Stingray 5 vs classic Stingray 5

[Dave W]

I came across this old thread as I am currently looking to pick up a Stingray 5, but cannot decide between the standard Stingray 5 or the Classic Stingray 5.
Unfortunately, there are no stores near me that have both (none have any Classics) in stock to try out.
I've already determined that I don't want to go with any of the newer pickup configurations, so I'm looking for opinions on which gets the closest to a traditional 2-band Stingray sound.

I have 2 mid-80's 2-band 4-strings and aside from a minor difference due to glossy Maple vs. Rosewood fingerboards, they sound virtually identical.
While having more flexibility (and color options) on the standard Stingray 5 is appealing, I never really cared much for the look of the Stingray 5 since they introduced it.
Therefore, the Classic Stingray 5 seems that it would be the clear choice, unless the Stingray 5 does a better job of nailing that classic 2-band Stingray tone...

Any help/advice would be most appreciated!

Yes, a Classic series would probably be the best choice. It's got an alnico pickup and a 2 band pre like your old one. Otherwise you could grab a post 2008 SR5 which would also have an alnico pickup.

 

[Alistair R]

I recently replaced my H SR5 with a Classic 5. I felt like a bit of a change and wanted that classic stingray look which Musicman delivered with the classic 5. The birdseye neck is just too cool.

They're different beasts but at the end of the day, quite similar. The standard stingray is a bit more versatile given the coil switch and 3-band eq. Having said that, I found I never touch the mid-range control on the 3 band. It was always turned up, I just felt that's the tone I wanted and never needed to change it (find changing mids on amps for useful). In general, I've found 2-band eq's to be better for my needs for that very reason. As for the tonal differences between the classic and the SR5 in parallel, I find they sound pretty similar. The classic has a bit more of the early stingray vibe whereas the standard SR5 is slightly more modern sounding, but to my ears they are very close. I find the classic to be a bit of a one trick pony, but that's okay given I've got tonal bases covered with other axes. I guess you'll have to weigh that up given what else you play, as the standard stingray offers a bit more tonal variation, particularly if you choose a two pickup option.

I guess it depends on what vibe you are going for. The classic series does it for me with the cool factor, but having said that I could easily see myself with another stingray 5 next to it.

Moral of the story, buy both!

 

[Guinness20]

The classic looks better in my opinion (oval scratch plate), has the mutes and Birdseye neck. Then again if almost be scared of playing it haha, the Birdseye is too precious!

 

[Spronzy MkIII]

I've got a Classic 5 and the OG SR4 from 1978. EB did a good job of getting them sounding similar. The neck profile on the Classic 5 is quite chunky though, not far off a Spector NS5. Two vs three band eq doesn't bother me so long as the frequency bands are dialled in and they are on the Classic 5. The bass control fattens things up nicely. The treble adds attack although I would say it doesnt'cut enough. I don't miss a mid control at all.

 

[_Obra_]

I've got a Classic 5 and the OG SR4 from 1978. EB did a good job of getting them sounding similar. The neck profile on the Classic 5 is quite chunky though, not far off a Spector NS5. Two vs three band eq doesn't bother me so long as the frequency bands are dialled in and they are on the Classic 5. The bass control fattens things up nicely. The treble adds attack although I would say it doesnt'cut enough. I don't miss a mid control at all.

How heavy is Your Classic V if I may ask?