New Bass - Black Magic Crystal Stingray

[Boogie.Man]

It's been a while since I've posted here.

I just purchased a Stingray in the Black Magic Crystal finish, white pickguard and rosewood fretboard. My other bass is a Sterling HS in natural finish. I'm very happy with it but I have the usual questions.

When I tried it out in the store it seemed like the battery might be weak because the signal level was about like that of a passive bass. So the first thing to do when I got home was to replace the battery. What battery? The battery cavity was empty. Have StingRays always been able to run without a battery? I know you are asking what kind of idiot buys an active bass without fully checking out the sound? My previous experience with MM has been great, the bass was in factory new condition, and I just figured a battery was all it needed.

I play through a Mesa-Boogie Walkabout Scout. I've noticed that the StingRay seems like it puts out more gain than the Sterling which results in a little more grit, for lack of better words. Is this because of the differences in the preamps or the pickup magnets? Or both? How would you typically describe the sonic differences between the two basses?

What is the musical difference between alnico and ceramic magnets?

No pics yet.

Thanks,

 

[mynan]

Welcome.

I've never heard of "Black Magic Crystal".

Can't wait to see pics.

 

[Bean]

Plano? I'm in Frisco... I'd like to see this bad boy in person!

 

[GWDavis28]

Dude the Black Magic Crystal finish is just so awesome, congrats!!!!!

Glenn |B)

 

[mmbassplayer]

Here is a quick copy and paste from the guitar side. Awesome looking collor in person. There is a Stingray available at the GC here in North Charleston if anyone is interested. JOSH

 

[Boogie.Man]

Add Rosewood Fretboard and it's mine

Imagine that one with rosewood. That is what I have. I bought it at GC in North Dallas.

 

[GWDavis28]

Hahahaha, those are my pictures!!!

Glenn |B)

 

[Fuzzy Dustmite]

Is that different than black sparkle?

 

[bovinehost]

It looks different to me. The black sparkles I had were more subtle. That is NOT subtle. I like it!

 

[GWDavis28]

Yah there are other colors in there really, very cool to see up close and personal.

Glenn |B)

 

[Spudmurphy]

Very nice - I knew Glen would fall for that colour.

 

[Bean]

Just saw one at the GC off of 75 in Plano... really nice!

 

[nicjimbass]

So is this a new color then?

 

[sitonmybass]

I think it's a GC exclusive, which I believe means temporary. I could be wrong; I can't tell you how many times I've been wrong about things...

 

[GWDavis28]

It is a GC exclusive color and great one too boot.

Spud, you can read me like a book man!!!

Glenn |B)

 

[Fuzzy Dustmite]

Ah, was not aware it was a new thang. I like it!

I'm swinging by the GC in Tempe, AZ tomorrow. I'll have to see if they have one.

 

[nicjimbass]

Only available in a 4 string?

 

[spencer]

my local gc has one but it has a slo neck

 

[kevins]

when i think of a name like black magic chrystal i think "a quest item in dungeons and dragons."


that bass is sparkly! viciously so! the pearloid pickgaurd makes sure of it!

 

[oli@bass]

Congratulations! And yes, a lot (if not all) StingRays go to passive mode when the battery is removed. Check out my http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/42214-stingray-sound-examples.html