. The mod is completely reversable and makes a huge difference.

 

[mannysilvers]

They are both great basses. I personally love the Stingray's distinct sound. If you really want the bass to stand out I would go with the Stingray. If you want something very versatile then try the Stingray 4HH. I got one and between the different pick-up settings it suits all of my needs.

 

[Orpheus55]

I played P-basses exclusively from the late 60s to the early 90s. Then I started experimenting (kids leave home, I get to keep gig money, etc.); I bought an 09 SR4, single H, 3-band, and was knocked out by its wild-horse, in-your-face tone. I tamed her with flats and some judicious use of EQ, but the articulation and sheer expressiveness shine through in all situations. I find it hard to go back to the Ps now, though the Js do share some similarities. To me, the Ray is extraordinarily built, not heavy (mine anyway) and is capable of anything. It always sounds better in a live band situation (and subsequent recordings) than in the practice room, where it tends to be clanky and in need of other horses to run with. Being in a ten-piece band with four horns, I am happy to turn her loose.

 

[electracoyote]

I've had P's the past but they end up getting lost in the mix with the band.

This is the polar opposite to what almost everyone who plays a P Bass experiences. You must have had one serious dud of a P Bass.

 

[danclaro]

If weight is an issue, you might not want a Stingray. I've never picked up a Stingray that wasn't in the 10lbs+ range.

My current P-bass is 9lbs, the one I had before it was 8.6lbs. That's about my comfort range. I learned that after I bought a Stingray 5 (10.5lbs). Sold that after a couple of months of pain and bought a Lakland 5502 which is 9.2 lbs.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I've never played a Precision with a dead spot, even crappy no name copies. Every OLP I've played, had one.

Also, just to be the Devil's Advocate, have you ever tried installing a series switch? It gives you a much thicker P-ish tone and may be all that you're looking for without having to buy a new bass. The mod is completely reversable and makes a huge difference.

Good thing OLPs aren't US Rays

EVERY bass will have dead spots. P's are no exception to this.

 

[madmatt]

IMO Stingrays suck.
The P is it.
A nice American P is way better than an over-priced Stingray.

 

[buffalobillh]

I concur that if you want a P tone, get a P bass. I'm not sure how someone loses a P bass in the mix...??? I've been playing professionally for almost 30 years, and I've never experienced or heard of that. Players get P basses because they ARE prominent in the mix. Maybe it's a battle of words, but P basses do not CUT through the mix, they are the FOUNDATION of the mix. If you want it to CUT, you already have a J bass to do that. If you want a P bass to CUT through the mix, get the Stingray. If you want foundation and balls, get the P bass.