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Stingray 5 in Alder?

M

mausc

May 12, 2011
41
0
#1
I know this topic has come up before, and I know EB says they use select hardwoods but explain that they're almost exclusively ash. I've had nine stingray 4s and stingray 5s and all were ash. We I just picked up a 1991 trans-red SR5 (been dying for one in that color for some time) and based on looking at my guitarist's sunburst strat all these years, it looks to be alder.


IMG_0299.jpg


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Its not as pretty as ash but it does sound nice. I think I'll keep it but keep my eyes open for an ash trans-red.
 
#3
My 96 honey burst is most certainly alder.

IMG_0209.jpg


Ash is a very bling-y wood. Lots of contrast to the grain. Alder has a very subtle grain. It was hard to even take a pic of the trans-red and see the grain.
 
#8
ubnomnar said:
IMHO yours is also a fine piece of ash:bassist:

You can always post it on the Stingray thread for confirmation.
Click to expand...

AFAIK It's a fine grained (and very light) piece of alder. I'm pretty sure about that. Also here on TB we have many wood experts and they are welcome to correct me if I'm wrong. :)

EDIT
No doubt, this 2000 sunburst (also pretty light but heavier than the '88) is ash!

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sorry for the crappy cell phone pics.
 
#11
narud said:
thats what the grain on lower density light weight swamp ash looks like.
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Great, light/swamp ash is one of my favorite tone woods! :hyper: :) However it looks quite different than my gecko 6's swamp ash body...

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(OT) look at this quilted maple neck :cool::

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#13
Wow that Modulus has an unbelievable top!

mausc said:
I know this topic has come up before, and I know EB says they use select hardwoods but explain that they're almost exclusively ash. I've had nine stingray 4s and stingray 5s and all were ash. We I just picked up a 1991 trans-red SR5 (been dying for one in that color for some time) and based on looking at my guitarist's sunburst strat all these years, it looks to be alder.


IMG_0299.jpg


IMG_0298.jpg


Its not as pretty as ash but it does sound nice. I think I'll keep it but keep my eyes open for an ash trans-red.
Click to expand...

The majority, if not all trans red musicman basses are alder. In the 90s, many of the solid colour basses were poplar. They say they generally use ash these days for Stingrays/Sterlings. Poplar and alder may be a little mellower sounding than ash.

The way for you guys to find out for sure is to sign on to the Ernie Ball Forums - Musicman basses forum - there's a sticky thread where you can post your serial number and EBMM Customer Services will tell you date of birth, original spec (maple/rosewood board, colour) etc if you ask them - you need to say you want to know the body wood as well.

The honeyburst basses shown are actually called sunburst if they're pre about 1997 - vintage sunburst was one of several custom colours at the time.
 
#17
nivagues said:
+1 what drTSTingray says. Alder was used for the Trans Reds (till about 1997 or a little latter).

Alder produced a darker Trans Red (like a wine red). Subsequent Trans Reds are now much brighter.
Click to expand...

That's a good piece of info because I will say mine is indeed a very dark, wine color. I love that. I'm not sure I'd like it too much brighter.
 
#18
mausc said:
I know this topic has come up before, and I know EB says they use select hardwoods but explain that they're almost exclusively ash. I've had nine stingray 4s and stingray 5s and all were ash. We I just picked up a 1991 trans-red SR5 (been dying for one in that color for some time) and based on looking at my guitarist's sunburst strat all these years, it looks to be alder.


IMG_0299.jpg


IMG_0298.jpg


Its not as pretty as ash but it does sound nice. I think I'll keep it but keep my eyes open for an ash trans-red.
Click to expand...

I agree, it's alder.
 

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