SBMM Stingray Short scale

[Tex Bass]

OK, I did something quarantine crazy. I painted my pick guard.

After buying the StingRay a couple months ago, I immediately started searching for a replacement pick guard because I was never crazy about white on white. Unfortunately I had no luck since this is a new model and the online sources just don't have it available yet. (without doing a custom guard)

So I started researching a bit on youtube about painting and ran across a technique called "pour painting." Artists pour the paint from cups on to the canvas and then slowly tilt the artwork in different directions so that the colors make abstract designs. I found a couple of videos where people used the technique to paint pick guards and I decided to give it a go. I ordered the supplies and ran a couple of tests first using cardboard cutouts in roughly the shape and size of the guard.

Once I got my confidence up and it looked like this crazy idea might work, I decided it was time to try the real deal. Once the paint dries, you add a layer of resin.

I realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this is very subjective- but I think it turned out epic! Its a unique, one of a kind piece of art that the timeless beauty and form of the StingRay deserves.

 

[Hank Scorpio]

OK, I did something quarantine crazy. I painted my pick guard.

After buying the StingRay a couple months ago, I immediately started searching for a replacement pick guard because I was never crazy about white on white. Unfortunately I had no luck since this is a new model and the online sources just don't have it available yet. (without doing a custom guard)

So I started researching a bit on youtube about painting and ran across a technique called "pour painting." Artists pour the paint from cups on to the canvas and then slowly tilt the artwork in different directions so that the colors make abstract designs. I found a couple of videos where people used the technique to paint pick guards and I decided to give it a go. I ordered the supplies and ran a couple of tests first using cardboard cutouts in roughly the shape and size of the guard.

View attachment 3785931

Once I got my confidence up and it looked like this crazy idea might work, I decided it was time to try the real deal. Once the paint dries, you add a layer of resin.

View attachment 3785935

I realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this is very subjective- but I think it turned out epic! Its a unique, one of a kind piece of art that the timeless beauty and form of the StingRay deserves.

View attachment 3785938
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That looks great! Definitely elevates the look, and you know it'll be one-of-a-kind. Just the right amount of red in there, really pops.

 

[scrumpymike]

OK, so my Olympic White SBMM short-scale Ray arrived last week from Bass Direct. It was ordered by e-mail just after lunch on day 1 and delivered by DPD at 8.30am on day 2 with packaging and contents all intact. Pretty amazing under the current circumstances. Despite the glowing reports on this forum, I didn't want to raise my expectations too high but as soon as I got mine out of its gig-bag the quality was obvious. The build, finish and fittings are excellent, the only exception being a dull G-string caused by a visible flaw in the wire wrap. No obvious reason (like being crushed against a fret) and a replacement has been promised FOC. I know set-ups are subjective but this was way out for me: no relief in the neck, action way high, and nut-slots not cut deep enough - par for the course with low/mid-cost, mass-produced basses in my experience. Anyway, after fettling it to my liking, I'm super impressed! All the adjustable stuff worked as it should and this is one sweet player. It's my first Ray experience outside a music shop but, to my ears, this one sounds right and I would expect it to sit well in the mix of our classic-rock covers band (assuming we ever get to gig again). Top marks to SBMM! I can definitely recommend this to any short-scale players looking for that distinctive Ray sound with maybe a bit of the edge taken off by the passive electronics on this bass. Glad to be a member of this select owners' club!

 

[Elvis Nixon]

OK, I did something quarantine crazy. I painted my pick guard.

After buying the StingRay a couple months ago, I immediately started searching for a replacement pick guard because I was never crazy about white on white. Unfortunately I had no luck since this is a new model and the online sources just don't have it available yet. (without doing a custom guard)

So I started researching a bit on youtube about painting and ran across a technique called "pour painting." Artists pour the paint from cups on to the canvas and then slowly tilt the artwork in different directions so that the colors make abstract designs. I found a couple of videos where people used the technique to paint pick guards and I decided to give it a go. I ordered the supplies and ran a couple of tests first using cardboard cutouts in roughly the shape and size of the guard.

View attachment 3785931

Once I got my confidence up and it looked like this crazy idea might work, I decided it was time to try the real deal. Once the paint dries, you add a layer of resin.

View attachment 3785935

I realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this is very subjective- but I think it turned out epic! Its a unique, one of a kind piece of art that the timeless beauty and form of the StingRay deserves.

View attachment 3785938
View attachment 3785942
View attachment 3785944

Wow! That’s killer. It looks great on the white bass IMO. Cool technique too. Never heard of it before.

 

[Joe Nerve]

OK, I did something quarantine crazy. I painted my pick guard.

After buying the StingRay a couple months ago, I immediately started searching for a replacement pick guard because I was never crazy about white on white. Unfortunately I had no luck since this is a new model and the online sources just don't have it available yet. (without doing a custom guard)

So I started researching a bit on youtube about painting and ran across a technique called "pour painting." Artists pour the paint from cups on to the canvas and then slowly tilt the artwork in different directions so that the colors make abstract designs. I found a couple of videos where people used the technique to paint pick guards and I decided to give it a go. I ordered the supplies and ran a couple of tests first using cardboard cutouts in roughly the shape and size of the guard.

View attachment 3785931

Once I got my confidence up and it looked like this crazy idea might work, I decided it was time to try the real deal. Once the paint dries, you add a layer of resin.

View attachment 3785935

I realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this is very subjective- but I think it turned out epic! Its a unique, one of a kind piece of art that the timeless beauty and form of the StingRay deserves.

View attachment 3785938
View attachment 3785942
View attachment 3785944

I am now suffering from envy.

Awesome job!!!! I'm also not a fan of white on white, but too chicken to paint a guard. I tried once with my Gibson, and it was catastrophic.

LOL, this was the final result of mine:

 

[scrumpymike]

OK, I did something quarantine crazy. I painted my pick guard....

I realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this is very subjective- but I think it turned out epic! Its a unique, one of a kind piece of art that the timeless beauty and form of the StingRay deserves.

View attachment 3785938
View attachment 3785942
View attachment 3785944

That's a great job!! I remember an artist buddy of mine used to use this technique for abstract painting. The trick was getting the paint viscosity just right and you obviously nailed it.

 

[spufman]

That pickguard came out great - you certainly have the knack!

 

[Tex Bass]

I am now suffering from envy.

Awesome job!!!! I'm also not a fan of white on white, but too chicken to paint a guard. I tried once with my Gibson, and it was catastrophic.

LOL, this was the final result of mine:

View attachment 3787309

Oh man, sorry to hear that! I am convinced this technique is maybe 20% proper research/prep/materials, 20% skill and 60% luck. So if you ever want to give it a shot: Here is the video I found, so you can see that its not too difficult. This guy also has another video where he shows how to prep the paint, what you need, etc.

I did notice when I was doing this that the first 5 min or so, I was convinced it was a terrible mistake.. but then a few minutes later, as I started rotating the guard around, cool things started magically happening. The hardest part for me was knowing when to actually stop and feel like you are done- you can keep adding a little more here and there, trying new things out, etc. (but the fear is that you might like what you had 10 minutes ago better than what you got now, and its too late!)

 

[Hunter Erwin]

Sweet! Nice job. Love that song too. Thanks so much
That’s funny !!!
Lol much appreciated

I've had a problem with poke weeds in my yard every year and when I'm out pulling and/or spraying them this tune plays through my head.

 

[hamertek98]

Anyone here have a Squier Jag SS? I bought one a couple years ago and was underwhelmed. Neck seems to have too much relief, and I’m used to low action. Scared to adjust it any further. I know it’s a cheap bass, but...
Are the SBMM SS necks stable for lower action? I’m seriously considering ordering one. I know there’s a big price difference, just want to make sure.
Are the p-guards a different size?
E string tighter than most SS’?
Can the tuners be replaced with say Hipshot? Is the white color ‘real white’? Neck stable? Does @Joe Nerve really like his? (lol). Any neck dive? Should I just shut up and order one and leave you guys/girls alone?

Thanks!

 

[nonohmic]

This.....or the new Sire SS?

 

[Voyevoda]

Anyone here have a Squier Jag SS? I bought one a couple years ago and was underwhelmed. Neck seems to have too much relief, and I’m used to low action. Scared to adjust it any further. I know it’s a cheap bass, but...
Are the SBMM SS necks stable for lower action? I’m seriously considering ordering one. I know there’s a big price difference, just want to make sure.
Are the p-guards a different size?
E string tighter than most SS’?
Can the tuners be replaced with say Hipshot? Is the white color ‘real white’? Neck stable? Does @Joe Nerve really like his? (lol). Any neck dive? Should I just shut up and order one and leave you guys/girls alone?

Thanks!

i also have a ss jag, the stingray is much nicer and sturdier feeling, i replaced my tuners with hipshots. i switched to flats to get a tighter e string

 

[hamertek98]

i also have a ss jag, the stingray is much nicer and sturdier feeling, i replaced my tuners with hipshots. i switched to flats to get a tighter e string

Thank you!
Did you get USA Hipshots?

I know the Jag is a lower price point, but I think I still expected too much, if that makes sense.
If I get the Sterling I may flip the Jag to offset the tuner price. I’ve only played it a handful of times. The playability could be better if I actually spent some time with it.

 

[Voyevoda]

Thank you!
Did you get USA Hipshots?

I know the Jag is a lower price point, but I think I still expected too much, if that makes sense.
If I get the Sterling I may flip the Jag to offset the tuner price. I’ve only played it a handful of times. The playability could be better if I actually spent some time with it.

yes i got usa 1/2". need to drill another whole for it though

 

[Joe Nerve]

Anyone here have a Squier Jag SS? I bought one a couple years ago and was underwhelmed. Neck seems to have too much relief, and I’m used to low action. Scared to adjust it any further. I know it’s a cheap bass, but...
Are the SBMM SS necks stable for lower action? I’m seriously considering ordering one. I know there’s a big price difference, just want to make sure.
Are the p-guards a different size?
E string tighter than most SS’?
Can the tuners be replaced with say Hipshot? Is the white color ‘real white’? Neck stable? Does @Joe Nerve really like his? (lol). Any neck dive? Should I just shut up and order one and leave you guys/girls alone?

Thanks!

Anyone here have a Squier Jag SS? No, but my brother does and I've jammed with it. This bass is much different.

Are the SBMM SS necks stable for lower action? I like low action too. My action is pretty low, and it can go lower.

Are the p-guards a different size? The P guard is unique to this bass. I tried to swap it out with MIA Short Scale and its a no go. The neck on the SBMM is slightly wider at the bottom.

E string tighter than most SS’? Hard to say, and probably not. I've gotten used to playing with a softer touch, so I never have any problems. My band tunes down a 1/2 step, also. As @Voyevoda said, flats will tighten it up if that's an issue. So will going up a gauge in strings.

Can the tuners be replaced with say Hipshot? It seems so.

Is the white color ‘real white’? Looks pretty white to me. Its not ivory if that's what you're wondering. Given the 1000s of whites seen on swatches in the paint store, I'm reluctant to answer definitively . Looks pretty white to me.

Neck stable? So far, it seems so. The bass feels very solid and well made. I've only adjusted the neck once, when I got it.

Does @Joe Nerve really like his? (lol). Absolutely. I've been ONLY playing that in my house. My MIAA Stingray needs new strings though. Honestly, both basses sound the same. Maybe a tad more high end on the American, but its like the MM goes to 12 with that, anyhow.

Any neck dive? Zero, zilch, nada, nothing, no. Mine balances perfectly.

Should I just shut up and order one and leave you guys/girls alone? You're not bothering me none, and yes, you should get one.

Thanks!

You're welcome. Hope I helped some.

 

[hamertek98]

yes i got usa 1/2". need to drill another whole for it though

Ok. Thank you!

 

[hamertek98]

Anyone here have a Squier Jag SS? No, but my brother does and I've jammed with it. This bass is much different.

Are the SBMM SS necks stable for lower action? I like low action too. My action is pretty low, and it can go lower.

Are the p-guards a different size? The P guard is unique to this bass. I tried to swap it out with MIA Short Scale and its a no go. The neck on the SBMM is slightly wider at the bottom.

E string tighter than most SS’? Hard to say, and probably not. I've gotten used to playing with a softer touch, so I never have any problems. My band tunes down a 1/2 step, also. As @Voyevoda said, flats will tighten it up if that's an issue. So will going up a gauge in strings.

Can the tuners be replaced with say Hipshot? It seems so.

Is the white color ‘real white’? Looks pretty white to me. Its not ivory if that's what you're wondering. Given the 1000s of whites seen on swatches in the paint store, I'm reluctant to answer definitively . Looks pretty white to me.

Neck stable? So far, it seems so. The bass feels very solid and well made. I've only adjusted the neck once, when I got it.

Does @Joe Nerve really like his? (lol). Absolutely. I've been ONLY playing that in my house. My MIAA Stingray needs new strings though. Honestly, both basses sound the same. Maybe a tad more high end on the American, but its like the MM goes to 12 with that, anyhow.
Any neck dive? Zero, zilch, nada, nothing, no. Mine balances perfectly.

Should I just shut up and order one and leave you guys/girls alone? You're not bothering me none, and yes, you should get one.

Thanks!

You're welcome. Hope I helped some.

Thank you Joe! That helps a bunch! I know you’re into MM’s like me. Less expensive imports kinda scare me. No reason why. I guess I’m stuck in a time warp. I still play the same bass head I’ve had the last 25 plus years. Lol
I really like the idea of a slightly smaller ‘Ray. For the reach and tighter places. A 32” would be about perfect for me, but this is achievable price wise at this time.
Thanks for your time and stay healthy!

Edit: Color sounds good, too! Tired of ivory or off white and flat...

 

[Joe Nerve]

Thank you Joe! That helps a bunch! I know you’re into MM’s like me. Less expensive imports kinda scare me. No reason why. I guess I’m stuck in a time warp. I still play the same bass head I’ve had the last 25 plus years. Lol
I really like the idea of a slightly smaller ‘Ray. For the reach and tighter places. A 32” would be about perfect for me, but this is achievable price wise at this time.
Thanks for your time and stay healthy!

Edit: Color sounds good, too! Tired of ivory or off white and flat...

The only thing I'll add, to save any possible disappointment is this...

I owned and played an HS Ray for a few years. This is NOT that bass. An active Stingray can go deeper and sizzlier, for sure. What makes me happy is this bass takes what I considered the sweet spot of the Stingray, and zeros in on it. If that makes sense. Kinda like my active Stingray could go from 0-10, but I'd only ever used the sounds from 3-7. Both these passive Short Scales cover that 3-7. For me its a plus as it saves a lot of fiddling around trying to zero in on exactly what I want.

What made me happiest is that it nails the Stingray tone. I've never owned another bass (outside of my Sterling) that did that. Not even my Bongo, as I think I mentioned here before. Owned a bunch of other basses with Stingray pickups and none of them ever nailed it either.

 

[hamertek98]

The only thing I'll add, to save any possible disappointment is this...

I owned and played an HS Ray for a few years. This is NOT that bass. An active Stingray can go deeper and sizzlier, for sure. What makes me happy is this bass takes what I considered the sweet spot of the Stingray, and zeros in on it. If that makes sense. Kinda like my active Stingray could go from 0-10, but I'd only ever used the sounds from 3-7. Both these passive Short Scales cover that 3-7. For me its a plus as it saves a lot of fiddling around trying to zero in on exactly what I want.

What made me happiest is that it nails the Stingray tone. I've never owned another bass (outside of my Sterling) that did that. Not even my Bongo, as I think I mentioned here before. Owned a bunch of other basses with Stingray pickups and none of them ever nailed it either.

That’s actually good to hear. Maybe a tamed down Ray tone. Being passive could be cool. I’ve had real Rays and they are fantastic. My Sterling HH is my go to. Great preamps. I only use a couple settings, use the eq to fine tune.
Makes sense and sounds like a fun bass!

 

[scrumpymike]

Anyone here have a Squier Jag SS? I bought one a couple years ago and was underwhelmed. Neck seems to have too much relief, and I’m used to low action. Scared to adjust it any further. I know it’s a cheap bass, but...

Are the SBMM SS necks stable for lower action? I’m seriously considering ordering one.

E string tighter than most SS’?

Should I just shut up and order one and leave you guys/girls alone?

Thanks!

I had and sold a s-s Jag. Actually very good for the price BUT: Cheap pot's only did anything for 10% of their rotation; when I tried to get already acceptably low action a bit lower I gave up trying to turn the very stiff truss-rod nut for fear of breaking it.

As received my SBMM s-s Ray had virtually no neck relief, and too much string height at nut and bridge. I dialled in my usual 008" relief, dropped the saddles right down, cut the nut slots lower - perfect! Everything smooth and easy.

From my experience of many s-s basses across the price-range, I would say the tension is determined by the gauge and construction of the strings. The E string on this one feels just fine.

Buy it - but keep talking to us!