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Stingray Special. Anything I should know before ordering?

ics1974

ics1974

Apr 13, 2012
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3,605
#1
I’m about to order a Stingray 5 H special in black with maple neck. Unfortunately nobody has any in stock for me to try anywhere close by so I have to order and hope for the best. They do have a 30 return policy though. Before I commit to ordering is there anything I should know in advanced like common issues etc? Has anyone got a heavy one compared to the advertised weight from Ernie Ball website? Do you love the sound?
Thanks
 
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#7
On the 5 strings, the G string is very close to the edge of the fretboard, and I push the string off the fretboard way more often than any other bass I've had. Wish I had known beforehand how annoying that was going to be. I got a special 5HH recently, and ultimately between that and the string spacing being more narrow than I like, I think I'm going to end up selling it unfortunately. Sounds great though and super well made.
 
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#8
DGL said:
On the 5 strings, the G string is very close to the edge of the fretboard, and I push the string off the fretboard way more often than any other bass I've had. Wish I had known beforehand how annoying that was going to be. I got a special 5HH recently, and ultimately between that and the string spacing being more narrow than I like, I think I'm going to end up selling it unfortunately. Sounds great though and super well made.
Click to expand...
I can confirm the G string on a Stingray 5 is a huge pain in the ass. I sold mine and have a 4 now.
 
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#11
I dont have specials but do have two SR5s, a fretless 3band 5 and a classic 5, the G string can come off the fretboard on the classic if im not watching my technique (I haven't measured it but it must be closer to the edge just a tiny bit but just enough to make it more prone to come off the fretboard, I have no issue with the fretless with the G string. Both sound great in different ways. I prefer a narrower string spacing so they are just right for me.
 
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#13
winston said:
Maybe EBMM needs to get some strippers on staff to help them with all their G-string issues!

Aside from the G issue folks are reporting for 5s, My ‘94 StingRay 4 had a bad case of the weak G because the polepieces were barely under the G string.
Click to expand...

It seems like the simple fix of fixing the nut on the Specials became conflated as "giving in" to the "TB whiners". If the nut on the Music Man wasn't the slight compound length / intonation thing, I'd just replace it on a new bass.
 
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#14
I own and play 4 specials. 2 4s and 2 5s. It's my main axe, gigging and recording.

+1 on the G string issue with the 5s, however... i wouldn't say it's a major issue, however it is a noticeable. If you're someone who does a lot of G string playing/vibrato/pulling, it should be considered. I choose to deal with it for a few reasons:
- I personally really like the string spacing on the 5. With my size hands (average) it makes the B string sit in the perfect spot so that I don't have to reach when I play it.
- when using the 5 I'm typically not using the G sting enough to care. I've also practiced with it so that I know how to play the G without pulling it off.
- if I happen to want both a 5 string AND a flexible G, I use my G&L M2500. That bass has a great G string placement and playing upper register stuff is a breeze. However, the B string in the M is a much bigger reach and taxes my hand way faster.

So it's a pros/cons situation just like anything. If you're someone who has a lot of action on the G, I would definitely try to play one before buying. If your someone who uses the G string modestly and as part of your normal lines, your probably fine.
 
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#15
I have a 5HH, though not a Special (and I don't know the differences). I had trouble with other 5 strings when I first tried them - coming from a P bass, but took right to the Stingray, it really amazed me. I do remember the G string being a drag, but reading this now, made me realize I hadn't noticed it for a long time, so maybe you can adjust? I don't know, everybody's different. I know I've tried 2 other 5 strings I thought would replace it as my main player, but it's still the king and I'm not looking anymore. Good luck!
 
#16
The G string and tighter string spacing at the nut can require an adjustment. (BTW, the B string is close too but no one appears to push it off the board.) You cannot pull down on the G - only bend up. However, remember that, practice that and all should be well. I had issues early on, made the adjustment and never looked back. I've owned 3 EBMM fivers and been playing them for over 10 years and have no issues. Good luck!
 
#17
The only 5 string stingray that I found playable had the A string perfectly aligned over the fret dots. Usually they are not aligned well and there is nearly zero tolerance for that. The G string slipping is a giant pain in the butt. After buying and returning/selling 4 of them I will never buy one without playing it first. I don't care if it's because of my technique, it has never happened as often on any other bass.
 
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#18
I will have to agree with the previous posters that the G string is very weak on all Stingrays. I have owned many with all the same issues. I love the basses feel and sound but I could not live with the bottom going out when I played the G string. Thus me not owning one anymore. But that's just me. A lot of players love them and play them. Good luck.
 
#19
The G sting is not weak on the Specials. I obviously have no issue with G string weakness or pulling of fretboard . I own 3 of them. But to be fair, I am a female with small hands and short fingers . I find these basses to be the most comfortable 5 strings along with my Sandberg.

I’ll admit to owning and selling my first StingRay5 Special HH Aqua Sparkle because I didn’t give myself Enough time to adapt to it. I found the neck pickup got in the way of my slapping and the switching wasn’t giving me what I needed, so I thought . After returning to the single H, I became more acquainted with the instrument and bought a Fretless and HH. My technique has cleaned up quite a bit. I learned more about how to get the sounds I needed with the right EQ and amp settings/ pairings.
Strings are also important . I run custom lights and extra slinky on everyone of my basses. No more fighting and no more string slipping issues . I use a much lighter touch and get more out of my basses than ever before.

Basses are not one size fits all. If you have larger hands and a heavier hand approach , it might not work for you.
For me they are perfect.
 
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