Bridge question

[Grsshppr]

I'm looking to buy a Stingray but I need a question fielded first. I've seen some bridges on these basses that have metal raised circles on the bridge right under each string as it leaves the bridge and some don't. What are these? Are they a pick-up or some kind of mute thing? Please help so I can purchase the right bass. Thank you.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I'm looking to buy a Stingray but I need a question fielded first. I've seen some bridges on these basses that have metal raised circles on the bridge right under each string as it leaves the bridge and some don't. What are these? Are they a pick-up or some kind of mute thing? Please help so I can purchase the right bass. Thank you.

Sounds like you're referring to the mutes. Mutes haven't featured on Stingrays for quite a few years now, so any new bass you buy won't have them.

 

[adouglas]

Yep.

God Bless the Internet:

http://musicmanbass.org/mycustompage0004.htm

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

I'm looking to buy a Stingray but I need a question fielded first. I've seen some bridges on these basses that have metal raised circles on the bridge right under each string as it leaves the bridge and some don't. What are these? Are they a pick-up or some kind of mute thing? Please help so I can purchase the right bass. Thank you.

Sounds like you're describing a piezo bridge (also with 5 knobs on the control plate).

Is it the 1st or 2nd picture below?

Piezo bridge

Bridge with string mutes

 

[Grsshppr]

bridge mutes

I'm talking about the second picture. So how do these mutes work and what does it do the the playability of these basses? Can you slap with them "on?" I've got a Modulus Flea now but I want that Musicman Stingray tone. Please help.

 

[mynan]

The original MM "Flea" bridge had them, so I'm assuming you could slap with them on.

 

[bovinehost]

The mutes, which are small rubber pads, can be adjusted so that they touch the strings, which effectively 'mutes' any sustaining note. In other words, you get the 'thump' and then the note dies very quickly. Think Motown.

Can you slap with them engaged? Sure, but that probably isn't the most effective use of the mutes.

 

[jasper383]

If you have a Stingray without the mutes, you can just put a piece of foam under the strings back there. Along with flatwound strings, you will have the thump to die for.

 

[AnthonyD]

I've got a Modulus Flea now but I want that Musicman Stingray tone. Please help.

There's your problem...

 

[Caca de Kick]

I'm talking about the second picture. So how do these mutes work and what does it do the the playability of these basses? Can you slap with them "on?"

Just like Bovinehost described, those mutes were adjustable by turning the thumbscrews you can have alot of mute, or just a tiny amount of mute, and obviously no muting. But those bridges only came on older basses from around '95 and older.
Of course the muting is for that old skool sound, like a motown thump. But slapping usually doesn't require mutes, but I guess you can if you want.

 

[Grsshppr]

Thanks to all!!!

Thank you to those who replied. Anything else I should know about these basses (pro/cons) while I browse the local music stores? Any years/options to avoid? I'm hunting for a 5 or a exceptional 4.

 

[kompressaur]

you tried a Sterling? - they're pretty exceptional imo
Komp

 

[high mileage]

Any years/options to avoid?

Honestly? None, really. There have been changes over the years like what you saw with the bridge but that's probably been about the biggest one. In other words, nothing really to worry about. If you don't want the mutes, just take them off (take out the four thumbscrews and the whole thing slides right out). Lots of cool and unique finishes over the years, too. Check out the Finish Guide to see what has been available but it will be hard to find some of these.

Unlike some other brands, there really haven't been any "bad years" to avoid - just slight changes. If the Stingray neck is too big, try a Sterling. If you want a bass that will cut thru anything, try a Bongo.

 

[oli@bass]

You can find out almost everything about the changes in production on Rod Trussbroken's website:

Home - Musicmanbass.org, Music Man, Musicman, Music Man Bass, Musicman Bass, Music Man Guitar

One thing I would look out for in the SR4 would be the rounded pole pieces of the pickup, introduced mid 2003. A small detail, but important when you tend to pick exactly over the pickup and tend to dig in hard, like I do.

 

[rhythmCity944]

I have mutes on 2 of my stingrays and i use them too...they work great on certain songs that my band plays for a different feel in the song...almost like your are palm muting the strings

 

[Grsshppr]

thanks again to all.

Thanks for the advice but I found my dream bass. I was at the guitar center and I had played all the EB MM SR4 and SR5 basses they had. none were set up right and they all had old strings. I was getting ready to leave and I noticed one last woodgrain SR4 hidden behind some piece of crap off brand and I could not believe my eyes. It was a 1977 Musicman Stingray with the 2 band eq and blcah PG. I thought "this can't posiibly play good...it's 30 years old." However after spending 30 seconds with this bass I knew it was the one. It played better than any of the other 8 I tried. Sure it looks old and the original case smells old, but who cares it plays and sounds like butter.

 

[rhythmCity944]

awesome find!!!

 

[adouglas]

What a great feeling...finding "the ONE."

Crikey, I feel old. I graduated high school in 77.

Then again, I'm not as old as Jack.

 

[AnthonyD]

Nice - congrats! I can surely appreciate the feeling.


I found "the one" a few years back. But then "the REAL one found me"!


It's a beautiful thing when the instrument in your hands propels your playing...

 

[oli@bass]

Congratulations.... to the first one in your ever growing collection