If you play out you should have at least 2 basses.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Stingray 5 as only bass
- Thread starter Jroc07
- Start date
-
- Tags
- stingray stingray 5
View attachment 2934429 In the early 90s I went from a 4-string Yamaha BB3000 to a Stingray 5. I had wanted to try a 5 for the contemporary music I was playing and the Stingray 5 looked pretty sweet. I played one at a music store and found the width and shape of the neck pretty easy to play coming from the jazz style neck of the Yamaha so I ordered one (translucent teal, rosewood neck). After I got it I played it on every gig up to the mid 2000s (when I finally got my hands on a Steinberger XL2 which was a 4 string).
Like most players who move to a 5 I had to adjust my technique but it became natural to me (on all styles of music I played - pop, rock, country rock etc). I'm still pretty awful and trying to slap a five lol.
After moving back to the 4 I decided I liked the feel of a 4 better however that low B can come in REAL handy if you are playing certain types of music.
I still like 5s (and still have the Stingray 5) and my other main bass (besides the XL2) is a P bass with a jazz neck.
I really dig the latest EBM Stingray 5 (those colors) but If I was going for a 5 these days I'd prob go with something less distinctive than the MM.
NB: I replaced the black pick guard with a custom pearled one.
Oh my, your SR5 five is gorgeous! I now have three fives, and need another one about like I need a bladder infection, but you Stingray gives me some wicked GAS!
Agreed - a MIM Fender P or similar ilk (Marcus Miller etc) can be had for a decent price, without breaking the bank.
Hey thanks! This is a 94 model I believe - I owned it since new
Here are some more pics:
ok, fwiw, I started on a 4, decided to jump to a 5 and try fretless simultaneously. Liked the added latitude. After the dust settled, I realized that I was not using the fretless like a person should, but was more making it "impersonate" a fretted instrument. so... long story shorty, I'm kinda wrecked for 4s now. I mean, i can play one, obviously, but not having the B string causes a hiccup that I could do without, so I converted my 4 to a BEAD and have my remaining basses as 5s.
To quote the Talosian from ST-OS, "may you find your way as pleasant"....
To quote the Talosian from ST-OS, "may you find your way as pleasant"....
There is no universal answer to the better bass here, ultimately it'll come down to you and your preferences. You'll have to decide whether you want to be a four string or five string bass player.
I can slap equally well on a five string , been playing for over 30 years and have had quite a few five strings during that time. After playing fives and adjusting to it, I had no problem slapping on some 5 string basses even those with super narrow spacing. Even then, I decided to switch back. I still prefer slapping and playing on a four. I can see how one can take advantage of that extra string, but for some it's well, not as useful. Many great bass players also believe this way and stuck with 4 string basses as a result. Some great 5 string players too of course.
Better question I think and the one you should be asking is what bass (regardless if it's a 4 OR 5 string) will be the one bass you're willing to keep keeping all factors in mind - comfort, sound, features.
OF course the TB answer is to buy more basses, why settle for just one.
I can slap equally well on a five string , been playing for over 30 years and have had quite a few five strings during that time. After playing fives and adjusting to it, I had no problem slapping on some 5 string basses even those with super narrow spacing. Even then, I decided to switch back. I still prefer slapping and playing on a four. I can see how one can take advantage of that extra string, but for some it's well, not as useful. Many great bass players also believe this way and stuck with 4 string basses as a result. Some great 5 string players too of course.
Better question I think and the one you should be asking is what bass (regardless if it's a 4 OR 5 string) will be the one bass you're willing to keep keeping all factors in mind - comfort, sound, features.
OF course the TB answer is to buy more basses, why settle for just one.
If you want to move to a 4, move to a 4, but IMO that's not a good trade at all. Sell the Stringray, add a some money, and get something better than an '08 Jazz - maybe an MM Caprice.
If you want a 5 too, do what the others have suggested: Keep the Ray and find a 4 - there are plenty of good options for a 4 that won't break the bank.
If you want a 5 too, do what the others have suggested: Keep the Ray and find a 4 - there are plenty of good options for a 4 that won't break the bank.
Last edited:
This..... assuming "loonies" means money.
If it means bullets or pizza crusts or empty dog food cans then no.
Those SUBs are really good, talk about bangs for buck. I got one to practice on, save my EBMM for gigs and lordy it is a mean machine. Can't think of another budget bass anywhere near it. Build quality is way above the price level.
For one bass, I’d prefer a 5. However, if you play your 5 like a 4 with an extra string with a few extra low notes then get rid of it for a 4 if you are just more comfortable on one.
Hey thanks! This is a 94 model I believe - I owned it since new
Here are some more pics:View attachment 2934485View attachment 2934486View attachment 2934487
You take great care of it, it looks new!
Yeah I did - no dings, scratches or buckle rash. The coating on the wood is very sturdy. The only thing is that the tuners oxidized quickly and I couldn't find anything to polish them up nicely. I suspect they weren't treated properly at the factory as the bridge, battery plate and the neck plate are still super shiny.
The bass is in storage at the moment so I don't play it.
Just on the topic of the SR5 - I just love this look of the 2018s - the two pickups prob overkill for me but I love the color and EBM's 'roasted maple' (neck/headstock) looks awesome.
Loonies and toonies are terms for $1 and $2 coins in Canadian currency. Kinda like saying “bucks” in the US. Learning other countries currencies is just another benefit of working on cruise ships!
See I'm currently without a 5 string, decided a few years ago I just prefer 4's. But now I'm back to wanting a 5 string in 'case' I need it or want to use it. Which is weird because I don't play any of the music typically associated with 5's like death metal, country, gospel, etc. Probably 95% of the music I like and bassists I like play 4's and yet I keep feeling like I'm missing something.
So I'd suggest what others have said and keep the 5 and just save up for a 4. You can find a used MIM or USA Jazz bass for good prices on Craigslist.
So I'd suggest what others have said and keep the 5 and just save up for a 4. You can find a used MIM or USA Jazz bass for good prices on Craigslist.
For me, I'd never sell the SR5. Save up for another bass if you want one.
For more than 50 years gigging here in Oz I have owned a lot of different basses...4001 Ric, 4003 Ric, a shortscale Gibson EB3, Fender Precision, Maton fretless, and a few MIJ copies. I regret selling each and every one of them, which is why these days I refuse to part with the 7 different brand basses I have now. If I had the chance to live my life over again I would still have the above mentioned basses in my collection. I think a lot about those that I have sold or traded in for another guitar, and wish I still had them with me now that they are gone. Regret is a horrible thing as it is one of the few things that does actually stay with you.
How could I ever sell anything as beautiful as this....
I’m also partial to the SR5. Mine is a 2001 model that is my main player. I have to make excuses to use a 4 string now. I would never sell mine, but I kind of want to put in a Nordstrand pickup to get that Alnico sound instead of the ceramic Sterling sound.
