Lightweight (sort of?) Musicman 5?

[duke2004]

Looking to get the MM sound in a 5 string without the oppressive weight.
Yes I know you got to suffer if you want to bring the tone ...but maybe there's
a TBer who can suggest something that has been known to be under 9 lb.s
I would be buying used and am willing to search for limited editions or whatever,
and I am also open to copy-cat brands. With that in mind Im also open to installing
a MM pickup and appropriate guts into an existing routed off-brand.


thanks for any ideas!

 

[winston]

The EBMM Specials in the last few years have included StingRay 5s under 9 pounds each, and 4s under 8. They're not cheap but seem to hold value well. Nothing really gets the StingRay sound like a StingRay...

 

[mikeswals]

Yup. No need for copy cats

 

[two fingers]

The EBMM Specials in the last few years have included StingRay 5s under 9 pounds each, and 4s under 8. They're not cheap but seem to hold value well. Nothing really gets the StingRay sound like a StingRay...

The only 5 string Ray Special Sweetwater seems to have in stock right now is 9 lbs 6 oz.

 

[mikeswals]

The only 5 string Ray Special Sweetwater seems to have in stock right now is 9 lbs 6 oz.

Bass Central 8.6 lbs, in one of the best colors too!
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

BFR at Bass Central 8.7 lbs.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Here on the talkbass classifieds 8.2 lbs.
For Sale - Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special 5H 8lbs 3oz Speed Blue

 

[foal30]

Yup. No need for copy cats

Tobias Growler are a good MM inspired instrument

 

[Dr. Cheese]

The only 5 string Ray Special Sweetwater seems to have in stock right now is 9 lbs 6 oz.

Considering what old Stingrays weigh, 9lbs 6oz is still very light.

 

[joel the bass player]

My Stingray5 Special is 8.0 lbs. Not sure what percentage of them come out that light but there are some out there.

 

[duke2004]

Looking at some used Specials based on TB advice. I have played a Growler, fine instrument, just didnt bond.

 

[mikeswals]

No way on the Growler.
I totally disagree, had one and tried more, it lacked the punch and edge that is Musicman, sounded very opposite.

 

[JRA]

......a 5 string without the oppressive weight.
Yes I know you got to suffer if you want to bring the tone ...but maybe there's
a TBer who can suggest something that has been known to be under 9 lb.s

i came up thinking the same thing: that a heavy instrument = better tone.
the problem with that thinking is that it's not true!

get an instrument that suits your 'comfort zone' re: weight. discard the old, wrong, 'painful' thinking --- good luck!

 

[bench]

Maruszczyk Jake or Jazzus with PU and electronics of your choice... He makes them really light if wanted...

 

[Lammchop93]

G&L kiloton 5 with an empress body

 

[skyline_01]

+1 for 'Ray Special. I have one and it's 8.8 lbs - wonderful instrument. I was under the impression that most of the Specials were somewhere near that weight range.

 

[jerry]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
These look nice! Sandberg Cal central

 

[Ric5]

BONGO 5

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[foal30]

No way on the Growler.
I totally disagree, had one and tried more, it lacked the punch and edge that is Musicman, sounded very opposite.

I like both versions of the Growler (Nashville and Arkansas)
The second model strung with SS Rounds is the punchiest Bass I own.
And I like my 2EQ Stingray Fretless

 

[thunesBARROW]

Maybe a Warmoth custom build?

 

[Ronnie Pudding]

Not sure if the OP is particular about the color, but there is a StingRay 5 on Reverb right now with "8lbs 3oz" literally in the ad heading.

Edit: Looks like Reverb ad is the same person that listed here on TB that mikeswals pointed to.