"DELUXE" StingRay

[richbriere]

I'm getting more and more customers who come in and go oogly-oogly over the beveled top on the StingRay5 but they're 4 string players. Any plans for an "upgraded" body on the StingRay?? Obviously, it'd have to be a different model designation as the StingRay that we all know and love is such an Icon, but that StingRay 5 body is begging to get into more hands. Whaddya' Think?

 

[PocketGroove82]

BFR sounds kinda like a deluxe model to me, maybe something like your saying could happen.

 

[Figjam]

Indeed. I don't think there'd be any other way it could happen, interesting idea though

 

[slucas]

I dunno, maybe I guess. For me the deluxe Stingray (I just finished playng mine) is called a 30th Anniversary model. Funny I don't really give my basses names like some on the forum, but I do call my Bongo's Bongo and Bongo 5, My Sterling I refer to as Sterling, My HH Ray I call Ray, and the SR5 I just call SR5. These are just already given names, but I did come up with a name for the 30th just moments ago. And it is...................Jelly Roll Sounds kind of fruit but the tone just rolls out of it in a gelatinous way. Plus it's color is like strawberry jelly.
Maybe you can tell I haven't dated for a while. It's ok though, I just loves my Jelly Roll

 

[phatduckk]

ya id doubt very highly that the production model of the sr4 is gonna have any serious changes like that.

but, hey, u never know

 

[richbriere]

That's why I said it couldn't, wouldn't and shouldn't be the Stingray in it's present form that gets the new lines. The StingRay will go down in history as being among the finest basses ever created.

Look at the Silouhette. Stunning body shape and , obviously, some of the same bevel style. While I'm simply tossing it out, my question would be: "Would a StingRay 4 neck fit nicely on a StingRay 5 body? If so, it would be that difficult ...........and I think it would sell. I do know this: My customers had never seen Music Man basses up close and personal before we became a dealer. We now sell 3 Music Man basses to every other brand that we carry in that price range.

 

[adouglas]

Actually the Silhouette came first. The SR5 picked up on its design cues.

EBMM is so busy pumping out cool new stuff that a new bass isn't going to happen for quite a while, I'll wager, even one that's as "simple" as putting an SR4 neck on an SR5 body. No way will EBMM do a "Frankenstein" job like that IMHO...the company carefully develops each new instrument.

Consider the past year and this year's introductions:

20th Silo
20th SR5
Bongo 6
Sterling 5
30th SR4
Multiple pickup basses
BFR

And that's not to mention "specials" like the LEs and the DD. Superficially these are just paint jobs, but there's a lot of time, energy and money that goes into these projects.

And I'm probably missing some stuff from the skinny string side because I don't follow it closely.

For a company the size of EBMM to introduce new products at that rate is extraordinary.

We are EXTREMELY fortunate to be EBMM customers during a time when the energy, enthusiasm and creativity at the company are so high. It won't always be this good...everything runs in cycles. Every company has its ups and downs, and the current rate of change and new product introduction is obviously not sustainable over the long term if the commitment to quality is to remain intact.

Long may the good times last!

 

[richbriere]

Having spent a decade at Fender I'm well aware of the process involved in making changes, adding changes, or "new models". Mine was a simple message to those who linger here and giving a "call report" to those who read them as well as getting the opinions of my brothers and sisters who adore Music Man. I love the Stingray. I now love the Stingray 5 more.......just because of a small body change. Those simple body lines are outrageously cool.

I own a Bongo and a StingRay. Now I HAVE to buy a StingRay 5 because I find myself looking at THEM more often than staring out the store window looking at passing gorgeous women.

 

[Motojunkie]

What's this BFR that's being mentioned?

 

[bovinehost]

Hey Rich,

Drop me a PM. I think I accidentally deleted an email from you!

Jack

 

[RitchieDarling]

Deluxe!

When I hear "DELUXE STINGRAY", it make me think it has extra meat, cheese, and special sauce!



Ritchie

 

[cat_empire]

Actually the Silhouette came first. The SR5 picked up on its design cues.

EBMM is so busy pumping out cool new stuff that a new bass isn't going to happen for quite a while, I'll wager, even one that's as "simple" as putting an SR4 neck on an SR5 body. No way will EBMM do a "Frankenstein" job like that IMHO...the company carefully develops each new instrument.

Consider the past year and this year's introductions:

20th Silo
20th SR5
Bongo 6
Sterling 5
30th SR4
Multiple pickup basses
BFR

And that's not to mention "specials" like the LEs and the DD. Superficially these are just paint jobs, but there's a lot of time, energy and money that goes into these projects.

And I'm probably missing some stuff from the skinny string side because I don't follow it closely.

For a company the size of EBMM to introduce new products at that rate is extraordinary.

We are EXTREMELY fortunate to be EBMM customers during a time when the energy, enthusiasm and creativity at the company are so high. It won't always be this good...everything runs in cycles. Every company has its ups and downs, and the current rate of change and new product introduction is obviously not sustainable over the long term if the commitment to quality is to remain intact.

Long may the good times last!

+1 to that

This company and all it does never ceases to amaze me. To have so much new stuff coming out in such a small amount of time and to still be able to maintain and in some cases increase their already high standards is truly impressive.

sp props to BP and all the EBMM team for all the hardwork that put in every day to ensure us knuckleheads stay happy

 

[bovinehost]

I'm getting more and more customers who come in and go oogly-oogly over the beveled top on the StingRay5 but they're 4 string players. Any plans for an "upgraded" body on the StingRay?? Obviously, it'd have to be a different model designation as the StingRay that we all know and love is such an Icon, but that StingRay 5 body is begging to get into more hands. Whaddya' Think?

Point 'em to the Silhouette bass, Rich. Sure, sure, it's an odd beast and has two more strings than they really want, but isn't that what sales is all about?

"You don't want that! Look at THIS!"

I think the bevels on the Stingray 5 are mighty sweet, too. Can't imagine what they'd look like on a Stingray 4.....

But if your customers are looking for something special, stand by. BP and Company are going to start production on Ball Family Reserve (BFR) instruments in 2007. Not custom jobs as in one-offs, name your modifications, we'll slap a Kahler on it, sure, not like that, but some pretty special smaller-run instruments with nice accessories, to be sure.

And DEFINITELY get those wimpy four-bangers (hello, boys) pointed in the direction of the 20th Anniversary Stingray 5. Tell them the B string works perfectly as a thumbrest.

Jack