Incoming SR4 fretless - my first EBMM fretless!

[Spanky(Andy)]

Hi guys, my 2nd Stingray, a new-to-me sunburst unlined SR4 is about to head its way from North Carolina USA to Oz. I'm REALLY excited!

The original owner has informed me that he strings the bass with DR low beams. I really don't want to damage the fingerboard at all, but also want to keep that trademark fretless Stingray "MWAH". Aside from having a slightly higher action, what strings do you recommend for this bass to achieve that tone?

And yes, I did do a forum search before posting.

Cheers

Andy

 

[Frantic Slayer]

Ernie Ball Super Slinky Bass Nickel Wound .045 - .100 ( P02834 )

dont listen to anyone who says that round wounds are going to kill your bass, its a lie!

fretless + rounds =

 

[CFA]

That bass sounds nice, Hope it lives up to all expectations

dont listen to anyone who says that round wounds are going to kill your bass, its a lie!

Didn't some Pre-EB fretless basses have Rosewood? Would rounds eat through the Fretboard on these, or is that a myth to? Sorry for the hijack.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Didn't some Pre-EB fretless basses have Rosewood? Would rounds eat through the Fretboard on these, or is that a myth to? Sorry for the hijack.

My pre-EB fretless is rosewood, but I believe pau ferro is significantly harder than rosewood, so rounds should be fine on Andy's new purchase.

 

[Frantic Slayer]

yea, I put rounds on my pau ferro bongo...no problems so far.

 

[gafman]

My fretless SR4 came to me 2nd hand with La Bella black nylon tapewound strings on it. I like the sound and feel, but wouldn't hesitate in throwing on a set of roundwounds on down the track.

 

[oli@bass]

Rounds should be fine on Pau Ferro, tho you will see some marking (only visual). But I like to have Group III flats on my '88 SR4. And the action should be as low as possible!

In case that StingRay should not feel or sound to your liking, I suggest you bring it to a good luthier and have it setup. Had that done to mine. Before I did, it was mediocre in every way and had major grooves in the fretboard. Dead sound, wolf notes. Ever since after the refreshing and setup, it was an amazing sounding and playing bass. Smooth and singing.

It's now the one I grab for practicing at home and doing the relax noodle.

 

[rhythmCity944]

Stingray fretless basses have the most perfect fretless tone with round wounds...My '89 fingerboard is epoxied though

 

[Duarte]

Stingray - frets + rounds = epic win