• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

SBMM Stingray Short scale

#1,041
The Sterling arrived a short while ago. I bought this bass from ZZounds for $459 shipped. It was supposed to be a "blemished" model hence the discount (and, it's availability). For the life of me, I can't find anything wrong with it. The neck is straight, the finish looks perfect, there are no dings, scratches or any other signs of use. The only two issues are minor and will be sorted once I get the proper strings. I need to adjust the height of the strings as the action is too low. There is a good bit of fret buzz but nothing that a little tweaking won't fix. The same goes with the intonation. It needs a minor adjustment.

Nothing came with the bass. It was simply a bass in a box. No tools, no gig bag, nothing so I'm trying to determine the correct size hex key I need to adjust the saddles. I have plenty of hex keys but not quite small enough. I think I read somewhere online that it wasn't a metric size. That leaves me hesitant to try any of the metric tools I have for my automobiles. If anyone on this thread knows what size hex key I need for adjusting the saddle, please chime in.

I don't know that I'm particularly impressed with the volume switch. I don't think I'll be messing much with the push pull feature. There are a variety of tones available but they are all within a fairly limited range. They all seem to have that unmistakable Stingray sound (won't be playing much Beatles music or Motown with this bass). But that's ok. I have my G&L's to help me cover that ground. The Stingray is what it is and this one, for the money, is nothing short of wonderful! The maple neck it so easy to play. That 1.5" width and slim C neck makes it feel like child's play compared to my L2000 at 1.75" and standard C. The smaller body, the light weight (that reminds me, I'll throw the bass on my postal scale in a few minutes) and brilliant 30" neck all add up to a bass that's really a joy to play.

Now, all I have to do is wait for my Thomastik Jazz Rounds to arrive (probably before the end of the week) so I can do a proper set up. In the meanwhile, count me in with all the other satisfied Stingray short scale owners.

Weight is 7 lbs 4 oz on my postal scale. Not too bad. My CLF L1000 is just a hair over 8 lbs and my L2000 is 9 lbs 2 oz IIRC.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kubicki Fan, 534N, Doctor Morbius and 3 others
#1,042
Spupilup said:
The Sterling arrived a short while ago. I bought this bass from ZZounds for $459 shipped. It was supposed to be a "blemished" model hence the discount (and, it's availability). For the life of me, I can't find anything wrong with it. The neck is straight, the finish looks perfect, there are no dings, scratches or any other signs of use. The only two issues are minor and will be sorted once I get the proper strings. I need to adjust the height of the strings as the action is too low. There is a good bit of fret buzz but nothing that a little tweaking won't fix. The same goes with the intonation. It needs a minor adjustment.

Nothing came with the bass. It was simply a bass in a box. No tools, no gig bag, nothing so I'm trying to determine the correct size hex key I need to adjust the saddles. I have plenty of hex keys but not quite small enough. I think I read somewhere online that it wasn't a metric size. That leaves me hesitant to try any of the metric tools I have for my automobiles. If anyone on this thread knows what size hex key I need for adjusting the saddle, please chime in.

I don't know that I'm particularly impressed with the volume switch. I don't think I'll be messing much with the push pull feature. There are a variety of tones available but they are all within a fairly limited range. They all seem to have that unmistakable Stingray sound (won't be playing much Beatles music or Motown with this bass). But that's ok. I have my G&L's to help me cover that ground. The Stingray is what it is and this one, for the money, is nothing short of wonderful! The maple neck it so easy to play. That 1.5" width and slim C neck makes it feel like child's play compared to my L2000 at 1.75" and standard C. The smaller body, the light weight (that reminds me, I'll throw the bass on my postal scale in a few minutes) and brilliant 30" neck all add up to a bass that's really a joy to play.

Now, all I have to do is wait for my Thomastik Jazz Rounds to arrive (probably before the end of the week) so I can do a proper set up. In the meanwhile, count me in with all the other satisfied Stingray short scale owners.
Click to expand...
Meanwhile, you can also post some pics! :smug:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Spupilup and minronnee
#1,043
Well it’s been another week and zero response from Precision guitars after the message that they’d received my pickguard and control panel. No expected turn around time. No price quote. Nothing. Hope everything is alright. The biggest bummer about this is without my control panel I can’t put my bass back together. I really should have sent a tracing instead of the part. Live and you learn I guess.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy
#1,045
I think I’m going to put the white US compensated nut from my Starry Night into my Olympic White SBMM. It’s gonna take some cutting as it’s thicker than the stock nut but I feel like it worth it.

so if anyone With a daphne blue short scale wants a rosewood fretboard neck let me know before I start cutting into it cause I’m down to trade!
 
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy
#1,046
Spupilup said:
The Sterling arrived a short while ago. I bought this bass from ZZounds for $459 shipped. It was supposed to be a "blemished" model hence the discount (and, it's availability). For the life of me, I can't find anything wrong with it. The neck is straight, the finish looks perfect, there are no dings, scratches or any other signs of use. The only two issues are minor and will be sorted once I get the proper strings. I need to adjust the height of the strings as the action is too low. There is a good bit of fret buzz but nothing that a little tweaking won't fix. The same goes with the intonation. It needs a minor adjustment.

Nothing came with the bass. It was simply a bass in a box. No tools, no gig bag, nothing so I'm trying to determine the correct size hex key I need to adjust the saddles. I have plenty of hex keys but not quite small enough. I think I read somewhere online that it wasn't a metric size. That leaves me hesitant to try any of the metric tools I have for my automobiles. If anyone on this thread knows what size hex key I need for adjusting the saddle, please chime in.

I don't know that I'm particularly impressed with the volume switch. I don't think I'll be messing much with the push pull feature. There are a variety of tones available but they are all within a fairly limited range. They all seem to have that unmistakable Stingray sound (won't be playing much Beatles music or Motown with this bass). But that's ok. I have my G&L's to help me cover that ground. The Stingray is what it is and this one, for the money, is nothing short of wonderful! The maple neck it so easy to play. That 1.5" width and slim C neck makes it feel like child's play compared to my L2000 at 1.75" and standard C. The smaller body, the light weight (that reminds me, I'll throw the bass on my postal scale in a few minutes) and brilliant 30" neck all add up to a bass that's really a joy to play.

Now, all I have to do is wait for my Thomastik Jazz Rounds to arrive (probably before the end of the week) so I can do a proper set up. In the meanwhile, count me in with all the other satisfied Stingray short scale owners.

Weight is 7 lbs 4 oz on my postal scale. Not too bad. My CLF L1000 is just a hair over 8 lbs and my L2000 is 9 lbs 2 oz IIRC.
Click to expand...

Wow, some awesome luck and nice price! I paid about $200 more to get it where I live. Mine also needed some adjustment with the intonation, but otherwise it’s flawless. I got the gig bag also, and admittedly, it’s pretty good quality, but it’s uncomfortable to wear to be honest. One day I’ll buy another one but it’s good for now.

One more thing, if that 7 lb 4 oz reading is right, I’m a bit envious. Mine is a little more than 8 lbs. any extra savings on the weight is always appreciated. Enjoy! :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy and AjCalderon
#1,047
Spupilup said:
I don't know that I'm particularly impressed with the volume switch. I don't think I'll be messing much with the push pull feature. There are a variety of tones available but they are all within a fairly limited range. They all seem to have that unmistakable Stingray sound (won't be playing much Beatles music or Motown with this bass).
Click to expand...

I thought the same thing when I got mine, and having used it for over a year now I'm finding that volume boost to be invaluable. I play in a wedding/corporate band, and dynamically, we're all over the place. When Jumping from Sinatra to G'nR, that switch is awesome. Its great too in heavier bands I play with... when the drummer starts kicking in a little harder, or a part comes up that I really need to cut through for, its a super simple deal. Its like having a bass that really DOES go to 11 :) .

I'll add that my band does some Motown, too, and in the center position with the tone rolled down a bit, it kills. And for I Want You Back it sounds awesome flipped all the way to the right (don't know what setting that is, but the one that's most j bass like :)).

I think once you start gigging regularly with it you'll see a lot more doors opening up. They did for me, anyhow.

Congrats!
 
  • Like
Reactions: LadyLoveStingRay5, RodRy, WallaceSnr and 2 others
#1,048
Joe Nerve said:
I thought the same thing when I got mine, and having used it for over a year now I'm finding that volume boost to be invaluable. I play in a wedding/corporate band, and dynamically, we're all over the place. When Jumping from Sinatra to G'nR, that switch is awesome. Its great too in heavier bands I play with... when the drummer starts kicking in a little harder, or a part comes up that I really need to cut through for, its a super simple deal. Its like having a bass that really DOES go to 11 :) .

I'll add that my band does some Motown, too, and in the center position with the tone rolled down a bit, it kills. And for I Want You Back it sounds awesome flipped all the way to the right (don't know what setting that is, but the one that's most j bass like :)).

I think once you start gigging regularly with it you'll see a lot more doors opening up. They did for me, anyhow.

Congrats!
Click to expand...

You’re probably right about the volume knob. My comments were based on my initial impressions. After a year, I’m still learning about my L2000 so it’s unfair of me to jump to quick conclusions about the Sterling. The key to this bass is what an astonishingly great value it is. Simply put, it has fun written all over it, exceeding all my expectations!
 
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy, Joe Nerve and Doctor Morbius
#1,050
AjCalderon said:
I’m actually getting my carbon fiber one from a guy in Texas that I got my control plate from. I was trying to get a matte one from Precision. They finally got back to me via their email address but not on reverb. They received my stuff just waiting for them to tell me where to pay them!
Click to expand...
When I sent them my SBMM stingray pickguard he emailed me an invoice through reverb to pay. I suggest you ask him to do the same. In case anything happens you will be protected by reverb.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy and AjCalderon
#1,051
AjCalderon said:
Well it’s been another week and zero response from Precision guitars after the message that they’d received my pickguard and control panel. No expected turn around time. No price quote. Nothing. Hope everything is alright. The biggest bummer about this is without my control panel I can’t put my bass back together. I really should have sent a tracing instead of the part. Live and you learn I guess.
Click to expand...
I would contact reverb and see if they can help.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy and AjCalderon
#1,053
It's still a crappy day here in NE. I had hoped to take a few shots of the bass out in the sun but that's not happening today. So, here are a few shots of the bass in my G&G tweed Tele case (it doesn't fit). I'm really shocked at how nice the maple neck it. There's plenty of really pretty grain in the neck, both front and back. The frets are even and finished off nicely at the edges. It's really a pleasure to play. I fell fortunate to have had this bass as my first short scale. I now have a new itch, actually two. First, for more short scales and secondly, for a Jazz given my new found comfort with a 1.5" neck!

IMG_1745.jpeg
IMG_1746.jpeg
IMG_1744.jpeg
IMG_1743.jpeg
IMG_1742.jpeg
IMG_1741.jpeg
IMG_1740.jpeg
IMG_1739.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: LadyLoveStingRay5, Kubicki Fan, Protagonist and 2 others
#1,054
I'm a little surprised some think that the much more expensive Music Man and much cheaper Sterling version sound the same. You would think with all that beautiful wiring and electronics inside the MM it would affect the sound character in a positive manner more so than in the Sterling with its comparatively drab wiring / electronics inside. I wish I could afford that gorgeous sunburst MM with roasted maple neck but feel fortunate having the Daphne blue sterling which supposibly sounds just as good.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy
#1,055
I have a US made CLF L1000 and an Indonesian made L2000 Tribute. I've played US built L2000's and while I wouldn't say the US version is quantifiably three times as good as the Indonesian Tribute, there are undeniable differences and for some, they do add up. Yes, on the G&L Tributes, the pickups are the same as what you get on the US version but starting at the bottom with the bridge, on through to the more sophisticated active harness, the PLEKed neck through to the superior lightweight tuning legs, the differences are real and noticeable. I would be willing to guarantee the same could be said for the differences between the Sterling and the Music Man.

To expect an instrument that costs three of four times as much as a budget version, to be three of four times better is an unrealistic way of judging. You reach a point where minor improvements simply cost a lot more to achieve.

Another element with the Music Man is there are only 150 of each color made for this year. That's 300 basses for the entire world! Obviously, you're paying for that level of exclusivity right off the bat but you can't deny it's pretty cool to think the bass you have in your hands is one of just 150 in a world of close to eight billion people. Now, that doesn't make the bass sound one bit better but I would have to believe that in terms of resale value, it's got to help, never mind bragging rights.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy and AjCalderon
#1,056
Moonskunk said:
I'm a little surprised some think that the much more expensive Music Man and much cheaper Sterling version sound the same. You would think with all that beautiful wiring and electronics inside the MM it would affect the sound character in a positive manner more so than in the Sterling with its comparatively drab wiring / electronics inside. I wish I could afford that gorgeous sunburst MM with roasted maple neck but feel fortunate having the Daphne blue sterling which supposibly sounds just as good.
Click to expand...

they sound very similar. I haven’t gotten to dig super deep into comparing them except through a practice amp. I should open up a DAW and give them a deeper comparison. I almost feel that the difference between the two is more obvious unplugged oddly enough. The EBMM voices and articulates and projects more unplugged than the SBMM.
The wiring and pots definitely where the two vary the most. The wiring looks immaculate in my US EBMM. The SBMM while not bad by any means isn’t as pretty. I plan to replace the SBMM’s wiring and pots to match my EBMM. I honestly like the pickup and think with upgraded pots/wiring they will sound even more similar.

edit: also the tuners. The tuners on the EBMM are light years ahead of the SBMM as far as feel, weight, tuning stability. The tuners are decent enough on the SBMM but they’ll probably be the first thing you want to upgrade.

oh and the nut. The SBMM nut is cheap and you’ll probably want to replace it. I really like the compensated nut in the American model and going to throw one in the SBMM to help.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy, Moonskunk and Spupilup
#1,059
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back