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SBMM Stingray Short scale

I installed Hipshot HB-1’s on the short scale and I got them with non tapered shafts. The existing tuner grommets work perfect, no need to change them. It has reduced the weight by an ounce.
I also installed a lower string retainer, it is actually a nylon strap button but it works just fine. I’m getting even downward pressure behind the nut and the bass actually feels more alive. I think the vibration transfer is better and it looks good too.
A6E4FB02-6C7C-42D7-AD4D-27CCD2219213.jpeg
A4D017DC-F179-446D-BF5B-C3AD2A64F00E.jpeg
161CC823-48D5-4640-B612-3E854159481E.jpeg
 
I installed Hipshot HB-1’s on the short scale and I got them with non tapered shafts. The existing tuner grommets work perfect, no need to change them. It has reduced the weight by an ounce.
I also installed a lower string retainer, it is actually a nylon strap button but it works just fine. I’m getting even downward pressure behind the nut and the bass actually feels more alive. I think the vibration transfer is better and it looks good too.View attachment 4639205View attachment 4639206View attachment 4639207
looks great.

Are these the short shaft HB1's or regular?
 
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I installed Hipshot HB-1’s on the short scale and I got them with non tapered shafts. The existing tuner grommets work perfect, no need to change them. It has reduced the weight by an ounce.
I also installed a lower string retainer, it is actually a nylon strap button but it works just fine. I’m getting even downward pressure behind the nut and the bass actually feels more alive. I think the vibration transfer is better and it looks good too.View attachment 4639205View attachment 4639206View attachment 4639207
Regular long scale strings too?
 
No, these are DR hi beams 35-90 and they are light enough to work on a short scale bass without breaking at the tuner.
Now I'm confused. Both your post and your pictures make it seem like these are standard length strings being used on a short scale bass.
:help:

Never had a string break at the tuner. Not even when I have a full diameter flatwound string wrapped around the post.
IMG_5842 (3).JPG
:speechless:
 
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Here is a little short scale “gig report” for you all. Having concluded that my days of loud drums and late nights in dirty bars are behind me I am trying something new. Better hours, nicer venues, and we fired the drummer before we started!

Take it easy on me, we met two months before this three hour trial run gig so even with some of those cheesy go to songs I was pretty intently looking for words and notes on my iPad!! The SBMM has Hipshot tuners and Chromes. Tech21 Bass Fly Rig v2 direct to mixer and I am listening with SE425 in ears. QSC CP12s and a 12” Behringer sub that was total overkill as the CP12s were barely breathing. You won’t learn any flashy bass technique here but it is easy on my tendinitis and was a lot of fun! Played a lot a basses over 35+ years and I can’t find a reason to use anything other than this one anymore.

 
Now I'm confused. Both your post and your pictures make it seem like these are standard length strings being used on a short scale bass.
:help:

Never had a string break at the tuner. Not even when I have a full diameter flatwound string wrapped around the post.
View attachment 4640774
:speechless:
They are long scale strings but since they are very light gauge, they have no problem wrapping around the string post. If they were .100 or larger they would probably break without having a tapered end going into the post. Most strings taper behind the nut towards the tuners to allow them to fit the string post without breaking either the core wire or entire string.
 
Last edited:
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Now I'm confused. Both your post and your pictures make it seem like these are standard length strings being used on a short scale bass.
:help:

Never had a string break at the tuner. Not even when I have a full diameter flatwound string wrapped around the post.
View attachment 4640774
:speechless:
It's because the smaller core wire is hitting the tuner first and it's supporting the tension, not the outer wrap.
 
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They are long scale strings but since they are very light gauge, they have no problem wrapping around the string post. If they were .100 or larger they would probably break without having a tapered end going into the post. Most strings taper behind the nut towards the tuners to allow them to fit the string post without breaking either the core wire or entire string.
Thanks, now I get it!

As far as larger strings breaking, that has not been my experience. The strings on my SBMM shorty are long, and the ones on my Samick short scale P are flats. No issues with either one. Other than appearance, that is.
IMG_5818.JPG IMG_5842 (3).JPG
:smug:
 
It's because the smaller core wire is hitting the tuner first and it's supporting the tension, not the outer wrap.
I appreciate the answer, but considering th
It's because the smaller core wire is hitting the tuner first and it's supporting the tension, not the outer wrap.
Hmm, by that thinking, there's no reason to think that wrapping full sized wire would induce any chance of the string breaking. I have a hunch there is a bit more to it.
:bookworm:
 
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I just discovered these. Within half an hour, and an outsized amount of angst for the time used, my cc got hit and I ordered one from L&M. White/rosewood. If there were only maple, I would not have bit. Have a set of SS Chromes here I may put on it, my other bass tho is a DC Gibby which is very fat sounding, so maybe I should keep the sharpness of rounds on the Ray, and use both :bassist:

Yay another long thread to try and pile thru. There should be a running synopsis requirement on threads over 20 pages long lol.
 
I just pulled the trigger on a 7# Daphne Blue on Reverb. Had played a new sunburst Sterlin SS in GC last week and couldn't believe the fit, finish and sound. Really blew me away. I have a '71 Musicmaster SS but cannot get a decent sound out of it despite a new Novak drop in replacement pup. The Sterling SS Ray has all the punchiness and tone I remember from full scale rays I've owned. And at 7#, should be a dream to play.

I certainly would prefer a rosewood neck. Anyone with a white Sterling SS wanna consider swap their rosewood neck for my maple neck? My Daphne won't be here until next week, maybe I'll like the maple neck, just like the sunburst one I tried. The only maple necked bass I currently have is my '79 pre-EB MM Sabre.