Curious about 2 band eq

[Manny Ray]

Newbie here, and my apologies in advance for what I know is a question that I can probably do a search and find the answer to, but I'd like up to date responses, hence my post.

I picked up off Craigslist what was advertised as a 2001 Stingray 4 string. Sunburst finish. Honestly, I did not even notice it had 3 knobs instead of the more common 4 when I bought it. I just picked it up and it felt great and was nice and light, so I didn't hesitate to purchase it.

Only when I got home did I realize it has 3 knobs. I started thinking that I got ripped off since I had never heard of a 3 knob modern version of this bass that wasn't the recently introduced "classic" line. But after doing a little searching, I read that yes 2 bands were available and to many sound better than the 3 band.

My question is basically what is the deal/story with these 2 band basses? Were they made custom order? Were they regular production but not as advertised? What years were they available post ernie ball? Are they collectable or more desirable at resale? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I paid $750 for mine and it came with a case. I think I did ok.

Thanks!

 

[liverbird]

Sounds like you did very well - particularly if it's a light Stingray! (Not too many of those around...)

But of course it means nothing without pics!

As far as I know, the 2-band EQ Rays have always been around in the EB years. 3-band was introduced in 1987. Don't know which one is more prevalent but both versions have their fans.

Some great info on this site:

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

 

[Movielife]

They are both great. I used to have a 2 Band and I want to replace it.....might be a Classic Natural!

 

[JayDawg]

Newbie here, and my apologies in advance for what I know is a question that I can probably do a search and find the answer to, but I'd like up to date responses, hence my post.

I picked up off Craigslist what was advertised as a 2001 Stingray 4 string. Sunburst finish. Honestly, I did not even notice it had 3 knobs instead of the more common 4 when I bought it. I just picked it up and it felt great and was nice and light, so I didn't hesitate to purchase it.

Only when I got home did I realize it has 3 knobs. I started thinking that I got ripped off since I had never heard of a 3 knob modern version of this bass that wasn't the recently introduced "classic" line. But after doing a little searching, I read that yes 2 bands were available and to many sound better than the 3 band.

My question is basically what is the deal/story with these 2 band basses? Were they made custom order? Were they regular production but not as advertised? What years were they available post ernie ball? Are they collectable or more desirable at resale? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I paid $750 for mine and it came with a case. I think I did ok.

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the new bass. On the regular Stingray basses, you can get them in both 2 or 3 band from the factory. I actually just found this out not too long ago but also found out that 90% of the Stingrays ordered are 3 band because the extra cost is very minimal. I have a Stingray Classic that is a 2 band as well as a traditional 3 band Stingray and both basses are very different. Some tones are similar but each bass has its own sounds as well. For a 2001 with hardshell case, I would say you got a very good deal. These basses are great basses and will last you a life time if you choose to keep them that long.

 

[Manny Ray]

Thanks for the responses. I will try to post pics soon. This bass has been a return to where I started. In 2005, when I started playing bass after 20 years of drums, I bought a Stingray. It was amazing, but sold it when I had some money issues. Since then, I've had a series of cheap chinese made basses. I remembered that nothing felt like that original Stingray, so when I saw this one I jumped on it.

I didn't even notice it had 2 band eq, and thought I had gotten ripped off. I appreciate the responses so far, and they have helped assuage my fears. Now I am thinking I got something special for a song. In either case, the bass is amazingly light, has a fantastic neck, and from what I remember about my old 3 band, this 2 band knocks it out of the park in terms of tone. HUGE low end on it, and no clickety trebly highs. Very smooth highs.