I'd love to hear the stories about that one Stingray that just had "it" - the one that jumped out from all the rest.
After playing bass for 35 or so years, I just got into the Stingray. I have no idea why it took that long. I grew up with the iconic images of
Flea playing Stingrays live, loved the tone, but just never played one or had a desire to add one to the rack.
A few months ago I bought a beautiful all original '87 here from a TB'er in the classifieds and absolutely love it. I'm sure it's the novelty factor after having played primarily passive P's, J's, and hollowbodies, but it also feels very familiar with the Leo Fender DNA. The neck feels great, I love the feeling of throttle that the pickup and preamp add - I don't have to work hard for dynamics - and with hand placement and technique, I can get a lot of sounds in a way that makes playing interesting and attentive. Almost like driving a stick shift. It's been fun to try something new.
So now this has led me down a rabbit hole of Stingray history, lore, and stories.
I know about the different eras from pre-EB and Jackson builds, to the transition models, up through the specials and old smoothies etc; however, it doesn't seem like very much has changed. It also helps that the consensus is EBMM has been consistent with high quality throughout the years.
All that being said, I'm curious to know about the ones that had a little more magic than others.
What was it that stood out? What were the circumstances (a pawn store find, something hidden back in a rack at a small music store)? Any specific qualities that seemed to be different (a tighter than usual neck pocket, thick or slim neck, super resonant body)?
I'm here for it all - tell us about that special Stingray that has stayed on your mind!
After playing bass for 35 or so years, I just got into the Stingray. I have no idea why it took that long. I grew up with the iconic images of
Flea playing Stingrays live, loved the tone, but just never played one or had a desire to add one to the rack.
A few months ago I bought a beautiful all original '87 here from a TB'er in the classifieds and absolutely love it. I'm sure it's the novelty factor after having played primarily passive P's, J's, and hollowbodies, but it also feels very familiar with the Leo Fender DNA. The neck feels great, I love the feeling of throttle that the pickup and preamp add - I don't have to work hard for dynamics - and with hand placement and technique, I can get a lot of sounds in a way that makes playing interesting and attentive. Almost like driving a stick shift. It's been fun to try something new.
So now this has led me down a rabbit hole of Stingray history, lore, and stories.
I know about the different eras from pre-EB and Jackson builds, to the transition models, up through the specials and old smoothies etc; however, it doesn't seem like very much has changed. It also helps that the consensus is EBMM has been consistent with high quality throughout the years.
All that being said, I'm curious to know about the ones that had a little more magic than others.
What was it that stood out? What were the circumstances (a pawn store find, something hidden back in a rack at a small music store)? Any specific qualities that seemed to be different (a tighter than usual neck pocket, thick or slim neck, super resonant body)?
I'm here for it all - tell us about that special Stingray that has stayed on your mind!
