Which Stingray would you buy?

[UncleBalsamic]

2 Band, 4 string, single H for me. Only because the best Stringray I ever played was that setup. Beautiful bass that. Annoyingly, it gained a huge gash across the body after, I'm guessing, it was dropped at the music shop it was being sold at. It was reduced by a couple of pence and as such is still there - I should probably go and play it again.

 

[Jim Carr]

I am seriously gassing for the sound Paul S. Denman gets from his 2-band SR4. How does he get that dark rich tone? I think his instrument is like a 1978 RW fingerboard natural Stingray. Have I got that right?

Anyone have an opinion on what is the most similar sounding modern offering? Hope this is not too much of a Hi-Jack!!!

 

[madbassplaya]

Yeah, I'm not much of a knob-twiddler either. Hmm....

i guess that's what i love about a Stingray too...for an active bass (even 3 band) it's still not a lot going on compared to a lot of active basses. my bass is usually set flat. i may boost the mids/bass if needed but that's about it.

 

[Horny Toad]

Hope this is not too much of a Hi-Jack!!!

No, that's quite alright. Interesting question.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I just picked up a 2-band single H 4-string Stingray. I think it sounds more organic than my 3-band Stingray 5. One thing to note: it's bass and treble boost only. The 3-band basses have centre detents with boost and cut.

I prefer the look of a single H Stingray, but the HH models sound really good and are more versatile. I think the more important thing is to try and get one that doesn't weigh a ton!

 

[superblues]

What are you using the bass for?

For best individual tone overall: Single H, 2-band
For most versatility: HH, 3-band

 

[Ostinato]

I have my eye on one of the new SLO Special versions, probably an H model with 2 band. The HH is a great bass, but if you don't like the sound of the one you have maybe you should try something other than Musicman?

 

[wvbass]

A little off-topic, but can somebody tell me what's so special about the upcoming SLO Special versions? I know a Sterling neck on a Stingray is an option, but what's the rest of the story here?

 

[Horny Toad]

What are you using the bass for?

I'm in a cover band. Everything from Green Day to Neil Diamond to Rick James.

So knowing that, most people would say "go for versatility". But honestly, my Precision covered all of that with no problem. Passive. One pickup. A tone knob (always maxed).

And there's nothing wrong with my current Stingray at all. I just always wanted a natural ash/maple Stingray. My gut is telling me to keep it simple and stick with the single H. Again, my 3 band Stingray is fine, but it's always set flat. Maybe keeping it really simple and going with the 2 band will be just fine as well. I mean, it isn't as if my amp doesn't have tone controls too, right?

Sorry. I'm sort of rambling. I must be trying to talk myself into a 2 band Stingray.

I really appreciate all the different opinions and questions. Keep 'em coming.

 

[CapnSev]

One thing to note: it's bass and treble boost only.

I believe there is a point in the 2 band eq where it does cut, but the boost far outweighs it. It's something like an 80/20 boost/cut ratio or something to that effect.

I like the fact that there are no center dents for "flat". I think they just get in the way for me.

The 2 band, single H 'Ray is a near perfect bass as far as I'm concerned. It feels right, sounds right.... Mmmmm. Wish my 5-string 'Ray had that eq.

 

[Valerus]

I own a HH 3-band eq. I love having a mid knob

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I believe there is a point in the 2 band eq where it does cut, but the boost far outweighs it. It's something like an 80/20 boost/cut ratio or something to that effect.

If that's true, I don't hear it. It doesn't seem like there's any treble roll off because even all the way down, it seems pretty bright.

 

[Ostinato]

From the sounds of it the two band would be the way to go if you like simplicity, and one less control equals less pickup load = better tone.

 

[Eminor3rd]

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.

+1

If I'm getting a Stingray, I want it to sound like a Stingray.

 

[Horny Toad]

Another thought, if it matters - whatever I get will be strung with Chromes, 45-100.

 

[jjk2007]

I voted 2 band H. I used to have the 3 band and I never touched the mid knob. And I agree with all the comments so far that favor the 2 band over the 3 band.

 

[Horny Toad]

Question for those familiar with the 2 band: Is it more mid-scooped than the 3 band Stingray? Maybe that's a silly question since it would seem there's no way to "add" mids without the mid control. Just wondering.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

It doesn't sound mid scooped to my ear.

 

[Horny Toad]

Anyone else want to weigh in before I pull the trigger?

 

[WarwickFan]

I have had all three at one time or another and the single H, 2-band gets my vote.