Sell me on a US-made Stingray

[JakobT]

Look for a Musicman SUB (not to be confused with the Sterling SUB). These are US made, and are essentially the Stingray Ray Classic ie. same parts, same wood, same everything except the finish - it feels like a Stingray because it is one. You can find these used for around $500 (sometimes even less, I bought mine for under $200) but note, there is a passive version of the US SUB available too, what you want is the active with the 2 band EQ.

The EBMM SUB has the original StingRay 2-band preamp, but not the same parts and wood. The parts are unbranded, and the body wood is poplar.

 

[mcnach]

I recently bought a cheapo Sterling SUB Ray4. Cheapest bass I've ever owned... and I friggin love it. So easy to set up, plays like a dream and basically has exactly the tone I've been chasing, but never quite achieving. (I know, duh!)

Anyway, it makes me think I should invest in a US Stingray, probably the "Classic."

I'm not looking for a "do everything" bass (that's what my L-2500 is for).

But is a $2400 EBMM that much better than my SUB? I know "fit and finish" will be better, but if it sounds good and plays well, I'm not all that bothered by cosmetic differences. I do like Made in USA, and I'm willing to pay more for that. But what else makes the 8x price difference worth it?

If you think I should consider a different model, I'm open to that, but not really interested in HH, and actually kind of like 2-band EQ over 3-band, FWIW.

You love the cheaper version?
Then enjoy it and don't rock the boat!

Seriously, there's nothing wrong with cheaper basses. I've owned and still own a few and if an instrument is decent, then it's fine by me, whatever the headstock name or price tag.

However, I was where you are, a few years ago. No SBMM basses then, I found a really nice OLP MM2 which was a joy to play. The pickup was not brilliant and it was passive, so I replaced the pickup and installed a 3 band preamp, and I loved that thing. I ended up buying another 3 OLPs as they were often found very cheap. They were very variable, 'though. One was a dog and sold it almost straight away. The other two were nice, one in particular. I made one fretless and the other my backup.

I tried a couple of Stingrays briefly in a pawnshop. I was still happy with my OLP, but one of the Stingrays had 'something' about it. Setup was bad and old strings, neck had dents... it had been mistreated but it felt special.

And then I found my Stingray (on my avatar). It just felt right and kept getting better. Eventually I sold all the OLPs because they just didn't match it. I wish I had kept that first OLP 'though... But I still haven't played a single bass I like more than my 2002 Stingray.

 

[mouthmw]

As a huge fan of 2 band/classic Stingrays, I'd say go for it. But don't sell your SUB just yet, you obviously have found a great specimen.

Try to hunt down a used USA Stingray - either an old USA SUB, Classic Stingray or one of the standard older Stingrays with a 2 band preamp. Who knows, maybe you won't like the fatter neck (your SUB is a J neck style, real Stingrays are more of a P neck style), or maybe the weight won't be to your liking, or who knows.

Check out the new Stingray Special too, even though it's a 3 bander, they've redesigned it and tamed it.

But for that classic 2 band tone, definitely be on the hunt for a good specimen.

 

[BlueShox]

Play one, it will sell itself

 

[mouthmw]

The EBMM SUB has the original StingRay 2-band preamp, but not the same parts and wood. The parts are unbranded, and the body wood is poplar.

Parts are indeed unbranded, but identical otherwise. Poplar was also used on certain solid color Stingrays for a while too. So, yeah. Unless you're an extreme tone-woodologist, I wouldn't be bothered by that. I've had both, and tonally, if you can't set them up to sound and play identical, that's a different type of problem then.

 

[Taustin Powers]

I recently bought a cheapo Sterling SUB Ray4. Cheapest bass I've ever owned... and I friggin love it. So easy to set up, plays like a dream and basically has exactly the tone I've been chasing, but never quite achieving.

Sounds like you found the perfect bass for you for a very reasonable price! Stick with it! For many people, it takes many years until they find the right instrument that just fits them perfectly. If it has and does everything you want, why spend large sums of money for an American made version of the same instrument?

 

[SteveHeissner]

Your comment makes me wanna go to Guitar Center and try one.

and I friggin love it. So easy to set up, plays like a dream and basically has exactly the tone I've been chasing[/QUOTE]

 

[mdogs]

I'll say what I always say in these threads, if you unable to discern tbe difference on your own, you might as well go with the sub.

 

[Kmonk]

Personally, I think Stingrays are way over priced. They should be around $1,500 to $1,700. I owned a 5 string version about 10 years ago. It had a decent sound but also had dead spots at the 7th, 8th and 9th frets. I ended up trading it and got an Alembic Epic 5 string for it.

 

[JakobT]

Parts are indeed unbranded, but identical otherwise. Poplar was also used on certain solid color Stingrays for a while too. So, yeah. Unless you're an extreme tone-woodologist, I wouldn't be bothered by that. I've had both, and tonally, if you can't set them up to sound and play identical, that's a different type of problem then.

I beg to differ. The parts look almost identical, but aren't. The tuners look exactly the same, but as soon as you turn them, you will find that the action is much lighter and they're easier to knock out of adjustment. The bridge, too, looks almost the same, but as soon as you see side by side with a Stingray bridge, you'll notice the difference. The shape is slightly different, the saddles are slightly different, and the whole thing looks a little cheaper, which it probably is. The chrome somehow looks cheaper as well. That said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the parts on the SUB, and it will make no practical difference.

EDIT: Just noticed that the side bolts in the SUB version is nearer the top of the bridge, too.

 

[mouthmw]

I beg to differ. The parts look almost identical, but aren't. The tuners look exactly the same, but as soon as you turn them, you will find that the action is much lighter and they're easier to knock out of adjustment. The bridge, too, looks almost the same, but as soon as you see side by side with a Stingray bridge, you'll notice the difference. The shape is slightly different, the saddles are slightly different, and the whole thing looks a little cheaper, which it probably is. The chrome somehow looks cheaper as well. That said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the parts on the SUB, and it will make no practical difference.

I dunno man, I've had both but haven't directly compared them. Also, I've replaced saddles on my USA SUB with the original Stingray saddles (I bought the SUB used and the saddle screws were a bit stripped and loose) - they were the same thing. Coincidentally, the new saddles that I've received from EBMM - also had a few screws loose! I learned a nice trick with putting a bit of thread with the screws to keep them from moving, so no issues. Perhaps the OG Stingray hardware is a bit shinier. Tuners were great, and IMO had better string shafts than the 2010 BFR Stingray that I had which were a pain in the a** for stringing for some reason. But that's because of the slight hardware changes that EBMM did later. Otherwise, I dunno man, hardware was pretty much spot on for me, as was the fret job, neck stability and overall attention to detail.

 

[Geri O]

Buy a P... used or new.

Hint:

That wasn’t the question.

 

[Geri O]

I’m lucky that the neck on the 2011 is as sweet as the 2005, but the newer preamp isn’t quite as fat as the older models.

I’d say if you can find a well cared-for pre-2006 for decent $$, don’t be afraid. They’re fine instruments with unique voices and besides being a little chubby on the scale - play wonderfully.

Hey, Paul. After owning 1998, 1999, and 2004 SR5 models and like a big dummy, selling them, I found a gorgeous 2011 SR5 for a grand. Like you, I love the neck, but the tone isn’t as knarly as the earlier basses. But I’ve grown accustomed to the slightly more mellow tune and I really, really like it.

And I do agree, the earlier Stingrays are just as great a find as later models.

 

[JakobT]

I dunno man, I've had both but haven't directly compared them. Also, I've replaced saddles on my USA SUB with the original Stingray saddles (I bought the SUB used and the saddle screws were a bit stripped and loose) - they were the same thing. Coincidentally, the new saddles that I've received from EBMM - also had a few screws loose! I learned a nice trick with putting a bit of thread with the screws to keep them from moving, so no issues. Perhaps the OG Stingray hardware is a bit shinier. Tuners were great, and IMO had better string shafts than the 2010 BFR Stingray that I had which were a pain in the a** for stringing for some reason. But that's because of the slight hardware changes that EBMM did later. Otherwise, I dunno man, hardware was pretty much spot on for me, as was the fret job, neck stability and overall attention to detail.

Nothing wrong with the hardware at all. I just get a little pedantic at times - sorry about that.

 

[mouthmw]

Nothing wrong with the hardware at all. I just get a little pedantic at times - sorry about that.

Hey no problem at all man! In fact, if you've noticed some difference when directly comparing them, then cool! I'm always glad to find out new tidbits and info

 

[DWBass]

Are the US models worth $2k more? My personal opinion is NO. I will say that the necks are amazing and beautiful to look at and the new lightweight models are amazing. But the price tag is way out of my price range. The SBMM SUB's are not bad basses at all. I bought one when they first hit the scene. I upgraded the electronics. It needed nothing else. If I ever decide to buy a US model, it will most definitely be a used bass.

 

[Knavery]

I jut nabbed a mint Stingray Special from the classifieds for $1600. I think it was bought new in November. There are deals to be had if you want one. Though, that is still a lot of money.

 

[roller]

And yet I gave that response.

Hint:

That wasn’t the question.

 

[Sml175]

Selling mine on here, like new, rare pacific blue 4HH, MINT. IN CLASSIFIEDS.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Nice bass, but nothing like a StingRay.

You're right, they're better!