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Should I do it?? Heavy modifying a Stingray5 Special or SELL IT?

#23
As I recall, the string spacing on the SR Special 5 is actually 17.5 mm, not 18. Not sure how much that changes things, except maybe having to widen the neck pocket slightly more.

If you think the SR Special sound is exactly what you want, then I’d say go for it, because I haven’t heard any StingRay-ish basses that sound quite like it. That said, many StingRay lovers prefer the sound of the pre-Special basses. The neo pickups sound good, but different than the classic SR sound.
 
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#25
I'm torn between seeing a beautiful Stingray being modded and also very curious about a 19mm version of it.

I only have a few years of experience with 5 strings, I loved my Stingray and I can make the 17.5mm works but I'd say 18.5mm would be the ideal spacing for me.

With the Custom Shop open I don't understand why EBMM does not offer the option in standard (even with no choice of fingerboard to reduce the cost)...I know I know the history of Sterling defying TB
 
#28
Get a 5er with the string spacing that you like and leave your 'Ray 5 alone! Once you mod it, it will pretty much become worthless if you ever want to sell it "on down the road".

And many of us TBers have short attention spans with our basses. In other words, many of us are constantly selling and buying. GAS! You could mod your 'Ray 5 and still not be happy with it.

Also, with a wider neck and wider string spacing, your strings will be off in accord with the magnet poles.

IMHO
 
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#31
heavily modifying a bass takes a lot away from its resale value, so it will cost around $800 and make the bass worth at least $800 less - or possibly impossible to sell at all.

why not sell it and use the money to buy a bass you actually like? after all, there are folks out there who will love that bass just the way it is.
 
#32
I modified an SR5. But, it was just removing a pickup, putting on a new guard and replacing the tunes with ULs. All reversible, save for maybe a few of the tuner screw holes that might be visible with the stock tuners installed.

I'm not opposed to modding basses. But have you checked out the Lakland basses with MM pickups (35" scale though)?
 
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#34
dangomez66 said:
I am considering getting a wider custom neck made for my Stingray5, which will mean routing the body a bit.

I have a mint 2018 Stingray5 Special in charcoal sparkle. It has narrower 18mm string spacing and I prefer 19mm. It doesnt seem like much, but with the slimmer neck, it does feel a lot different than my main axe, an MTD 535.

The new neck would be a nicely figured roasted flame maple, without any official MM decals, of course. All-in, the cost is about $800, which isn't bad, considering. Might swap in a Nordstrand pickup to boot. And i can always sell the neck & old bridge to offset some of the cost.

WWYD? Should I mod it or sell it as-is?

Sale price: $1900 with ohsc
Click to expand...

Sell it and find one that matches what you are looking for. Stingray Specials are awesome and you’ll get your money for it.
 
#35
I say sell it because there are so many more basses that fit your criteria. But also, isn’t it possible to have a luthier route the neck to fit the SR5 body and just have the fingerboard hang over the pocket a little? And I would think you’d have to replace the bridge too to get the string spacing you want in the right hand.
 
#36
If I were ever to own such a bass? I'd sell it, and buy something with a more.... suitable... neck. As others have pointed out? Routing the body + different neck ($$ spent) = little/no resale value (no $$ back). Unless you can find a buyer that wants Exactly what you created? You will never get your money back... But, if that's never going to be a concern? Then, knock yourself out... :cool:
As for me buying it? Sorry; one too many strings - and it's wrong handed, too...:whistle:
 
#38
dangomez66 said:
I am considering getting a wider custom neck made for my Stingray5, which will mean routing the body a bit.

I have a mint 2018 Stingray5 Special in charcoal sparkle. It has narrower 18mm string spacing and I prefer 19mm. It doesnt seem like much, but with the slimmer neck, it does feel a lot different than my main axe, an MTD 535.

The new neck would be a nicely figured roasted flame maple, without any official MM decals, of course. All-in, the cost is about $800, which isn't bad, considering. Might swap in a Nordstrand pickup to boot. And i can always sell the neck & old bridge to offset some of the cost.

WWYD? Should I mod it or sell it as-is?

Sale price: $1900 with ohsc
Click to expand...
Don’t mod it, sell it!

I know what I am talking about…


20220123_160719 (1)_Original.jpeg


🤣
 
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#39
That would be a horrible thing to do to that bass. I read some silly stuff on here, but this takes the cake.

"Should I irreparably damage this ~$2000 instrument over 1mm of string spacing? Should I get rid of this well crafted neck and roll the dice on a one off that will require the neck joint to be widened as well so it can never be returned to it's optimal, factory condition??"

No. No you shouldn't.
 
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#40
If you mod it that heavily you'll never get your money back if you want to sell it. You won't sell it for as much as an unmolested SR5 sells for, and with unmolested SR5s readily available you may not even be able to sell it. Unless you know you can commit to keeping it, you should sell the bass and buy something that is closer to your specs. The models have already been mentioned, so I won't repeat those.
 
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