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Light weight Music Man Stingray? Do they exist?

#21
I've got a Sterling by Music Man SB14 Tobacco Burst that was a Sweetwater Exclusive many years ago (the old webpage at Sweetwater says that only 8 of them were ever made). I can't find any specs that include the weight, but I believe that it has a smaller body and a narrower neck than a normal Stingray, along woith only one pickup, and no metal plate around the controls, so it should be noticibly lighter. Soft maple body, hard maple neck and fretboard.

SBMM Sterling SB14 Tobacco Burst
Sterling by MM.jpg
 
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#23
DWBass said:
Absolutely. The new Stingray Specials are all lightweight. I used to avoid them like the plague until I picked one up in GC last year and was shocked how light the bass was! However, the price put me off big time!! $3k!! :wideyed: Ain't no way.
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You are correct! But there are deals to be made. Mine was $2294 (before tax) new from GC in December. I whined at them for two days to get the price down. 😂. Wasn't "cheap" but I was satisfied. Also shipped free next day air.
 
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#26
JoeyFab said:
I've got a Sterling by Music Man SB14 Tobacco Burst that was a Sweetwater Exclusive many years ago (the old webpage at Sweetwater says that only 8 of them were ever made). I can't find any specs that include the weight, but I believe that it has a smaller body and a narrower neck than a normal Stingray, along woith only one pickup, and no metal plate around the controls, so it should be noticibly lighter. Soft maple body, hard maple neck and fretboard.

SBMM Sterling SB14 Tobacco Burst
View attachment 7488940
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For my oldest 16th birthday I picked up a Sterling SB4 and it’s basically a “Sterling Classic, 2 band, no switch, ceramic and series” thing is light, I’d have to ask her to weigh it (she turns 25 this July). Lighter than my lightest (Bongo).
 
#27
When I searched for a backup to my 2003 Standard, I found the Ray 34 to be a bit of an anchor, almost approaching Warmoth fancy wood weights. Probably lots of glue on that imported Mahogany body. The USA SUB I ended up with is actually pretty light with the poplar body and truck bed finish. Ray Special is still the lightest.
 
#33
Clearly they are out there. It might just take a little digging to find the right one for you. However, if you don't mind the chase, I think you'll find something that you'll be very happy with.
 
#36
mikecd1 said:
The Stingray shorties are 7.5lbs to low 8lbs if you can play a passive short scale. Easy on the shoulder and the wallet.
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For what it’s worth, the SBMM short scale versions also sound great for less money. (RAYSS4) Neodymium pickup balances out the short scale so it doesn’t sound tubby.

As an alternative, there is the Sterling bass (the “J” to the StingRay’s “P”) which has a downsized body by comparison, and it’s also available from SBMM as the SB14, aka the “Sterling Sterling.”
 
#39
My SR4 (Hot Honey) is 7.2 lbs. My SR5 (natural ash) is 8.0 lbs. Both are Stingray Specials. My SR4 short scale is 6.7 lbs. I've had positive responses on Reverb, Guitar Center used, etc. when asking about weights. Many online stores typically include weight in their listings. These include (but are not limited to;)): Ish Guitars, The Bass Shop, American Musical Supply, Willcutt Guitars, FretSpot, and Bass Central.
 
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#40
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