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Stingray Aesthetics: 4-string vs. 5-string

aRandomAggie

aRandomAggie

Guest
Apr 5, 2011
267
63
Houston
#1
I'm currently gassing for an EBMM SR5. Love the tone and the feel of the B-string. Problem is, I'm not a huge fan of the extra top body contouring on the horns, large pick guard/lack of chrome control plate that the SR4 has.

My question is this: has EBMM ever produced a 3-band SR5 with the modern SR4 body contours, oval pick guard and chrome control plate? Basically, I want a 5-string Stingray that looks just like a 4-string.
 
#2
No AFAIK. Only the US Sub and Classic but both are 2 band.

The closest you can get is a Sterling 5 - and a very fine bass it is - no control plate though.

I used to feel the same way as you but I now prefer the standard SR5 body and pg. Sort of differentiates it from the SR4 which is a classic design in itself.

The darker colours with black pick guard tend to reduce the look of the pg especially black.
 
#4
Well they didn't make a regular version of the 5 that was identical to the SR4.
But you can get close;
As mentioned, the Classic has the oval, but is a 2band.
The Sterling 5 has the normal contours, oval, 3band, but will have the ceramic pickups which is how the SR5 came for nearly 13 years anyway.
Or the 20th anniv SR5 can be found on the used market. It's a beautiful model with normal contours, 3band, and has no pickguard.
 
#7
M.R. Ogle said:
That's funny... I really like the look of the five string with that large pickguard, and would like to get a four string that looks like that.

Different strokes for different folks!
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat-- I wish they would build a Stingray 4-string that shares the body contours and pickguard of the 5-string!

I don't like control plates unless there is a front-mounted jack. Conversely, I don't like jacks installed in a pickguard-- I'd rather have a control plate in that case.

I know, I have issues! :help:
 
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#8
I SOOOO agree!

MexiJazz.jpg
 
#9
I wish there was a Stingray 5 with, a 35" finished neck with 19mm string spacing, string through the bridge/body, an active passive switch and an unlined, finished ebony fretless board.
 
#12
Daniel Piper said:
Is there a reason you need the 3-band?
Click to expand...

Need? No, I could probably get away without it. I've played the Classic 5's at a local shop, and they are amazing basses. My biggest problem with the Classic 5 isn't the preamp; it's the gloss finish on the back of the neck, neck profile, and lack of forearm/tummy contours on the body.

I'm sure I can learn to love that big pg on the SR5.

Thanks for all the responses!
 
#15
aRandomAggie said:
Need? No, I could probably get away without it. I've played the Classic 5's at a local shop, and they are amazing basses. My biggest problem with the Classic 5 isn't the preamp; it's the gloss finish on the back of the neck, neck profile, and lack of forearm/tummy contours on the body.

I'm sure I can learn to love that big pg on the SR5.

Thanks for all the responses!
Click to expand...

For my gloss necks, a nice neat tape line and some 0000 steel wool does wonders, just enough to take some of the sheen off.
 

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