New MusicMan Stingray BFR - thoughts?

[MasterG]

These fools are out of their minds with that price tag!

 

[May Cassidy]

It seems like a really faithful recreation which EBMM doesn't seem to do so often. The StingRay Classic and Old Smoothie both had the more modern (and I think objectively better) 6 bolt neck joint, where this one has the original 3-Bolt Micro Tilt, as well as the much desired nitro finish and bullet truss rod. For my money though, those differences don't make me want to drop more than $3k on a bass.
When I first saw the announcement I kept trying to justify it to myself, but I already have a Sterling Ray4 with EMG's that I don't mind, and I could really only justify an upgrade if it really was superior in build and electronics. So the only 'Ray I'd really consider is the SR Special.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I just wish EB would put more time and attention on adding new colors to the “core” range of models and work to keep them regularly in stock. Remember, the Old Smoothie and Classic were only temporarily suspended due to Covid, but they have yet to come back into stock. Even the SR Special is hard to find in inventory, and the weights of the newest ones aren’t what they were during the first few years of release.

I know NAMM is right around the corner and this might be feeding into the lack of current options and inventory for the core range of models, but it would be nice to get some insight into what 2023-2024 is shaping up to be.

 

[May Cassidy]

I just wish EB would put more time and attention on adding new colors to the “core” range of models and work to keep them regularly in stock. Remember, the Old Smoothie and Classic were only temporarily suspended due to Covid, but they have yet to come back into stock.

I had no idea there was an intention to bring them back! I thought they were completely done.

 

[Bass Viking]

Totally agree! I'm a fan too. But, they priced me out a while back. It's not that I couldn't buy one or several if I made it a priority. I just refuse to pay that kind of price for an EBMM, when I could get something truly unique and handmade for similar money.

A Sandberg or an MTD Kingston Super 4 will get you there for far less money. Even the Sterling Ray imports are worth a look.

 

[jbhaugh]

Is the the same as the Cliff Williams sig without the relic job?

 

[Altitude]

They’ll sell as many of these as they can build.

 

[Tanner5382]

Ridiculous price. I also personally don’t see the appeal of a vintage Ray over a modern one. I love MusicMan but their prices have been crazy for what they are for a while now.

 

[jbhaugh]

Pretty sure they're already sold out. I just looked on the EBMM website out of curiosity, and all the other spring BFRs have a buy now button, but the Stingray doesn't.

 

[Microbass]

Totally agree! I'm a fan too. But, they priced me out a while back. It's not that I couldn't buy one or several if I made it a priority. I just refuse to pay that kind of price for an EBMM, when I could get something truly unique and handmade for similar money.

I will one day own some variation of Ray. It's the one sound I still do GAS over.
It's very strange in the UK. Over the last 5 years, they Ray34's have doubled in price(!), as have modern day Subs/Ray4. A new EBMM SR is £3k, these BFR's are £4.2k, it's mental.

What's even stranger is the used value of an EBMM SR is still roughly the same as what it was a decade ago in the UK. I'll either save that bit extra get a used EBMM or a new SBMM, or sod the crazy prices and get a Serek.

 

[Bassstringsonly]

This is a great bass and the first true re issue or remake that they have ever done. I would say it's spot on and they did a great job. Radio Knobs are a tiny drop smaller on the plastic part.

 

[mikeswals]

100 is a lot, ain’t it?
A lot on one hundred…

100 Worldwide. This style of release isnt new with EBMM, and you really dont just find their short run BFR instruments just laying around for people to try out.
You were the one that said people will complain of the weight.
I'm pointing out, at roughtly one bass per State, the masses isnt even going to be in the same room as one.

 

[Katoosie]

Hard pass :/

 

[MMBF]

The bass looks fantastic and truly the only real reissue like the first 1976 MM Stingray. Great Job and idea by EB. I love it

 

[nonohmic]

Wow, that's a lot of money.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I had no idea there was an intention to bring them back! I thought they were completely done.

Per the EB forum:

 

[eastcoasteddie]

100 Worldwide. This style of release isnt new with EBMM, and you really dont just find their short run BFR instruments just laying around for people to try out.
You were the one that said people will complain of the weight.
I'm pointing out, at roughtly one bass per State, the masses isnt even going to be in the same room as one.

I get your point and your statistics on how many will be produced. Doesn’t necessarily mean they will be distributed “world-wide” or one unit to every state.

I also understand that it seems to be imperative to prove the next guy unequivocally wrong in any way, shape, or form on this internet.

Take it for what it is…

 

[MingusBass]

We live in a time where people are willing to pay over $2,000 for a basic-ass American Fender P. This seems in the right price-range when you know what you're actually getting. Sweet bass, I'm just not a big Sunburst Fan.

 

[Hawk600]

Really nice release, ugly price though.

 

[bassdude51]

It's fantastic! Everything about it............but the price! OUCH!

For all of those Stingray 2 band eq freaks..........here ya go!