Getting a Stingray 5 soon

[tbonesullivan]

So, I currently own a SR4 from the mid 90's with a maple neck and 3 band EQ. Lately however I've been playing mostly 5 string, and as much as I love my Carvin 5 string, I would like the option of getting that great smooth low sound with a nice growl like I get from my SR4.

So, big questions I'm stuck on are whether to trade in the SR4 towards the SR5 (or sell it etc) or to keep it as a backup. I do gig though not a lot, so a Backup isn't really necessary. Also in a live setting it's not like most will even hear the difference between a J-style Carvin or a Stingray after the sound guy is done with it.

And of course, the other issue is that same one everyone has: do I go H, HS, or HH.

I'd really like the option of a true single coil (even with the phantom) sound, so i've taken the HH out of the running. My dilemma is the loss of the bridge H in series mode. I've never really gotten the chance to mess that much with a H stingray 5, so I've never experienced the Bridge pickup in series mode.

So, is the series mode that useful, or would the additional options and neck single option of the HS be worth more in the long run than the series bridge I get from the H? Also, I think the single H doesn't have a single coil option, just the two coils in parallel with some kind of filter. I have no idea what that actually means.

 

[Gravesend Black]

Are you satisfied with your present SR4? If yes - you can get the same classic SR5. As I understand it is pretty the same but with the B string.

 

[Freddels]

Well, the new SR5's (2008 - present) no longer have the single coil option. The HS (single coil neck position) is not what we're talking about here. The new SR5H has the 3-way toggle for Parallel, Series, and the middle position still has both coils with a filter. I really can't tell you how that middle position sound differs from the older single coil with phantom b/c I've never had them both together. If you want the sound of the old SR5 and still get the single coil option, then the Sterling 5H is the one to get (unless you find an older SR5H). I do like the option to change b/w Series and Parallel.

 

[Gravesend Black]

You are talking about SR5 -

And I guess it has the same lever PU selector as it was past 20 years. So the middle lever position is single coil (if we are talking about single H SR5)

but not the classic SR5 -

The classic one is the same thing as SR4.

 

[Freddels]

Not exactly. He has a 3 band SR4. The Classic is 2 band.

 

[Gravesend Black]

Not exactly. He has a 3 band SR4. The Classic is 2 band.

Agree. But a lot of SR4 players do not like modern SR5 shape and neck. While Classic SR5 has exactly the same body and neck as the classic SR4. But no single coil mode in case of lever selector absence I guess.

 

[Freddels]

There are a couple more differences. The 3 band SR has an 11" radius, the classic has a 7.5" radius (even on the 5 string). Poly on the neck of the classic, gunstock oil/wax on the other.

 

[Gravesend Black]

There are a couple more differences. The 3 band SR has an 11" radius, the classic has a 7.5" radius (even on the 5 string). Poly on the neck of the classic, gunstock oil/wax on the other.

You are right. Did not really notice the 3band SR4 =)

 

[tbonesullivan]

Yeah, after looking at the manuals, It appears that the only AlNiCo Stingray 5 that has the bridge single option is the HS. From the diagram they have it looks like they put the phantom coil under the single and not under the bridge HB like in the Ceramic humbuckers. So, if I want the bridge Single sound, I've gotta get the HS. My favorite sound is the bridge pickup in parallel anwyay, so the other sounds are just "bonus".

I'm not really interested in any of the "classic" models. I like having the 3 band pre, and am used to it, and the string through body and string mutes are not something that interest me. I got to playing a dual HB SR5 at Guitar Center a few weeks ago, and if I hadn't been up in Kalamazoo michigan at the time with a packed car, it might have come home with me. I didn't have any issues with the neck, and I actually prefer beefier necks to skinny necks on guitars and basses.

Of course, now I'm doubting whether I want to sell the SR4 to fund the SR5. I have PLENTY of guitars that I rarely play that I could sell and/or trade in. Current count is 16 guitars, 4 basses. I play bass more than I play guitar, so I should probably have something more like 10 guitars and 6 basses. GAS at it's worst.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Another quick question: any way to tell just from looking at a used SR5 whether it has the AlNiCo or Ceramic magnet setup?

 

[tbonesullivan]

And I think I just bought one. Dang I can be impulsive sometimes.

 

[Gravesend Black]

Another quick question: any way to tell just from looking at a used SR5 whether it has the AlNiCo or Ceramic magnet setup?

Just ask about DOB. The alnico SR5 is 2008-present day production. The ceramic is 1990-2007 or something like that.

 

[drTStingray]

I would suggest, if you want the exact sound as your SR4 that you go for an alnico one - either very early or very recent (if only to stop your mind thinking - hmmm I bet an alnico would be a closer match - I'm speaking from experience on this). As Gravesend says, you could get the serial number and get it checked through the sticky thread before buying.

However the ceramic version also sounds very much as per an SR4 in parallel mode - just has the ability to be a tad more aggressive (like a Musicman Sterling) - it can also be as smooth as you want, of course. I have stopped lusting after an alnico SR5 - but it took a while - I really love my SR5.

The HS version has the phantom coil next to the S coil (bridge side) under the pickguard. The single H ceramic has it under the humbucker (not sure on the single H alnico, but the same I'm guessing).

 

[tbonesullivan]

The one I found is a 2006 model, so that would indicate ceramic mags. I know that some say they are "harsh" but the instruments I have had with ceramics definitely are not. Also I think the preamp on ceramic basses is different to compensate for the different tonal profile.

I listened to a bunch of sound clips of a stingray 5 single H 20th anniversary.( which should be ceramic) in the three pickup positions, and I really didn't notice a huge difference in sound. Maybe a bit more mid range in the series. The ones posted on the forum here http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-basses/42214-stingray-sound-examples.html

With the EQ though, I'm really not worried about not being able to get the sound I want. I'm still amazed at the versatility of my SR4 single H.

 

[Gravesend Black]

The one I found is a 2006 model, so that would indicate ceramic mags. I know that some say they are "harsh" but the instruments I have had with ceramics definitely are not. Also I think the preamp on ceramic basses is different to compensate for the different tonal profile.

I listened to a bunch of sound clips of a stingray 5 single H 20th anniversary.( which should be ceramic) in the three pickup positions, and I really didn't notice a huge difference in sound. Maybe a bit more mid range in the series. The ones posted on the forum here http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-basses/42214-stingray-sound-examples.html

With the EQ though, I'm really not worried about not being able to get the sound I want. I'm still amazed at the versatility of my SR4 single H.

I did watch Ed Friedland 20th anniversary review and he told that there is alnico.(

)
Mine SR5 is ceramics and it sound a bit aggressive compared to classic one. But that is the matter of settings. It may sound pretty close to the classic if I want. I'd say that ceramic SR5 is a borderline between alnico SR5 and the Sterling 5(

).

- random guy plays mid ceramics era SR5) That B string encouraged me to buy almost the same beast xD

 

[tbonesullivan]

That last video is what sold me on the Stingray 5. I LOVE that growl. And I also listened to the Sterling 5 videos from Ed Friedland and others. I'm certain I'll be able to get a ton of great tones.

And still, the EQ. I am always amazed at how versatile musicman EQs are.

 

[Gravesend Black]

That last video is what sold me on the Stingray 5. I LOVE that growl. And I also listened to the Sterling 5 videos from Ed Friedland and others. I'm certain I'll be able to get a ton of great tones.

And still, the EQ. I am always amazed at how versatile musicman EQs are.

Indeed. It's alive!(C)) So what is your choice - ceramics or alnico?)

 

[tbonesullivan]

I found a Ceramic 2006 Stingray HS on talkbass. phenomenal color, and condition is awesome.

FS/FT EBMM StingRay 5 - TalkBass Forums

Just waiting for the tracking number now.

 

[Gravesend Black]

I found a Ceramic 2006 Stingray HS on talkbass. phenomenal color, and condition is awesome.

FS/FT EBMM StingRay 5 - TalkBass Forums

Just waiting for the tracking number now.

Welcome to the ceramics world)

 

[tbonesullivan]

Well, I've already got guitars with ceramics, and I believe the G&L SB-2 I have also uses Ceramic magnets. I am one who doesn't buy into the "ceramic pickups are cheap" BS. Plenty of great pickups are based on ceramic magnets, and the pickup design is more important. I have 2 carvin basses, and I still think my favorite pickup of theirs is the J99, which is a J-style with a ceramic rail magnet. They later released the J99A with an AlNiCo, but I think I might actually like the J99 Better.

Tone is so subjective anyway. How high your pickups are, your strings, where you play on the string, whether you use fingers, finger nails, picks, slap, etc. I often think many people who say "this bass sounds like crap" or "this pickup sucks" don't know how to adjust the controls on their amp.

Anyone who wants to have all their ideas of the importance of an EQ should watch this video: Rig Rundown - ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons - YouTube It is the now infamous premier guitar Billy Gibbons rig rundown, where the guitar tech shows us this programmable EQ that basically makes all his guitars sound the same.