Love everything about my 1983 SR except the weight - Alternative EB suggestions please

[Jim C]

I love my 83' SR and have had it about 35 years. I'm 63 years old and am starting to have issues with anything over 2 sets due to the weight which is 10 1/2 lbs.
I would love to keep the neck with the 1 5/8" nut and the exact tone with something in the 8 1/2 - 9 lb range. Maybe an unrealistic expectation but thought I'd ask.

It looks like the Stingray Specials are considerably lighter but wonder if the neodymium pickup and 18 Volt pre will sound similar. The 3 closest Guitar Centers are out of stock but there is one about 25 miles away.
Another option might be a Sterling Ray 34 but am unsure if they are any lighter.

I'm not in a huge hurry but looking for advice.
Does the SR Special sound much like my 83'? I did have a 3 band SR in the 90's but I liked the 2-band a little better. Maybe my imagination but the low end felt better.
And what about the Ray 34?
TIA

 

[Jim C]

738 views in 24 hours without a response?
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[Rod Trussbroken]

The "Classic Series" Sting Ray is close to the Pre-EB. It has the same preamp and pickup including the slab body. They're considerably lighter but were only offered from 2010 to c. 2018. They may come back in the future. There's a few around on the second hand market. Another option is "Old Smoothie" which is built around BP's 1976 B001026 but are not currently offered. Again there's a few around on the second hand market. Other than that, try the Specials when you can and see what you think.

 

[Monahan]

Once you find an instrument that you like, but the only bug is heavy weight, do yourself a favor and buy a wide, padded strap. It really does mitigate the weight issue. You can play a dozen different 'Rays and each will be somewhat different. You found one you really like, give the different straps a try. Here's what I've settled on over the years:

- Neotech Mega Bass

- Gruv Gear

There are a bunch of others out there, but these are the two I like best.

Takes care of heavy basses, and a super-joy to use with light basses

 

[Jim C]

I've had this bass since about 1986 and I've tried a number of wide, leather as well as neoprene straps.
Being rear ended in a car accident as well as old age hasn't helped.
It's not so much about how it feels rather than the absolute amount of downforce on my shoulder.

Here's a different question.
How similar do the SR Specials sound considering the pickups use neodymium magnets and pre-amps are 18 Volt (and possibly redesigned)?

 

[Monahan]

I understand where you're coming from; since 2004 I've been enjoying ruptured & protruding discs in my upper & lower back, courtesy of a career with our Uncle Sam.

As for straps, there are several "double shoulder" straps, such as these: "Dare Strap" and "DuoStrap"

Concerning the sound difference between the Specials and earlier models, keep in mind this stuff is completely subjective. My experience with the two:

For years my #1 was a 2013 4H 'Ray with a maple board. Had to fight taming the inherent harshness in the highs, but after some twisting of knobs I could always get a sound I was happy with. It weighed in around the 9-10lb mark. Other than that, the neck always needed adjustment. It ended up loosing it's #1 spot to a G&L L2K around 2017.

When the Special was announced, I bought a 4HH model with an ebony board. Sound wise, it's perfect with the EQ centered on the bridge pickup. Its default setting removes the harshness I always fought with. HOWEVER, that harsh tone is easily recovered should the need arise. The Special is quite different than the previous:
- Stainless steel fret wire
- Neo-pickups
- 18v EQ (quite interactive)
- Sculpted neck heal makes it easier to handle than the older one (got a bit of nerve damage, so this helps a lot!)
- Rounded body sides makes it more comfortable for my right forearm (I rest it somewhat forward of the older body sculpting)
*Lighter weight. This varies a bit, but overall these tend to come in around the 8-pound mark
- Roasted maple neck. I've got flats on one of my two Specials, and haven't had to touch the truss-rod once since setting it up. And it looks great!
- Tuning keys have a real nice feel to them; just one of several details which together, add up to a significant difference in feel.

In the end, it's still a Stingray that has everything I loved about the older version, including several things I like better. I still play around with a few of my other basses in my practice space, but when it comes to playing with the band I reach for the Stingray. The thing just does everything I want it to; plug-&-play.

Back to the straps, I have also come across a strap that goes around the waist: "Slinger Straps"

Hope you found something here helpful~

 

[Jim C]

Thank you! This is super helpful.
Ironically I was near a GC early on the 24th and the parking lot was empty!
I stopped specifically to try a SR Special but the one listed was not in stock.

They did have one of the black Sterling Ray 4's in stock that was on sale for $250. I had thought about these as a mod platform but they never had them in stock until that morning.
These are a steal at the regular price of $350 and I just couldn't pass this up. By far the best bass that plays and sounds at a much higher level than its' price point would suggest. Super straight neck, excellent tone, and 9lbs 2ounces. This bass compares with much more expensive Indonesian made instruments like Sandberg and Lakland with the only shortcut I can find is the bridge and maybe tuners. I'm taking it to a gig in January (assuming that we aren't closed down for Covid).

My plan is to have fun with this one until I can find / afford a new lightweight SR Special and then donate the Ray 4 to a local school in the city.

 

[SugarMaple]

I have suffered back issues due to bass weight, too. Different straps were not a help to me. I ended up selling my heavy basses and getting a bass with a chambered body that weighs in at 7.5 pounds, almost 4 years ago now. It has saved my back and helped me resume and continue 3-set bar gigs. However, I really miss my EBMM basses. So I feel you totally here. I am going to stick with the 7.5 pounder and get a Short-Scale EBMM Stingray as soon as I find one available, any color. If they are as light as I've heard and have EBMM quality and tone, I'm in. Short scale would be better for my hands and forearms too. Getting older but still gigging strong....

 

[basshista]

Look for a used ernieball stingray with 2 band preamp. They are lighter and the sound is close. Not easy to found but they pop up in the used market sometimes. If you find an early EB (1987-1989) you'll have also the truss rod adjustement at the nut so the bow of the neck will be quite similar to yours. If you like especially the feeling of your neck pay attention to the thickness because between 1987 and 1989 you can find quite thick necks. Hope it helps