Musicman SUB vs stingray classic

[Cory rich40]

I finally got the chance to play my SUB bass on Sunday through my Mesa Boogie Subway WD800 amp and I was concerned that it wouldn’t have the power compared to the 18v stingray special. To be safe I put the amp in passive mode. I was very satisfied with the tone. I’m sure it would have sounded great with the amp in active mode. So here is my question. I know the physical difference between the SUB bass and the stingray classic basses. Tone wise are there any real differences between the two with the difference in body woods. I think the two basses have the same preamp.

 

[Cory rich40]

I finally got the chance to play my SUB bass on Sunday through my Mesa Boogie Subway WD800 amp and I was concerned that it wouldn’t have the power compared to the 18v stingray special. To be safe I put the amp in passive mode. I was very satisfied with the tone. I’m sure it would have sounded great with the amp in active mode. So here is my question. I know the physical difference between the SUB bass and the stingray classic basses. Tone wise are there any real differences between the two with the difference in body woods. I think the two basses have the same preamp.

And I’ve never touched a stingray classic. I have experience with the specials and the SUB and Bongo. Don’t have experience with the pre specials either.

 

[five7]

Different fretboard radius. I like the S.U.B. better.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I finally got the chance to play my SUB bass on Sunday through my Mesa Boogie Subway WD800 amp and I was concerned that it wouldn’t have the power compared to the 18v stingray special. To be safe I put the amp in passive mode. I was very satisfied with the tone. I’m sure it would have sounded great with the amp in active mode. So here is my question. I know the physical difference between the SUB bass and the stingray classic basses. Tone wise are there any real differences between the two with the difference in body woods. I think the two basses have the same preamp.

So of us don’t know the physical difference either…

 

[Cory rich40]

So of us don’t know the physical difference either…

I was just talking about the difference in woods and the tuners and bridge but honestly the tuners feel no different. I know there is a different paint used and the SUB has a painted neck. The SUB uses poplar as the body wood if I’m not mistaken. I don’t know if that would effect much tone wise or not.

 

[five7]

Tuners on the sub don't have the MM logo but are the same. Different bridge with the mutes which I didn't use. Tonewoods may be slightly different but I couldn't tell.

 

[nickpc]

SUB is a slab body, not contoured. And my understanding is the pickup and 2-band PreAmp is the same that were going in the Stingrays at the time

 

[nivagues]

I finally got the chance to play my SUB bass on Sunday through my Mesa Boogie Subway WD800 amp and I was concerned that it wouldn’t have the power compared to the 18v stingray special. To be safe I put the amp in passive mode. I was very satisfied with the tone. I’m sure it would have sounded great with the amp in active mode. So here is my question. I know the physical difference between the SUB bass and the stingray classic basses. Tone wise are there any real differences between the two with the difference in body woods. I think the two basses have the same preamp.

Each have exactly the same 2EQ preamp. I have a Classic series Sting Ray and have played the SUB. Both sound the same. To my ears the different body woods make no difference.

 

[mikeswals]

Yes you are fine using the 'passive' or unpadded mode on the amp. StingRays aren't high output basses, so yes I use my Rays in the unpadded mode too. My Ric is right there in output to them.

I also own really high output basses, so I use the padded mode for those.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I was just talking about the difference in woods and the tuners and bridge but honestly the tuners feel no different. I know there is a different paint used and the SUB has a painted neck. The SUB uses poplar as the body wood if I’m not mistaken. I don’t know if that would effect much tone wise or not.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Al1885]

Sounds probably no difference unless you are A/B them side by side then probably. They feel drastically different and look different too. SUB would have textured body and matte black paint satin feel. My Classic has glossy Birdseye both are great for different choice of playing mood. The classic also has the string through body and Flea bridge which can come in handy and looks awesome. I swapped out my pickup to the EMG X series.

18V system is not louder than 9V just better volume adjustment range and headroom.