Is there such a thing as a "lightweight" Stingray 5?

[Lesfunk]

Love these. They make a difference

 

[NeilGB]

Here is a take on the SR5. I loved the SR sounds but not the neck profile nor the weight.

Status Graphite were very helpful to make sure the pups are in the correct HS locations.

I haven’t weighed it, it is easy on the shoulder and that’s what counts.

 

[cavemanbass]

So the stock tuners are heavy?

Yes, compared to the ultralights. Plus removing that weight at the headstock improves balance as well. One problem with the ultralights is the straight (not tapered) shafts. I’m planning to add a Sadowsky style string retainer to compensate.

 

[Lesfunk]

View attachment 2841838 Here is a take on the SR5. I loved the SR sounds but not the neck profile nor the weight.

Status Graphite were very helpful to make sure the pups are in the correct HS locations.

I haven’t weighed it, it is easy on the shoulder and that’s what counts.

As far as I'm concerned, Status basses are the best in the world

 

[Dave W]

I have two SR5's that are 9lbs. They're out there, you just need to shop around to find one.

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

View attachment 2841832 Love these. They make a difference

any major tonal change with the changed neck?

 

[Lesfunk]

any major tonal change with the changed neck?

Yes. Not better. Not worse. Just different.
Smoother, more even, less aggressive

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

Yes. Not better. Not worse. Just different.
Smoother, more even, less aggressive

considering one for my stingray classic 5!

 

[Mastermold]

That's what I'm after

Keep checking Sweetwater's website. That's where I found my 2013 black/maple SR5 at 9.0 lbs. even and ordered and momentarily had a 30th Anniversary SR5 at 9.1 lbs but unfortunately it was damaged so I sent it back. I've seen them come up under 9 lbs too. Maybe only 10% of them are that light but if you look you'll find them. Good luck hunting--the SR5 is a wonderful bass and worth it if you can find a good one!

 

[Lesfunk]

considering one for my stingray classic 5!

The shape and profile is quite amazing under your hand

 

[shrigg]

I'm real happy with the weight, playability and tone of my USA SUB 5.

 

[waynobass]

How about this for ya? (no affiliation)

For Sale - EBMM Sterling 5 HS with case 8.7 lbs

 

[inthebassclef]

Yes it's called a Lakland
Just get a 5594
Or if you need to spend a little less skyline, many still under 9lbs

 

[Lesfunk]

How about this for ya? (no affiliation)

For Sale - EBMM Sterling 5 HS with case 8.7 lbs

That bass RIPS! Buy it!

 

[mindwell]

In "Bass Player" Magazine's legendary 5-string shootout back in the 90s, they called the SR5 "ten pounds of pure guts." Prescient.

 

[osonu]

Danger Will Robinson! A Sterling does NOT sound like a Stingray- make sure you hear the difference before being seduced by the lighter weight. Nothing wrong with them, but definitely not the same sound.

 

[Nephilymbass]

I recently got dragged back into the 5 string world to meet the needs of a band that hired me. After much searching I found a nice G&L MJ-5 that is covering the role quite nicely. Being an active Jazz Bass, it is really versatile and should let me handle whatever comes my way.

All good, right?

Well, it would be, except that I walked into a music store recently and made the mistake of trying a new Musicman Stingray 5 that was hanging on the wall. This is a bass I never really paid attention to before because every one I ever picked up was so heavy I immediately put it down again. I simply will not play something that heavy and leave my gig in pain. I should have done that this time too, but instead I plugged it in and HOLY CRAP. I absolutely love the sound of this thing. It's got that aggressive, super punchy bridge tone I'm always trying to pull from my Jazz basses, but with it's own unique voice. I owned a 4 string Stingray years ago but I don't remember it sounding as fat and full as the 5 string. I've played 4 or 5 of them now (the single pickup one is what I like) and they were all similar in tone.

So anyway, I would love to get one, but in searching around for the last week I can't find one that doesn't tip the scales at 10 pounds or more, completely out of the question for me. It would have to be 9 pounds or less for me to play it (long story, but the short version is I have a nerve issue with my shoulder)

Is a 9 pound SR5 even a possibility or am I wasting my time?

Oh, by the way, my G&L is made of Empress and weighs 7 1/2 pounds!

Kind of off topic but I know a little something the stingray 5

And if you want that vibe in a bass that’s super light weight I’d recommend you look for one of these used. It’s the warwick FNA

My first Warwick was this model. They were around $1900 new back in the day, I’ve seen used ones go for half that.

Similar vibe to the stingray in the low register, I think high up the neck it’s a bit warmer and less pingy than the SR5 but yeah much lighter.

 

[beaglesandbass]

View attachment 2841832 Love these. They make a difference

Where’d you get that neck from?

 

[Petebass]

Plenty of room under the pickguard for some chambering ...... I'm just sayin'.

 

[jongor]

Plenty of room under the pickguard for some chambering ...... I'm just sayin'.

Or have a large rear control cavity routed out, that might drop up to a pound.