NOBD: Stingray 1997

[HazBeen]

Got a Ray in, traded against a G&L L2500.

I haven’t owned one in several years, but my first proper self-bought and only fretted bass between ‘93 and ‘08 was a Stingray 4 2 band from late 92/early 93. Then gone through 5/6 string basses, custom hi-end etc. Now have a ‘97 2 band Ray in the arsenal and I have to say, great, great basses that sound and play really well. 

Although I have several 4 and 5 string basses, it is nice to be (partly) back where it all began.

[HazBeen]

And can I just note it blends really well with my SB-2

[Chiliwailer]

My story is quite similar and I came full circle myself a little while back, feels good  

Enjoy the bass, great score. 

[kyuuga]

There's nothing quite like 'Rays 💛

[silverfoxnik]

Fabulous bass! 😊

[Beedster]

I've never owned or played a bad Stingray. Well designed, well built and great sounding instruments the lot of them

[casapete]

On 27/06/2019 at 09:58, Beedster said:

I've never owned or played a bad Stingray. Well designed, well built and great sounding instruments the lot of them

+1

Really miss having a Ray, but unless I can track down one around the 8 lb mark then they will have to remain a fond memory for me. I thought a USA Sterling may be lighter with the slightly smaller body, but all the ones I’ve had / tried seem to be no lighter for some reason. 

[MattM]

Can’t beat a 2EQ ‘Ray, been my bass of choice since a nice man in Sound Control, Glasgow let me have a go on one when I was a poor student 34 years ago.

I’m now fortunate enough to own a sunburst Classic which is hands down the best bass, never mind ‘Ray, I’ve ever played.   Now my 12yo sons getting good, my only issue is getting it back off him..,😉. 

[uk_lefty]

On 29/06/2019 at 09:37, MattM said:

Now my 12yo sons getting good, my only issue is getting it back off him

What an instrument for a 12 year old to be having a go on! And good on you letting him loose on it. I thought I'd had good quality basses with an MIJ Fender and some others but when I got a Stingray it all stepped up a gear, best basses for playing live (for my style anyway), can't imagine needing another bass for the same job.

Edited July 1, 2019 by uk_lefty

[HazBeen]

I have been pretty much playing my Ray for days now, 1 gig, 1 rehearsal under my belt. I still cannot believe how uttely natural it feels in my hands. All those years of playing Stingrays exclusively clearly is still in my muscle memory.

So much so I am contemplating offering my entire collection (bar my fretless Status and my self build ThunderBlackstone) as trade material against several others......

But hey, let's get past the renewed honeymoon stage first  

[Mudpup]

It's that neck Harry!!!! Its special :-)

[HazBeen]

2 hours ago, Mudpup said:

It's that neck Harry!!!! Its special 🙂

Certainly is a gorgeously smooth neck, but actually it is also the pickup position, ergonomics of the body and sound I am totally rekindling a love affair with. Like an old girlfriend 😂