Best Stingray for mids..?

[bob atherton]

Hi, this is my first post here so please be gentle…

I play mostly Rickenbacker, Fender and Gibson basses but would like more mid range punch that I’m not getting with any of the others. I played a friends Stingray a few years back and really liked the neck and balance of the bass but didn’t explore too much with the EQ settings.

I am guessing that I would need a 4 string Stingray with 3 band EQ with the mid up a bit? My question is what is the best fingerboard finish to get a really good, middy, woody, parpy tone? I’m looking for the sort of tone that I’ve only heard on Wals (too much money) and Warwicks (hate the necks).

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Also… has the neck profile changed over the years? My ’72 Rickenbacker has a very slim neck compared to the new ones.

Thanks, and looking forward to hanging out here. Bob

 

[Caca de Kick]

I’m looking for the sort of tone that I’ve only heard on Wals (too much money)

Then find a 30th anniv StingRay, or if you can find an old 2eq Sabre.
I got to A/B all my stuff against a buddies MK I, the 30th was the closest sounding MM bass that is still available, and the Sabre was pretty spot on, but they're pretty hard to find.

 

[pepperman]

Hey Bob!

Welcome! If you're looking for a 4-banger, the SR4 or perhaps the Sterling 4 would be your ticket. I'd say go with the SR4 with 3 band EQ. Mind you, I've never played a Sterling so, my experience is somewhat limited here. The necks on EBMM basses are the best I've ever felt. They just fit. Fingerboard finish... well, many will say that's primarily cosmetic. I'm partial to maple, myself. But, as you may know, Stingray basses have a very distinctive sound. They won't sound like a Wal or Warwick. I'm sure some more helpful folks will chime in here soon enough. But honestly, the best way to answer you questions is to find a dealer and go try one out. You won't be sorry!

 

[T-bone]

Welcome Bob! You've posted a great question and will certainly get a variety of answers.

For me, it's the 30th Anniversary Stingray which best accomplishes your goal. Not only is it considered the best Stingray ever made, this instrument will sing and sustain a note for days. Nothin like it in my book.

Beware, however, of the inevitable posts touting the Bongo. These "Bongoloids" will try to impress you with their 18 volt pre-amp (when all you need is 9 v if you know what to do with it), their BMW inspired design, and their latest addition which includes 6 strings. If you ask me, they're over compensating for a lack of something else.

Now kick back and enjoy the fireworks, Bob. This is a great group.

tbone

 

[73jbass]

A single H Stingray or Sterling will do the job nicely. Whether you need to bump the mids will be up to you.The basses seem to do it fine with out boost.They don't call that pickup location the "Sweetspot" for nothing.

 

[timmy5strings]

I would recommend the 30th as well. I have had friends say my 30th sounds like a Ric, but that is how I have it eq'd and it's running through an SVT-CL w/610HLF cabinet. Very punchy. They call it that "Geddy sound on steroids", I call it the Ric Eater

 

[bob atherton]

Thanks Guys for those quick replies. I will seek out a Stingray and get back to you when I have my new bass. Why is the the 30th diferent to a standard one?

I actually tried one of the very first Stingrays that came into the UK but didn't like it! At the time I was playing a '74 Rick 4001 and found the neck a bit cluby, also if I remember it was quite a bit heavier than my Rickenbacker. All these years on I have now got to like the necks and and I don't remember my friends Ernie Ball MM being very heavy at all.

 

[mynan]

Why is the the 30th diferent to a standard one?

The big difference is that it has a mahogany body.

 

[tkarter]

I will say single H bongo. Try one and see for yourself.

tk

 

[Kristopher]

I play my Stingray with the treble knob down a bit and the mid knob up a bit. Sounds great to me!

 

[mackanbass]

Hi Bob!

If its up to the fingerboards: rosewood is a bit middier and maple has a little crispieer highs, made any sence? well thats my opinion and i´ve heard the same from others as well, but hey its small differences. Haven´t tried any 30th anniv. But they sure look good! Good luck with your huntin´

/Mack

 

[Baird]

I agree with the 30th Anni recommendation. Mine sounds like a Stingray but a bit better/different if that makes any sense.....

I love mine in any case!

 

[Caca de Kick]

Why is the the 30th diferent to a standard one?

As mentioned, mahogany body...which most Wals also have a mahogany core body.

 

[Rano Bass]

I think an HH Sterling with rosewood board will do the trick.

 

[timmy5strings]

Try a Stingray, start flat, add a little bass to your liking , then adds mids and treble. Adding mids and treble for punch should put you where you want to be. Everyones sound will vary bit from that and it also depends on your amp. I typically have everything set at 12 oclock on my SVT. You will find a sound you like with the Stingray. You will just find a better one with the 30th.

 

[tkarter]

Try a Bongo.

no smiley since I ain't kidding

I demolished a T-bone last night


tk

 

[T-bone]

I demolished a T-bone last night

Right on tk!

And I'll bet it took twice as much power.

tbone

 

[bob atherton]

I've just heard from a guy that has a Stingray 4 for sale at an OK, but not crazy good price. The only thing is he says it is heavy and just over 10lbs. That does sound a bit heavy to me.

What would be the range of light to heavy for Stingrays. My other basses are max 9lbs and I find that OK for a two hour set. Is 10lbs really too heavy? Also does a heavy MM sound the same as a light one? sorry if I'm being a pain, but I want to get it right first time. Bob

 

[sloshep]

Stingrays run from 9 to 10 pounds generally . With a few going over the 11 mark. My 30th Ann. is 10.5. and it does get heavy. But then again its got a Mahogany body. If you are worried about weight take a small scale and weigh the one you try. It may seem silly but it could keep you from having to turn around and sell it later.

Tone wise the consensus around here is weight doesn't seem to make that much difference. That said you will get some slight tone variations from bass to bass.

If weight is going to that big of deal a try a Bongo. Due to the woods its made out of the 4 string should almost always come in under 10. I have also played some light Sterlings too.

Also, In my opinion the Sterling and Bongo are more mid monsters than the Stingray.
Happy hunting

 

[AtomicPunk]

Bob, welcome! There are a lot of different weights out there, but the tone makes it worth the extra pound or so. I would think the Sterling is lighter than the Stingray.