WhiteNGold Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 Hi folks, got an itch for LED's and whether to have them installed into my Stingray, but also dealing with terrible GAS for a USA Sterling too atm. Im interested to see if LED's would benefit and what they would look like in MM basses...has anyone got an example they can share with me? Quote
Machines Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 This is how all fretboard lights look to me. Quote
EBS_freak Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 [quote name='WhiteNGold' timestamp='1423038318' post='2679754'] Hi folks, got an itch for LED's and whether to have them installed into my Stingray, but also dealing with terrible GAS for a USA Sterling too atm. Im interested to see if LED's would benefit and what they would look like in MM basses...has anyone got an example they can share with me? [/quote] Dougie from McFly is probably the MM user that instantly comes to mind with LEDs loaded in his bass. All Sterlings though I'm afraid! Quote
EBS_freak Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 [quote name='Machines' timestamp='1423039867' post='2679775'] This is how all fretboard lights look to me. [/quote] Time and place for all! Quote
stoo Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 I've got an LED on my EBMM SUB, but just the one, on the control plate, as a battery low warning indicator. That's not much help, is it? Quote
stingrayPete1977 Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 They really suit Dougie dont they, I like him and his basses Quote
inate_hex Posted February 6, 2015 Posted February 6, 2015 I just picked up a Sterling H at the weekend. It's a superb bass. The pickup switch is pure magic. Way more options than a ray. It's the lightest bass ive owned and it is a joy to play. Good look with the gas ;-) Quote
stingrayPete1977 Posted February 6, 2015 Posted February 6, 2015 [quote name='inate_hex' timestamp='1423185291' post='2682090'] I just picked up a Sterling H at the weekend. It's a superb bass. The pickup switch is pure magic. [b]Way more options than a ray[/b]. It's the lightest bass ive owned and it is a joy to play. Good look with the gas ;-) [/quote] Not if you play a 5 string one Quote
obbm Posted February 6, 2015 Posted February 6, 2015 I wanted LEDs on my SR5 so I got Status to make me a neck with them. That was over 10 years and it's still going strong. Quote
stingrayPete1977 Posted February 6, 2015 Posted February 6, 2015 I was just making the point that the 5 has the same options as the Sterling, even a ceramic pickup the same if you choose the right year, so not way more options. Classic5 is tasty if you like 4 string Rays but enjoy a B string though Quote
obbm Posted February 6, 2015 Posted February 6, 2015 [quote name='WhiteNGold' timestamp='1423251792' post='2682903'] I'm interested to know if the fretboard needs to be removed to install them...my PDN Stingray has a lacquered neck & fretboard join so that worries me... [/quote] This was a complete new carbon-fibre neck and the LEDs were installed during manufacture. Probably not what you are after but an alternative approach to what you want. I guess you need to talk to Sims. Quote
obbm Posted February 6, 2015 Posted February 6, 2015 [quote name='WhiteNGold' timestamp='1423252210' post='2682908'] Sims is £516 I imagine Status would be around £6000 for new neck and LEDs XD [/quote] Not £6000 but more than £600. Quote
inate_hex Posted February 6, 2015 Posted February 6, 2015 [quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1423249277' post='2682863'] Not if you play a 5 string one [/quote] That is why I said RAY and not RAY5. Quote
White Cloud Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 What actually is the purpose of LED's on a bass? Do they have a purpose at all ..or are they just bling? They don't seem to be common with pro's or many big name players. I have never even played a bass with any fitted in 35yrs of playing. Quote
mr zed Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 Errrrr, thanks guys - started gassing for a Sterling now! Not helpful - not helpful at all. Not interested in LEDs but the White Sterling looks fantastic. Quote
inate_hex Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 (edited) [quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1423304335' post='2683236'] What actually is the purpose of LED's on a bass? Do they have a purpose at all ..or are they just bling? They don't seem to be common with pro's or many big name players. I have never even played a bass with any fitted in 35yrs of playing. [/quote] They make your fretboard easier to see on dark stages. I'm not a fan of them myself. Another solution would be to add luminlay markers on the side of the fretboard. It's a much cheaper solution than having L.E.D.s fitted. Edited February 7, 2015 by inate_hex Quote
Mudpup Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 (edited) Here you go........ £40 http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40192356/ Edited February 7, 2015 by Mudpup Quote
White Cloud Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 [quote name='inate_hex' timestamp='1423312325' post='2683364'] They make your fretboard easier to see on dark stages. I'm not a fan of them myself. Another solution would be to add luminlay markers on the side of the fretboard. It's a much cheaper solution than having L.E.D.s fitted. [/quote] If the OP spends lots of time playing on a dark stage then it might be a worthwhile mod.... Quote
stingrayPete1977 Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 Anyone doing a lot of dark pit work will appreciate side leds too IMO. Quote
inate_hex Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 [quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1423324472' post='2683567'] If the OP spends lots of time playing on a dark stage then it might be a worthwhile mod.... [/quote] Yes, it might be. Quote
Kev Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 Side LEDs are cool and useful, but personally I don't think front LEDS are useful for anything but show. Does anyone really look at the front of the fretboard and look for markers to help them play? I don't, but then again I guess some people might! Quote
Misdee Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 [quote name='WhiteNGold' timestamp='1423251792' post='2682903'] I'm interested to know if the fretboard needs to be removed to install them...my PDN Stingray has a lacquered neck & fretboard join so that worries me... [/quote] Sims are quite secretive about how they actually fit the LEDs, but I am fairly sure they would be able to fit them to your bass without much problem. I've seen plenty of basses with painted and/or lacquered finishes on the neck with Sim's LEDs in the past. However, whether spending upwards of £600 or so to get them fitted is a good idea is another matter entirely. To me, it is a huge amount to spend on something which is essentially a superfluous novelty. For decades bass players managed without LEDs, until manufacturers created a desire for them. Ultimately it is just another gimmick designed to take your money from you. The first company to offer LEDs was Alembic back in the 1970's, usually as little red side- dots on the edge of the fingerboard. OK, I can see how they would be useful in certain situations, maybe, but then again in 30 odd years playing the bass I have never ever found a need for lights on the fingerboard. In the real world LEDs are unnecessary, from a playing point of view at least.It seems crass (and rather uncool) to be so focussed on flashy appearances. Having said that, the Mint Green Sterling with the matching colour lights does look pretty sharp! Maybe I need to find a boy band willing to feature a clapped-out-40- something bass player with a big belly. Quote
UglyDog Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 Good for you. Personally my bacon has been saved more than once in the dark by my side LEDs. I'm not overkeen on front ones though. Quote
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