Please Help...SR4 2 Band vs 3 Band

[Wasabi]

Hey, folks...My only StingRay has been a single pickup 5, which obviously has a 3 band pre. I'm used to cutting the mids to tame the beast on mellower and funk slap stuff, and bumping the mids for that extra Jaco-ish deal. If I go for the single pickup Sting 4, it has the 2 band. How does one dial in a slap sound with it, and how do I bump the mids? Did any single pickup SR4s have the 3 band? Obviously the Sterlings do. Do you SR4 players like the electronics vs the ones on the Sterling?

 

[prickly_pete]

The 3 band EQ is an option on the SR4, and you are likely to find twenty 3 banders for every 2 bander.

 

[Wasabi]

The 3 band EQ is an option on the SR4, and you are likely to find twenty 3 banders for every 2 bander.

Yeah...the Envy Green I'm looking at is a 2 band, so I'm wondering if I'll be able to dial in what I need.

 

[shamus63]

I run my SR4 (2EQ; H) through my Ashdown rig (MAG C115-300 and MAG 210T Deep Cab), and it does exactly what I want it to do tone-wise...mids are no problem to dial in from the amp's EQ.

 

[Dargin]

A 2 band Envy Green is a rare piece....

 

[Wasabi]

A 2 band Envy Green is a rare piece....

I imagine so. But I definitely need a "player" and not a museum piece. ;-) Because I go direct so often, I'm a little concerned about the 2 band. I guess I'm just going to have to find a good tone-shaping pre. Plus, I wonder how much I freak if it gets all chipped up. ;-)

Thanks, Dargin.

 

[Hutton]

Remember that some players prefer the 2 band. I've never found it a disadvantage. Does anything I want it to do. Bernard Edwards didn't have many problems with a 2 band either!

 

[Wasabi]

Remember that some players prefer the 2 band. I've never found it a disadvantage. Does anything I want it to do. Bernard Edwards didn't have many problems with a 2 band either!

I do love his tone, and thanks for the reply. This actually gets to the heart of the matter for me, and I guess I should have stated my question originally this way: "WHY do people prefer the 2 over the 3 band?" I know everything's a matter of taste, but does the 2 band do something the 3 band doesn't? Does it produce a different sound altogether?

 

[bovinehost]

I know everything's a matter of taste, but does the 2 band do something the 3 band doesn't? Does it produce a different sound altogether?

I had a 2 band SR and a 3 band SR at the same time, strung up with the same strings, so a friend and I did a comparison, using the same cable, same amp, same settings, etc etc etc.

The 2band might have had a little bump in the bottom end, but this was only discernible by critical listening, no other instruments being in the mix, ears cocked towards the speakers like RCA dogs, etc.

In a live or even recording situation, no one in their right mind would hear the difference.

Well, okay, Eric Johnson would, but he's not here.

 

[shamus63]

I think some of us that do prefer the 2EQ system want it just for the simplicity of the set-up...one less knob to fiddle with during a set.

 

[Dr. Nick]

I run my SR4 (2EQ; H) through my Ashdown rig (MAG C115-300 and MAG 210T Deep Cab), and it does exactly what I want it to do tone-wise...mids are no problem to dial in from the amp's EQ.

James, what is that boat paddle doing on a stand next to your ray?


(sorry-I couldn't resist!)

 

[TSanders]

James that 2 band Ray is giving me GAS.

Dangit, now I want another Bongo AND a 2 band Ray.

 

[dpr]

I do love his tone, and thanks for the reply. This actually gets to the heart of the matter for me, and I guess I should have stated my question originally this way: "WHY do people prefer the 2 over the 3 band?" I know everything's a matter of taste, but does the 2 band do something the 3 band doesn't? Does it produce a different sound altogether?

Ive owned several 3-band SR4s and a couple of 2-band SR4s. I definately prefer the 2-band for several reasons. To me, it just seems like the two band has a fuller "thump" and a cleaner sound. Also, the 2-band is easier to setup for a gig - fewer knobs to fiddle with.
-David

 

[shamus63]

James, what is that boat paddle doing on a stand next to your ray?


(sorry-I couldn't resist!)

That's my Motown bass...perfect for that older-than-dirt vibe!

BTW ~ the Ray and Bongo are tied for main axe duties!

Sometimes, the perfect axe comes your way...twice.

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

A 2 band Envy Green is a rare piece....

This comment is eating at me...Wasabi...please save me from my own GAS!!

 

[bovinehost]

Come on, what are you going to do with it? Stash it under the bed?

Wait, why am I trying to talk you out of it?

Sorry, lost my way for a moment there.

Jack

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

Come on, what are you going to do with it? Stash it under the bed?

Wait, why am I trying to talk you out of it?

Sorry, lost my way for a moment there.

Jack

Maybe....you better be quiet since you don't have any deposits in on either 20th Silo we have on order yet....oh and you wanna go to NAMM or not??? I need that other name tonight please.

 

[Wasabi]

Ive owned several 3-band SR4s and a couple of 2-band SR4s. I definately prefer the 2-band for several reasons. To me, it just seems like the two band has a fuller "thump" and a cleaner sound. Also, the 2-band is easier to setup for a gig - fewer knobs to fiddle with.
-David

This is really helpful. Thanks!

 

[Wasabi]

This comment is eating at me...Wasabi...please save me from my own GAS!!

The problem is this: whichever one I end of choosing, I'm going to regret not getting the other one. The tonal versatility of the 2 PU is really helpful, but that 2 band (and especially the finish and maple neck) just screams out to me. I do think the sapphire black is beautiful, and if I end up dinging it up, I won't be crying as much as if I ding up a museum piece like the envy green. I want to be able to play it without fear.

Seriously...maybe I can save you from your GAS, and possibly set up a safety net. What if I go for the green, and if it's not all that to me, and I need to go for the versatility of the HH, maybe you can order one for me, and we can trade? Waddaya think?

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

Seriously...maybe I can save you from your GAS, and possibly set up a safety net. What if I go for the green, and if it's not all that to me, and I need to go for the versatility of the HH, maybe you can order one for me, and we can trade? Waddaya think?

Sound like a win/win to me...at least we know the green won't be knawed at by rats in Pete's back room.