my EBMM stingray begins its diet today

[johnk_10]

i have no complaints with it as it is, and at 44ua, the battery will last 2-3 years.
i was also thinking of running it at 12 volts with one of these 12V batteries that i made:

 

[12bass]

Don't want to sidetrack too much... however, it may be worth noting that was a considerable improvement in the tone when I replaced the LF442 in my EMG BTS. It's the sort of thing that you don't realize what you're missing until you hear it.

 

[Dephect]

By far one of the best threads/projects I've seen. The audio clip sounds amazing! Awesome Job!

 

[Altitude]

if i were to hand make a body like the one in this thread, i think that it would be way too expensive for most people to consider buying.

And you would probably get a letter from Ernie Ball pretty fast, too. Still- fantastic work! You've taken a thought that just about all of us have had and added the wherewithal to make it happen. Very nice!

 

[johnk_10]

And you would probably get a letter from Ernie Ball pretty fast, too.

yep. i realized that, that's why i just made one for myself and i'm not making/selling them.

 

[Freddels]

I don't think body shapes are protected (only headstock) as you can see from all the Fender clones.

 

[johnk_10]

I don't think body shapes are protected (only headstock) as you can see from all the Fender clones.

i never really looked into it. i'm sure that the name 'stingray' and their headstock shape (3+1) is, but don't know about the body. my guess is that it probably isn't, but it could be.

 

[johnk_10]

BTW, i just tried the 12V battery and compared it to the 9V. it seems to have a tiny bit more headroom and a tiny bit more sparkle up top, but not really enough to make much of a difference, so i'm sticking with the 9V, although the 12V does take another full ounce off of it's weight.

 

[BassLife77]

BTW, i just tried the 12V battery and compared it to the 9V. it seems to have a tiny bit more headroom and a tiny bit more sparkle up top, but not really enough to make much of a difference, so i'm sticking with the 9V, although the 12V does take another full ounce off of it's weight.

If you want more headroom at 9V you can try the OPA704PA (160uA). It is similar to the LM4250 with a better slew. Another good one is the LT1351 (200uA) but it is more "modern" and hi-fi sounding while the OPA704 is more vintage. they are both offered as free samples

 

[johnk_10]

thanks, and i might try them in the future, but i'm completely happy with the way that the bass sounds right now. i used it at a band practice last saturday and everyone loved it's tone (including me ). the lighter weight body, and the 3 way with the 2-band preamp really made this bass's tone open up, and ALOT more versatile. BTW, the split mode with the MM4.4 pickup is my favorite setting on the bass.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

Wow, man. That is simply fantastic. "We're not worthy!!!"

 

[shrigg]

Excellent project and beautiful work! I miss my natural 79 Sabre and would love a natural Ray.
My buddy's original 76 Ray is Natural with BWB guard and a white cover, like this:

 

[Kubicki Fan]

i just finished the electronics mod where i installed a trim pot to be able to balance the bass's output when it's switched into the series mode. i had to replace the 2-pole rotary switch with a 3 pole one to do it, but it was simple. now, when i click thru the different pickup settings, there are no noticable jumps in volume levels, just different tonal changes.

i couldn't be happier with the results of making a new body for this bass. the Nordstrand MM4.4 will be here tomorrow, and i'll install a solderless quick connector on it so i can just pop it in in a couple of minutes. with the MM4.4, it'll be dead silent in all three modes.

here's a pic of the electronics with the new switch and trim pot installed:

View attachment 1686609

John,
Could you provide the mouser item # for the 10K trim pot you have used? Also, for the 1K resistor that protects the chip, and the 3-way switch you've used.

I really like your solution (3 way switch for the three modes) and I would like to re-create it with a parts bass I am putting together. I'll be using the Nordstrand MM4.4. I have zero electronics and perhaps I am in over my head but hey, how else will I learn.
TIA