regular stingray VS classic Stingray

[Freedok]

I played a Classic SR5 a few weeks ago and found it to be extremely heavy. Not a fan of heavy basses I was expecting the classic to have an Alder wood body. This one was apparently northern ash. Do they make an alder model?

 

[dslapster64]

Many people say that the 2 band rays have plenty of mids built into it (and i couldnt agree more) but if u happen to think differently u can always use the mid control on the amp

I also hear that there's a lot more warmth in the classics, does this take away from the crispiness as compared to the current rays?.

 

[armybass]

I have never played any stingray that I did not like...ancient, new or classic...

 

[mikeswals]

I also hear that there's a lot more warmth in the classics, does this take away from the crispiness as compared to the current rays?.

To clarify, it's not just the Classics, it's most any 2-band Ray. You can still order the same old 2-band eq on any single pickup StingRay.
But no, it's doesn't take away from the crispness. While it does have the ability to sound warmer and fuller on the bottom, just tweak the treble knob 1/8th of a turn up and it can get the crisp too.

 

[dslapster64]

Thanks alot I appreciate the info.

 

[steamthief]

I don't think alder has been used on Stingrays since the 90's.

 

[khui]

this is my understanding of the differences between a classic 5 and regular 5 stingray:

body shape
slab body vs. contoured body
battery compartment/cover design: metal cover vs. plastic compartment
pickguard: oval vs. sharks fin shape
pickup cover shape
pickup cover color (white or black vs. black only)
pickup: no coil selection switch vs. coil selection switch
EQ: 2 band vs. 3 band
string through body vs. none string through body
bridge design
string mutes vs. no string mute
figured maple neck vs. standard maple neck
figured maple fingerboard vs. standard maple fingerboard (obviously don't apply to rosewood boards)
fretwire size: narrow vs. wide
tinted neck vs. natural neck
gloss finish neck vs. gunstock oil neck
vintage Musicman Logo vs. Modern Logo
neck specks (radius, etc.)
input jack location: on control plate vs. side of body

 

[Apothem]

I own a '89 2-eq, a '90 3-eq and a 2011 Classic (2-eq of course), all 4 string, all ash/maple. Moreover I have owned several 'Rays before, form Pre-EB to current standard models.

The Classic is far warmer than any of the other two, soooo Pre-EB, same kind of thick, full bodied sound. I do not know whether it's the pup or the preamp, or both. It cannot be 100% like a Pre-EB, because in those days there was little consistency, hand-winding the pups and constantly tweaking the preamp: my one had the epoxy coated preamp and still did not sound like others I have tried. But the Classic is really virtually there.

The '89 and '90 are more modern sounding, far more highs can be rolled in than in the Classic, where instaed the highs just crisp the basic tone without changing it too much: it remains warm, with a little top end. The others can be really sizzling, and the '89 2-eq is particularly aggressive.

Both feel more hifi and scooped than the Classic, so my preference goes to the Classic for fingerstyle and to the others for slapping. In particular the '90 3-eq is really thuddy when hitting with the thumb and snappy when popping, very versatile with the eq (because of the cut-and-boost 3-eq with central detent, unlike any boost only 2-eq., which I find just a little hollow for fingerstyle). I may consider some flats for the '89 2-eq to tame it a little bit and give some more body to the mids.

Just wanted to add: all three have the old school glossy neck. Current wax and oil models sound more clikety-clackety to my ears.

I hope this helps.

 

[king_biscuit]

The two band eq has a different character to the high end too -- it's not as harsh and clicky as the three band.

 

[Latanza Heist]

Are these classics more expensive than the regular ray.

I might be confusing a 2 and a 3eq ray.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

The standard (single pickup) stingray can come with the 2 band or 3 band EQ. You can also get a standard stingray with two humbuckers (HH) or a humbucker and a single coil (HS), but these only come with the 3-band.

The Classic's are a different series, they are more expensive, they only come with the 2-band EQ, they also have some other 'historical' stingray features, such as string mutes.

 

[Latanza Heist]

The standard (single pickup) stingray can come with the 2 band or 3 band EQ. You can also get a standard stingray with two humbuckers (HH) or a humbucker and a single coil (HS), but these only come with the 3-band.

The Classic's are a different series, they are more expensive, they only come with the 2-band EQ, they also have some other 'historical' stingray features, such as string mutes.

Thanks man. My new ray has a weird buzz when plec the E string. Is it just in need of a setup?

This only happens acoustical not plugged in.

 

[pudgychef]

I have an 03 ray and it has a 2 band eq, I thought you could get it on any of them.

You can, as long as its a 4-string with a single pickup.

except for getting a 3-band EQ on a Classic....

Are these classics more expensive than the regular ray.

I might be confusing a 2 and a 3eq ray.

yes - different line:

Standard SR: StingRay

Music Man StingRay 4-String Electric Bass Guitar | Musician's Friend


Classic SR: Classic StingRay 4

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