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New GAS Day: Stingray Special 5H

BGroovy

BGroovy

Supporting Member
Jul 15, 2008
2,576
7,712
Denver, CO
#1
Somehow I completely missed that the Stingray Specials were a thing. I had one of the first Stingray 5HH models back in...2003? It weighed almost 12 lbs. I loved it but after a shoulder injury I just couldn't get through a rehearsal with it.

I've played a couple short scale Stingrays, I picked up a USA SUB in trade recently that was around 9lbs, but without the contouring it just wasn't comfortable for me.

Today while I'm unhealthily browsing Facebook Marketplace and Cragislist a Stingray Special 5H in Natural pops up. Roasted maple, gorgeous. Of course in typical TB fashion I have to fire off a "what does this beauty weigh?" message.

8.4lbs

I had no idea you could get a 5 string Stingray in that weight class.

I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it.

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#3
Exact same situation for me. I avoided them for years be because of the weight and tight string spacing on the 5ers, then switched to BEAD 4 bangers and landed an 8 lb Special that has become my favourite....well...not exactly...'cause I already caved ;)
 

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#4
lomo said:
Exact same situation for me. I avoided them for years be because of the weight and tight string spacing on the 5ers, then switched to BEAD 4 bangers and landed an 8 lb Special that has become my favourite....well...not exactly...'cause I already caved ;)
Click to expand...
Gorgeous! I've been on a similar path. I've acquired a few short and medium scales, but they definitely don't sound like a full scale 5er. I pre-ordered a Dingwall SP1 that I plan to setup BEAD.

This Stingray Special is priced really well too, it may come home with me today.
 
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#7
DrBnz said:
Well if ya have to have a 5 string then the EBMM special is the one I'd recommend. And that is a nice one. Marketplace/Craigslist scares me a bit. If you're doing the deal in person, I'd do it. Otherwise I'd pass.
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Denver has a super active guitar/bass community on FB and Craigslist, I've bought and sold dozens. I prefer it to online because I've been picky about neck profile, balance, sounds. And I hate shipping things back.
 
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#8
BGroovy said:
Somehow I completely missed that the Stingray Specials were a thing. I had one of the first Stingray 5HH models back in...2003? It weighed almost 12 lbs. I loved it but after a shoulder injury I just couldn't get through a rehearsal with it.

I've played a couple short scale Stingrays, I picked up a USA SUB in trade recently that was around 9lbs, but without the contouring it just wasn't comfortable for me.

Today while I'm unhealthily browsing Facebook Marketplace and Cragislist a Stingray Special 5H in Natural pops up. Roasted maple, gorgeous. Of course in typical TB fashion I have to fire off a "what does this beauty weigh?" message.

8.4lbs

I had no idea you could get a 5 string Stingray in that weight class.

I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it.

View attachment 7096871
Click to expand...
What a beauty. You know you want it, just do it. Rock on and enjoy!
 
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#10
I wanted to try one for the longest time, but nobody was carrying them. Then my local music store got one. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was and how good the refinements were (being a Stingray 5 owner).

I have a love/hate relationship with the Stingray sound. I love it sometimes, but not always. I gravitate toward clean P (and P/J), so that's what I mainly play.

Congratulations on a very nice bass! The natural with black pickguard is a classic look. One of my favourites.
 
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#12
Smallmouth_Bass said:
I wanted to try one for the longest time, but nobody was carrying them. Then my local music store got one. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was and how good the refinements were (being a Stingray 5 owner).

I have a love/hate relationship with the Stingray sound. I love it sometimes, but not always. I gravitate toward clean P (and P/J), so that's what I mainly play.

Congratulations on a very nice bass! The natural with black pickguard is a classic look. One of my favourites.
Click to expand...
I agree on the stingray sound. I find I really like it mellowed with flatwounds, it's never my favorite tone playing at home but it cuts through so well I love it with a band in the mix.

When I was looking into the Specials and people said it wasn't QUITE the Stingray sound that seemed right up my alley. We'll see when I get it strung up!
 
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#14
My Special 5H is < 8 lbs. They are truly great basses.

I just wish they would go back to the old beveled pickup cover rather than the newer, tabbed design. A minor detail, but that old pickup cover felels so much better under my right hand. I have a 2003-ish SR5 that is more than 3 pounds heavier but has seen more stage time because I like everything but the weight so much more - especially that right hand playing surface.
 
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#16
BGroovy said:
Somehow I completely missed that the Stingray Specials were a thing. I had one of the first Stingray 5HH models back in...2003? It weighed almost 12 lbs. I loved it but after a shoulder injury I just couldn't get through a rehearsal with it.

I've played a couple short scale Stingrays, I picked up a USA SUB in trade recently that was around 9lbs, but without the contouring it just wasn't comfortable for me.

Today while I'm unhealthily browsing Facebook Marketplace and Cragislist a Stingray Special 5H in Natural pops up. Roasted maple, gorgeous. Of course in typical TB fashion I have to fire off a "what does this beauty weigh?" message.

8.4lbs

I had no idea you could get a 5 string Stingray in that weight class.

I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it.

View attachment 7096871
Click to expand...
Are you expecting anyone on this site is going to tell you to take a deep breath the gas will pass? LOL!
 
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#20
wvbass said:
My Special 5H is < 8 lbs. They are truly great basses.

I just wish they would go back to the old beveled pickup cover rather than the newer, tabbed design. A minor detail, but that old pickup cover felels so much better under my right hand. I have a 2003-ish SR5 that is more than 3 pounds heavier but has seen more stage time because I like everything but the weight so much more - especially that right hand playing surface.
Click to expand...

I prefer the older full rectangle model pickups too. I don't normally pluck that far back (single H model), so it's not about the comfort, it's an aesthetic thing for me. Not a deal breaker, but a preference.
 
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