Stingray Specials…

[Geri O]

I don’t doubt that this has been done to death. As well as no one has ever stopped asking because of that…..

The 2011 Stingray SR5 I had was on a semi-permanent loan basis, but the owner has (wisely) decided that he’d rather not sell it. Bummer, it is sooo fine. Nonetheless, it’s done.

So I’m looking around at the Stingray Special H models. I prefer the tone of the ceramic 3-band models made between 1993 (?) and 2008. The 2011 SR5 that went home had a more “polite” tone that I was able to make sound very much to my liking with a little EQ tweaking.

There several Stiingray Specials available and I’m wondering if the Specials still have that “all Stingray all the time” quality that I’ve found in pretty much all of the older examples of Stingrays.

If I find a nice ‘98 to ‘07 SR5, I’ll probably go that route. But the Specials look very appealing and there’s some decent deals going as well.

Thanx.

 

[ellenripley]

Hello!!


I'll tell you my case, maybe I can help you


It had a sterling ray 35 SBMM, maple fingerboard and ash body. It was the first bass I had, let's say of a certain level. I fell in love with the musicman sound and specifically with something similar to the sound of ceramic stingray, because I had seen videos of that bass and it sounded more to my taste than the sterling ray 35 (alnico pickup)


The fact is that after several deals, I was able to get an EBMM sterling 5h, which although it is not a stingray, has that sound you are talking about, perhaps more aggressive in the high mediums, but, very close. I still have this bass and I love it. Maple Diapason


Subsequently, I was able to get a stingray 2013 5 hh with alnico tablet and ebane tuning fork. Although it sounded good and as it should sound a stingray in parallel position.... I didn't fall in love with the sound.... I suppose it could be because of the tuning fork, because I am one of those who thinks that tuning forks do much more for the sound than the body does. I ended up selling this bass and with the money I got I was able to get the following:


Musicman stingray 5 H special, maple fingerboard. It does not get to sound with the musicman with ceramic pickup, but, you can mark quite close tones, the preamp one they carry is more musical, I think the frequency ranges used are better chosen, or at least they sound different to me from those of the stingray 5 alnico. I think it's directly the best bass I've played since I've been at this.


In short, I do not agree with what is said and I have read that the special ones are less aggressive than the pre 2018, you can mark more tones and among them those of pre 2018. The tone that will be difficult to replicate with the is the pre 2007, models with ceramic pickup, although you can reach a similar adjustment, does not sound the same. But, in general, I think (this is my opinion) they are better instruments, they weigh less, the previous one is much more versatile, the necks are great... but, they are very very expensive jejeje


I hope it helps you, although perhaps I have made you more mess than anything else.


Forgive my language to write if you see any orographic fault, I do not know much English.

Best regards.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Hard to say what will be aggressive enough for you. I find the ceramics to be too much metallic ping. I think the Specials can get the Pre Ernie Ball 2Band sound as well as even closer to Fender territory. I think the Special can handle the alnico 3 band sounds as well.

 

[Nekomata]

Hi @Geri O ! I happen to play both a 1993 Stingray H (4-string and 2-band EQ, though, and with alnico magnets, if I'm not mistaken) and a 2020 Stingray Special H four-string.

The latter is, as you put it, way more 'polite' (and way more comfortable, given the lower weight). I'm sure one could get it to sound close to the 1993 version, but (probably) not all the way. To my ears, there will always be this tiny little area in terms of 'bite' and 'lo fi definition' where the Special won't reach. Which is, I think, perfectly okay. The Special, besides comfort, has lots going for it, too...

 

[Geri O]

Hello!!


I'll tell you my case, maybe I can help you


It had a sterling ray 35 SBMM, maple fingerboard and ash body. It was the first bass I had, let's say of a certain level. I fell in love with the musicman sound and specifically with something similar to the sound of ceramic stingray, because I had seen videos of that bass and it sounded more to my taste than the sterling ray 35 (alnico pickup)


The fact is that after several deals, I was able to get an EBMM sterling 5h, which although it is not a stingray, has that sound you are talking about, perhaps more aggressive in the high mediums, but, very close. I still have this bass and I love it. Maple Diapason


Subsequently, I was able to get a stingray 2013 5 hh with alnico tablet and ebane tuning fork. Although it sounded good and as it should sound a stingray in parallel position.... I didn't fall in love with the sound.... I suppose it could be because of the tuning fork, because I am one of those who thinks that tuning forks do much more for the sound than the body does. I ended up selling this bass and with the money I got I was able to get the following:


Musicman stingray 5 H special, maple fingerboard. It does not get to sound with the musicman with ceramic pickup, but, you can mark quite close tones, the preamp one they carry is more musical, I think the frequency ranges used are better chosen, or at least they sound different to me from those of the stingray 5 alnico. I think it's directly the best bass I've played since I've been at this.


In short, I do not agree with what is said and I have read that the special ones are less aggressive than the pre 2018, you can mark more tones and among them those of pre 2018. The tone that will be difficult to replicate with the is the pre 2007, models with ceramic pickup, although you can reach a similar adjustment, does not sound the same. But, in general, I think (this is my opinion) they are better instruments, they weigh less, the previous one is much more versatile, the necks are great... but, they are very very expensive jejeje


I hope it helps you, although perhaps I have made you more mess than anything else.


Forgive my language to write if you see any orographic fault, I do not know much English.

Best regards.

Perfect! You done good!
Thanx!

 

[Geri O]

Hard to say what will be aggressive enough for you. I find the ceramics to be too much metallic ping. I think the Specials can get the Pre Ernie Ball 2Band sound as well as even closer to Fender territory. I think the Special can handle the alnico 3 band sounds as well.

I would be fine with that 2011 Alnico tone.

I was hoping you could shed some light. Thanx!

(I found a Special that looks just like yours, the kinda purple one with gf gold hardware. My heart skipped a beat, but alas, it’s a 4-string….)

 

[Lesfunk]

I am going against the grain here at least in the stingray community…
The specials are so highly regarded and fawned over, and they are very very nice instruments
To me they just sound flaccid and wimpy, at least when compared to the real thing.
I had a beautiful Special 5H. Took it on a few gigs … it didn’t cut like my old ones.
I sold it.
I play a ceramic pickup USA Sterling, so you can probably guess where my ears are at.
That’s my dilemma …choosing between a sound I like that weighs 10-11 lbs or a comfortable weighted version that sounds neutered …

 

[skyline_01]

I am going against the grain here at least in the stingray community…
The specials are so highly regarded and fawned over, and they are very very nice instruments
To me they just sound flaccid and wimpy, at least when compared to the real thing.
I had a beautiful Special 5H. Took it on a few gigs … it didn’t cut like my old ones.
I sold it.
I play a ceramic pickup USA Sterling, so you can probably guess where my ears are at.
That’s my dilemma …choosing between a sound I like that weighs 10-11 lbs or a comfortable weighted version that sounds neutered …

One of my first thoughts when I read the OP was, "what about a US Sterling?".

Also, I don't know who's done this out there yet (if anyone), but what about experimenting with putting a ceramic pickup in a Special 5? I don't know how it would sound with the Special preamp, but it might give it enough bite and the bass would still retain it's lightweight status.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I would be fine with that 2011 Alnico tone.

I was hoping you could shed some light. Thanx!

(I found a Special that looks just like yours, the kinda purple one with gf gold hardware. My heart skipped a beat, but alas, it’s a 4-string….)

You would probably like the 30th Anniversary StingRay5. There are 2 on Reverb right now. Rosewood and maple . Those have ceramic and specific to that model preamp. They get nothing but good reviews.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

There is enough difference between the earlier model and the specials that you will likely prefer one over the other. I wish I would have pulled the trigger on the roasted neck, older hardware Sterling 5's that were out during COVID, but I hesitated and those are now gone. Anyways, you really need to try they to see which you prefer. The specials feel flimsier to me than the originals, but I like the roasted necks and stainless frets.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

I own two EBMMSRS 4H & 5HH. I personally don't care about what the others basses sounded like before because these basses have so many quality tones available. I think people get to far caught up in this new bass doesn't sound the old bass no matter the brand or type of bass or guitar for that matter. Things evolve and improve over time for a reason.

 

[swink]

I prefer the tone of the ceramic 3-band models made between 1993 (?) and 2008.

If you like the ceramics put the American built EBMM Sterling5 on your list. They started production in 2008 when the production of the SR5 ceramic stopped.
Enjoy your search...

 

[N4860]

That might help, particularly the latter half which demonstrates a few different US Stingrays, including 2 SR Specials.

 

[sawzalot]

I’ve had a lot of SR5’s over the years. I have a 2000 that I love. I had a ‘93 fretless that was AMAZING but I foolishly sold it. I had a ‘90 or ‘91 back then and it was great. I’ve played one of the new Specials. They’re all great in their own ways, but I seem to like the ceramic pickup single H versions the most. Don’t even think about swapping pickups around, especially with one of the Special’s—the preamp and pickups are tightly engineered to work together, and the Special’s have a different pickup shape anyway. A Sterling 5 would be awesome—I’ve never played one but I think I’d like it. Keep an eye on the used market and what you want will turn up sooner or later.

 

[jam.majors]

I’ve had a 4H from 2011 a long time and recently picked up a 5HH special. I feel like I get the sound I always wanted from that 4, even with the 5 set on bridge-only. It’s like my 4 always sounded really good, but this thing sounds Great.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I’m wondering if…
If you find an AlNiCo SR5 rather than a Ceramic SR5 in the Deal of the Century, if you can drop in the Duncan SMB-5D ceramic pickup. I’ve been trying to research which years have which pickup shape, but I’ve been mostly unsuccessful.
Some SR5’s have the pickup w/o ears, some hav the pickup with ears…I don’t know which is which. But the Duncan pickup is w/o ears.

Then there is the question of the body roughing - is it just a big hole under he PG that will allow for installation of either pickup, or did they actually change the routing program in the CNC to accommodate each pickup. The mounting screw locations of each pickup are slightly different.
Last but not least, you’d need a different PG…

a lot of work…may not be worth the hassle…but a thought.

I personally, do prefer the Ceramic SR5 tone over the AlNiCo SR5 tone as well…
That’s why, if I would ever find myself in the market for a new EB, it would be a Sterling 5 over the SR5…if they still make ‘em.
But my goal is to eventually build a bass using the pickup I posted above…

 

[Geri O]

I’m wondering if…
If you find an AlNiCo SR5 rather than a Ceramic SR5 in the Deal of the Century, if you can drop in the Duncan SMB-5D ceramic pickup. I’ve been trying to research which years have which pickup shape, but I’ve been mostly unsuccessful.
Some SR5’s have the pickup w/o ears, some hav the pickup with ears…I don’t know which is which. But the Duncan pickup is w/o ears.
View attachment 4961236

View attachment 4961238

Then there is the question of the body roughing - is it just a big hole under he PG that will allow for installation of either pickup, or did they actually change the routing program in the CNC to accommodate each pickup. The mounting screw locations of each pickup are slightly different.
Last but not least, you’d need a different PG…

a lot of work…may not be worth the hassle…but a thought.

I personally, do prefer the Ceramic SR5 tone over the AlNiCo SR5 tone as well…
That’s why, if I would ever find myself in the market for a new EB, it would be a Sterling 5 over the SR5…if they still make ‘em.
But my goal is to eventually build a bass using the pickup I posted above…

Actually, I was looking into this very idea to try if I had been able to buy and keep the otherwise wonderful 2011 SR5. I do remember something mentioned about the mounting ears, but I never got to look at that further.

And given the day to think about it, I’m in no rush to replace that SR5 with another one. This is a case of “I want one really bad for my inventory”, but I have two wonderful Mike Lull basses that do everything I could possibly imagine.
But there’s nothing that sounds like that SR5. So I’ll bide my time and look around for another SR5 made between ‘93 and ‘08.

They are out there….

 

[SteveCS]

...
The specials are so highly regarded and fawned over, and they are very very nice instruments
To me they just sound flaccid and wimpy, at least when compared to the real thing.
...
I play a ceramic pickup USA Sterling, so you can probably guess where my ears are at.
...

This is also my view. The Special, IMHO/IME, is very polite and quite underwhelming compared to the 'Classic' models. I'm also a fan of the ceramic pickup - my EBMM StingRay has an USA Sterling pickup in it (phantom coil removed) and I also have a Delano MC 4 FE in my Ray34. I think our ears run the same streets in that regard.

...
There several Stiingray Specials available and I’m wondering if the Specials still have that “all Stingray all the time” quality that I’ve found in pretty much all of the older examples of Stingrays.
...

My opinion (don't own one but played plenty) is that they don't. What I don't know, and so far no-one has discussed at length, is how much of the difference is in the preamp (which is a new 're-voiced' design) and how much is in the Neodymium pickup. My guess, based on the night-and-day change when i switched from AlNiCo to ceramic is that the Neo pickup is the major factor. So it may be that a new Special with replacement Ceramic pickup might get you there, and that the preamp is just waiting to be unleashed!! I know the Duncan gets a lot of love, but I have to shout out the Delano. From what I can see the Delano MC 5 FE has 'ears'.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

If you ever have the time, check out some Sandberg. My Ida 5 has Sandberg black label pickups which are ceramic. The pickup isn't exactly in the StingRay sweet spot, but it has that added neck pickup and a very good preamp. It makes for a very versatile bass. It can get very close to StingRay territory with the right amp, eq, and pickup setting. But it is a very modern sounding bass. Probably closer to a Pre Special model StingRay but with more clarity and less metallic ping. Its a very nice in between for me. Makes for a great jazz bass as well. Neck pickup solo gets that early signal coil bass vibe.

Nothing else sounds like a StingRay . They have different eras of goodness that will appeal to different needs. I prefer Specials, others will only touch Pre Ernie Ball 2bands, and some prefer the more aggressive ceramic era. It all good as far as I am concerned. Play what you like and like what you play. Enjoy the hunt. Thats a big part of the fun. When you find the perfect StingRay5 for you, you will know. My only advice would be that if you really do want one, buy one asap. I can see how prices enthuse will continue to rise. Its American quality not made the way they used to anymore. That always seems to rise in value. I already see it happening. Get it while the getting is good.