Question If fretless, which 4 string Musicman?

[keko]

Have a huge GAS lately for a common 4 string unlined fretless bass, so I wonder what would You recommend me guys from the regular EBMM offer?

I was thinking about standard EBMM Sterling 4 unlined Hp version? (single H with piezo)

What do You think guys? Any better EBMM combo?

Is there any chance to order one with an ebony board? (I know it doesn't, but...)

Do I need piezo anyway? (single H would be just fine to me too)

 

[MadMatt]

Reflex of course! I have a black sugar roasted HSS with an ebony board looking for a new home if you are interested.

 

[Movielife]

Stingray 2EQ... can you order that with piezo?

 

[mmbassplayer]

Bongo 4Hp... Amazing fretless tone with the single H and piezo. Would have kept her too if I had any business owning a fretless. You should send cellkirk74 a message and see if he is still playing the smalleq fretless Bongo. JOSH

 

[Golem]

`


The OP query about the Sterling 4Hp hits home with me.
Mine has TI Jazz Flats and I can just leave the EQ flat to
hear a very acoustic voice from this solid body ax, using
the PU mix dial as the only control. I also have the 4HS,
which is a very versatile system, but it cannot achieve a
really acoustic sound like the Hp. [Read my sig file list.]

I also have a coupla ceramic era SR5Hp that are simply
Sterlings by another name and these do NOT have TIJFs
yet these have voices I cannot get from a non-piezo. So
it's not just those TIJFs that create special voicing ... it's
the combination of piezo bridge and Sterling EQ-pre.

OTOH if I hadda give up EITHER my Sterling piezo or my
Boingo 4Hp I'd be painfully torn between the two :-(

 

[keko]

Yeah, I'm considering a Bongo 4 Hp fretless too, ..we'll see...

 

[KevinM]

Yeah, I'm considering a Bongo 4 Hp fretless too, ..we'll see...

That sounds like a winner to me.

 

[MadMatt]

Bongo 4Hp... Amazing fretless tone with the single H and piezo. Would have kept her too if I had any business owning a fretless. You should send cellkirk74 a message and see if he is still playing the smalleq fretless Bongo. JOSH

I have personaly played this bass and can attest its awesomeness!!!

You can't go wrong with a Bongo 4Hp... It is almost as good as the fretless reflex

 

[Oldtoe]

Bongo 4Hp fretless.

https://soundcloud.com/oldtoe/bongo-4h-p-fretless

 

[keko]

Hey, ...thanks Oldtoe, ...sounds awesome!!!

 

[Soulkeeper]

When it comes to looking just plain fantastic, no bass in this solar system beats a fretless Bongo. Absolutely nothing. Except maybe the classic Stingray look with frets, but that's apples and oranges.

IMHO, of course. Never played a FL Bongo, so the looks is really all I can comment on.

I mean just look at it! (Or pictures of it, if you're like me.)

 

[Freddels]

I like my Bongo 5H fretless (no P b/c I wanted the 3-band EQ and not the 4-band).

 

[b-unit]

I sure like mine!

 

[keko]

I like that red Sterling, but looks upside down!

 

[pertyman]

If you ask me, the answare is pretty clear:

Musicman Stingray Fretless Demo - YouTube

 

[keko]

Thanks Perty, ...I'm considering standard single H Stingray too, ...

 

[Hellboy]

If you can find one, consider a used fretless 30th Anni 4-string. There is something very special with mahogany and fretless..... I have one. Best fretless Stingray ever and I´ve tried a few. Won´t sell mine. It´s a keeper. Rather heavy but that is ok for a fretless most of the time since I at least don´t play it on all songs during a gig.

//Jan

 

[drTStingray]

Keko, if you're going for a Musicman fretless, a Stingray in vintage sunburst will give you instant Pino - second to Jaco, he must be the most well known fretless player ever and an awesome player.

I would suggest a 3 band so you can boost the mids to get the harmonics to really ring when to want to!

I have a fretless Ray and love it - fabulous bass

 

[keko]

Yeah ...drTStingray, ...I'm considering a standard SR4 3 band, ...but sunburst, or any other color really doesn't matter to the tone for me!

However, ...I really dig the Bongo's finished neck, it's soooo smooth to play, much better than unfinished, or a high gloss Classic series for example!!!

I'm in a hunt now, ...must sleep over for some time, ..I'll keep You informed guys and thanks for a quality inputs and suggestions!

 

[Maxpayneatlarge]

I sure like mine!

When you get tired of it, I can play that lefty down in Texas

Chris