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NBD...Well, kinda...


Jimryan
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Evening all,

For a little while I've been working on a refinish/mod project. Back in December I picked up a Sterling Ray S.U.B with the plan to mod it. So although it was new back then, I've officially finished it this evening so NOW I have a new bass.

When I picked it up, it was...
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsf3525545.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsf3525545.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

And of those that would like to see the full process, the "build" thread is http://basschat.co.uk/topic/255440-nearly-done-stingray-refinish/

Those after a quick summary, it went...

Install de-tuner,
Install straplocks,
Change scratchplate,
Install, ultralites,
Strip,
Refinish,
Rebuild,
Shield cavities,
Install Delano pickup (FE Model),
Add push/pull pot (series/parallel),
Swap stock Pre for a John East,
Fit Status Neck.

For those that haven't read/followed the build thread, a little while back I installed a Delano pickup and thought it was absolutely amazing, but I found with it that the pickup screws and mounting rings we're a little too small for my desired pickup height. Originally I told myself I can just order some longer screws, but I'm better off leaving it until the neck arrives. This way, the neck may be thinner and the longer screws won't be needed. This was a move that paid off.

Now, originally when I ordered the neck, I was going to order a standard black MM Status neck, but as my tax rebate had just come through I thought I'd treat myself and opted for the blue tint. With much excitement I rang Status and placed the order...and today the neck arrived. Today I got home from work, opened the package like a kid at Christmas and headed for the garden. This way I could see how strong the tint was, because admittedly, I was expecting it to be really dark with just a slight hint of it. Honestly, I should've taken a photo of it in daylight (now that it's finished I'll take some tomorrow). After rehearsal last night, I decided to take the bass to bits ready for the neck fitting today, so as soon as I was home from work, construction started.

Here's the neck in the right light in my room before installing...
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps3odmonvw.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps3odmonvw.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Hopefully the pics show the tint well enough, for comparison, there's a few pics alongside my P with a standard Status neck...

[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsyk0zxq0d.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsyk0zxq0d.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsmxglefze.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsmxglefze.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsioesclcj.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsioesclcj.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsvschksp1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsvschksp1.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsszxx1usr.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsszxx1usr.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsumttxktw.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsumttxktw.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsimymah32.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsimymah32.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps4ajvtwzg.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps4ajvtwzg.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbltwbvu7.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbltwbvu7.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/jimryan88/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpscobce5jm.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/jimryan88/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpscobce5jm.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Ok, before the neck arrived, the pickup and pre combo I've chosen are amazing. Any tone, any players sound I want, I can achieve. It was light as a feather and the balance was perfect. As for output, it was pretty good, not as hot as my passive P (in the pictures) but good. Since the neck arrived (bearing in mind I've only had a quick go at home so far), oh my word! I have created the ultimate bass (well, for me anyway). Sound, is awesome, perfect response and attack, the sustain is just brilliant. The pickup opens the whole range up, rumble, sparkle and everything in between. The preamp only adds to it (though I'll admit, I wish I bought the 3 band pre over the 2 band), the boost and cut available gives me modern tone, vintage P thump, modern P aggression, pre EB, late 80s/90s stingray, even some jazz bass sounds too. At first I was a bit sceptical about the costs on gear I'm unfamiliar with, but both the Delano and East I cannot fault and would recommend to anyone. And then the neck arrived, oh and the neck arrived and despite the delivery time issues, oh status delivered. Ok, I already loved Status necks, but on this? Bloody Norah! The base of the neck was considerably thinner so I managed to get the action even lower than on my P. The neck is dead straight (yes, I know I should have a little relief but I prefer the neck dead straight), the action is lower than a snakes belly and despite how low it is, there's snaps/chokes when wanted right up to really deep tones, not a dead spot in sight and the neck hasn't needed any adjustment (yet) despite coming straight out of the box.

I absolutely adore this bass. I'm so pleased/excited about it I don't even know if this post makes sense. Hope you've all enjoyed it and if any of you are local to Portsmouth are more than welcome to try it out.

What was an added bonus, is that I was expecting the neck to be near enough black with a hint of blue, but actually in the light, the neck is so vibrant it's near in a perfect match to the body. Assuming the weather is as nice tomorrow when I get home from work (and I have time), I'll get some sunlight/basses in the garden pics.

Cheers,

James

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Very cool bass, has an air of Modulus about it, graphite neck, sparkle finish. I especially like the look of the Status neck with no face dots!
I'm not keen on the angled tuners, but hey, whatever makes your life easier :)

Si

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Beautiful bass :gas:
I noticed on your build thread that you were considering adding bridge mutes. I did this to the same kind of bridge on one of my Blingray builds.........the parts are available from the EB website.
I also added the allen-head bridge posts and gave it a string through option.
[url="http://www.ernieball.co.uk/c/music-man-spares"]http://www.ernieball...usic-man-spares[/url]

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[quote name='rubis' timestamp='1434572083' post='2800945']
Beautiful bass :gas:
I noticed on your build thread that you were considering adding bridge mutes. I did this to the same kind of bridge on one of my Blingray builds.........the parts are available from the EB website.
I also added the allen-head bridge posts and gave it a string through option.
[url="http://www.ernieball.co.uk/c/music-man-spares"]http://www.ernieball...usic-man-spares[/url]
[/quote]

I was/am now, but what put me off was the drilling through the bridge plate bit.

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