My experiences with the new (and old) Stingrays

[stuntbass77]

Don’t all the specials have roasted maple necks? I found roasted maple to be bright and I know stainless fret have been referred to as bright. I feel those two factors play heavily into the tone. I bet they still sound outstanding and EBMM is top notch !

 

[mouthmw]

The Fender I have has string through body or top load. Will have to see how they sound through body.

Oh, one more thing I forgot to mention. You can also hunt for (depending on the year of make, and your preference) standard Stingrays with a compensated nut or a standard nut. I don't like compensated nuts because they feel uncomfortable (sharper angles) if I accidentally hit them during fast slides/quick position shifts. Standard nuts for me thank you very much.

 

[mongo2]

I want a 2-band ray that sounds like this guy's (Paul S. Denman, bassist for SADE)!

View attachment 3349778

That's the sound I wanted.

 

[grav14]

Can anyone tell me what the action is like on a hot honey MM stingray and does it have a velvety low end tone.

 

[Alan Ace Cooper]

Oh, one more thing I forgot to mention. You can also hunt for (depending on the year of make, and your preference) standard Stingrays with a compensated nut or a standard nut. I don't like compensated nuts because they feel uncomfortable (sharper angles) if I accidentally hit them during fast slides/quick position shifts. Standard nuts for me thank you very much.

I have to read up on those. What is being compensated? I have an older 2004 Sterling 4 that doesn’t have the compensated nut, but my 2022 Sterling 5 has one.

 

[mouthmw]

I have to read up on those. What is being compensated? I have an older 2004 Sterling 4 that doesn’t have the compensated nut, but my 2022 Sterling 5 has one.

Supposedly, intonation should be a bit better. I haven't noticed any meaningful difference.

 

[Alan Ace Cooper]

Supposedly, intonation should be a bit better. I haven't noticed any meaningful difference.

Mmm… Ive always relied on my bridge saddles for that LOL!

 

[tvbop]

Had a nearly new 77 Ray back in 80. Sad to say it was not a very nice bass. real heavy and kinda weedy sounding. Not all vintage is gold.

 

[Bass4LifeRS]

I love my stingray classic 5 ! Was never a fan of the new specials because of the bridge

The only thing I liked was the weight cut

What do you like about it specifically, and how is it on the gig?