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Music Man StingRay Club | PART FIVE

#161
The HH fretless I just posted is actually in the shop. I was having a hard time getting low action further up the neck even with it totally straight. Also a few notes on the last few frets of the G were buzzing out so it just needs a slight resurfacing.
 
#162
I just found out that the bass still works even without a battery installed. The output is reduced, and the preamp doesn't work, but it's good to know that you can still finish a gig if you forgot to change your battery and it craps out on you. It sounds pretty dang good as a passive, too!
 
#163
I have to say I love my new SR 4H. However, I'm a little upset that it has that week G string issue. You would think that EBMM would have corrected this by now and be more consistent with string to string balance between their basses.

Is anyone else dealing with this issue with their Stingray as well?
 
#164
Joeykun said:
I have to say I love my new SR 4H. However, I'm a little upset that it has that week G string issue. You would think that EBMM would have corrected this by now and be more consistent with string to string balance between their basses.

Is anyone else dealing with this issue with their Stingray as well?
Click to expand...

I don't notice it with my HH fretless. Adjusting the pickup height doesn't make a difference? Is it the whole string, fretted and open?

My Sabre doesn't have that problem either, though the pickups are a little different so that's not a fair comparison. The only G issue I have with that is the typical 7th fret G dead spot (slight).
 
#165
fourstringdrums said:
I don't notice it with my HH fretless. Adjusting the pickup height doesn't make a difference? Is it the whole string, fretted and open?
Click to expand...

Fretted, Open and Slapped it is definitely weaker than the other strings. I will try new strings to see if that helps. But, I'm already looking into upgrading the pickup to the Nordstrand MM4.2. I am reading and hearing wonderful reviews about this pickup. Seems this upgrade has increased uniformity between strings while keeping the Stingray sound.
 
#166
Joeykun said:
Fretted, Open and Slapped it is definitely weaker than the other strings. I will try new strings to see if that helps. But, I'm already looking into upgrading the pickup to the Nordstrand MM4.2. I am reading and hearing wonderful reviews about this pickup. Seems this upgrade has increased uniformity between strings while keeping the Stingray sound.
Click to expand...

If it's the stock strings that could definitely be the problem.
 
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#167
I've read rave reviews about the Nordy MM4.2 as well, but I have to say that I found it just kinda "meh" with no real life or sparkle that the stock pickup has. Just too polite for my taste.

Granted, I do strongly prefer the ceramic pickups over the alnico, but both of my SR4's were sporting the alnico when I tried swapping in an MM 4.2 and an MM 4.4. Both were pulled after a short time.
 
#169
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Today is simply a great day for me. I managed to get a local store to sell me their used stingray at a great bargain.
The stingray just needed a change of strings and also tomorrow or on my next off day, I will send it to my trusted luthier for a set up as well as minor job on the volume pot.
I have a number on this club but sold away my 5H
as the finances did not allow me to keep that one.
Well, I am happy that I manage to get this one and will try make sure I keep the finances stable and not sell this one away!
Oh well...
 
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#172
Joeykun said:
I have to say I love my new SR 4H. However, I'm a little upset that it has that week G string issue. You would think that EBMM would have corrected this by now and be more consistent with string to string balance between their basses.

Is anyone else dealing with this issue with their Stingray as well?
Click to expand...
My G string is unusually strong compared to the others (noticably the D string, so changing PUP height won't help). This is on my SR5 HH

Joeykun said:
Fretted, Open and Slapped it is definitely weaker than the other strings. I will try new strings to see if that helps. But, I'm already looking into upgrading the pickup to the Nordstrand MM4.2. I am reading and hearing wonderful reviews about this pickup. Seems this upgrade has increased uniformity between strings while keeping the Stingray sound.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't bother. The stingray is probably the only bass I WOULDN'T change the pickup on. The factory one is great, and you need to remember it's kinda a package deal with the preamp - they were designed to compliment each other, and don't sound that "good" if one is swapped (basically if you consider them "flawed", they cancel each others' flaws. If you consider them "gifted" in certain areas, they have complimentary "gifts" :P )

As far as I've heard, the Nordy MM pickup is more for custom/non MM basses who want an MM style pickup (you can't really buy EBMM ones separately). They're not really considered an "upgrade" for a factory SR. IMHO of course.
 
#174
Does anyone know where I can purchase a replacement metal control plate in black for my Ray? I have a burst SR, and the black edge goes fairly far into the body.
ImageUploadedByTalkBass1405546835.333772.jpg

I'd like to swap the stock chrome plate for black, but it seems like replacement parts are extremely hard to come by. I'd rather not go the powdercoating route except as a last resort. I was also thinking of a black vinyl wrap for the plate. The main thing is that I want to be able to put it back totally stock, if necessary. I'm not looking to totally black out all the hardware, just blend the control plate. Thoughts, anyone?
 
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#175
I believe EBMM will sell the banana plate. Call them and ask.

Yes, getting parts is difficult but there are certain parts that they have no issue selling. Bridges, pickups, and preamps can be bought but you need to surrender your current part and you can only order a replacement for what you currently have (I.E. you can't give them a chrome bridge for a stealth bridge).
 
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#176
Tbone76 said:
Does anyone know where I can purchase a replacement metal control plate in black for my Ray? I have a burst SR, and the black edge goes fairly far into the body.
View attachment 447847
I'd like to swap the stock chrome plate for black, but it seems like replacement parts are extremely hard to come by. I'd rather not go the powdercoating route except as a last resort. I was also thinking of a black vinyl wrap for the plate. The main thing is that I want to be able to put it back totally stock, if necessary. I'm not looking to totally black out all the hardware, just blend the control plate. Thoughts, anyone?
Click to expand...

Yes as bassgod said, EB won't let you swap. But you're in luck..

Link Removed

It's towards the bottom of the page.
 
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#180
Got the clear PG from WD. The neck cut out is so tight that it makes air pockets under the pickguard. Doesn't look good. But I like the look. So I need to file one of the edges on the neck cutout so it fits flat on the bass.
It grinds my gears when this stuff happens. Just do it right. It's about an 1/8" bigger all around than the original too....ugh! The black guard is back on for now.

On the positive side. New strings fixed the weak G issue I had so I'm good and the bass is a keeper!
 
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