magcom1977 Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Hi there. I'm thinking of buying a Stingray 5 but I'm undecided between the single and dual humbucker models. Logically I'm thinking I should go for the dual humbucker because it gives me all the options of the single plus a few more. (This is also why I'm ruling out the HS model) But if that was the case wouldn't everyone be buying the dual humbucker model? So what am I missing? What are the advantages of the single over the dual apart from the look? Does the greater wood content significantly impact the tone? Appreciate your thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Firstly, no matter which you get, the H at the bridge sounds the same. The small variables you do hear would be wood/winding etc and inidividual to each bass, no matter what the pup configuration. Just be aware that from 2008, they went BACK to alnico pickups as per the normal Stingray tone, (ceramic being the Sterling tone). Secondly, if you want to be able to single coil the bridge pup, don't get the latest H 2008- bass, get the HS, The new H model only allows for parallel, series, and series plus filter. If you want to be able to use a single coil at the neck, plus two other cool tones and the normal H tone, get the HS. Thirdly, with the HH, you cannot use any single coils; it is all combinations. Yes, they sound great, but the difference in the HS and HH comes down to whether you want the option to use single coils, (and, for example, get the Jazz-ish Jaco tone at the bridge). In my eyes, unless you really don't mind not having extra tones, get the HS or HH. Not only do they retain their value a little better due to the rarity, but they offer the normal Stingray tone PLUS 4 others. That with a three band EQ = a lot of options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magcom1977 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 Thank you for the comprehensive reply. I'm not particularly bothered about single coils as I've always been more a P-bass than J-bass man. My previous basses have had either soapbar or MM style pickups. So it sounds like HH is the way to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Absolutely! HH all the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 The HH SR5 is a monsterously powerful ( and good ) sounding bass . Just be aware that the string spacing is on the narrow side and on most examples I have ever played the distribution of the strings on the neck is such that the B and particulaly the G string are very close to the edge of the fingerboard . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 [quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1364999931' post='2033906'] The HH SR5 is a monsterously powerful ( and good ) sounding bass . Just be aware that the string spacing is on the narrow side and on most examples I have ever played the distribution of the strings on the neck is such that the B and particulaly the G string are very close to the edge of the fingerboard . [/quote] Ay, I agree. It is 17.5 mm, but since its 'all I know' for a 5 string bass, I've got used to it and started to really enjoy how fast I can play on it. As all my fivers are by EBMM, I don't have to adjust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingus Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 (edited) [quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1365001249' post='2033943'] Ay, I agree. It is 17.5 mm, but since its 'all I know' for a 5 string bass, I've got used to it and started to really enjoy how fast I can play on it. As all my fivers are by EBMM, I don't have to adjust. [/quote] I would hasten to add that there is nothing inherently wrong with either of those two things , it's just something will bother certain people and not bother certain others . If you look at the sheer number of working pros that use the SR5 , that is testimony what good basses they are . Edited April 3, 2013 by Dingus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magcom1977 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 My Overwater 5 had 19mm spacing so there will be an adjustment period but I actually found that too wide. Anyway, I've just pulled the trigger on a SR5 HH "Honey Roasted" with shell pickguard. What a rush! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 [quote name='magcom1977' timestamp='1365004489' post='2034023'] My Overwater 5 had 19mm spacing so there will be an adjustment period but I actually found that too wide. Anyway, I've just pulled the trigger on a SR5 HH "Honey Roasted" with shell pickguard. What a rush! [/quote] Wow, freshly ordered?! That was quick Picsssss! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magcom1977 Posted April 3, 2013 Author Share Posted April 3, 2013 Yes freshly ordered! I've been going back and forth between different basses for weeks. I'd decided on a SR5, just wasn't sure on the pickup config. But you explained the differences very well and that sold me on the HH. I toyed with the 20th anniversary model as it sounds awesome in Ed Friedland's review but I've fallen in love with the Honey Roasted package. Pics posted on arrival. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 After all my messing around I think I prefer my ceramic equipped SR5 now, the cheapest most messed with Ray I have owned is my go to bass now! Looking forward to pics of the new bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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