stingray on a budget...Sub?

[sprocketflup]

as the title says really, looking for a 4 string Stingray but got not a lorradosh, hows these SUB basses holding up? Anyone own one can give an opinion?

[Kev]

Unless you are set on buying new, i would keep an eye out for the old US SUB basses. My first 'proper' bass and i really enjoyed it, great instruments But saying that, heard good things about the new ones too.

[Dandelion]

IBANEZ ATK. USA SUB. SANDBERG BASIC M. Will all approximate a stingray tone.

I have no idea why I wrote that in big shouty letters.

[Funky Dunky]

I was for buying a Sub Ray 4 - the slap sound is really close to the Stingray (well, for £319) but what put me off was how limited the rest of the tonal range is. But if you want Stingray on a budget, the Subs will do a good job. As Dandelion says, the Ibanez ATK is a good approximation, and even cheaper. Try 'em out.

[Kev]

There was a Status Graphite Groove bass in the classifieds not so long ago, not sure if it is still available? That would be a great choice for the money.

[Truckstop]

80's Ibanez Roadsters can be got for around £200. They're as close to a Stingray as I think you can get. You also have the kudos of owning a vintage Ibanez.

Truckstop

[Lozz196]

The Sterling by Musicman Ray34 is a great bass, pick them up used for around £400. I had one, and sound/playability/build quality, there really wasn`t much in it between it and my "real" Stingray.

[Prime_BASS]

Depends on your budget.

I will vote for the original US made SUBs. The electrics, hardware, pickups and neck are all from the original stimgray, the body is just made from basswood (iirc).

[LeftyJ]

[quote name='Dandelion' timestamp='1379625723' post='2215108']
IBANEZ ATK. USA SUB. SANDBERG BASIC M.
[/quote]

That!

[pietruszka]

The old USA sub basses are excellent. Whilst I've never owned one, a good friend did and they really are great basses! Look at it this way, James brown's bassist used one.

You'd be pushing the boat out a bit on cost for a Sandberg basic m, but they are very good. I have the fret less basic, they feel different, the preamps are different but they have a similar sound.



Dan

[Bigwan]

ATK, no question

[geoham]

Definitely the ATK! Great 3 band eq on it, good pickup in right position and solidly built.
Have one that is reluctantly being evicted by my wife since my latest purchase is apparently one too many.
Going on the market place here if I can't shift it locally.

[simon1964]

[quote name='Dandelion' timestamp='1379625723' post='2215108']
IBANEZ ATK. USA SUB. SANDBERG BASIC M. Will all approximate a stingray tone.

I have no idea why I wrote that in big shouty letters.
[/quote]

Certainly agree that the ATK and SUB get you well into Stingray territory. I'm not so sure about the Sandberg Basic though. I used to own one, which was a lovely bass. But the tone was much more rounded, and less aggressive than my Stingray. Still very nice, but more polite than a classic 'ray tone.

[TRBboy]

Depends on your budget, but I know where there's a nice sandberg basic ken taylor for sale..... easily as good quality as a proper ray imo, but a lot more tonal versatility.

Click the link in my sig

[alyctes]

MM2 OLP? Definitely not expensive (£120-£150 second-hand), decently made, but I don't know how they compare soundwise

Edited September 20, 2013 by alyctes

[gjones]

Go for a Sterling Ray 34 or a US made S.U.B. as the latest SUBs from the far east don't sound anything like a Stingray (although seem to be nice basses in their own right). Expect to pay somewhere between £300 to £400.

[mcnach]

If you are after the Stingray sound without Stingray prices... the old Made in USA (2003-2006) MM SUB is the one to go for. It's "the real thing" in construction, electronics, and sound. Not available new anymore, but you do see them used here with regularity. About £350. I own two, awesome basses.

[bassmachine2112]

[sub]I,ve had my USA SUB for 10 years now and it,s holding up very well,in fact it,s holding up incredably well.[/sub]
[sub]Yes I would go for the USA SUB every time.[/sub]
[sub]Perfect for punk/metal before anybody asks and everything else as well.[/sub]
[sub]By the way I love the finish as well that,s why I got it,still not a scratch on it and it,s gigged every week.[/sub]