Because you said so
I would guarantee that 99% of people would say so if they actually played both. The 2 band is just better. And I am an owner of a 3 band SLO, so no offense and no bias. 3 EQ isn’t bad but 2 EQ is magic.
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Stingray Classic Returns
- Thread starter LadyLoveStingRay5
- Start date
I would guarantee that 99% of people would say so if they actually played both. The 2 band is just better. And I am an owner of a 3 band SLO, so no offense and no bias. 3 EQ isn’t bad but 2 EQ is magic.
Niiice! I love the white one. I would probably change the pickguard to black like the OG white ones were.
I agree with this. I've had a number of "regular" Stingrays and Stingray Specials over the years, and they have all been wonderful basses that had top notch build quality and playability. And they all sounded great. BUT... for me, it is definitely the two band eq ala original that takes the blue ribbon. It just rings my bell and to my ears has something a little magical that the 3-band and Specials do not.
Agreed. I have also owned many of both. It's not that the 3 EQ is bad, but it's a lot more fickle. The 2 EQ sounds good any way you set it, never harsh, never boomy, always fat and thick, sounds like the late 70s. It's amazing.
For me right now the SLO neck triumphs all. Every Stingray should have this neck.
Have have 2 bands, 3 bands and 3 band Stingray Specials. The Stingray Specials score full marks always - I see these as being the pinnacle of Stingrays although ymmv.
That’s not to say I don’t really like the 2 bands as well. I’m seriously thinking about a natural one!! I also have at the back of my mind, what will the 50th Anniversary Stingray be like (2026)!! That’s a long way off though!!
That’s not to say I don’t really like the 2 bands as well. I’m seriously thinking about a natural one!! I also have at the back of my mind, what will the 50th Anniversary Stingray be like (2026)!! That’s a long way off though!!
Likely sometime around the 10-13th, I usually have my gear drop-shipped to the local FedEx Office since I don't trust my neighborhood FedEx driver
I thought about that, but I was also thinking about swapping out the black pickup cover for a white one
Guess I'll wait to I have it on hand until I make a decision...
That would look cool too. They did all sorts of weird combos with the Classic that were not original...almost more vintage Fender inspired colors. For these I'd want to keep it OG!!! Man I bet you can't wait. Good luck.
I have a 3 band, a 2 band and a Special. I honestly can’t decide which sound I like best. My mind keeps changing once I think I like one best. They all sound great and are more alike than different. If you like the sound of a stingray I can’t understand why anyone would not like the sound of any of them as they all are unmistakably stingray sounding.
If you want a StingRay, there are so many options and eras to choose from.
I fell in love with the original old school Bernard Edwards, Louis Johnson, Paul Denman, Nate Watts, Allen McGreir StingRay sound.
The 2band, Old Smoothie, and Specials are my favorite. I don’t care for the 3band ceramic pre Specials. I find them too metallic , bright, and aggressive .
Okay... so here she is.
Came in today and I've had a chance to put a couple of hours on her. I'm not going to say a whole lot about her yet because it will just come off as me gushing. Let's just say it's about perfect for me--exactly what a Stingray should be and the way a Stingray should sound. As much as I've liked the Stingray Classics I've had in the past, I like this one better. I'll be more comprehensive later. But just a couple of observations/points:
* to me, the neck feels sleeker than I recall my Stingray Classics being. However, it has been awhile since I've had a Classic. But yes, sleek feeling neck for a Stingray.
* weight is about 9 pounds 14 ounces. Not light, but certainly not overly heavy.
* it is a slab body, but the edges are much more rounded than the "sharpies" on my '51 P-bass.
* finish is wonderful. I've always preferred finished necks as long as it is poly. Lacquer tends to be sticky on my hands, but poly is smooth as silk. This one appears to be poly because it's super slick on my hands.
* build quality is MAGNIFICENT.
Two thumbs up times 1000.
Oh, and it comes with a nice vintage style case. I think I saw a photo of a new one with a Mono bag on one of the retailer websites (maybe I'm just dreaming)... but no, a real vintage correct case.
Came in today and I've had a chance to put a couple of hours on her. I'm not going to say a whole lot about her yet because it will just come off as me gushing. Let's just say it's about perfect for me--exactly what a Stingray should be and the way a Stingray should sound. As much as I've liked the Stingray Classics I've had in the past, I like this one better. I'll be more comprehensive later. But just a couple of observations/points:
* to me, the neck feels sleeker than I recall my Stingray Classics being. However, it has been awhile since I've had a Classic. But yes, sleek feeling neck for a Stingray.
* weight is about 9 pounds 14 ounces. Not light, but certainly not overly heavy.
* it is a slab body, but the edges are much more rounded than the "sharpies" on my '51 P-bass.
* finish is wonderful. I've always preferred finished necks as long as it is poly. Lacquer tends to be sticky on my hands, but poly is smooth as silk. This one appears to be poly because it's super slick on my hands.
* build quality is MAGNIFICENT.
Two thumbs up times 1000.
Oh, and it comes with a nice vintage style case. I think I saw a photo of a new one with a Mono bag on one of the retailer websites (maybe I'm just dreaming)... but no, a real vintage correct case.
There is no such thing as a 3-band ceramic unless you're talking about the SR5 between 1991 and 2008. The SR4 (pre-Specials, with the possible exception of some limited editions) has always been alnico, including the 3-bands.
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Congratulations thats a beautiful bass. So how does it sound compared to the classic?
It's been awhile since I had my last Classic Stingray, but from what I can recall, it's definitely really close. Seems to me that this one has a bit more midrange bite than I remember the Classic having. So, a bit more focused. Of course, I haven't played it in a live setting yet, but right now my guess is that it will definitely cut through a mix with that midrange. Of course, with the bass and treble controls dimed, it's Louis Johnson territory. But with both of them cut all the way back, it actually sounds pretty good as well, and like I said, lots of midrange bite. I don't remember the Classics being quite that pronounced--and for sure I remember not liking the sound with both controls all the way off--sounded a bit anemic. Not the case with this bass. It sound pretty darn good that way. Of course that could have a lot to do with this particular slab of ash as well.
The controls really give a wide range of sounds. Cranking the bass is blowing my walls down! And the treble cranked is that ear-splitting treble Stingrays are known for. Another thing I like about the 2-band Stingray pre is that the pots do not have a "center detent." I like starting with both all the way off and adding whatever, if needed.
Awesome! Thank you for this initial review. The Stingray is my favorite bass and this reissue is pretty exciting!
I played my classic today and I still love that bass. It's a beautiful modern take on a classic design and it's staying with me.
Perhaps that added midrange comes from the pickup? These should have the period correct long poles in the pup as opposed to the classic which would have the modern short pole pup.
If I am ever to grab one of these retro 70's, I would still keep my classic.
This is why I wait with, bated breath, for EB to finish doing what they’re doing with the Sterling…as long as what they’re doing isn’t “cancelling”…
I would love a nice mint condition Classic Sterling in surf green with a rosewood board.
