• 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 Classic Returns

#481
Mike Vee said:
I just got myself a 70s in Sunburst, 9.25 lbs, hard case. I was FLOORED at the deal I got just by calling the shop, PLUS 36 month interest free financing (I'll pay it sooner) so I pulled the trigger. Let's just say I paid significantly under 3K and no tax. I was planning to buy on in the new year, but damn, full retail with tax is pretty insane. I paid less than a Stingray Special costs today :) MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Here's the exact one:

View attachment 5288030

View attachment 5288031
Click to expand...
Wow. What a score. Let us know what you think of it when it arrives.
 
Last edited:
#483
dustinymichaels said:
The classic Stingray is different from the new Retro. The classic has 6 bolts and the necks are high gloss birdseye maple. Also the truss rod adjust is at the heel and not up at the top. It is a slab body, with neck dimensions similar to a 70s Stingray, but the other things I mentioned were improvements on the original design.
Click to expand...
Yes. I own both and they also do sound slightly different.
 
  • Like
Reactions: murphy
#487
dustinymichaels said:
How so? I'm somewhat interested in the Retro but I have a strong preference for rosewood fretboards.
Click to expand...

The Retro has more output is more punchier and thumps better. It also has a richer smoother sound. The Classic sounds more organic and has more growl. The Retro sounds more focused and the Classic sounds more open.
I should mention that my Classic is a 5 String and my Retro is a 4 if that matters.
Also my Classic is 9.9 lbs which is light for a 5 string Classic and my Retro is 10.3 lbs. So the Retro has a denser wood and this could contribute to the tone.
 
#489
Mike Vee said:
I just got myself a 70s in Sunburst, 9.25 lbs, hard case. I was FLOORED at the deal I got just by calling the shop, PLUS 36 month interest free financing (I'll pay it sooner) so I pulled the trigger. Let's just say I paid significantly under 3K and no tax. I was planning to buy on in the new year, but damn, full retail with tax is pretty insane. I paid less than a Stingray Special costs today :) MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Here's the exact one:

View attachment 5288030

View attachment 5288031
Click to expand...
Nice, what shop?
 
#490
dustinymichaels said:
Thanks!
Do you think that's a universal comparison or that the density makes the big difference? Is the 5 rosewood per chance?
Click to expand...
I am not sure if it's a universal comparison because I do not own multiple Retro's or Classics, but I do believe density can make a difference in sound.
My 5 is Maple
IMG_0856.jpeg

IMG_0717.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: ellenripley, El Trueno, LadyLoveStingRay5 and 1 other person
#494
dustinymichaels said:
Both very nice. As far as you know, there is no difference in the pickup, right?
Click to expand...
From the Stingray Retro website Retro '70s StingRay Bass | Basses | Ernie Ball Music Man (music-man.com)
VINTAGE STYLE ALNICO PICKUP
HUMBUCKING PICKUP WITH LONGER ALNICO 5 MAGNETS WOUND WITH ORIGINAL SINGLE POLY-NYLON WIRE
MICROPOWERED PREAMP
The 2-eq preamp is a hand-soldered circuit board constructed with high-quality components using vintage-correct ceramic disc capacitors.

From the Stingray Classic website Classic StingRay 4 | Basses | Ernie Ball Music Man (music-man.com)
2 band EQ and a standard Music Man Alnico pickup.
 
  • Like
Reactions: FunkHead
#499
dustinymichaels said:
I'm not criticizing and I definitely want to play a Retro. I'm only questioning Ernie Ball using the adjective "hand soldered." It's like when a restaurant advertises serving "fresh cracked" eggs. What does that even mean?
Click to expand...

The preamps are made at the EBMM factory in San Luis Obispo CA. Components are hand-fitted to the preamp boards before being individually hand-soldered in place. They're then hand-soldered to instruments with period-correct point-to-point hookup wiring.

The pickups are also individually wound and fitted to instruments (in the same way) at the same location.
 
  • Like
Reactions: liverbird
#500
dustinymichaels said:
I'm not criticizing and I definitely want to play a Retro. I'm only questioning Ernie Ball using the adjective "hand soldered." It's like when a restaurant advertises serving "fresh cracked" eggs. What does that even mean?
Click to expand...
I assume that it means it was hand soldered (point to point) instead of PCB.
I think it’s more to be period correct and probably doesn’t affect the sound but I could be wrong.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dustinymichaels

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back