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original stingray tone

#21
I don't know why people would think it's bad technique; if 2 basses sound different, they're going to sound different no matter who's playing them. I wish I could have gotten a 2-band EB Ray, but as a lefty, I didn't have that option. Anyway, the EB Rays are still fine instruments; mine had a higher quality about them than my pre-EBs did. One major drawback was the unfinished birdseye maple neck the 4 string had; it would go crazy on outdoor gigs, which led me to get a Modulus. Still, that bass was gorgeous to look at. Ironically, my beat to hell ATK with the finish sanded off the back of the neck never gives me any problems at all outdoors.
 
#25
mynan said:
I think the "poor technique" comment has to do with people complaining that the EB Stingrays sound "clicky" or "clacky" which indicates to me that the strings are hitting the frets. That, to me, seems like a technique thing.
Click to expand...

Well it could be bad technique, but it is also a noticeable characteristic of 'Rays, Ricks, and P basses, IMO. So perhaps the bass itself requires a certain amount of readjustment in technique? I know when I play a P with rounds I have to turn down the tone control and play lighter to avoid what I consider to be ugly clicks and clacks. I don't have this problem with many other basses I play, so I have to attribute it to the design of the bass, PUPS, etc. Many players incorporate the clicky clackiness into their sound, however, and manage to make it musical. I find Warwicks to be pretty forgiving in this respect, since if I play with a high level of treble and clack and it doesn't sound ugly to me. But that's not my usual tonal preference or playing style and I have problems with basses like the P (or occasionally a 'Ray).

Getting back on subject, I can also confirm that the 2 band EQ pre-EB instruments sound much different than the 3 band ones. I've owned both, and while both get the 'Ray trademark tone I do prefer the earlier 2 band ones since they sound warmer, more organic, and less sterile, IMO. But the EB instruments, especially the Sterling, (which I consider to be the best bass EB makes) are outstanding in their own right.
 
#26
pjmuck said:
Well it could be bad technique, but it is also a noticeable characteristic of 'Rays, Ricks, and P basses, IMO. So perhaps the bass itself requires a certain amount of readjustment in technique? I know when I play a P with rounds I have to turn down the tone control and play lighter to avoid what I consider to be ugly clicks and clacks. I don't have this problem with many other basses I play, so I have to attribute it to the design of the bass, PUPS, etc. Many players incorporate the clicky clackiness into their sound, however, and manage to make it musical. I find Warwicks to be pretty forgiving in this respect, since if I play with a high level of treble and clack and it doesn't sound ugly to me. But that's not my usual tonal preference or playing style and I have problems with basses like the P (or occasionally a 'Ray).
Click to expand...

I think it's all about knowing and playing the bass that you have in your hands. I like my EBMMs because of the tone I get without the strings hitting the frets and the eq set flat. If I set the eq on my EBMMs like I would on most of the other basses that I've played...boost the treble and bass...then I don't like it so much. I like a little fret noise when I'm digging in, but then I have to roll off the treble a little. So I can understand why someone would not like the sound of an EBMM if they were digging in and had the controls dimed, but not so much "I can't get rid of the "clicks and clanks".
 

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