I have an opportunity to get a 2003 EBMM Stingray in mint condition. I've always wanted one but what are the major differences over the years? Are the HH basses better?
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School me on Music Man Stingrays
- Thread starter SoCalExile
- Start date
some of them around that time are heavy if that matters to you. The new Specials are quite a bit lighter.
My current electric is an '81 Ibanez Blazer. Anything has to be lighter than that, 
Since what you’re going to likely get in response to this post is just a bunch of different people‘s opinions for their personal preferences, I would suggest you avail yourself to the plethora of YouTube videos, and demos out there. There’s also a Music man info website, which tells you all about the specs and how they’ve evolved over the years.
In other words, trust your own eyes and ears and pick what you like best based on the wealth of information that’s out there waiting for you to explore.
Good luck!
In other words, trust your own eyes and ears and pick what you like best based on the wealth of information that’s out there waiting for you to explore.
Good luck!
I own an HH. the extra pickup expands the tonal possibilities, but some don't like it as much as a standard due to the second Pup getting in the way for slap.
As for weight, my 2010 HH weighs in at 9.95 lbs. Can't complain, it was the equivolent of new old stock, and I bought it 3 years ago for about $700. Right now it's been my go to bass.
As for weight, my 2010 HH weighs in at 9.95 lbs. Can't complain, it was the equivolent of new old stock, and I bought it 3 years ago for about $700. Right now it's been my go to bass.
I have a 2001 single pickup Stingray, and I absolutely love it.
It feels kind of like a solid P-bass, but sounds more like a Jazz bass.
If you're thinking about getting a Stingray, then you know they have their own sound.
I never played an H-H Stingray, but would imagine it's more versatile.
Just about every Ernie Ball guitar or bass I ever picked up was top-notch quality.
I say, buy it.
Good luck.
Mike
It feels kind of like a solid P-bass, but sounds more like a Jazz bass.
If you're thinking about getting a Stingray, then you know they have their own sound.
I never played an H-H Stingray, but would imagine it's more versatile.
Just about every Ernie Ball guitar or bass I ever picked up was top-notch quality.
I say, buy it.
Good luck.
Mike
The only two things you need to know: you only need the H, and the 2-band is eminently more musical than the 3-band eq. Hold out until both criteria are met as *that* is the definition of the original Ray. (and yes I’ve owned all variations to prove it to myself 
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Smooth_bass88
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- Oct 31, 2006
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WARNING some StingRays have a relatively weak G string compared to the other strings. This has been discussed at length here (mine suffered from this issue). Try before you buy!
I would be more into your Blazer. That era of Ibanez is my Jam.
With that said, and knowing that you dont have an anti Ibanez tilt, I would consider a 90s Ibanez ATK 300.
They are sometimes called the 'poor man's Stingray'
If being a "poor man" means not having an ego regarding the writing on the headstock, then call me poor. I like the ATK more.
With that said, and knowing that you dont have an anti Ibanez tilt, I would consider a 90s Ibanez ATK 300.
They are sometimes called the 'poor man's Stingray'
If being a "poor man" means not having an ego regarding the writing on the headstock, then call me poor. I like the ATK more.
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EBMM has had stellar consistent quality over the years, so I wouldn't be concerned about "bad" years like Fender and Gibson are known for. I currently have a Bongo 4 and a Stingray H 2 band. I have had a 3 band HH as well and really liked it, foolishly sold it and regretted it ever since. I would only make sure beforehand that the battery hasn't leaked. Just ask for a pic of the battery compartment.
I love my 2001 and 2003 stingrays. As far as 2 band vs 3 band eq it’s all opinion. I personally am not a fan of the newer specials. They play amazing but they don’t have that bite I like. If it’s for a good price it’s a good bass. The 2 pickup vs the 1 pickup do sound different but neither is bad. It really just depends on what you’re into. The necks are pretty standard. Not jazz thin but note of a smaller p. Some people complain about a week G string but there also in how you EQ and I’ve never had a huge issue with any of mine. The weights isn’t super light on either of mine but I wouldn’t call them heavy. They balance very well.
This is what I was going to say.
They’re great instruments. I personally prefer single pickups and two band preamps but don’t let my preferences steer you. There are lots of people who have three-bands and H-H who love them and think they’re great, too.
Great basses, the whole MM lineup but... their oil finish necks are super sensitive to temperature amplitudes. Expect needing to readjust the truss rod way more often than with other lacquered basses.
Their electric guitar compartment is even worse in this regard, a friend of mine owns 5 MM guitars, including the Lukather signature, all requiring readjustments on a regular basis.
I would kill (figuratively of course, moderators don't even think about it) for a graphite neck MM stingray.
I think the added features of the newer specials are desirable. Stainless frets, one more fret, better neck heel, lightweight tuners, and the pickup design is way better. My 2001 stingray had the sharpest, rustiest, protruding pole pieces I ever saw on a bass. The new ones are magnificent. I'd imagine the new voicing of the preamp and the 18volts are better as well. But you can't go wrong with a 2000s model either, its 99% the same bass.
Differences - pickups (ceramic (usually on 5s), alnico (on 4s and some 5s), neodymium (new Special models)), neck size (slo models have jazz size necks at the nut), preamp (the new Stingray Specials have 18v preamp compared to a 9v), body/neck joint contours (different on the new special models), H vs HH (one vs two humbuckers, single H 5s have series/parallel/single coil switch), neck finish (gloss vs waxed), older two vs older three knob preamps (bass/treble vs bass/mids/treble with a baked in spike around 4k), tuners. There are also some bridge differences depending on year as well. So yeah, there's mostly everything that can complicate your decision. Honestly though all models sound like a Stingray. Get one with the features you like. I have a Stingray Classic model. If I was getting my first one now i'd probably go with one of the new Stingray Specials.
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All the history and info you need can be found here: Music Man Bass Global - Home. Musicmanbass Global
I recommend either a two-band or one of the current StingRay Special models. The Special is typically light in weight with a revoiced pickup that's not as harsh as the previous three-band Rays. As others have said, there isn't a period when StingRays weren't top-quality instruments.
I have a 1995 3 band H and a 2018 Special H, both are great basses. The newer Specials imo have a more flexible preamp and is a bit more even across the neck. But both have that unique Stingray sound. As long as the neck is straight and feels good, nearly anything else can be fixed.
An idea that most people don't consider, but that I think is worth considering, is a passive Ray. They have been made occasionally over the years, but honestly I like them a bit more than the active ones. For me, my idea of the sound is less in the preamp and in more the pickup and its position.
