NBD: Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray5

[Jack_Stroud_Bass]

Hello!

 

It's been a while since I've been on here but I thought it would be rude not to share a NBD update with the community!

 

I bought it second-hand from PMT in Cardiff a few weeks ago. I was in town celebrating a birthday when some down time arose (Fiancée had gone Xmas shopping...) so I thought why not pop in and have a browse. I played a few basses, including some new Fender jazz basses and also an Ibanez six string, none of which were particularly inspiring... but THIS THING! Good lord. It's from 2004 I believe. It's nicely weighty, so feels proper sturdy in on the strap. Great balance too, doesn't hang low or suffer from any neck dive. The wood grain underneath the "honeyburst" finish is absolutely gorgeous, and the maple neck and finger board are a dream to play. 

 

It's got a great B string, despite not being a 35" scale, and sounds monstrous. Different from a Stingray with the one humbucker at the bridge, I can't quite put my finger on it but there is a difference in sound between the HH and H models. Super versatile of course with the five way selector and two humbuckers, though I naturally find myself playing from above the bridge H pickup. 

 

I love how it looks - although part of me does want to replace the black pickup covers for white ones to match the pearly pickguard... Dunno, TBC. Just enjoying playing it for the moment! 

 

Here's a video I did of un-boxing it, it was fun to make! 

 

https://www.facebook.com/100003195770658/videos/3061739417322633/ 

 

I love Stingrays, and have played a four string teal green Stingray since my mid-teens so it's a natural progression! 

 

I've only played it at a few casual things - open mics and jams etc, but taking out with the band tonight to hear it in action for real. Can't wait! 

 

 

Thanks,

Jack  

 

[Hellzero]

Very nice. 👌👍

[Bagman]

Do you like the string spacing ?

[Jack_Stroud_Bass]

Yes. I haven’t owned many five strings in my time (actually only one other) so don’t have much to compare it to, but I definitely don’t have a problem. 
 

I played it last night through a big ol’ peavey rig and it felt great to play to be honest! 

[Jack_Stroud_Bass]

[Lozz196]

I’d venture a truly monstrous sound was had?

[StingRayBoy42]

Oh my, she's pretty... Looks like an angel, sounds like a beast.
 

[Jack_Stroud_Bass]

@Lozz196 - TBH, I was drawn in to the enormous rig, but by the 2nd set I wished I’d set up my Aguilar AG700 and 410… just couldn’t manage to get a great sound out of it for some reason. Bit of a shame, but it did look cool. I’ll stick with what I know next time. 
 

@StingRayBoy42 - Exactly! 

[Pinball]

Congratulations

[dub_junkie]

Lovely!

 

Tort plate with that finish and black pickup covers every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

[Jack_Stroud_Bass]

Thanks @Pinball

 

@dub_junkie - That is something I’ve not considered… but it does sound nice