SBMM Stingray Short scale

[loucook]

I upgraded the tuners to Hipshot, for better tuning stability. I upgraded to a bone nut, because the factory nut was cut too high, and if the nut had to be adjusted anyway, it seemed like a good idea to change it.
The electronics and, especially, the neodymium pickup, combined with the scale length are central to the bass’ identity, in my opinion. Ernie Ball engineered it to get the sound of a long scale Stingray in a short scale bass. Everyone can form their own opinion on whether or not they were successful.
Of course, once you buy the bass, you are free to mod it in any way you wish.

 

[Texican]

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.

No worries, hope I didn’t offend you either. “I’m not yelling... this is just how I talk”
-Bill Burr (and the story of my life)

 

[Texican]

I upgraded the tuners to Hipshot, for better tuning stability. I upgraded to a bone nut, because the factory nut was cut too high, and if the nut had to be adjusted anyway, it seemed like a good idea to change it.
The electronics and, especially, the neodymium pickup, combined with the scale length are central to the bass’ identity, in my opinion. Ernie Ball engineered it to get the sound of a long scale Stingray in a short scale bass. Everyone can form their own opinion on whether or not they were successful.
Of course, once you buy the bass, you are free to mod it in any way you wish.

It definitely sounds good as is. But curiosity killed the cat, and I am a feline with a death wish! I even considered completely removing the music man pickup and running a single Precision or mustang pickup instead. I would just need to have the body routed, and also have a custom pickguard made. It would definitely be a conversation piece. But more than likely I won’t do any of that LOL.

 

[Moonskunk]

I considered removing the Sterling sticker on the headstock and replacing it with an official Ernie Ball MusicMan one but it would still have those crappy tuners and probably not fool anyone other than the misinformed.

 

[WestyBassBob]

It definitely sounds good as is. But curiosity killed the cat, and I am a feline with a death wish! I even considered completely removing the music man pickup and running a single Precision or mustang pickup instead. I would just need to have the body routed, and also have a custom pickguard made. It would definitely be a conversation piece. But more than likely I won’t do any of that LOL.

I understand you want to tinker. But the pickup is the reason you buy this bass. There just aren’t a lot of SS basses with that style PUP and I think it’s just awesome. If you wanted a PJ you should have bought a mustang. Just my $.02

 

[WestyBassBob]

I considered removing the Sterling sticker on the headstock and replacing it with an official Ernie Ball MusicMan one but it would still have those crappy tuners and probably not fool anyone other than the misinformed.

I have a squier guitar that has no name on the headstock because the previous owner was ashamed that it wasn’t a real fender. That’s just weird to me. What are we middle schoolers upset that mommy and daddy wouldn’t buy us real Uggs?

 

[Doctor Morbius]

I have a squier guitar that has no name on the headstock because the previous owner was ashamed that it wasn’t a real fender. That’s just weird to me. What are we middle schoolers upset that mommy and daddy wouldn’t buy us real Uggs?

I've done that to a lowly Squier, but it was only because I wanted a painted headstock to match the body refinish.

 

[RodRy]

I considered removing the Sterling sticker on the headstock and replacing it with an official Ernie Ball MusicMan one but it would still have those crappy tuners and probably not fool anyone other than the misinformed.

Have to say that anyone who would be fooled by a MusicMan sticker would also not know the difference as it is now. Don't really think you'd impress anyone.

 

[RodRy]

I have a squier guitar that has no name on the headstock because the previous owner was ashamed that it wasn’t a real fender. That’s just weird to me. What are we middle schoolers upset that mommy and daddy wouldn’t buy us real Uggs?

I show off my Squier Affinity headstock as a point of pride on my Jazz. For only $200 it is stupid good, and plays every bit as well as the 7enders I tested in the store at 10x the price.

To me, spending 1/10 the money for what I think is about 90% as good is bragging rights. Not that I laugh at anyone who bought a "true" 7ender. To each their own, but I'm happy as can be with both my Squier and my Sterling!

Your mileage may vary.

 

[Moonskunk]

I have a squier guitar that has no name on the headstock because the previous owner was ashamed that it wasn’t a real fender. That’s just weird to me. What are we middle schoolers upset that mommy and daddy wouldn’t buy us real Uggs?

I have Squier vintage modified P bass too. I did a lot of work to it to make it much better including installing Fralin pickups, Hipshot tuners, gutted the electronics and noisy tone pots and put in 920D custom shop, cleaned up the razor sharp frets and then gave it a great set up. It plays and sounds much better than a lot if not most Fenders. I wasn't ashamed to pull the Squier logo off the headstock. I just have it covered up with a Fender Fat finger .

 

[Texican]

I understand you want to tinker. But the pickup is the reason you buy this bass. There just aren’t a lot of SS basses with that style PUP and I think it’s just awesome. If you wanted a PJ you should have bought a mustang. Just my $.02

The pickup is not the reason I bought the bass, I never said I wanted a PJ, and real mustangs aren’t PJs anyway.

One thing I hadn’t considered was just adding another music man pickup in the neck position. Hmmm...

 

[WestyBassBob]

The pickup is not the reason I bought the bass, I never said I wanted a PJ, and real mustangs aren’t PJs anyway.

One thing I hadn’t considered was just adding another music man pickup in the neck position. Hmmm...

Well in any case I just don’t know why you would by a Stingray and then put a Mustang pup in it or vice verse but it’s a free country. You obviously are looking to create something unique so have fun.

 

[Texican]

Well in any case I just don’t know why you would by a Stingray and then put a Mustang pup in it or vice verse but it’s a free country. You obviously are looking to create something unique so have fun.

You know, if I had the money, I buy three of every bass that I wanted… One with roundwounds, one with flatwounds, and one for crazy Frankenstein mods!

 

[WestyBassBob]

You know, if I had the money, I buy three of every bass that I wanted… One with roundwounds, one with flatwounds, and one for crazy Frankenstein mods!

I think that’s what John Entwhistle did.

 

[Texican]

I think that’s what John Entwhistle did.

What... had money? Im not familiar with this concept!

 

[redstrand]

New rotosound flats are kinda color coordinated. Other end is black and well short of the saddle. These are waaaaay better than the Gibson flats, super happy now. I’ll put the Gibson’s on my Bronco

 

[RodRy]

What... had money? Im not familiar with this concept!

Well, it's past tense. At one point or another, nearly all of us had money. Keeping it is another thing.

 

[WestyBassBob]

I've done that to a lowly Squier, but it was only because I wanted a painted headstock to match the body refinish.

View attachment 4123980

Not the same thing.

 

[loucook]

Bass Gear magazine review of SBMM Stingray short scale:
Bassic Review – Sterling by Music Man® StingRay Short Scale Bass

 

[WestyBassBob]

Bass Gear magazine review of SBMM Stingray short scale:
Bassic Review – Sterling by Music Man® StingRay Short Scale Bass

I like the bass too, but this review was a little too much. Personally I find the push/push volume boost to be useless so I find it kind of curious that he mentioned that while glossing over the different PUP modes which is IMO much more interesting.