Hello Talkbass, it has been a while. Once again I need your wisdom to help me through a difficult decision about which bass to own, lol. I’ve recently been hit with the Stingray bug again, having sold my EBMM Stingray 5H a few years ago, but now missing that tone.
I just purchased a used, like new with plastic wraps still on the pickguard and tuners, a SBMM Ray34 4H, black with rosewood fretboard, roasted maple neck. I got it for a really good price, less than half of retail $ new. It sounds really good for what it is, plays pretty darn well too. Are there many finish flaws? Definitely…. The black painted body when viewed in outdoor natural light almost appears gray around the edges off the bass, either the paint is too thin, or the clear coat is too thick, but indoors it really isn’t noticeable. The back of the neck could have been sanded a tiny bit better, but I feel that is not enough to worry about. Some glue spots here and there from the fret job, but again, I can let this go. The truss rod is really tough to turn with the included tool. I got the bass set up pretty well with good action for finger style, but not crazy about the “slap” action and resulting tone. But again, the finger style tone and playability is pretty great, and I dig the roasted maple neck look.
I say all of the above talking about a bass I paid about $400 for. To clarify, I could afford to buy a used EBMM Stingray or even a new one at the crazy prices they are being sold for these days, if I could justify it. I know I really need to get into a local shop and just try out some Stingray Specials. But the price tag keeps me in check. I’ve had many amazing basses come through my stable over the years, ranging from MTD, Roscoe, F-bass, Bacchus, and still have my beloved Nordy vJ5. I’ve also had a good handful “budget” basses that were really solid, and I still have my G&L Tribute LB100 p-bass that just kills. The point is I can be happy with a budget offering if the quality is there. To further add to the difficult decision making process, I have not been in a band or gigged in about 5 years. I’m in my 40’s now, have kids that keep me very busy, and mostly just play at home to amuse myself and relax, with the rare jam with old friends.
Keeping all the above in mind, Talkbass, what advice would you give me?
I just purchased a used, like new with plastic wraps still on the pickguard and tuners, a SBMM Ray34 4H, black with rosewood fretboard, roasted maple neck. I got it for a really good price, less than half of retail $ new. It sounds really good for what it is, plays pretty darn well too. Are there many finish flaws? Definitely…. The black painted body when viewed in outdoor natural light almost appears gray around the edges off the bass, either the paint is too thin, or the clear coat is too thick, but indoors it really isn’t noticeable. The back of the neck could have been sanded a tiny bit better, but I feel that is not enough to worry about. Some glue spots here and there from the fret job, but again, I can let this go. The truss rod is really tough to turn with the included tool. I got the bass set up pretty well with good action for finger style, but not crazy about the “slap” action and resulting tone. But again, the finger style tone and playability is pretty great, and I dig the roasted maple neck look.
I say all of the above talking about a bass I paid about $400 for. To clarify, I could afford to buy a used EBMM Stingray or even a new one at the crazy prices they are being sold for these days, if I could justify it. I know I really need to get into a local shop and just try out some Stingray Specials. But the price tag keeps me in check. I’ve had many amazing basses come through my stable over the years, ranging from MTD, Roscoe, F-bass, Bacchus, and still have my beloved Nordy vJ5. I’ve also had a good handful “budget” basses that were really solid, and I still have my G&L Tribute LB100 p-bass that just kills. The point is I can be happy with a budget offering if the quality is there. To further add to the difficult decision making process, I have not been in a band or gigged in about 5 years. I’m in my 40’s now, have kids that keep me very busy, and mostly just play at home to amuse myself and relax, with the rare jam with old friends.
Keeping all the above in mind, Talkbass, what advice would you give me?
