• 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.

Sub $1000 Stingray alternatives?

#61
Waltsdog said:
EBMM Sabre classic, has a stingray neck and smaller body. Sounds just like a stingray but with a bunch of other options.
Click to expand...

I would agree with this for the most part although I think these threads are ridiculous. If you want a stingray sound, you have to have a stingray, Sterlings are different, sabres are different, bongos are different and any other brand is definitely different. Why anyone would sacrifice sound for body shape or pretty much any other aspect of a bass is a concept that is completely lost on me...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stevorebob, Strung_Low and Roberto Nunez
#62
Systolic said:
+I love the Stingray tone. Hate the stingray body. I find it far too large and chunky for my liking. I'm used to the size of the Spector, Warwick and Ibanez bodies.

+ I'm just not sure of what's out there as a Stingray (or Sterling) killer anymore. I know SBMM doesn't make the SB14 anymore, but I could certainly track one down if need be.

+ So... Fender Dimension? MTD Kingston Artist? Some older ATK? Maybe even an L2000?

Thoughts/comments/comparisons?
Click to expand...

Ibanez ATK is a good option. I spent some quality time at GC and a used ATK ($400 or so) sounded close to a stingray, had a neck position single-coil (like a Stingray HS configuration) and honestly was the best thing in the store. Granted, the competition was a horde of Squiers, way expensive new Fender P's and J's, a couple Sterling Ray SUBs etc. If you can find one I would recommend trying it out.
 
#67
G&L Kilotons might get down to that price range on the used market. But any of the tribute series G&L's can be had brand new for less than $1000 easy and youll get a LOT of tones, including some bridge humbucker action.

I went for the kiloton because its passive, simple, and USA made!
 
#73
IMG_2017.JPG
jlepre said:
Kinda I guess, but that pickup is WAY to far away from the bridge.
Click to expand...

No, it is pretty much in the Stingray position which is not quite the bridge position.
 
#75
ATK300 and done. You're welcome ;)

They are heavy though. The older ones. I have an early 90s ver and its pretty hefty. But God do I love its tone and power so its an easy trade off for me so far.

I would also check out the G&L L2000. Those are very chimmey and bright and articulate like the MM IMO. I would like to get one myself someday.
 
  • Like
Reactions: InhumanResource
#77
Lots of folks have been recommending G&L L-series basses, like the L-2000 and L-1500. They're fantastic, and I used to have an L-1500, but IMO they don't sound a lot like StingRays. The L-1500, when its pickup is set to parallel, is probably closest, but their EQ is entirely passive so it's a different vibe. (Active mode just changes the output impedance and can boost treble. The Kiloton is entirely passive.)

The L-1500 does have a downsized body, so it is very maneuverable on stage. That was one of my favorite aspects of it, and for this reason it's still probably worth a try. Who knows? Maybe you'll actually prefer the MFD slam to the StingRay tone -- I certainly do!

You might also want to try the M-2000 (Tribute version to be under $1,000), which has underwound versions of the L-series MFD humbuckers, and fully active EQ. With pickup panning and the EQ, you might be able to get closer to a StingRay tone. I know this -- my M-2500 can definitely approximate the tone of my old L-1500.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1954bassman

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back