Old or New Stingray?

[Hutton]

Okay folks, a wee bit of advice please. If you were to make a choice between purchasing a mid to late eighties Stingray 4 or a brand new Stingray 4 what would you do? What would you base your choice on? What are the differences? I need a bit of help here.

 

[shamus63]

In all seriousness, and not because Poppa needs new sandals, I'd get a new Ray...actually, I have one on order.

Aside from the six-bolt neck, I think they just have a better feel.

Don't ask me why...I'm not a tech.

 

[bdgotoh]

New Stingrays are really awesome, so I wouldn't go looking for an old one due for "vintage" reasons.

If you're talking about two specific basses I'd choose whichever felt and sounded better, and was lightest.

 

[TSanders]

Both time periods will have their fans. Who is right? Everybody. The early 80s are better becasue it works for those that like early 80s Rays. The new ones are better for the folks that like the new ones.

Get me? The only real way to find out whats better, is to see what works for you.








Oh, and I dig the new ones.

 

[dumpster bike]

as far as construction, i feel that one of the newer ones might be better. the truss rod adjusting wheel thing at the body on the neck is a stroke of genius. i cant tell you how many times ive been fooling around with a neck and been worried weather im gonna strip out the allen head, or worse the phillips.

also, the 6 bolt neck is probably much more solid than the 4 or the 3, which were standard on the older models. i yanked the neck around a bit on my SUB, which has the 6 bolt, and it didnt move a bit. cant say the same for most 4 bolts ive owned.

and, youre getting a flip out battery compartment so you dont have to worry about stripping out screws or needing a screwdriver to replace your battery.

i cant speak much on the electronics or the overall sound of a bass thats been played for some 20 years as opposed to one thats brand new, which i think theres something to be said for.

 

[tplyons]

New ones IMO are the best thing out there and only get better and better.

 

[Randracula]

Another vote for new.........

 

[phatduckk]

ya, id vote for new as well.

 

[tkarter]

I would get a Ray HH. Just for some more good added to the menu.

tk

 

[Mobay45]

I don't think there's any question.

New. Two pick up. Either HH or HSC.

 

[Figjam]

New.

 

[EasyTiger]

New then you get to ding it all by your self

 

[Colin]

brand spanking new all the way...

 

[maddog]

New. Just can't see any reason not to get a new one.

 

[Butterbass]

NEW, HH to be specific!

 

[Psycho Ward]

New.

Since BP is at the helm you'll never get a bad bass, that's fo sure!

 

[Hutton]

Thanks for all the help everybody. I certainly get the message. It obviously has to be new!

 

[phatduckk]

NEW, HH to be specific!

i HIGHLY agree with this statement!!!!! really cant say enough good things about the HH Ray

 

[strummer]

It obviously has to be new!

Yeah, and before you buy, make sure you also try the mighty Bongo

 

[Hutton]

Yeah, and before you buy, make sure you also try the mighty Bongo

Thanks strummer - I have noticed that the Bongo is very popular on these forums. I'll give it a try.