Stingray Classic Returns

[Jeff Scott]

Oh , who am I fooling ? I want every StingRay I see. But dang they are soo heavy!!

That's the only reason I sold mine.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I hear ya - if I were to get another 'Ray it's because I want to sound like Paul Denman, or Carl Radle, or....the list goes on. I don't play any music that requires slapping. Would be kinda nice to hear how it actually sounds...not slapped. Briefly had a 3-band that I didn't vibe with, but always wanted to try a 2-band. Love the natural.

Mine was a 3-band from '13. Loved everything about it except the weight.

 

[Lesfunk]

Exactly what a Stingray is supposed to sound like!

With a new name of course .

 

[BigDrew]

Exactly what a Stingray is supposed to sound like!

Agreed! Any idea what amp would get you close to that sound? I know people say that you can get this sound with any amp, but that is definitely not true. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Stranger Danger]

3 grand! Yowza

 

[dave64o]

WOW!

Although, at that price and the limited number of colors and configurations... it would be tough for me to justify grabbing one. But still ....

 

[drTSTingray]

The preamp had a couple of minor revision in 1977, and 1978 - apparently due to having to change suppliers of a couple of components.

All that changed in 1979 was that they stopped dolloping epoxy over the preamp (by then, the cat was out of the bag, and people had copied the circuit).

The 2 band preamp didn't change between 1979, and 2018 (other than format, due to changes of some components form).

The StingRay Classic, Old Smoothie, and this new 70's Retro model have epoxy dolloped on the preamp.

There's no magic in the epoxy.

The "magic" if it existed at all, was most likely down to the fact that the pickups were hand-wound, very inconsistently, and with wide tolerances.

That's probably why some sound amazing, and some are just good.

What EBMM did in 1984, was to take a selection of great sounding examples of Pre-EB StingRays, and measure everything, then standardise, and automate production according to those "ideal" specs.

The Stingray Classic does not have an epoxied preamp. The first EBMM bass with that was the 2016 40th Anniversary Old Smoothie.

I would be interested to know, if like the 1976 BFR model, tantalum capacitors are used in the electronics in this model - it certainly seems to have the longer pole pieces.

This is the pre amp of my 2010 coral red Stingray Classic which I bought new when the model was announced.

I’m very tempted by the natural one…..

 

[mikeswals]

I had a 79 Stingray. Swapped it for a 64 Jazz bass in 1981. I really needed the Jazz bass but I LOVED the Stingray. Seemed like a good deal at the time.

I have both, and I'd say you did well for a straight trade!
In todays world you can find another 79 StingRay at a much lower price than a 64 Jazz is (~2.5 times lower).

 

[Yahboy]

With a new name of course .

Curious how she sound with others amp ?

 

[Stevorebob]

This is preferable to the Classic because it has a regular maple neck. I had a Classic whose neck warped, and when I took it to Mike Lull (RIP) he told me it was best to avoid figured maple because it's weaker and less likely to hold up long term. I've always trusted him on that and have heard the same from other luthiers since.

The hollow bridge barrels give me pause because you can run out of adjustment with those. They can't go as low as the solid barrel ones. I had that issue on my old Classic as well. I get that they're period correct but EBMM are using them on the Special too.

Anyway, I'm just glad that what I consider to be the true Stingray is once again being made in the US. The Special is nice but it's not the Stingray sound you fall in love with when listening to old records. This Retro most definitely is. I hope to God I don't end up with GAS for one. I'm pretty happy with my Standard 2 band from 2014, which is lucky because it was less than half the price!

I have a 13-year-old Classic, and the figured-maple neck is neither warped nor twisted. I know, it’s just one, but nevertheless, it’s behaving. One benefit of the figured-maple necks, other than the figuring, is the amber tint.

As for the hollow saddles, EBMM has short screws for the saddles that need to be dropped lower. My B and G saddles have them. I understand they will provide these as needed.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The Stingray Classic does not have an epoxied preamp. The first EBMM bass with that was the 2016 40th Anniversary Old Smoothie.

I would be interested to know, if like the 1976 BFR model, tantalum capacitors are used in the electronics in this model - it certainly seems to have the longer pole pieces.

This is the pre amp of my 2010 coral red Stingray Classic which I bought new when the model was announced.

I’m very tempted by the natural one…..

View attachment 5237063

I think I read yes on the capacitors on the EBMM sight .

 

[cataract]

I have a 2010 Classic and don’t think I have to worry much at all about any neck twisting lol

I LOVE the 2 band eq.. and the slab body is actually cozy to me.
Back on topic though- these Retro basses look super rad but between this ‘Ray and my 4HH EBMM Sterling I think I’m all set in the Music Man dept for real!

 

[RodneyM]

Very tempting, but I had my Old Smoothie contoured and painted black, so I’ll keep it. But I love this reissue.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Very tempting, but I had my Old Smoothie contoured and painted black, so I’ll keep it. But I love this reissue.

Mine is a keeper too. But contours and black paint !! You are a brave man.

My Old Smoothie will keep my gas under control.

 

[P. Aaron]

I remember playing an Old Smoothie a few times in Sam Ash just before the pandemic.

Loved it, but didn’t buy it.


View attachment 5236235

Those pre-pandemic prices are a bit more palatable than the list on the EB website.

 

[2F/2F]

This is much better than a Classic; it’s what the Classic always should have been. This is pretty much a true reissue – a mass produced “next step” from the limited ’76 reissue that came out earlier this year (one of which I purchased). The bullet truss rod and three bolt neck with angle adjustment are great features over the classic. The problem is that the price is so close to the limited lacquer finished model. Doesn’t make sense.

 

[Chickenwheels]

It can't any more confusing than 7ender...
Going by those video, apparently, this bass is only good for slapping. If so, hard pass (I can't slap my way out of a hole).

They’re good for anything. You’ve been hearing them on the radio for decades.

 

[VeryTallBassist]

I'm still holding out for the reissue of the Cutlass 1 with a Klos neck. That would get my money real fast!

 

[Marc DLarosa]

Put these guts/hardware in/on a Sterling body/neck, and... sell MILLIONS.

 

[fauxtoe]

Hmmmmm....on one hand I'm intrigued, but on the other I'm having some sticker shock after picking up my 2010 Classic this year in mint condition at nearly half the price. I actually enjoy the modern upgrades the Classic has along with its highly figured birdseye maple neck. Sound wise there's probably zero difference between the two, sooooo....shrug. I'm glad they've essentially reissued the original so those who haven't experienced the 2EQ and alnico pickup can see why it's the best.