I know there was a lot of Sterling Ball criticism last week, but he was the man behind the Stingray 5, and it is still one of the classic bass guitars.
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I think most of the critics actually like Stingrays, but I am not getting into that again. I just appreciate that Stingray sound.Haters gunna hate. I bet most of the whiners are P/J fanboys who feel anyone not playing P/Js are inferior. For me it’s anything Musicman, Rays, Bongos, and of course Big Al sass, which can sound like any Fender and sound like a Musicman too! Not to mention MM is killin it with the new special!

. I don’t know about that, but your right about not getting into it! I dig Stingrays too!I think most of the critics actually like Stingrays, but I am not getting into that again. I just appreciate that Stingray sound.![]()
No you’re right, but We are talking about the stingray 5, which is a Sterling Ball (along with the rest of the Ernie Ball team) creation.Forgive me if I'm wrong, but didn't Leo Fender invent the Stingray? I thought Sterling was just the beta-tester.
Well said. You should try reading some Gibson threads.Haters gunna hate. I bet most of the whiners are P/J fanboys who feel anyone not playing P/Js are inferior. For me it’s anything Musicman, Rays, Bongos, and of course Big Al sss, which can sound like any Fender and sound like a Musicman too! Not to mention MM is killin it with the new special!
No you’re right, but We are talking about the stingray 5, which is a Sterling Ball (along with the rest of the Ernie Ball team) creation.



I think it's a great bass but apart from the change of magnets and the more attractive visual look, I still think Leo did the hard work with that one!
If I have but one criticism to make of Stingrays, it's that they're so inconsistent but when you get a good one, they rock! EBMM are often praised for their manufacturing consistency but there are apparent, inherent flaws to the Stingray design that crop up now and then. Hence why I always say, don't buy a 'Ray you can't play, but if you get a good one, keep it! Plenty of them are plagued with a weak G string or very noticeable dead spots. I will say that the G string issue really stands out more to me than the dead spots and I've found the Stringray 5 tends to suffer from this issue less.
OTOH, the Bongo has always rocked my world and I would buy one sight unseen without hesitation.
View attachment 4081343 View attachment 4081346 Love mine... er... my wife’s.
Your wife has excellent taste.