I am used to my long scale EBMM Sterling. To get the same string tension on my SBMM Stingray SS I had go up from 100/40 to 105/45. I am using Pyramid stainless steels and the SBMM Stingray SS sounds and plays great with them.
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SBMM Stingray Short scale
- Thread starter dralionux
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- short scale bass
I’m also guessing that the one in the store was also handled grossly and poorly. It’s GC after all not Billy’s Booteak Guitars.
FWIW mine came right out of the box and the neck was smooth and soft. No stickiness at all.
I also passed on every floor model that I tried at 3 different locations. On my last attempt , I knew they had a blue one listed in stock so I had the manager bring it from the back in box. He unpacked it and I gave it the inspection and demo and brought it home.
For some reason I didn't think to do this... darn. Oh well, next time.
I'm absolutely happy with the results.
I find that the string break angle behind the nut is just as important as it is behind the bridge saddle, and every bass is different. This stock tuner may be fine for some basses but on the SBMM basses it can definitely be improved. The tuners' tapered string posts prevent the string from getting it's full downward pressure potential behind the nut, I've seen as much as 1/4" distance from the head stock surface and the bottom of the string post. Play a string and put finger pressure on the string behind the nut and you'll notice an immediate increase in energy and sustain, it's simple physics. It also creates better overall string tension and improves playing consistency. Many companies are using this same, inexpensive, "one size fits all" tuner without any regard for the details. G&L Tribute basses suffer the from most using these tuners, look at the string angle behind the nut of one those if you get a chance, it's very inconsistent but the USA instruments are excellent.
It's actually crossed my mind but deciding on placement and finding a pickguard just takes too much effort.
I'm using an EMG MMTW and finding an EMG neck pickup would be easy.
Finding a neck pickup to match the stock Neo MM pickup might present a challenge. It could turn out to be an expensive experiment.
Still have my OLY white SBMM short scale,with the rosewood fret board neck managed to find to get it back to original body. Have it advertised in the classified if anyone trying to decide on getting one. Priced reasonable with Gator fitted case,and bass fits like a glove in the case.
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Wouldn't a new set of knobs also need to be added?
I guess my thought was either a second Neo MM or something entirely different that might not match but you'd still be able to play through by itself (Thunderbird pickup or some such).
I'm a bass noob, so I have bass noob thoughts.
Yes. But no. The bass has three knobs already. You could ditch the rotary selector and go VVT or you could keep the rotary switch and limit your choices. Alternatively you could do stacked pots. Requiring would of course be required.Wouldn't a new set of knobs also need to be added?
I guess my thought was either a second Neo MM or something entirely different that might not match but you'd still be able to play through by itself (Thunderbird pickup or some such).
I'm a bass noob, so I have bass noob thoughts.
Welcome to TB where every sub 1k bass is just a modding platform.
Part of the fun is modifying these basses and making them your own. I'm very happy with the results of my efforts, I'll have a new mod tomorrow.
I wasn’t making fun. I like to hear and see what others do. I’m supposed to be converting my Mikro from a PJ to just a P with a genuine Fender pickup. Someday I’ll get around to it.
Haha!
Is there a methodology for doing this?
It's obviously unnecessary, but the idea of creating a unique firebreather of a bass is alluring. Even though my playing will probably never justify it...
I don’t think there’s anything unusual about the PUP in this bass. Isn’t it just a standard MM style pup with a rotary switch? The Fallout uses a very similar setup.
In fact if I was to do this I would probably want to get upgraded pups anyway.
You’ll need to route a new pup anyway so why not get the best one you can rather than sticking with the stock one?
In fact if I was to do this I would probably want to get upgraded pups anyway.
You’ll need to route a new pup anyway so why not get the best one you can rather than sticking with the stock one?
actually I was reading in the Mikro forum how increased resistance in pots can give you more response in your tone controls. I might be interested in doing that as I feel the tone control kinda sucks.
I added an EMG EBX tone control to my SBMM short scale bass and it sounds absolutely amazing, it has seriously improved the tone quality of the bass tremendously.
In use, the EBX reduces the midrange as it boosts the lows and highs.
For comparison it essentially mimics what a loudness control does on an audio receiver but it is variable.
And that EQ curve is what a majority of players want to hear anyway.
It's a very sensitive control and it doesn't take much to enhance your tone. You can go full clockwise and get a killer slap tone but there is plenty of usable tone between zero (totally off) and 100%.
The cool thing is that it lets you retain your passive tone control and it works well in conjunction with the EBX.
I'm using it with an active EMG MMTW pickup but you can also use it with any passive pickup too, they send you the wiring harness and switching jack. it took me literally 5 minutes to install it, and the battery life is like 1000 hours. Honestly, the EBX gives me exactly what my ear was missing and this SBMM has become my go 4 string. I ordered another EBX to install in my Sire P5 5 string, I anticipate the same results.
In use, the EBX reduces the midrange as it boosts the lows and highs.
For comparison it essentially mimics what a loudness control does on an audio receiver but it is variable.
And that EQ curve is what a majority of players want to hear anyway.
It's a very sensitive control and it doesn't take much to enhance your tone. You can go full clockwise and get a killer slap tone but there is plenty of usable tone between zero (totally off) and 100%.
The cool thing is that it lets you retain your passive tone control and it works well in conjunction with the EBX.
I'm using it with an active EMG MMTW pickup but you can also use it with any passive pickup too, they send you the wiring harness and switching jack. it took me literally 5 minutes to install it, and the battery life is like 1000 hours. Honestly, the EBX gives me exactly what my ear was missing and this SBMM has become my go 4 string. I ordered another EBX to install in my Sire P5 5 string, I anticipate the same results.
I will try and put something together, I'm working so much (working days and playing nights) I just can't seem to find the time
