Modifcation Questions

[merrimant]

Ok, so I've played a sterling 4 string basicaly as long as I've played bass and I absoulutly adore how it feels to play. I used to be in love with it's sound.... untill I got my hands on a 30th anniv Stingray. I love the deeper thump from the stingray, but I don't like how the neck feels. (30th anniv Stingray has a laqure finished neck)

So my question is this: 1. If I get the neck refinished so it's like my sterling will that change the tone of the stingray?
2. Is it possible to put the thinner Sterling neck on a 30th stingray? If so, Does that loose the low end I so love?

I appologize if these are stupid questions. I have never in my life modded a bass or guitar before and know very little about options and what different changes can do to the sound of an instrument.

Thanks for your help,
Tim

 

[Caca de Kick]

Sterlings necks won't fit, and they have 22 frets vs 21 frets on the Ray.

Why not accept the neck for what it is...it's a different bass.
The neck is red stained, then clear coated, why try stripping the stain off?

 

[merrimant]

Sure the back of the neck looks nice, but I just want to have the best sound and playability in one bass. Is it possible? Is there some way to adjust/modify my sterling to make it sound like the stingray?

 

[bovinehost]

I'm not saying I would do this myself, but the easiest way to get what you're talking about is to get a 30th and sand the finish off the back of the neck.

I've had a boatload of Stingrays and only the 30th sounds like the 30th.

I just can't post this without saying that I think you might just get used to that finished neck.....but that sound is only coming from one place, so.....be safe out there.

Jack

 

[Steamthief]

Maybe a longshot, and expensive, but try and find a replacement Stingray neck to swap out with the neck on the 30th. It'll answer your question without having to strip the 30th neck.

 

[Duarte]

Necks pop up on ebay from time to time, I wouldn't imagine it would change the tone a great deal. 30ths get their tone party from the mahogany body and as far as I know the neck wood is the same, but better looking.

Just don't do anything you will regret.

 

[carpedebass]

Just play the 30th until you get used to it. After a while it will feel just like home!

 

[the unrepentant]

Yeah get another neck off ebay and keep the original, that way it will retain it's value should you decide to sell it on... also things can't go horribly wrong if you do that!

 

[Baird]

I am like you. I like sanded necks. In fact, I have owned 12 Fenders and I sanded ALL of them! The only bass I own that is not sanded is my 30th.

I hated it for a few days now I love it. I actually recorded with it tonight for 5 hours and the neck didn't bug me once. Forgot all about it.

Anyways, sand it if you are rich, keep it stock or try to find a replacement neck if you aren't. Good luck!

 

[timmy5strings]

Don't sand the neck ! the mojo is hidden in the stuff thats on the neck You wouldn't pull the wings off a butterfly would you ?

 

[bovinehost]

You wouldn't pull the wings off a butterfly would you ?

I would if they felt weird.