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What would be a nice complement to my MM Stingray?

F

frets4fun

Mar 15, 2006
12
0
#1
This is an open-ended question--just looking for a few ideas to get me started with the (fun) search process.

I am looking for an instrument that would provide a nice tonal complement to my MM Stingray. I play a variety of styles but I'm not a Metal guy.

I like the feel and playability of the MM--I plan to keep it. However, I would like something with a fuller, rounder sound--something a little less clanky. I have also found the D and (especially) the B string on my SR to be very thin-sounding.

Playability is important: I am short (5"4") and have small hands so huge, heavy instruments with long necks and giant bodies are not comfortable for me.

I will be primarily using this for home studio playing/recording.

New or used--I don't really care. Since this will be a second bass, I expect to find something in the $400-700 range.

Any suggested starting points?
 
#7
If you want tonal options, go with a Jazz or P/J equipped bass. Good neck profile for smaller hands. Look for a P Lyte or other Japanese Made Fenders from the 80s/90s.

If you like basses with only one sound (though it's way different from the 'Ray), get a straight-up P bass (though it's big and heavy and not great for smaller hands).

If you can find one, the bass you are describing is the Fender Stu Hamm Urge 1 bass. 32" scale (medium scale), 2 j and 1 p pickup, active EQ, great player, smaller body... just really rare. Would be a great addition to the 'Ray.
 
#11
I had a Stingray and was looking for another bass to complement it and I ended up with a Precision. With rounds on the SR and flats on the P I got a lot of tonal variation out of the two of them.

Though I do like the idea of a short scale semi hollow, too.
 
#16
I'm a short scale bass guy - how about a nice Jerry Jones Longhorn? It's a high quality copy of the classic Danelectro. I also have a Fender Musicmaster - I tweaked the cap at the tone pot which enhances the lows.

Both are strung with flats and are very warm basses.
 
#19
mongo2 said:
G&L L2000 could replace the Stingray and have several more tonal options.
Click to expand...

No no no and a million times no. :smug:

The G&L L2000 does not sound anything like a Stingray. It sounds lovely, but it does NOT do a Stingray sound. Oh no. Not at all, Sir.
It does, however, a great... L2000 sound, and a bodybuilder P-bass territory type od sound that's not a P-bass either, yet a lot closer to a P-bass than the most Stingray-like tone it can produce is close to a Stingray.

Very different pickups, let alone preamps.

Complementing a Stingray?
The P-bass is a good suggestion. I mostly play Stingray (4/5 string) and what I use the few times I want something else is:

G&L L2500 - because it has a million fantastic sounds, from nasal growl to a very round and warm deep tone and anything in between.
Jazz - because it's versatile, similar idea to the L2500, but of course different sounds.
P-bass - with flats and/or mute. Righteous thud. Oh yes.
 

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