EG Stingray Pickup Compatabilty Question

[Billy Penn]

Hey all. First post here. Question for all Stingray bass experts. A friend of mine would like to add a P-bass pickup to his 2010 Stingray bass (single pickup model). Has anyone ever done this? Or what other type of pickup will work with this bass other than the stock MM HB? Thank you very much in advance!

 

[kylierider]

No don't let him do it..I suggest buying a P bass and save the Stingray from being devalued.

 

[Movielife]

Don't do it.

I would keep the Ray and buy a P, or sell the Ray and buy a Ray HH!

Other option: keep the Ray H and buy a Big Al SSS...

 

[bassmonkeee]

You're not going to get a lot of help here about modifying a Stingray with aftermarket parts and routing. Your best bet is to try TalkBass.com - Bass Guitar and Double Bass Forums: Basses, Amps, Strings, Effects.

If your friend wants to do it, that's his prerogative, but if it's a keeper, he probably shouldn't mod it to that extent, and if it is something he's going to flip if he doesn't like it, he should sell now and look at a Ray HH or Ray SH model.

Modified Stingrays are not a good resale value.

 

[Golem]

`
@B Penn:

This Stingray P-PU thing is VERY deja vue, about
a year +/- . Run a search and you'll find further
reinforcement on NOT proceeding with the mod.

I've seen such a bass or at least the pic in the ad
to sell online. It was being offered very cheaply,
as reflects the devaluation of such a mod. At the
price, I was kinda tempted, but at 2nd thought I
couldn't imagine it to do anything that I couldn't
already do with my dual PU MMs already on hand.

If the "need" for the P-PU is for use in a tribute
or note-for-note-cover band, where using only a
"correct" instrument is considered, then you will
need a proper period P-Bass. Neither the period
proper P NOR a P-PU-on-SR will actually sound
like the original recording [due to 'studio magic']
but the period proper P will settle some minds
that the P-modded SR would definitely unsettle.

 

[tbonesullivan]

half of the great sound of EB basses is the preamp. Well that preamp is designed for that MM humbucker, and not really designed for an aftermarket split P. Also, the pickup is wired directly into the preamp usually, so it is not really easy to make any kind of pickup switching work.

Also, a single pickup stingray is one of the most versatile basses out there, due to that preamp. I don't think there's a sound that can't be found by tweaking the EQ and moving finger position.

So, I would agree, don't do it. I also honestly don't see how adding it would improve the sound of the bass, and the resale value would be nuked.

 

[Billy Penn]

Thank you all for your input. I am not encouraging this P pickup installation. I think he will go in a different direction....adding a MM neck pickup. So now the question is has anyone used the Duncan Musicman pickups? This way the bass will retain a stock look and sound good. Thanks again in advance!

 

[Golem]

`

I have a Duncan "MM" PU and 3-band in a FrankenRay,
and it's a great sound but it's definitely different. If you
want a dual PU MM, get one. There are used ones very
commonly available. Trading used-for-used is less risky
both financially and tone-wise than butchering a single
PU MM bass.

Fenders are made to be hotrodded, and perhaps this
misleads some folks into thinking that hotrodding is a
universally successful idea. Even tho StingRays are a
Leo Fender legacy design, they are simply not at all
friendly to hotrodders. My own hotrod was once a MM
SR4H, but is now an entirely other entity, tone-wise,
that just happens to play and feel like a MM due to its
MM woodwork that remains original unmodded.

I have my own excellent "StingRay - Precision" bass,
and it's a verrry fine ax, but ... But ... BUT !! But it's
a Fender bass and the hotrodding is a factory option.
If I absolutely MUST show up with a Fender Bass due
to certain narrow minded mindsets, then I have what
I need in that ax. But free of such prejudiced minds I
will always prefer to play a MM

YMMV.

 

[tbonesullivan]

he sould sell it, and get another one that has the config he likes. there are tons of well-loved used EBMM basses out there. or trade it, as there are many who have great love for the single H.

The issue is this: the mods he is thinking of doing are expensive. pickup routing, pick guard adjustment, wiring, purchasing the pickup. that's not going to be cheap .if he's going to do it himself, well, if he's not skilled, he'll make the bass unsellable. no one wants a hack job guitar.