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Sub $1000 Stingray alternatives?

#83
I've learned to just not comment on threads like this :-) I know better. IMO if you want the sound a particular bass makes you have to have that kind of particular Bass.
 
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#84
mp40smg said:
I am not a MM guy. I was wondering the same thing here.

Is the SUB Ray4 NOT a viable Stingray option?
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It's definitely lighter, but it has a slab body not contoured. I love the bass personally, and I'm usually into more "compact" bodies but I don't have a problem with it. Perhaps the EBMM Sterling is a good option if you can find one.
It's hard to find a comparable bass in a different brand imo, if you want that MM sound, the best option is a MM.
 
#90
In my opinion, the majority of the tone is in the pickups (and placement), preamp, scale length, and hardware construction, and strings. So, I suggest finding a comfortable and affordable instrument, used or new, then putting in the electronics and hardware you want. If you can't do it yourself, then pay someone to do it. The least you should do is change the pickup and preamp.
 
#92
Systolic said:
Maybe a Warmoth build is in my future. I've always wanted to try one.
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I'm a big fan of warmoth. I've got an active J, a Strat, and a Tele, and they are all great (I also have the parts for a P that have just been sitting, need to get on that). They will do the Pickup in the sweet spot, which I think is pretty important.

I do see a couple problems with this scheme though

1. I doubt you can do it for under a grand unless you do the paint yourself
2. I'm not sure who, if anyone, makes an accurate ray preamp. To me, the ray sound really comes from the pickup and pre combination (otherwise, it's pretty much just a P bass).
 
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#93
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?
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The Music Man Sterling has a smaller body and the string spacing isn't too much more than Ibanez & Warricks. I think it's 17.5mm for the Sterling. Not sure how the nut width compares.
 
#95
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?
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I'd say esp surveyor for most people is a great more affordable alternative. Personally I've owned both and actually prefer the sound of the ESP. Some things like the tuners for example aren't as nice as my mia stingrays but tuners can be replaced for a reasonable price if it really bothers you. it doesn't really solve the body size issues for the OP. Although it does feel a little smaller IMO, The surveyor is very much like a modded import stingray. The body is ash just like my stingray 5s. Maple neck. Wheel style trussrod adjustment just like my stringray 5. It has EMGs versions of their MM pickup along with a P pickup in a soapbar casing. They can typically be found on the $400-$800 range depending on the condition and finish. You can find black and natural finishes easier and cheaper than the quilt top ones or the white. I think the white one looks the best personally. But the quilt top ones look good also. The black looks kind of cheap in person, the burst ones I've seen weren't that great looking and the natural looks cheap because it's not a one piece ash body so you can see where they pieced it together.
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and yes this post is from someone who's owned a couple Mia stingrays
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#97
I recently acquired a Kingston Artist bass. I wasn't too happy with the sound of it at first. I took it to my guitar tech buddy who opened up the electronics cavity and exclaimed, "duct tape! That's not standard equipment!" Someone had messed with the wiring to the bass's detriment. He restored the wiring and whoa...there it is. It a very light-weight bass and the neck is very comfortable.
 
#100
Dr. Cheese said:
No, I cannot even count how many people make perfectly good P and J style basses. Fewer make Stingray style basses, but they are around.
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You misunderstand me. I'm not talking brand. We're saying the same thing. You need a P style Bass to get the P bass tone (sure you could use the front pup on a J) need a J style bass to get a JB sound, and a MM style bass to get that Stingray sound. Still some basses come close but IMO nothing sounds like a Ray but a Ray. This would include Sterlings, and SUBS etc. My point is if you like the slap sound of a JB, a P Bass, or a Ray, or any other kind of bass will not satisfy you. You need to have a J style Bass. To your point the older Carvin Sekou Bunch Models, nail the Jazz Bass Slap Sound but they are Jazz syle basses in terms of Pups and Electronics.
 

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