Pre VS Post EB Stingrays...

[belaxa]

I´d check several Stingrays in stores, pre and post EB, comparing to my Fender Precision 78, and one Stingray surprise me, an 2002 model. I´d purchase recently an 2005 model... It´s an eartquake under my fingers.
I dont know very well what improvements pre EB have over post EB basses, but it seems newer Stingrays have better specs. like the 6 bolts neck joint, 3 bands eq...

 

[TSanders]

IMO opinion EB Ray are better than Pre-EB Rays. Thats my experience.

There are some that will argue, but Ive never ever played a Pre-EB that I thought was better than an EB.

 

[freedok]

I just received my 2001 Stingray today and I must make a confession. I used to "poo poo" the 3 band eq. I honestly don't know why after playing this monster. I am now finding the 3 band eq to be more versatile than the original 2 band eq.

I believe you simply can't go wrong with either the "pre" Ernie Ball Rays or the current Ernie Ball Rays. They are all quality well built Amreican made instruments!

 

[Nickytwister]

Howdy.
I've had/have Pre-Ernies, late 80s EBs, early 90s and now thro' body 2000s with maple, rosewood and even graphite. Plus 5s. Plus a Bongo HS5.
I used to be a 2band Pre-Ernie guy; years later I've settled on 3eq/RW with EB flats for the ultimate cross-over between the decades ie Chic thro to Chilli Peppers vibes.
It's different for everyone but it's funny - I used to think 3eqs were somehow inferior but I now think that the mid control is king. Boost it !!!!
I always use the front position on the 5 string toggle for max grunt and have even rewired four strings like this (is that series? I can never remember).
However I still think that plain old 3band is defo the most versitile.
but y'know what they say in England; ...'One man's meat..............'
Merry Christmas to all - in particular to Beth and Derek if you're reading!
Nick x

 

[Dr Stankface]

(is that series? I can never remember).

Series it is my friend.

Andrew

 

[Nickytwister]

Yeah, course it is.
Cheers for the confirmation fella!
N x

 

[Tom F]

A couple of years ago I asked a similar question over at the Dudepit, namely whether it was worth spending the extra money on a Pre-EB 'Ray or not. The advice I got was all correct as far as I can tell. Somewhere between the wheel truss rod adjustment, 3 band EQ, 6 bolt neck and spectacular QC and customer service, it just didn't seem like a good idea to spend more money on a Pre-EB. I got an EB and haven't looked back.

I understand the allure of a vintage bass and the "Leo mystique," and honestly, there are some great sounding and playing vintage 'Ray's out there. For my money, though, I'll go with a current EB product every time.

 

[Figjam]

I tihnk the wheel adjustment is my favorite feature.

 

[Mr Light]

The Stingray

I believe you simply can't go wrong with either the "pre" Ernie Ball Rays or the current Ernie Ball Rays. They are all quality well built Amreican made instruments!

Right Oon!

 

[Dr Stankface]

If it's got MM stamped on it, then it's deemed good in my book.

Andrew

 

[tkarter]

If it's got MM stamped on it, then it's deemed good in my book.

Andrew

If it says Ernie Ball on it it is not only deemed good it is stood behind like no other musical instrument in the world.


IMHO

tk

 

[shamus63]

I'm a huge fan of the six-bolt neck!

And although I can't put my finger on it (pun), the EB's seem a bit more refined than the original MM's.

Could be me...nah.

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

Myself? I prefer to get the latest technology. Sometimes "old is just old". I'll tell you that my '05 Bongo 4HH blows the snot out of my former '77 Ray...hand's down!

 

[Beth]

Hey Nick! It's great to see you on the forum. I hope the wife and adorable children are well and Happy Holidays!!

Everyone, Nick Owen is our friend in the UK - StingRay, Bongo lover and plays for Dirty Vegas and has done many other projects which include working with Annie Lennox. Welcome, Nick!

 

[Steve Dude Barr]

I love Dirty Vegas!!! Welcome Nick!

 

[Nickytwister]

Ta Steve, Hi Beth!
Gotta say though, I don't play with Annie Lennox - that's Paul Turner (another UK Stingray guy.) Paul's also currently with Jamiroquai.
My other on/off gig is Ronan Keating. You guys probably haven't heard of him but he's an Irish singer/songwriter who's sold about 17 million albums or something.
He's a great fella. I got that gig through Paul Turner (again!) Paul's one of the heavywieghts over here.
Changing the subject completely I still think Ernie Ball flatwounds should be renamed 'Original Slinky' or Old Skool Slinky' bass. I've used them in the studio, live on TV, live on radio, on huge gigs and in little clubs on 4 & 5 string Stingrays and a Bongo HS5. And on my acoustic bass. They pump the mids, make the whole fretboard completely even, reduce top end sizzle and compress the bottom end.
Yopu should all give 'em a go!
Have a great Christmas all!
N x

 

[Golem]

If it came to a choice between "Pre VS Post EB Stingrays... " I'd have to go with "pre" as I'm too impatient to wait for "post" [not that I'd even welcome the idea].

 

[Golem]

I tihnk the wheel adjustment is my favorite feature.

On a fretless, it's the nutz [< dumb pun but big true thing].

Who else has such a convenient "dial-a-mwah"? I like my archtop FL with the little thumbwheels to tweak the vertical on the bridge, but that doesn't address the neck relief.

 

[strummer]

Paul's also currently with Jamiroquai.

What? Ok, I admit not staying current with jamiroquai, but what happened with Mr Zender?

 

[Nickytwister]

Whoa! Stu left about 1999 I think - between the third and fourth albums. Nick Fyffe replaced him for almost five years - covering two albums.
Paul joined this May - they've had a new album out this year and got back from the States/Aus/Japan last week.
Paul really nails the gig.
I'm not a huge fan but I know the guys all quite well.
N x