SBMM Stingray Short scale

[laklandplayer]

My sunburst SBMM short scale arrived today. I know, no pictures it didn't happen so they will come later ;-)

observations:
It is significantly heavier than my white defretted one. I don't have a scale that works well enough to get accurate numbers, but it feels like a pound or so more. The different wood variety? My gut says "yes."
Set up had some issues. Action was very high at both saddle and nut. I spent some time with it and it is better but still not perfect. I didn't mess with the nut since I'm not sure I'll keep it. Intonation was good and the truss rod was well adjusted.
Frets seem to be well leveled but the edges above the 12th fret are really bad, especially on the treble side.
The neck shape feels a little different.
One pickguard screw was not completely installed.
All three of the knobs were loose to the point of being useless. They weren't quite ready to fall off but turning them didn't turn the pots at all.
Finish looks very nice.
After some pickup adjustment, it sounds great (and probably after some new strings of my choice even better).
Most curious, there was no packing slip. It came directly from the nearest store. I don't think it had been on display, but I don't believe it was in the factory packing. Just wrapped in bubble wrap and paper in a plain brown shipping box.

I got my white one used so it is possible that at least some of these issues were present on it when it was new and the previous owner addressed them. I don't know... Of the two examples, the white one is a better bass. Still, the SBMM is a great bang for the buck instrument. I'm just not sure I really need another one... we'll see.

I need to sit with it for a bit before deciding whether to keep it or not.

When I got my Daphne blue bass from AMS, same thing.
Lousy factory packaging, the knobs were loose, probably due to shipping vibration.
The nut is NEVER right, always too high... I had to lower it.
The action was too high, even with the saddles all the way down, I had to shim the neck.
I had to rub down the neck with a green scotch brite and wax it to make the neck finish feel good.
I put hipshot tuners on mine, replaced the string retainer and strung it up with DR Hi Beams.
The bass feels and plays great now.
I did install an EMG MMTW pickup, because I had it new in the box, but honestly, the stock pickup is just fine
Every bass that I've ever bought has needed work to suit my own personal preference.

 

[Chrome Dome]

Received the vintage sunburst SBMM short scale today from GC,suppose new one? The center knob was missing,and the body and controls has so much finger priints,and smudges,took me 10 minutes to get it wiped down,terribly dirty. Must have been a floor demo? I switched necks,with my dropped copper,which drop copper ones comes with maple fret board. I had previously swapped necks,with the white ones,that come with rosewood fretboard. Here are pictures of the before and after switch. Lighting is different one with flash,and one without flash.

 

[TheBass]

Received the vintage sunburst SBMM short scale today. The center knob was missing,and the body and controls has so much finger priints,and smudges,took me 10 minutes to get it wiped down,terribly dirty. Must have been a floor demo? I switched necks,with my dropped copper,which drop copper ones comes with maple fret board. I had previously swapped necks,with the white ones,that come with rosewood fretboard. Here are pictures of the before and after switch. Lighting is different one with flash,and one without flash.View attachment 4666509 View attachment 4666514

'After' looks better

 

[keto]

'After' looks better

Yes. Verrry secksy indeed. Were the bursts limited to a chain?

Mine is awaiting a string order that cleared customs but down east today. The EBs, predictably for me, are dead and thuddy after brief use, just how it goes. I think the A is a bit quiet, but will judge after a change.

I think this will be the right bass for me, I used my Gibby DC last night with 5 piece band w keys (early in a first experience for me) and things were pretty muddy at times unless I got loud with an OD. The Ray should cut the mess better. At least on some tunes, hoping I can use both and put flats on the Gib.

Am having wife do up some art, that daughter is going to print on some sort of sticker for the guard, that I have some thin clear plastic that might work on top with the right adhesive, pretty sure I have some 3M spray on hand. Cheaper than roughly $100 CDN for a replacement.

 

[laklandplayer]

So, I've had my SS Stingray a month.
I did some things to it to make it play better for me. I replaced the tuners with Hipshots, shimmed the neck, and installed a a battery box and an EMG MMTW pickup which is excellent. My only problems with the stock pickup were the string to string balance (G&E are louder than the A&D - at least on mine) and when I bended a note, the volume would drop due to the string leaving the the pole piece coverage range.
The EMG uses bar magnets so there is no magnetic gap or drop between the strings.
But, I've got to say I love this bass.
I've been playing the Broadway Musical Pippin all month and using it 7 shows a week with my Cali76CB comp and Zoom B3 for a preamp, reverb, chorus and DI out (it's old but still sounds great) and a volume pedal.
Keyboards, guitar and bass are all going direct and the strings, horns and woodwinds are using mics.
We are backstage and everyone is using an Avion system for monitoring.
I'm getting a good sound in the Avion with my headphones and the house engineer says the bass sounds totally killer in the mix.
Playing with headphones, the things I've begin to really notice is how the bass is very consistent tone wise, its total lack of dead spots or any "weird" sounding notes.
The bass sustains for days, there is a very slow section in the show where I have 4 measures tied together playing a D and then 4m with a C a whole step down. The notes just ring and don't die off, the acoustic energy of the bass is incredible. The music director and conductor complimented my sound and playing in front of the whole orchestra, which is very rare in the business. They don't want to be accused of having "favorites" in the pit when doing a show. All in all, I'm very happy with this bass that I bought on total impulse.
I don't see how I could like the USA version any more than this one. The bass feels great and the short scale is actually better suited for my smaller hands.
And then, I think of the days killing myself playing 35" scale basses.
I sure wish they would introduce a 5 string version, I'd buy it immediately.

 

[RodRy]

Yes, I'm sure they are. I need to find some longer replacements.

If you are somewhat handy, here's a video for creating some extra long wrenches.

 

[RodRy]

Is this real Indian rosewood?

Sorry, it is some sort of dark wood, and looks like rosewood. Where it came from, only the maker knows.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Sorry, it is some sort of dark wood, and looks like rosewood. Where it came from, only the maker knows.

I sent them a text. Hey verified it is genuine Indian rosewood.

 

[Djadja]

If you are somewhat handy, here's a video for creating some extra long wrenches.

I think it was the screw that needed to be longer...
but cool video

 

[Djadja]

for anyone who has replaced the nut on your SBMM...
is it a flat bottom? 1.5 inches?

 

[Kubicki Fan]

So, I've had my SS Stingray a month.
I did some things to it to make it play better for me. I replaced the tuners with Hipshots, shimmed the neck, and installed a a battery box and an EMG MMTW pickup which is excellent. My only problems with the stock pickup were the string to string balance (G&E are louder than the A&D - at least on mine) and when I bended a note, the volume would drop due to the string leaving the the pole piece coverage range.
The EMG uses bar magnets so there is no magnetic gap or drop between the strings.
But, I've got to say I love this bass.
I've been playing the Broadway Musical Pippin all month and using it 7 shows a week with my Cali76CB comp and Zoom B3 for a preamp, reverb, chorus and DI out (it's old but still sounds great) and a volume pedal.
Keyboards, guitar and bass are all going direct and the strings, horns and woodwinds are using mics.
We are backstage and everyone is using an Avion system for monitoring.
I'm getting a good sound in the Avion with my headphones and the house engineer says the bass sounds totally killer in the mix.
Playing with headphones, the things I've begin to really notice is how the bass is very consistent tone wise, its total lack of dead spots or any "weird" sounding notes.
The bass sustains for days, there is a very slow section in the show where I have 4 measures tied together playing a D and then 4m with a C a whole step down. The notes just ring and don't die off, the acoustic energy of the bass is incredible. The music director and conductor complimented my sound and playing in front of the whole orchestra, which is very rare in the business. They don't want to be accused of having "favorites" in the pit when doing a show. All in all, I'm very happy with this bass that I bought on total impulse.
I don't see how I could like the USA version any more than this one. The bass feels great and the short scale is actually better suited for my smaller hands.
And then, I think of the days killing myself playing 35" scale basses.
I sure wish they would introduce a 5 string version, I'd buy it immediately.

Interesting that you had problems with pickup evenness. Both my EB and the SB sound exactly the same (other members reporting the same experience), and without the problems you mentioned. So, I would guess maybe you had a bad stock pickup to begin with. Anyway, good to hear that you've sorted things out and you are happy!

 

[keto]

Going to look at the nut, maybe file a bit, and either the GHS nickels or Sunbeams, tho if you make a strong case for the PressureWounds in the next hour, I’ll be installing the DT Flats on my Gib too, so I’ll check back in before I open a pack for the Ray.
Oh yeah, and take the plastic off the guards.

 

[keto]

For the Sunbeams: lighter, my arthritic left hand might like the softness.

GHS Balanced, heavier, I am a ham handed pick player and will be using the Ray to rock out on, am used to hex core strings on regular scale.

If one is known to growl or, secondarily, last longer than the other, chime in on that too, please.

Meanwhile, strings are off the Ray, man, there were lots of rough edges and debris around the nut, so I cleaned that up and just touched the depth of the slots. Just visually, the Gib is cleaner in every way there.

Inclined to try the Sunbeams.

 

[Djadja]

For the Sunbeams: lighter, my arthritic left hand might like the softness.

GHS Balanced, heavier, I am a ham handed pick player and will be using the Ray to rock out on, am used to hex core strings on regular scale.

If one is known to growl or, secondarily, last longer than the other, chime in on that too, please.

Meanwhile, strings are off the Ray, man, there were lots of rough edges and debris around the nut, so I cleaned that up and just touched the depth of the slots. Just visually, the Gib is cleaner in every way there.

Inclined to try the Sunbeams.

Aren't the GHS Balanced also a round core? if so I dont expect that tiny bit of difference in gauge between it and the Sunbeams to be consequential

 

[mrpackerguy]

Can attest after last night's gig, that my Daphne Blue one is very gig worthy and a joy to play.

 

[keto]

Aren't the GHS Balanced also a round core? if so I dont expect that tiny bit of difference in gauge between it and the Sunbeams to be consequential

Yeah, I was looking at the wrong GHS pack when I wrote that , the 2 nickel rounds would, I expect, be extremely similar in many respects. I saw that before I installed the Sunbeams. I have a long very happy relationship with DR via Lo Rider Nickels, which are not made shorty, so giving their closest relative a try. Acoustically, very similar, and the feel is OK, I was concerned I would rubber band them with my attack, but no.

And only plinked for 10 minutes on the DC, again acoustically, but the DTFlats are really nice to play.

 

[LimaGuy]

I played 3 of these this weekend and they were all terrible compared to my recently acquired Squier Mustang. They also use the same tuners as the Squier, so I get why some people are annoyed about them. And in true GC fashion, one of them had flats on it, had obviously been returned, and was selling as new. I won't make any judgements of anyone else. I just hope you're all getting better basses than I can find locally.

My sunburst SBMM short scale arrived today. I know, no pictures it didn't happen so they will come later ;-)

observations:
It is significantly heavier than my white defretted one. I don't have a scale that works well enough to get accurate numbers, but it feels like a pound or so more. The different wood variety? My gut says "yes."
Set up had some issues. Action was very high at both saddle and nut. I spent some time with it and it is better but still not perfect. I didn't mess with the nut since I'm not sure I'll keep it. Intonation was good and the truss rod was well adjusted.
Frets seem to be well leveled but the edges above the 12th fret are really bad, especially on the treble side.
The neck shape feels a little different.
One pickguard screw was not completely installed.
All three of the knobs were loose to the point of being useless. They weren't quite ready to fall off but turning them didn't turn the pots at all.
Finish looks very nice.
After some pickup adjustment, it sounds great (and probably after some new strings of my choice even better).
Most curious, there was no packing slip. It came directly from the nearest store. I don't think it had been on display, but I don't believe it was in the factory packing. Just wrapped in bubble wrap and paper in a plain brown shipping box.

I got my white one used so it is possible that at least some of these issues were present on it when it was new and the previous owner addressed them. I don't know... Of the two examples, the white one is a better bass. Still, the SBMM is a great bang for the buck instrument. I'm just not sure I really need another one... we'll see.

I need to sit with it for a bit before deciding whether to keep it or not.

When I got my Daphne blue bass from AMS, same thing.
Lousy factory packaging, the knobs were loose, probably due to shipping vibration.
The nut is NEVER right, always too high... I had to lower it.
The action was too high, even with the saddles all the way down, I had to shim the neck.
I had to rub down the neck with a green scotch brite and wax it to make the neck finish feel good.
I put hipshot tuners on mine, replaced the string retainer and strung it up with DR Hi Beams.
The bass feels and plays great now.
I did install an EMG MMTW pickup, because I had it new in the box, but honestly, the stock pickup is just fine
Every bass that I've ever bought has needed work to suit my own personal preference.

Received the vintage sunburst SBMM short scale today from GC,suppose new one? The center knob was missing,and the body and controls has so much finger priints,and smudges,took me 10 minutes to get it wiped down,terribly dirty. Must have been a floor demo? I switched necks,with my dropped copper,which drop copper ones comes with maple fret board. I had previously swapped necks,with the white ones,that come with rosewood fretboard. Here are pictures of the before and after switch. Lighting is different one with flash,and one without flash.View attachment 4666509 View attachment 4666514

Yes. Verrry secksy indeed. Were the bursts limited to a chain?

Mine is awaiting a string order that cleared customs but down east today. The EBs, predictably for me, are dead and thuddy after brief use, just how it goes. I think the A is a bit quiet, but will judge after a change.

I think this will be the right bass for me, I used my Gibby DC last night with 5 piece band w keys (early in a first experience for me) and things were pretty muddy at times unless I got loud with an OD. The Ray should cut the mess better. At least on some tunes, hoping I can use both and put flats on the Gib.

Am having wife do up some art, that daughter is going to print on some sort of sticker for the guard, that I have some thin clear plastic that might work on top with the right adhesive, pretty sure I have some 3M spray on hand. Cheaper than roughly $100 CDN for a replacement.

Just some things that I have noticed with the QC & weight on the SBMM Short-Scale's.
Back last summer, I owned a white SBMM that I sold to @revroy That bass weighed 7lbs4ozs & from what I remember the QC was very good. I also owned a Dropped Copper which was 8lbs. I thought I was switching back to full scale but I got addicted to Short-Scale.

A few months ago I bought another White one from Zzounds (same warehouse as American Music Supply) The QC was terrible. Just about every Fret had side sprout, there was a blue stain on the back of the neck. I returned it the same day. I tried the Daphne Blue instead. That also had a few frets with pretty bad fret sprout & the Nut was cut way too high.
That weighed 8lbs5ozs so I returned that also.
Then I got another Dropped Copper.
The QC on that one was perfect. But it weighed 9lbs2ozs.
So that went back also.

But I keep GAS'n for them because as we know, they really do sound great.

So I recently noticed GC had a Sale on the Tobacco Burst version. Which apparently was made only for Guitar Center & MusiciansFriend.
I called up a cpl Guitar Center's & asked if I could get a weight of one if they had one on the floor.
The 1st store, the salesman says, wow. This is heavy, its as heavy as a Vintage LesPaul.
The next store, the salesman puts it on a scale & says almost 9lbs, then says oopps, the middle knob just fell off.

So I was about to call it quits and found a Black one from Gear Tree on Reverb.
Sterling StingRay RAYSS4 Short-Scale 4-String Bass Guitar, Black Sterling StingRay RAYSS4 Short-Scale 4-String Bass Guitar, Black | Reverb
They had 3 in stock. Theres 2 left. It should be arriving Tuesday or Wednesday. I'll keep everyone posted on what shows up in that box.

 

[keto]

First feedback on strings, I listened to my son play a while, then I went through a couple sets worth of noodling. If they hold up like Lo Riders do, I am in love with the Sunbeams. A little crunchier, which suits the bass. Nice firm growly E.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Just some things that I have noticed with the QC & weight on the SBMM Short-Scale's.
Back last summer, I owned a white SBMM that I sold to @revroy That bass weighed 7lbs4ozs & from what I remember the QC was very good. I also owned a Dropped Copper which was 8lbs. I thought I was switching back to full scale but I got addicted to Short-Scale.

A few months ago I bought another White one from Zzounds (same warehouse as American Music Supply) The QC was terrible. Just about every Fret had side sprout, there was a blue stain on the back of the neck. I returned it the same day. I tried the Daphne Blue instead. That also had a few frets with pretty bad fret sprout & the Nut was cut way too high.
That weighed 8lbs5ozs so I returned that also.
Then I got another Dropped Copper.
The QC on that one was perfect. But it weighed 9lbs2ozs.
So that went back also.

But I keep GAS'n for them because as we know, they really do sound great.

So I recently noticed GC had a Sale on the Tobacco Burst version. Which apparently was made only for Guitar Center & MusiciansFriend.
I called up a cpl Guitar Center's & asked if I could get a weight of one if they had one on the floor.
The 1st store, the salesman says, wow. This is heavy, its as heavy as a Vintage LesPaul.
The next store, the salesman puts it on a scale & says almost 9lbs, then says oopps, the middle knob just fell off.

So I was about to call it quits and found a Black one from Gear Tree on Reverb.
Sterling StingRay RAYSS4 Short-Scale 4-String Bass Guitar, Black Sterling StingRay RAYSS4 Short-Scale 4-String Bass Guitar, Black | Reverb
They had 3 in stock. Theres 2 left. It should be arriving Tuesday or Wednesday. I'll keep everyone posted on what shows up in that box.

So it would appear that you are confirming my suspicions that QC has declined quite a bit recently. I think we are seeing the difference is some instances of pre- Covid vs current build quality.

 

[Chrome Dome]

Just some things that I have noticed with the QC & weight on the SBMM Short-Scale's.
Back last summer, I owned a white SBMM that I sold to @revroy That bass weighed 7lbs4ozs & from what I remember the QC was very good. I also owned a Dropped Copper which was 8lbs. I thought I was switching back to full scale but I got addicted to Short-Scale.

A few months ago I bought another White one from Zzounds (same warehouse as American Music Supply) The QC was terrible. Just about every Fret had side sprout, there was a blue stain on the back of the neck. I returned it the same day. I tried the Daphne Blue instead. That also had a few frets with pretty bad fret sprout & the Nut was cut way too high.
That weighed 8lbs5ozs so I returned that also.
Then I got another Dropped Copper.
The QC on that one was perfect. But it weighed 9lbs2ozs.
So that went back also.

But I keep GAS'n for them because as we know, they really do sound great.

So I recently noticed GC had a Sale on the Tobacco Burst version. Which apparently was made only for Guitar Center & MusiciansFriend.
I called up a cpl Guitar Center's & asked if I could get a weight of one if they had one on the floor.
The 1st store, the salesman says, wow. This is heavy, its as heavy as a Vintage LesPaul.
The next store, the salesman puts it on a scale & says almost 9lbs, then says oopps, the middle knob just fell off.

So I was about to call it quits and found a Black one from Gear Tree on Reverb.
Sterling StingRay RAYSS4 Short-Scale 4-String Bass Guitar, Black Sterling StingRay RAYSS4 Short-Scale 4-String Bass Guitar, Black | Reverb
They had 3 in stock. Theres 2 left. It should be arriving Tuesday or Wednesday. I'll keep everyone posted on what shows up in that box.

Must have been the one they sent me,vintage sunburst with middle knob missing. Thought I was getting a new one out of the box? It is okay,after cleaned it up,and switched necks,to a rosewood fretboard neck. Also I just weighed it and it is 8lbs.2ozs,with Schaller tuners,I replaced the tuners also. I had some xtra knobs,in my parts drawer and I replaced the middle knob. Customer service apologized for the condition of the bass,and said they would send me a knob. Told I could return it,and would give me another bass. But I only wanted it so I could switch necks,so told them I would keep it,but was disappointed with the grimy look it had. Maple fretboard neck had some major fret spurs. Rosewood fretboard neck,had minor fret spurs,but I have them taken care of,and smooth now.