Is a PreEB better?

[Ranev]

Hey, sorry if there's another thread like mine, I didn't find anything using the search engine.
I wanna know if pre-EB stingrays are better than the new ones in some way, coz they sure cost more. Is this just because of the collectible value or there's a difference in sound?

Thanks!

Oh, and since I'm posting... Can a HH stingray sound exactly like a classic single pickup Stingray?

 

[RitchieDarling]

Hey, sorry if there's another thread like mine, I didn't find anything using the search engine.
I wanna know if pre-EB stingrays are better than the new ones in some way, coz they sure cost more. Is this just because of the collectible value or there's a difference in sound?

Thanks!

Oh, and since I'm posting... Can a HH stingray sound exactly like a classic single pickup Stingray?

It's all a matter of opinion. However, I would say the current crop of EBMM mechandise is superior in every way to the pre-EBMM gear.

No offense to the pre-EBMM people or Leo.

Ritchie

 

[Baird]

I had a 78 or 79 Stingray many years ago and it was a really nice bass. Played great, sounded great, etc. I think my 30th Anni and standard SR5 sound and play better though.

A late '70's Fender is worth $2k+, so I guess collectors feel the same about a late '70's SR.

 

[Ranev]

Thanks for your reply
I guess I'll go with a new EB, I already own a 70s Ibanez and think I'll like something brand new. I just have to choose between HH and H. Any advice is appreciated.
I know it's better to try each of them, but there's not a single music store in my country that sells MM basses...

 

[Duarte]

Well, the general opinion around here is that HH rays can sound exactly the same as single H rays - but also have added versatility...what do you lose?

 

[oddjob]

Most of the heavy hitters around here will tell you that, on the whole, new EBMMs are better. The quality control and tech is soooooooo much better. That isn't to say that a magical, preEBMM instrument isn't out there, but for the most part current instruments crush the older ones. I like the settled, broken in feel of a older instrument (mojo that some have) but the new Rays are killer in their own right (and have a warranty to boot).

MusicmanNut would be the guy to talk to, last I heard he has enough of these to stack to the moon and back

 

[oddjob]

Well, the general opinion around here is that HH rays can sound exactly the same as single H rays - but also have added versatility...what do you lose?

+1

 

[silverburst]

I have played both, and there are some really nice pre-EB Stingrays. But the majoriy of them have not aged terribly well. The new ones are consistantly VERY VERY good.

I would not buy a pre-EB unless I got a chance to play it first. And the same goes for 70's Fenders, too BTW, which are mostly very heavy and wonky. In my opinion, of course.

 

[fly]

MusicmanNut would be the guy to talk to, last I heard he has enough of these to stack to the moon and back

hehehhheheee...........yeah,he has everything doesn't he.


lucky bastard......

 

[MrMusashi]

i wonder if he has broken the 200 barrier?

vintage is vintage and thus more worth for some people. i believe that things change as time goes by and for the better (eg: 3 bolt vs 6 bolt neck fastening, round edges on the pole pieces, new pickup configurations, wax/oiled neck... just to mention a few)
so i prefer a new bass that i can break in and call only my own

if you wanna check out an awesome axe check ed friedlands test of the 20th sr5!
[ame="http://youtube.com/watch?v=97ULm6_Y-fU"]YouTube - Bass Guitar Magazine -Sneak Preview SR5 20th Anniversary[/ame]
it really shows you what it can do

MrM

 

[Kirby]

I have played many of both and what I can offer up as the driving point to me is the quality control. It is much more consistent with today's instruments. I have played some awesome Pre-EB basses, but they are much harder to find. I find anymore that I am disappointed with the Pre-EB basses I find and their outrageous price tags.

 

[phat5]

I sold #2084 13yrs. ago. Aged nicely, but it just didn't sound right to me. Out of the 4 SR4's I owned, my '80 white/blonde SR, is the one I wish I kept.

 

[58super]

Pass on the 70's

The 2 pre-EBMM SR4's I've played were heavy, had thick plastically finishes and had the tilt neck and with the exception of having the same pickup and preamp as today's EBMM (2 band) were inferior to present day EBMM SR4 in most respects. Not a large sample but that's my experience.

To give Tom Walker his due that was a great preamp he designed and MM came out with something way ahead of the competition at the time.

I'd pass on a MM and buy 2 used EBMM SR4's instead.

 

[thunder]

don't forget the pre-balls (70's) were considered high tech back then. when comparing the pre ball to the new balls they are two totally diferent instruments. every aspect of the instrument has changed. is kind of like comparing atari 2600 with x-box 360. in my opinion they are both real cool, an have they'er moments.

 

[mrpackerguy]

I have a '79 pre-EB Sabre. While it's my baby for sure, the one bass that gets the most playing time because of tonal quality, fun-factor in playing, and over quality, is my 4 banger EB Stingray.

 

[carpedebass]

I have never played a pre EB so I cannot say. Interesting read though.

 

[Caca de Kick]

I really think it was a tasteless question to come to an EB board and ask of the preEB is better.

I have a closet full of both, and I love both. There are quite a few of preEB owners here, but we generally keep quiet since this board is about EB instruments.

 

[bovinehost]

I really think it was a tasteless question to come to an EB board and ask of the preEB is better.

I have a closet full of both, and I love both. There are quite a few of preEB owners here, but we generally keep quiet since this board is about EB instruments.

I've certainly owned my fair share of both. Maybe it's a tasteless question - I just don't know anymore. I think I'm just used to it....but I'd rather avoid beating the long-dead horse again.

 

[rad87gn]

It's all good!!

'96 EB Sting Ray

'90 EB Sting Ray

'78 Sting Ray

The newer ones have better build quality. Older ones to me have a warmer tone. But, they are all good! My favorite is the '90. It has best of both worlds.