Difference SR5 H - HH

[OnlyMe]

When I asked at the shop, they told me that HH was discontinued, but looking around here, I think they were wrong.

So, noob question, what's the difference between H and HH tonewise, and is there a big price difference?

 

[LowDownDave]

HH definitely not discontinued. Tonewise you can get a huge variety of tones using the pickup selector switch on the HH (I love it), but at the same time you can dial in the classic stingray tone (though some may disagree) with one of the selector switch settings so that you are only using the humbucker closest to the bridge (as you would hear when playing an SR4/5-H). I'd probably go for the HH (or HS) every time, just to get the tone variety available, but that's just my opinion. As for price difference, I think that will vary from country to country, but you could probably do a search on the internet to find this info out for yourself.

 

[Moondog]

HH definitely not discontinued. Tonewise you can get a huge variety of tones using the pickup selector switch on the HH (I love it), but at the same time you can dial in the classic stingray tone (though some may disagree) with one of the selector switch settings so that you are only using the humbucker closest to the bridge (as you would hear when playing an SR4/5-H). I'd probably go for the HH (or HS) every time, just to get the tone variety available, but that's just my opinion. As for price difference, I think that will vary from country to country, but you could probably do a search on the internet to find this info out for yourself.

I have had (2) SR5's (H & HH) and IME, I could not dial in the classic StingRay tone.
A SR4HH can do it, but not a SR5 - IMO
I love the H for its simplicity and I prefer the 1st setting - classic bridge pup only.
However, the HH offers more versatility which can only be a good thing.

 

[LowDownDave]

I have had (2) SR5's (H & HH) and IME, I could not dial in the classic StingRay tone.
A SR4HH can do it, but not a SR5 - IMO

I was anticipating this comment.
Having never played an SR5, I was only really speaking from an SR4 perspective, meaning you can pretty much dial in the classic SR4H tone with an HH using the H-only switch position, and in the same way I assumed one could dial in an SR5H tone with an HH in the same way. I've heard about the differences between the SR4's and SR5's soundwise, so I didn't mean to suggest one could make an SR5HH sound like an SR4H, just to clarify.

 

[PocketGroove82]

SR5 H = if you wanna slap that thang
SR5 HH = Diversity of Tone'age

personally if I'm gonna slap it up, i'm gonna use my SR4, if I want an excellent all around bass that feels great...ect...ect...ect....ect...I grab the SR5 HH

 

[Moondog]

I was anticipating this comment.
Having never played an SR5, I was only really speaking from an SR4 perspective, meaning you can pretty much dial in the classic SR4H tone with an HH using the H-only switch position, and in the same way I assumed one could dial in an SR5H tone with an HH in the same way. I've heard about the differences between the SR4's and SR5's soundwise, so I didn't mean to suggest one could make an SR5HH sound like an SR4H, just to clarify.

sorry

you are right Dave . . the HH's can do the H thing . . . and more

 

[Dr Stankface]

I own both a H and HH SR5. Here's the thing, both of them are tone monsters. With the 5 way pickup selector on the HH, you can get a huge variety. Soloing the neck humbucker will give you a phat P bass sound. Although, the HH can't do everything the H does. With the H, you can put the bass in series or single coil. You really can't go wrong either way. I can't say I prefer one over the other because they are both so diverse.

And IMHO, you can get that classic StingRay tone with the SR5. Just put the switch in the first position (on any pup configuration) and you're in classic StingRay heaven.

 

[Moondog]

Although, the HH can't do everything the H does. With the H, you can put the bass in series or single coil. You really can't go wrong either way. I can't say I prefer one over the other because they are both so diverse.

This is true, with the SR5 anyway
The SR4HH can do the the SR4H in the 1st position (does not have the 3-way)

And IMHO, you can get that classic StingRay tone with the SR5. Just put the switch in the first position (on any pup configuration) and you're in classic StingRay heaven.

I'm glad you're happy Stanky but I'm not buying in - no offense.
I've spent a lot of time with SR4 vs SR5 at home in peace and
in rehearsal and/or gigs. The SR5 is different, does not sound
like a traditional Ray to me . . close & I love that 1st position,
sounds great, just not an SR4.

 

[Dr Stankface]

I agree, the SR5 will not give you the EXACT same sound as the traditional StingRay. To my ears, the SR5 has more depth to it's sound.

 

[tkarter]

I know the SR 5 makes her smile.

tk

 

[Mobay45]

I know the SR 5 makes her smile.

tk

That's a good enough endorsement for me!

 

[boston asphalt2]

I agree, the SR5 will not give you the EXACT same sound as the traditional StingRay. To my ears, the SR5 has more depth to it's sound.

Im sure the larger hole in the body for the extra humbucker alters the sound a bit, almost everything does in basses and guitars, it seems.

 

[WesC]

Well, I haven't played an HH, but I can get a fat lot of different tones out of the H, I mean there's just so much to tweak... you can really get a lot of diversity out of it.

 

[Caca de Kick]

Actually the "classic" StingRay sound is a 2-band SR4. The SR4HH can sound like a 3-band SR4, which is a little brighter.

The SR5 H sounds like a Sterling. But when I got an SR5HH, I knew I found the one. The pickup selection does it all; it can get the SR5 H sound in pos 1, P Bass sound in pos 5, G&L sound in pos 3, and Jazz Bass sounds in pos 2&4.
I like pos 3...with both on it's just got more booty. And I like booty!

 

[Dr Stankface]

I find nothing G&L sounding about position 3 on my HH SR5.

 

[Caca de Kick]

You don't?? I played my L2500 for 4-5 yrs (then sold) and missed that MM styled neck humbucker ever since. Then when I got the SR5 HH, that sound was back...it doesn't have to be exact, but there's no mistaking dual MM style humbuckers.
But that's just like you saying neck pup only sounds like a P Bass...it sorta does. The MM pickup has way more zing and grit to it, but it's placement is P sound-ish.

 

[OnlyMe]

Thanx for all the input, folks! I've made up my mind, HH it will be.