When is a StingRay Not a StingRay?

[Frankie5Angels]

Ok. Here's a philosophical question for all you EBMM gurus.

I noticed this eBay auction for a 1998 StingRay 4H. The seller mentions that it has a Delano pickup in it. Basically my question is if it doesn't have an EBMM humbucker in it, is it still a StingRay? Isn't the majority of the StingRay sound due to the pickup and electronics? Isn't it sorta like buying a Ferrari and putting a Volkswagen engine in it? (I figure since BP is into fast cars, he can relate to this analogy).

Whaddya think?

 

[jaylegroove]

I'm always a bit confused about people doing that kind of mojo on their basses, especially when it comes to changing the pickup on what we'll all agree to call an excellent bass model.

I can understand money being an issue, getting a cheapo SX instead of a genuine Fender, then later upgrading it with, say, an USA Fender pickup. But what's the point on a Stingray ?

Ah yes, the guy says it : I have upgraded this bass with a Delano MC4 AL/V4 pick-up that gives the bass an even better sound (extended lows/crisp highs with an overall smoother but still very ballsy sound) than the original stock pick-up.

My opinion is, you get a Ray because you love the Ray vibe and tone. If you change a fundamental element, it's not exactly a Ray anymore. If one wants tons of lows, crisp highs, smooth and/or ballsy sound, a factory Ray has anything you need, and even much more. Guess the guy swapped the pickup because he wouldn't know how to shape his tone.

Just IMO, of course.

 

[nashman]

IMHO - it is still a Stingray, just not an original Stingray.

Back to the car analogy ... you can buy a vintage/classic car that is original, or one that has been modified/a clone. Originals are worth more, just because they are originals and not clones.

 

[Frankie5Angels]

My opinion is, you get a Ray because you love the Ray vibe and tone. If you change a fundamental element, it's not exactly a Ray anymore.

That's exactly what I was thinking too. It's still a StingRay in looks, but not in spirit. It's kind of like buying an OLP (not to diss the OLP folks at all). It's not a real EBMM. It's a close approximation, but not the real thing.

 

[jaylegroove]

The fact is, there are some genuine and unmojoed Rays on the used market, and they often go for less than what this seller asks. His $200 argument is worth nothing to me, I wouldn't pay a single extra buck for what I still think is a bad mojo. Well, actually, I would pay nothing for such a bass, since I love Rays just as they are and wouldn't want a mojoed one by any means.

 

[high mileage]

My opinion is, you get a Ray because you love the Ray vibe and tone. If you change a fundamental element, it's not exactly a Ray anymore.

Same here. Upgrades and mods are fun to do but it's more of an "F" thing, I think. But hey, it's his bass and maybe somebody will want it.

 

[oli@bass]

The seller says also that the original pick-up is included, but not installed. I'd give it a try, if the bass would otherwise appeal to me. Out of curiosity, and because you can always swap the original back in.

 

[Frankie5Angels]

He also says he'd have the original pickup re-inastalled if the buyer is interested and not include the Delano. He doesn't mention of he'll charge extra for this "service."

 

[joshbrake]

I think the Subaru/Ferrari analogy fits here.

 

[Caca de Kick]

99% of the time I hate the use of the word "upgrade" with basses/guitars.

 

[Dr Stankface]

99% of the time I hate the use of the word "upgrade" with basses/guitars.

+1

 

[oli@bass]

99% of the time I hate the use of the word "upgrade" with basses/guitars.

Dunno... I hate it all the time... for all possible applications...

 

[armybass]

I only use stock guitars/basses. I have never heard a MM bass with a non stock pup on it that did not suck in my opinion.