Need some Stingray 5H advice

[nitrofix]

Hey Guys, thinking about trading my US Geddy Lee for a 2004 Musicman Stingray 5H in Desert Gold with matching Headstock, now my question is I really don't see a lot if any Stingrays in Desert Gold, Sterlings and Bongo's yeah but no Stingrays. Was just wondering does anyone know what years they made them in this color and is it me or are they Rare ? Any Thoughts and Thanks

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

It's not a common finish. I would do that trade. In fact , I did. I sold my US Geddy Lee Jazz and all of my Fenders for StingRay Specials.

 

[nitrofix]

It's not a common finish. I would do that trade. In fact , I did. I sold my US Geddy Lee Jazz and all of my Fenders for StingRay Specials.

I don't believe this is a Stingray Special, you'll have to excuse me I really don't a lot about Stingrays although I did have a 4H in the past and loved it and regret selling it

 

[nitrofix]

It's not a common finish. I would do that trade. In fact , I did. I sold my US Geddy Lee Jazz and all of my Fenders for StingRay Specials.

And did you get the H or HH ?

 

[Geri O]

I don't believe this is a Stingray Special, you'll have to excuse me I really don't a lot about Stingrays although I did have a 4H in the past and loved it and regret selling it

Correct, this is not a Stingray Special. The bridge and the tuners indicate that it’s a pre-Special. Lady was simply telling you about her transactions to get her Stingray Specials.
That Stingray you showed the pic of is a fantastic bass, though.
That would be a great trade, but personally, I would want to keep the Jazz and figure out a way to outright buy that Stingray. I keep a Stingray (Special these days) and a Jazz-style bass around for different needs, although I can use either bass on pretty much anything. And the Stingray Special is enjoying a LOT of attention these days.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

And did you get the H or HH ?

Yes…. All of the above . I have StingRay5 Special H, HH, Fretless, and Short Scale.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I don't believe this is a Stingray Special, you'll have to excuse me I really don't a lot about Stingrays although I did have a 4H in the past and loved it and regret selling it

No it’s a pre Special but every era of StingRays are good . It’s all a matter of personal preference . They all sound like StingRays. Just different flavors of the same bass.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Correct, this is not a Stingray Special. The bridge and the tuners indicate that it’s a pre-Special. Lady was simply telling you about her transactions to get her Stingray Specials.
That Stingray you showed the pic of is a fantastic bass, though.
That would be a great trade, but personally, I would want to keep the Jazz and figure out a way to outright buy that Stingray. I keep a Stingray (Special these days) and a Jazz-style bass around for different needs, although I can use either bass on pretty much anything. And the Stingray Special is enjoying a LOT of attention these days.

This is good advice if you can afford to keep both. If not and you just don’t think the US Geddy is doing for you , let it go and move on. No sense keeping something that isn’t working for you personally .

I keep a Jazz on hand myself . Well it’s a J/MM 5. The MM pickup is not in yhe typical MM sweet spot so it’s really more like a Jazz bass on steroids . No hum. Works for me.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

Having a MIJ Geddy and a Stingray Special 5H their completely different beast.
If you're looking for something different do it. But like Gerri O stated it would be very cool to have both if possible.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Having a MIJ Geddy and a Stingray Special 5H their completely different beast.
If you're looking for something different do it. But like Gerri O stated it would be very cool to have both if possible.

True this. There are probably more StingRay5 basses in the world than US Geddy Lees. Something to consider. Like maybe save up for a year or two and when you have the funds together, start looking at the StingRays

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I briefly had a Bongo 5HH in that colour and it is fantastic. I sold it because it was too heavy,bnut it's one of my favourites alongside the Smurf blueburst from the early to mid 90's.

I can't say I have seen too many Stingray 5's in that finish. You're right; more common on the Bongo os that time.

 

[BigBigGuy44]

Serial Number Database | Ernie Ball Music Man

Throw the serial in there and it should tell you the color and date of manufacture. Desert Gold is beat. Of all the pickup configs, I like the 5H the best. Three options, all are very useful. Never had a Special so I don’t know if you are missing anything with the new electronics but I would not hesitate to do that deal.

 

[nitrofix]

Manufactured June 24th, 2004
Build Code 150-28-21-01-CS-CR
Model StingRay5 H
Color Desert Gold
Neck Maple Neck Rosewood Fretboard Matching Headstock
Pickguard Black Pickguard Sr5 H
Hardware Chrome Hardware

 

[sethlow3]

Man that is sexy. Just do it

 

[ComeHomeShane]

It's not a common finish. I would do that trade. In fact , I did. I sold my US Geddy Lee Jazz and all of my Fenders for StingRay Specials.

this is the way.

 

[nitrofix]

Thank all of you for the advice, the only thing I'm on the fence about is if I want a 5 string and a 5 hour round trip to meet up with the guy, If my Geddy would sell I'd probably go for something like this...

 

[bigjames]

Yes…. All of the above . I have StingRay5 Special H, HH, Fretless, and Short Scale.

Dang. I am jealous of that line up! I regret selling my '94 Stingray 4 in candy apple red with maple neck. Sigh. Great bass. Hindsight it 20/20.

 

[bigjames]

Yes…. All of the above . I have StingRay5 Special H, HH, Fretless, and Short Scale.

On that note, can you share a pic of the fretless????

 

[Geri O]

Thank all of you for the advice, the only thing I'm on the fence about is if I want a 5 string and a 5 hour round trip to meet up with the guy, If my Geddy would sell I'd probably go for something like this... View attachment 5146448View attachment 5146450

Nah, I’d trade the Getty for that Stingray in your first post. That’s a fine-looking ‘Ray H5!

But those next two are awfully nice, too.

 

[sethlow3]

There are some other threads and opinions on this, but IMO, The StingRay 5 has the best specs for a fiver. Narrow spacing, 34”scale, neck kinda feels like a P, and the B string is consistently fantastic across all models. A rare combo. Not to mention sooooooooo easy to find used, but not with that finish.

So, I’d keep in mind you’re really getting a much better bass, but I’m totally fine with the camp that loves Geddy J’s. I just feel the SR5 is in a league all it’s own that eclipses any Fender Jazz 4 string. The sheer amount of joy you can get out of some low notes on an SR5… man… splendid stuff.