Pinball Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 (edited) In the past 18 months I have been experimenting with gear and have gradually been moving towards a darker, deeper sound. I'm very happy with the guitars I have but since getting a Warwick FNA, with its big hum humbucker I have started to look at MM and EB basses in a new light. I could probably get enough money together to get a cheaper Stingray or something. What about a Ray35? I have no experience of playing them whatsoever. What am I missing and is it a good option for me? Someone sort me out my GAS........ Note: I play 5 strings and don't want anything too heavy...does that rule them out? Edited May 2, 2014 by Pinball Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolo Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Go play a few in shops in your area, or see if any local BCers can accommodate. A heavy bass may have great ergonomics and not be a burden, and sound is so subjective. I love my SR5 more for the kick in the chest than the punch in the gut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Before making a decision, play one first. I really wanted one, liked the look, liked the sound then I played one, now I know it is not something I could use, I didn't get on with it at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 I love the playability and the sounds of a Stingray, but unfortunately for me I only like those sounds when someone else is making them, they just don`t sound "me". But really great basses, and far more versatile than given credit for. Most think of Flea type sounds, whereas there is always Bernard Edwards to consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fionn Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 I would stick with the Warwick. Why would you want a Stingray ... Is it an image/ aesthetic thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 I like Rays when I don't own one - when I do own one I'm not so sure... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobbayne Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1399015831' post='2439897'] I love the playability and the sounds of a Stingray, but unfortunately for me I only like those sounds when someone else is making them, they just don`t sound "me". But really great basses, and far more versatile than given credit for. Most think of Flea type sounds, whereas there is always Bernard Edwards to consider. [/quote] Agree. I always fancied a Stingray, and a few years ago I got one. Played it with my band but the sound didnt suit it. I gave it a few more outings before I moved it on and went back to my trusty Fender Precision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Everyone seems to be selling Stingrays on here at the moment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The fasting showman Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 (edited) Yes you do, I bought my first one about 10 years too late! There's bands that I was in where it would have been the perfect bass. I think they are a bass you have to see if you click with, my experience is always the polar opposite to what Lozz mentions, he can clearly make a P bass work for him (lucky man) whereas I have tried for a long time and failed! Maybe try out a USA EBMM sub 5? They're a bargain. Martin Edited May 2, 2014 by The fasting showman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmit Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 take a look at a EBMM sterling before you decide, or rather listen to one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Darker, deeper sound? Not a stingray... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badboy1984 Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Stingray sound crap when I practicing or jamming at home. When it comes to gig time it is a swiss knife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoo Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 The Sterling by Musicman SUB Ray5 would also be worth getting a demo on.... I've got 4 string versions of the EBMM and SbMM SUB's, and while the EBMM is definitely a better built bit of kit, the SbMM is floaty light in comparison, and plays like a dream once set up properly. Soundwise - I don't think I'd be able to tell them apart in a blind test - that may say more about my ears than anything else though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinball Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share Posted May 2, 2014 Thanks everyone, all constructive replies with lots of info [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1399015831' post='2439897'] I love the playability and the sounds of a Stingray, but unfortunately for me I only like those sounds when someone else is making them, they just don`t sound "me". But really great basses, and far more versatile than given credit for. Most think of Flea type sounds, whereas there is always Bernard Edwards to consider. [/quote] I'll have a listen to some of those guys [quote name='Fionn' timestamp='1399015956' post='2439900'] I would stick with the Warwick. Why would you want a Stingray ... Is it an image/ aesthetic thing? [/quote] Good point, It's my go to bass at home when I play it on my lap, I prefer the Ibanez while standing. I wasn't expecting to like the FNA as much as I do...maybe a bit of an image thing wish it was dark wood or black. A 3nd reason is that changing is me playing and writing stuff. I really enjoy getting to know a new bit of kit. The Warwick is isn't going anywhere fast though. [quote name='Mattmit' timestamp='1399021621' post='2439998'] take a look at a EBMM sterling before you decide, or rather listen to one. [/quote] Thanks I will do [quote name='badboy1984' timestamp='1399024486' post='2440047'] Stingray sound crap when I practicing or jamming at home. When it comes to gig time it is a swiss knife. [/quote] [quote name='stoo' timestamp='1399025066' post='2440054'] Yes I totally relate to that. I find trying something in a shop tricky. I'm always drawn to a Jazz sound, then get the thing home and spend my time fiddling around trying to get other sounds when playing in a band context. My Ibanez, FNA and Farida work for me. before that I struggled various jazzers...Note to self: should have tried a P bass maybe. The Sterling by Musicman SUB Ray5 would also be worth getting a demo on.... I've got 4 string versions of the EBMM and SbMM SUB's, and while the EBMM is definitely a better built bit of kit, the SbMM is floaty light in comparison, and plays like a dream once set up properly. Soundwise - I don't think I'd be able to tell them apart in a blind test - that may say more about my ears than anything else though! [/quote] Thanks, will search one out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinball Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share Posted May 2, 2014 [quote name='Bigwan' timestamp='1399024349' post='2440045'] Darker, deeper sound? Not a stingray... [/quote] Point taken, I know what I mean...powerful I guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badboy1984 Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 They have a strong mid presence to my ear which makes them sound great in the mix ........ their preamp is pretty powerful as well, i tend to find myself either leave the bass flat or cut the bass when playing live. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyellowcar Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1399027222' post='2440091'] Point taken, I know what I mean...powerful I guess [/quote] You might be better served with an EQ/Preamp pedal such as a Sansamp which would cost you a tenth of what a Stingray would Edited May 2, 2014 by theyellowcar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Bass full up Treble as a slap switch, i.e. mid way unless slap is need when it goes to 10. (I know, but sometimes get to do 'Some Other Guy') Mid as a subtle volume control. Around halfway, if I'm being lost in the mix up it goes and there I am, without just getting louder Any more knobs and I'm lost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolo Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 [quote name='theyellowcar' timestamp='1399027765' post='2440099'] You might be better served with an EQ/Preamp pedal such as a Sansamp which would cost you a tenth of what a Stingray would [/quote] That's not going to help you sound Stingray-ish. Personally I Love the Ray, hate the ampeggy scoop and it's derivatives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyellowcar Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 [quote name='Bolo' timestamp='1399045682' post='2440450'] That's not going to help you sound Stingray-ish. Personally I Love the Ray, hate the ampeggy scoop and it's derivatives. [/quote] Sansamp might have been a bad example, but I can quite easily tweak my Precision to sound close to a Ray by using my BDI21. Just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinball Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share Posted May 2, 2014 [quote name='theyellowcar' timestamp='1399048832' post='2440500'] Sansamp might have been a bad example, but I can quite easily tweak my Precision to sound close to a Ray by using my BDI21. Just a thought. [/quote] I've been there. I used a Hartke Bass Attack for a while. It's probably my favourite stand alone pedal and helped but isn't a substitute in my humble opinion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyellowcar Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 [quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1399050209' post='2440520'] I've been there. I used a Hartke Bass Attack for a while. It's probably my favourite stand alone pedal and helped but isn't a substitute in my humble opinion [/quote] Fair play. Get down to your local shop and start trying Stingrays then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 I can't help with a MM but I do have a G&L 5-string with a humbucker in the 'MM' position. You are welcome to try it if you fancy a trip over to Swindon some time - but it's not for sale! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Coffee Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 The stingray 5 is a majestic powerhouse of a bass and is one of my favourites. I don't own one because I don't need what it does currently but other than feeling slightly heavier than most I've played IMO it is one bass I will be acquiring once I have a spare few hundred quid. Indulge yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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