Playing jazz with a Stingray?

[nicopiano]

Hello,

I just got a SBMM Ray35 and I like the sound very much.

The only problem I've got is that I play jazz cocktail music once in a while... and it's hard to get a good jazz tone with this bass.

Do you have some advice? Maybe I'm better to find a good squier!

 

[nicopiano]

Ok, it's a lot worse that I imagined! Nobody at TB ever though about this possibility!!!!

 

[Green Lantern]

You won't get a good jazz tone with that bass. I have a G&L 2500 bass and I can't get a good jazz sound either. Get something like a Mexican Fender jazz bass which is a lot better than you might think and which will not break your wallet Eire for those sessions.

 

[christoph h.]

Well, both me and a friend of mine own a Stingray5 which is very similar to the Ray35 and we both played Jazz on it (and almost every other style).

You could try by setting the PU switch to the "front" (or "left" from player's view), I think that means "series". Then completely roll of the treble and add a little bass boost.

You can also work the amp EQ a bit.

Hand placement is even more important - move towards the neck, maybe even play above the end of the neck.

It may not be the "perfect" tone, but I never got any complaints.

That said, the most important factor is whether your playing is authentic to the style.

 

[jefkritz]

You could try by setting the PU switch to the "front" (or "left" from player's view), I think that means "series". Then completely roll of the treble and add a little bass boost.

You can also work the amp EQ a bit.

Hand placement is even more important - move towards the neck, maybe even play above the end of the neck.

That said, the most important factor is whether your playing is authentic to the style.

+1
Tame that aggressive treble, and you'll be cooking with gas. You might get bandleaders who don't like the idea of you playing a Stingray, but that's a different can of worms...

 

[nicopiano]

Well, both me and a friend of mine own a Stingray5 which is very similar to the Ray35 and we both played Jazz on it (and almost every other style).

You could try by setting the PU switch to the "front" (or "left" from player's view), I think that means "series". Then completely roll of the treble and add a little bass boost.

You can also work the amp EQ a bit.

Hand placement is even more important - move towards the neck, maybe even play above the end of the neck.

It may not be the "perfect" tone, but I never got any complaints.

That said, the most important factor is whether your playing is authentic to the style.

It's exactly what I'm doing, but it seens ti me that it's not enough close to the tone that is in my head.

I agree with you, the playing is the most important factor!

 

[nicopiano]

Ok, no more problem...

Today I got a Squier Vintage Modified jazz '77 with a scratch behind. The scratch is almost impossible to see when playing. I got it for 200$ (canadian ).

This is a cheap bass, but I must say it sound and feel good for the money. I can get much more easily a proper jazz tone.

 

[christoph h.]

It's exactly what I'm doing, but it seens time that it's not enough close to the tone that is in my head.

Well, that's a different issue! Mabye the sound in your head can indeed not be found in a Stingray.

Then of course, trying a different bass (as you did) is a good idea.

 

[Dave W]

You won't get a good jazz tone with that bass.

Are you saying you can't get a jazz bass tone (as in a Fender J) out of a Stingray? If so, I agree.

Or that you can't get a good tone out of a Stingray to be used in jazz music? If so, define "good jazz tone"

 

[christoph h.]

Are you saying you can't get a jazz bass tone (as in a Fender J) out of a Stingray? If so, I agree.

Or that you can't get a good tone out of a Stingray to be used in jazz music? If so, define "good jazz tone"

Well, he sort of answered your question already:

it's not enough close to the tone that is in my head.

 

[nicopiano]

Stingray is a great bass, but not my favorite for mainstream/standard jazz. There is no big deal.

 

[oniman7]

I would have suggested turning the treble and mids way down, playing near the neck, perhaps adding a mute, or using flatwound strings.

However, I hope you enjoy your new bass and play awesome music with it!

 

[73jbass]

Put a set of Labella flats on it. Awesome.

 

[nicopiano]

Do you have a recording of it?