You know, I was tempted to get another M80 for this bass so that I could transfer my pedalboard in the mono tick from case to case. But I just couldn’t justify the cost. You see, I also got my M80 for a steal! I bought it used, but in brand new condition, for $100. I haven’t touched my Strat or Tele in ages, and I definitely I won’t be gigging them anytime soon. My short scale would have to become my number one, and remain there, for quite a while before I made that type of investment for a bag that only fit one bass.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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
- Thread starter dralionux
- Start date
-
- Tags
- short scale bass
The D’Addario nickel rounds are what I changed to and they sound fantastic in my opinion. I’ve been using them for a few months now and this bass still pulls some tasteful highs out of them, but no harsh clank or zing like the EB strings. I think I will leave them on until I don’t like what I hear, which could be another year.
I am itching to try some flatwounds though. I’m trying to decide if I want to give Chromes a try next..
I put the new gibson flats on mine, sound real good
I second the recommendation of the D’Addario nickel rounds. Long-wearing, feel good under the fingers, good tonal balance in all pickup positions and with pick or fingers.
One of the things I really like about the Stingray is how the pickup is right where I want to put my hand and is so wide it functions as a ramp. I was not really thinking about that when I bought it but it's a nice little surprise.
Here's a detailed Low End Lobster review/comparison between the SBMM & the American made MM short scale Stingrays.
Played the SS Stingray at a church this morning. Here are my take always/issues:
1.) The stock tuners feel cheap and sloppy.
2.) The stock nut feels cheap and may be binding the strings in the slots.
3.) The intonation was off from the factory.
Thats a perfect storm of tuning issues, but the weather was also a factor. I had a very difficult time getting locked into pitch, even with my Peterson tuner.
Any recommendations on a tuner set upgrade?
1.) The stock tuners feel cheap and sloppy.
2.) The stock nut feels cheap and may be binding the strings in the slots.
3.) The intonation was off from the factory.
Thats a perfect storm of tuning issues, but the weather was also a factor. I had a very difficult time getting locked into pitch, even with my Peterson tuner.
Any recommendations on a tuner set upgrade?
When I get around to replacing them, I'm just going to go the whole hog and put in some Ultralites. Less weight on the headstock never hurts, I know I Iove the tuners anyway, and seeing as there's no direct drop-in HB model I'd have to drill holes anyway - with Ultralites I'd need to drill 4, HB7s I'd need to drill 8 (although it'd look neater behind).
I've just put HB10s in my Mustang PJ and the difference over stock is as huge as ever. So much more precise. I will say I've never had real tuning issues with my Stingray, but they're definitely the weak link on the instrument.
Yeah I remember him reaching out to you. That was really cool of him.
New tuners and nut will be DEFINITE mods. I may also install a classic style 2 band preamp... OR... I may install a mustang pickup!
It's a perfect fit, no cutting, filing or sanding required. The hardest part of the whole precedure was getting the old nut out, but even that was pretty much a piece of cake.
Last edited:
Replace tuners, nut, pickups, electronics .. why did you buy this bass ?
Oh lord, here we go...
Reasons I bought this bass:
1.) Because I wanted to.
2.) Because I wanted to.
3.) Because I liked the color, which isn’t offered on the Ernie Ball version.
4.) Because I couldn’t justify “Ernie Ball money” on a quirky short scale that won’t be my main instrument.
5.) At this price point, I was OK with the prospect of possibly needing to upgrade the tuners and nut. Since I’m not a bedroom warrior and actually play live with other musicians, tuning stability is arguably more important than tone or playability. Being even slightly out of tune can cause big problems when certain notes become dissonant or boomy.
6.) At this price point, I’m not afraid to have fun using this bass as a platform to build something unique. Has anyone else seen a short scale stingray with a Mustang pick up? Yeah, I didn’t think so. If I decide to leave it as a plain old stingray, then wouldn’t you agree that an active preamp is a big part of the stingray sound? I already own two jazz basses and a precision bass, all of which are passive.
7.) Because I have small children and a petite wife, all of whom say they’d like to learn to play. A short scale may be a good starting point.
8.) Because I wanted to.
I should point out that I’m just spitballing ideas at this point and the only thing that I’m going to change for sure are the tuners and nut. Instruments at this price point have to cut certain corners, and most of us here agree that the tuners and nut are the weak links on this instrument. I would have gladly paid an extra $150 for the bass to have come stock with Hipshots and a better nut. But it didn’t, so I can spend that money aftermarket.
I didn't want to be offensive. I have the SBMM Shortscale and don't have these issues. I like it as it is. I was just curious.
