Agreed - I think EBMM has some of the best looking headstocks in the biz...
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Stingray popularity decline?
- Thread starter nomaj
- Start date
Agreed - I think EBMM has some of the best looking headstocks in the biz...
No offense, but I prefer the traditional PG on their 5ers - for me, it was a plus when I went from an SR5 HH to a Sterling 5 HS:
Although I'll never understand why they ditched the original decal, in that first example, for the current one, in the second example.
The post 1988 decal looks too corporate for my tastes - I can see that it ties everything together in a more unified way, but it's more perfectly suited to a business letterhead, than an instrument headstock.
Even the neck plate switched from the classic logo, to the rather dull "brand in a box".
That said, whilst I always liked the giant pinstripe M legs, the Music Man typeface, and the Ernie Ball logo - their relative proportions, and the overall placement on the headstock (the word "Bass" was an important distinction, in the original decal) - I have to admit that I never particularly liked the typeface for the Sabre.
I'm not sure if having different typefaces, to help distinguish different models is a brilliant idea, or if it's potentially too hit or miss - but I always liked that there was the brand logo, the brand name, and then the model name, and I actually feel that the 1984 addition of the Ernie Ball parent company logo, added a greater sense of balance to the headstock decal.
This stuff is really anal, but to some people (myself included) these details of design matters, often because of, but frequently irrespective of aesthetic preference - Apple have famously turned this into a quasi-religion.
Most people just need a computer to switch on, and run software - but some need it to inspire them, and their working / living environment.
My biggest gripe with SR is the 1950's style bridge. It's a big failure point for a high end bass imo.
???
Could you elaborate?
Which version of the bridge : original with mutes / 90's - 2017 without mutes / 2018 lightweight?
I've never heard of one failing mechanically, or suffering from tail lift - it's an incredibly durable high mass bridge, and until the 2018 lightweight version, had those 2 large hex bolts, that lock in to huge brass threads, deep into the wood.
I'm not sure what's not to like - unless it's the weight, and the 2018 lightweight version takes care of that...
I’ve had all three. Zero issues with any of them.
- Dec 5, 2002
- 4,165
- 2,254
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Ernie Ball Music Man/Sterling By Music Man
I know, right? - I've owned over half a dozen Music Man basses, never had any complaints about any of their bridges...
Meh, don't let stupid crap like that bother you...
As others have said, this requires further explanation. I’ve had multiple types of MM bridges, none of them have ever been a weak point or anything that I would even remotely call a “1950’s style bridge.” Maybe you are just looking for your 15 minutes?
I understand that the word of StingRay popularity decline here has Ernie Ball Music Man extremely concerned that the model might never take off. Perhaps @Scott Ball can confirm this and speak to how the company is going to phase out the under-performing product line. Oh, a big 
here.
here.This makes absolutely no sense to me. To me a 50's style bridge has threaded rod saddles. and sometimes 2 strings to a saddle. While I prefer a Babicz bridge, the MM bridges are just fine
I've had my 79' MusicMan since new and it NEVER failed me in all those years. Nuff said lol
15 minutes is all I need. lol. Did I win something?
I mean that it is a bent plate, not a high mass cast. Most basses in the MMSR price range have nicer bridges. It works, but it could be better IMO. Sorry to offend the fanboys.
I mean that it is a bent plate, not a high mass cast. Most basses in the MMSR price range have nicer bridges. It works, but it could be better IMO. Sorry to offend the fanboys.
So you think your clever to add an insult?15 minutes is all I need. lol. Did I win something?
I mean that it is a bent plate, not a high mass cast. Most basses in the MMSR price range have nicer bridges. It works, but it could be better IMO. Sorry to offend the fanboys.
I am not sure what a high mass cast is....and I'm not sure the bridge has anything to do with Stingray sales. Maybe it was reducing the amount of colors offered? Maybe, but then again we have had success when reducing options and becoming focused with other models. Up until the Stingray Special we haven't done any marketing for bass like we have for guitar.
Stingray sales did dip between 2015-2017, but so did the overall bass market. When was the last time a model came out that really excited or interested you for bass guitar? One of the reasons we came out with the Special was to try and instigate a sales lift. We've had a great start, now we just have to make sure it has legs.
Stingray sales did dip between 2015-2017, but so did the overall bass market. When was the last time a model came out that really excited or interested you for bass guitar? One of the reasons we came out with the Special was to try and instigate a sales lift. We've had a great start, now we just have to make sure it has legs.
There was some buzz for the Fender Jag. But that was a reworked J or PJ, depending on the country of origin. But Fender has already dropped the US made Jag, so maybe much of that was the TB echo chamber. The Dimension didn't seem to get any traction at all. My sense is the Special's reception is closer to the Jag's than the Dimension's. I like the new Specials. If my herd wasn't in need of a good thinning, I'd be seriously looking at one.
