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Sting vs. '51 Reissue

R

Richard43

Nov 2, 2007
28
6
#1
I am looking at buying a new P Bass. I can't make up my mind between the Sting or the '51 Reissue. The Sting is more money which I am assuming means better quality (it can't be because of the 12th fret can it?!) but something about the '51 stimulates my primal urges. I would appreciate any thoughts on these two basses.

Thanks,

Richard
 
#4
You're the judge of that, man. It's personal preference. Some people don't mind having the squared off edges on their bass, and some people just have to have the contours. My opinion is that the contours don't really do much for comfort, so I'm good with any bass no matter if it has contours or not. Go to your local music shop and try out a contoured bass and a bass that's not contoured and see if it makes a difference for you.
 
#6
Some folks can't get along with their forearms hangin' off the edge of a slab body.
It don't bother me...
Body shape aside, they're very similar.

Does the Sting have reverse wound tuners? The 51 does...The Sting has individual bridge saddles, right? The 51 has dual two string saddles...this limits adjustment of intonation, tho I've been able to get both my two saddle bridges closer enuff you don't hear the amount they're out. New bridge, or compensated saddles are cheap...
 
#7
Chef said:
Some folks can't get along with their forearms hangin' off the edge of a slab body.
It don't bother me...
Body shape aside, they're very similar.

Does the Sting have reverse wound tuners? The 51 does...The Sting has individual bridge saddles, right? The 51 has dual two string saddles...this limits adjustment of intonation, tho I've been able to get both my two saddle bridges closer enuff you don't hear the amount they're out. New bridge, or compensated saddles are cheap...
Click to expand...

The Sting has the same hardware as the '51. Same bridge, same tuners... Just a more comfortable body...
 
#9
Chef said:
Some folks can't get along with their forearms hangin' off the edge of a slab body.
It don't bother me...
Click to expand...

I find the contour more comfortable
Body shape aside, they're very similar.

Chef said:
Does the Sting have reverse wound tuners?
Click to expand...
Yes.

Chef said:
The 51 does...The Sting has individual bridge saddles, right? The 51 has dual two string saddles...this limits adjustment of intonation, tho I've been able to get both my two saddle bridges closer enuff you don't hear the amount they're out. New bridge, or compensated saddles are cheap...
Click to expand...

It's a toss up.

I would buy which ever one I could find used.

The new prices are rediculous!
$850.00 for a Sting bass?
No way...

I paid $300 and change for my Sting bass full of upgrades and it's a smoker...
 
#12
I've been in the market for one of these for awhile now, too, but I ended up grabbing a Squier Classic Vibe 50's P instead. It just showed up this afternoon and I took it to band practice tonight, fresh out of the box. (no setup, stock strings) I was very impressed. It held up nicely compared to my Fender Classic 50's P. The SC pup is definitely more "in your face" than the standard P split coil. Before it showed up I was considering a pup swap but the stock SC held it's own just fine. I'm going to replace the stock strings with flats and probably upgrade the electronics, although everything seemed very solid and I didn't have any problems tonight. It's a very cool bass and definitely worth a look if you can hang with the blue finish.
 
#13
Richard43 said:
Was the body the only difference or where there differences in sound or playability?

Richard
Click to expand...

The body was the only difference... I preferred the neck on my '51 but, from what i gather, they are exactly the same neck but vary from individual basses in terms of "feel". I also think it has to do with how thick the poly layer is on that particular neck. There are threads here where guys have to sand down their necks to get over the "stickiness" that the CIJ poly imparts sometimes. Play a few and decide is what people always say, but I have found that is usually impractical, especially if you order on-line.
 
#15
i had a sting bass, and have played a 51RI they are similar but not exactly the same i felt my sting was a little better quality i loved that bass, and really miss it. i got mine on clearance for $350 the dumbest thing i ever did was trade it in for a pod xt live wich i never used. mine was built extemely solid. actually it was the best built bass i ever had and i have 5 laklands, u.s. fenders, music mans etc...heres a refinished one i found on the dudepit
 
#17
dvh said:
The 51 is still my favourite bass. I don't miss the contours, it's not a sharp edge like an acoustic guitar.

Agree with Chef. The two barrel bridge works fine. I've yet to hear anyone say "Hey, that A at the 12th fret sounds a little out" (because it's not out anywhere needing concern).
Click to expand...


I really love my '51 reissue. The neck is extremely comfortable (rounded edges, nicely shaped, etc.) and the growly tone of the single coil pup is really cool. The lack of contour is no big deal. For less than $700 you can't beat it. I play it as much as my CS and other expensive basses.
 
#20
Well actually neither. I was set to buy a new '51 but the price went up by $100. So I looked around some more and really started to fall for the Sting. I just sent an e-mail tonight to the local guy who had one at not too bad a price to see if it is still for sale.

Richard
 

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