Questions and Observations from a new member

[register2]

Hi!

I just picked up a 2002 Blue Dawn Stingray and I love it. The sound is head and shoulders above my '02 Fender American Series Jazz bass. That being said, here are some long standing thoughts/questions I've had that I'd like to get your feedback on:

Necks: I've always been bummed that necks aren't interchangeable - it doesn't make logical sense to me why a Sterling should have a thinner neck than a Stingray (or why J necks are thinner than P necks) - what should neck profile have to do with sound? As someone who loves the Stingray sound but prefers a thinner neck, it would be nice to see the 'Ray available with a Sterling neck (the same for P basses with J necks).

Pickups: I think the HH Stingray is a great idea, though I am personally fond of the limitations imposed on the single H instruments. I feel like it forces me to define the sound of the bass and, since I'm not a session musician (really barely any type of musician), I have no need for extreme versatility. Are there any plans in the works to release a Stingray with a single H in the neck position? (I think it would at the least be a fair jab at Fender, especially since they released the "Big Block P bass")

More pickups: The G string is definitely markedly quieter on every Stingray I've played - is this intentional for the sake of making slapping and popping more even? Can anyone recommend a replacement pickup that will preserve the soul of my bass while giving me the same even response I get out of my Jazz?

Bongos: I think Bongos look strange. I realize this is because I am conditioned to think a bass has to look a certain way, but I'm just throwing that out there to see if I am alone (based on what I've seen on this forum I think I am definitely the only person who feels this way). This isn't a criticism, and clearly it's a hugely popular design (and a Jazz bass is shaped pretty oddly too), so I'm just looking for people's thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[bovinehost]

.....it doesn't make logical sense to me why a Sterling should have a thinner neck than a Stingray (or why J necks are thinner than P necks).....

I'm not following your logic. The variation in neck profiles? Because some people like a thicker neck and some people prefer a thinner neck. Like string spacing or color or number of strings, everyone gets a choice here. Me, I prefer the Stingray neck to the Sterling, so I play Stingrays (when not playing Bongos). Some other guys like the smaller profile of the Sterling.

Are there any plans in the works to release a Stingray with a single H in the neck position?

There is already a Stingray with a single coil at the neck position which can be used solo. Of course, it has the humbucker at the bridge, but that doesn't mean you have to utilize it.

The G string is definitely markedly quieter on every Stingray I've played - is this intentional for the sake of making slapping and popping more even? Can anyone recommend a replacement pickup that will preserve the soul of my bass while giving me the same even response I get out of my Jazz?

I realize that this "quieter G string" issue is supposedly fact, but I've never had one that couldn't be adjusted (pickup height and strings WILL correct this) to have even output across the board.

Replacement pickups are not something we discuss, this being the Ernie Ball forum and all.

Bongos: I think Bongos look strange. I realize this is because I am conditioned to think a bass has to look a certain way, but I'm just throwing that out there to see if I am alone (based on what I've seen on this forum I think I am definitely the only person who feels this way). This isn't a criticism, and clearly it's a hugely popular design (and a Jazz bass is shaped pretty oddly too), so I'm just looking for people's thoughts.

You're not alone. The Bongo isn't for everyone. Nor is a Jazz bass. (How many P versus J threads have I seen over the years? Billions.) Not everyone likes Gibson Grabbers or Thunderbirds or Alembics. Buy and play what makes you happy.

 

[register2]

Hi, and thanks for the answers! The neck pickup point is a good point - I never thought of it that way. I think I am just intimidated by the wall of pickups on the front of the HH Stingray.

As far as the neck profile, I think my point is that, to my mind, the size and shape of the neck should be independent from what's in the body of a bass. In other words, neck preference being related to hand size and what a player is used to, and tone and features being something entirely other. Again, as someone who likes the simplicity and looks of a single H Stingray from the waist down, I don't see why a thick neck is an inherent part of the instrument.

Concering the replacement pickup - thanks for the tip and I will definitely work on the pickup height - I haven't even tried that yet! I don't, however, think discussions on replacement parts should be discouraged; modifying things keeps them fresh and fun for people, and getting feedback from folks who clearly like the same type of tone you do, like those on this forum, is valuable.

 

[Big Poppa]

Thanks for your comments

Opinions are great and make the world go around. There are a zillion ways to shape and run a forum.
A public forum that is subscriber or advertiser supported...and one where a dumbass like me pays for the bandwidth are different animals. THe key point is that I really need to keep the focus on what Im paying for......the discussion of products that my team makes. If you want to openly exchange ideas on pickups there are a bunch of places for you to do that.

THe funny part is the sense of ownership/management/entitlement/micromanaging that happens on the net. I know that not everyone likes this place but I also know that a lot of people love it. I also know that once you get involved or stick around you may see the thought behind the parameters that are set. I promise you that each and every poster has something they would change....but the bottom line is that there is enough that works....

THe age old discussion of the volume of the g string really has to do with the pre amp and the thinner sound is not really softer it is accurately reproducing the thinnest string. As Jack said eq pickup height strings all can make it what you need.

Why cant I offer more neck shapes? As it is we offer over 120,ooo combinations of available options. Also you have to get to what is the essence of a model....if every sting ray had a different pick up a different neck shape and a different pickguard then what is a stingray? Keep in mind that every bass we make is already sold. They are semi custom...if you want your dream bass there are a lot of makers out there that can make it just for you.....

stick around ....keep asking questions and have a blast

 

[the unrepentant]

In all honesty, with regards to the replacement pickup thing, i think the musicman pickup is the best musicman style pickup out there. Simple as that, no need to replace it. I've tried seymour duncan MM pickups etc, and while nice sounding, they still don't sound like a musicman. If there's a certain sound you want from your bass, then there are plenty of other forums for discussing this sort of thing, but i'd think it fairly insulting if i was BP. Are his products not good enough for you? There's a reason you don't see that many modded MM basses around

As for the neck thing... what do you mean? Certain people like certain neck profiles, and that's up to them really. Personally, i can get along with most neck profiles as long as they're well set up. Unless you mean the neck pockets should be the same so you can swap the necks a la fender basses?

If your G string is quieter, raise the pickup on the treble side, though it's not something i have a problem with.

The bongo is kinda contraversial, but i quite like it. Try one, they're amazing instruments!

 

[register2]

Well, I must say that I am pretty flattered to have gotten responses from Big Poppa and Bovine - I have the utmost respect for both of you.

I always figured there was a reason for neck size being restricted - the P-Bass has had a big neck for sixtyish years. I'll just say that, as an indie rock guy who was inspired by Tim Commerford, Flea, the Talking Heads, etc., I think that the genre could use some more funk in its butt, and that's why I picked up a Stingray. I think Flea deserves a lot of credit for the role he's given bass in modern rock music (not just flashy slapping, but a parallel role to the guitar), and it bums me to see both of those players on Jazz basses when the Stingray is so much better for those types of lines. The same goes for Interpol and Big D - I think those guys should all be on EBs, and I can't help but think that all the players I've mentioned might have had trouble reconciling the ballsy looks and sound of a MM with their desire for a thinner, "faster" neck. But the unfinished feel of the Stingray certainly makes up for its girth, and its such a great instrument that I'd much rather adapt to the feel than pick up a different bass.

As for the pickups - over and over I've read that nothing ever matches up to what comes stock, so I don't think I'll be changing it! I was just looking for some info, which I got.

Thanks again!

 

[the unrepentant]

Don't mention flea around here!!

 

[mynan]

Don't mention flea around here!!

It's not like that...

 

[bovinehost]

I think I am just intimidated by the wall of pickups on the front of the HH Stingray.

I like vodka martinis. This requires me to occasionally go to the liquor store and purchase vodka. I could buy those little bottles, a "fifth", I think they are called in the local lingo, but I hate to drive, frankly, so I buy those big mommas. To the best of my recollection, I believe these are the 1.75 liter bottles, as if liters mean anything to an American, but they are bigger and keep me from driving so often.

I might look at this giant bottle of vodka and say, "Wait! I can't possibly drink all of this right now! I am intimidated!"

But I don't. What I do is I only have two drinks out of the bottle, and then I put it in the cabinet and come back to visit it after a few days or so. (Sometimes I have three, but that's when I'm "living on the edge".)

Well, I must say that I am pretty flattered to have gotten responses from Big Poppa and Bovine - I have the utmost respect for both of you.

I'll give you the BP thing, but I wouldn't be overly impressed with me, frankly.

As for the pickups - over and over I've read that nothing ever matches up to what comes stock, so I don't think I'll be changing it! I was just looking for some info, which I got.

Pickups are a personal matter, like whether you prefer boxers or briefs (or those strange, mutant 'boxer briefs' which I see at Target) or whether you prefer a gin or vodka martini. Many of us here have been down the "after market" road and found bearded, smelly mountain men at the end of that road. People who think possum is one of the three main food groups. I'm not going to argue with them. (You know how they get.)

Some may like that sort of thing. I say, "Good for them!" I say, "Eat that possum, Earl, and save some for the other mountain people!"

And then I go get some real food, like they have at Pizza Hut.

...it bums me to see both of those players on Jazz basses when the Stingray is so much better....

Just keep in mind that sometimes it's more about business than it is about preference. And, as I always say, I sure wish Flea could get on the cover of a bass-related magazine, because he needs the exposure.

A public forum that is subscriber or advertiser supported...and one where a dumbass like me pays for the bandwidth are different animals.

I needed a laugh this morning, and I got one out of that!

Jack

 

[strummer]

Hi register2
I guess you've gotten the answers, so I'll just tell a little historic tidbit: Once upon a time the MusicMan Sabre could be gotten with a narrow neck (1,5") option. This option is quite rare, and the Sabre does not sound like a StingRay anyway, but I just thought you might like some more info

And change your mind about the looks of the Bongo, or I'll have to come and give you a spanking

 

[Russel]

I'll give you the BP thing, but I wouldn't be overly impressed with me, frankly.


Jack

Dear sir, your mastery of the English language is without match or peer or parallel.

I haven't laughed at more points in a post since the last time you posted.

 

[oli@bass]

I think I am just intimidated by the wall of pickups on the front of the HH Stingray.

Try one. They're insanely great. I love mine.

If your G string is quieter, raise the pickup on the treble side, though it's not something i have a problem with.

Actually, I'd suggest to rather lower the E side (or do both sides but less adjustment). In general you should get a more even sound if the pickup is placed a bit further apart. At least that's how I understood those physics involved.

might have had trouble reconciling the ballsy looks and sound of a MM with their desire for a thinner, "faster" neck.

That ballsy tone needs a ballsy neck

But the unfinished feel of the Stingray certainly makes up for its girth, and its such a great instrument that I'd much rather adapt to the feel than pick up a different bass.

Practice on a bass that has a wider neck and all of a sudden the StingRay will feel small -- I used to play Sterlings, because the neck profile of the StingRay was not comfortable to me, then I've played 36" scale 5 strings for 9 years, and last year I finally found home to the StingRay, which now feels just perfect to me. My hands didn't change. My perception and technique did.

And there's some more: Some of those necks feel bigger, some smaller. Partly due to the setup (you won't believe how a professional setup including nut filing and fret levelling can change the feel!), partly because each piece of wood is a bit different. You should try a couple of different instruments, also of varying age, to get an impression.

 

[gafman]

Bongos: I think Bongos look strange.

I agree - I still want one though.

 

[register2]

Hey there! Just an update: I adjusted the pickup height (a little higher on the G, a little lower on the E) and that absolutely fixed the problem. Again, thrilled with this bass and it's sound, and the neck is getting easier every day. Thanks again for all the input!

 

[laneline]

one of your talking points:
Bongos: I think Bongos look strange. I realize this is because I am conditioned to think a bass has to look a certain way, but I'm just throwing that out there to see if I am alone (based on what I've seen on this forum I think I am definitely the only person who feels this way). This isn't a criticism, and clearly it's a hugely popular design (and a Jazz bass is shaped pretty oddly too), so I'm just looking for people's thoughts.

Welcome, I'm a grey beard so I know all about preconceived notions on how things should look, etc. All I can tell you is seek out any Bongo variation and play it. This bass has to be played, I've just recently purchased one and I dig it more every time I pick it up, I've had a ton of basses over the years, I don't think I've ever been as blown away
by one as I am by the Bongo, and I love my SR5's but the Bongo has some serious mojo goin' on. Also it won't look strange after you bond with it, I keep finding myself thinking
"how the hell did I never play one of these ?" I now understand why so many players here have multiple Bongos in their signatures, I'm looking forward to my next one.
Again welcome to best forum in cyberland. Rick

 

[Oldtoe]

t
a public forum that is subscriber or advertiser supported...and one where a dumbass like me pays for the bandwidth are different animals.

lol @ bp

 

[nicjimbass]

Pickups are a personal matter, like whether you prefer boxers or briefs (or those strange, mutant 'boxer briefs' which I see at Target)

Don't knock it until you try it, brother! Boxer briefs are kinda like the Bongo- sure they may look a little funny, but man, they just feel soooo good!

 

[Oldtoe]

I tried boxer briefs once. They are not designed for people like me who have no arse a'tall.