• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Which Stingray would you buy?

Which Stingray would you buy?

  • H w/2 band EQ

    Votes: 81 29.1%
  • H w/3 band EQ

    Votes: 97 34.9%
  • HH

    Votes: 100 36.0%

  • Total voters
    278
Gonna be buying a new Stingray 4 in the next week or so and I'm trying to decide whether I want 2 band eq, 3 band eq, H or HH (yes, I know HH is 3 band only).

Which would you choose and why? I currently have a 4H 3 band, but may not hang on to it. Not sure yet. No matter which I choose, it'll be natural ash w/maple board.

Whaddya think?
 
Were I doing it again, I'd get a 2 band single H. I've got a three band single H, and it is great, but the 2 band eq is REALLY great, IMO. Not sure I want a stingray to have multiple pickups, although I understand why this is popular.
 
Whaddya think?

I think that eveyone is going to say the one that they chose. Except the guy above. But I'm not sure (and I'm not sure he's sure) why. :)

I've got an H/S and that's after owning an H Sterling, H/S Bongo, and HH Bongo. I know I made the right choice for me on this one. Countless other threads here say why.

edit: just noticed that's not even one of yer options. oh well.
 
I don't own a Stingray, but if I was going to buy one, I'd probably get the 3-band single H. The single humbucker because thats the classic Stingray look and sound, and 3-band because I'd rather have more control over it for various situations. You can still get the classic Stingray sound out of it, but if you need to modify your tone to a different style (say, you only want to bring one bass to a set?) you'd have more options with the 3-band.

But thats just me, my bias is to buy a bass with as many tonal options as I can.
 
I think that eveyone is going to say the one that they chose. Except the guy above. But I'm not sure (and I'm not sure he's sure) why. :)

I've got an H/S and that's after owning an H Sterling, H/S Bongo, and HH Bongo. I know I made the right choice for me on this one. Countless other threads here say why.

edit: just noticed that's not even one of yer options. oh well.

I had a magical experience with an 80s 2-band and fantasize that all 2-band Stringrays are as nice.

And no offense to anyone, but it just doesn't seem like a Stingray to me once its loaded down with pickups. It may even be a better instrument with the additional pickup, but it just doesn't seem like a Ray to me. Guess I'm getting old and set in my ways.

Were I going for two pickups, I'd probably end up where you did, though.
 
I'd say the 2-band single H. Less stuff to mess with, and it sounds really good. I've never had a problem getting a sound I liked out of my 1986 2-band Stingray, but I have some trouble fiddling around with the 3-band basses at music stores. Either way, it doesn't make a HUGE difference to me; I'd be more apt to take one bass over the other due to the color and fingerboard wood than the preamp :D