Sterling Pickup on Stingray possible?

[Scarbee]

Hey,

I have two Sterlings and one Stingray. I love the body and feel of the Stingray but the sound of the Sterling, so I would like to modify it.

Now I have option of installing either an EMG or Seymour Duncan Ceramic pickup on Stingray - it should get closer to Sterling sound, right? (as this use ceramic pu).

However i could also put Sterling pickup in Stingray, however i would need to carve pu hole deeper to fit the pickup, right?

But apart from this - would it be possible to put Sterling pu together with Stingray preamp? Do the 25k pots on stingray work?

The preamp in Stingray says: CM1-1, S/R 3EQ 1-90, from June 9, 2005.

I always have Sterling in flat EQ position (neutral) - so I don't really use the preamp.

How much does the preamps of the instruments alter the sound - even in flat mode?

If change possible - how should I wire this?

I realize body and neck are different (both have maple fretboard) and this will affect sound - but a slight change is ok as long as it gets more of the lo,mid and highs of the Sterling.

look forward to hear from any of you

I'm a big Musicman fan...

 

[Slapfest]

I wouldnt do it.

1. You will seriously affect the value and originality of your stingray.
2. I'm pretty sure that the mix 'n match preamp scenario will not be what you were looking for.
3. Why are you going to all this trouble??
If you want another bass that sounds like a Sterling...sell the 'ray, get a Sterling
The chances of getting the Sterling sound you want from the stingray w/preamp and different pickups probably arent great.
And so....what then?
Even if its close in sound, you will still be the proud owner of a "mongrel"

 

[Cory T]

Save all the work and get a Stingray 5, it is my understanding that the SR5 is closer in sound to a sterling than an SR4.

 

[Scarbee]

I had a 5 string that I loved - but i like 4 strings better so I bought 2 Sterlings.
However the Stingray has the most sexy body of all basses...

 

[oli@bass]

Did you try one of the new dual PU StingRays? Maybe those can you get closer to the Sterling sound you like.

 

[Scarbee]

Did you try one of the new dual PU StingRays? Maybe those can you get closer to the Sterling sound you like.

You mean with a neck pu? Don't like that as it is harer to get room for slap..
And I'm sure it will not solve my "problem"..

 

[oli@bass]

You mean with a neck pu? Don't like that as it is harer to get room for slap..

Well, I've the HS config on my Laklands, and never had problem with "room for slap". YMMV.

And I'm sure it will not solve my "problem"..

Since the pickups on those StingRays are different from the single H pickups, I'd give it a try. Can't hurt. As from other posts here, the Sterling H won't fit into the StingRay because it has an additional phantom coil which makes it larger.

 

[oli@bass]

I always have Sterling in flat EQ position (neutral) - so I don't really use the preamp.

On the StingRay with the 2 band EQ, I was able to hear it when the battery was dead. It was different, less "open" sounding and somehow less "responsive". And way lower output!

I realize body and neck are different (both have maple fretboard) and this will affect sound - but a slight change is ok as long as it gets more of the lo,mid and highs of the Sterling.

One of the (publicly known) differences of the Sterling H (if you run it in parallel mode, as the StingRay H is wired), is that it uses ceramic mangets instead of alnico.

So why not have a look at StingRay replacement PUs with ceramic offered by some companies (e.g. Seymour Duncan). Maybe you could even get one according to custom specs from Magnetics pick ups in Italy.

 

[Scarbee]

On the StingRay with the 2 band EQ, I was able to hear it when the battery was dead. It was different, less "open" sounding and somehow less "responsive". And way lower output!



One of the (publicly known) differences of the Sterling H (if you run it in series mode, as the StingRay H is wired), is that it uses ceramic mangets instead of alnico.

So why not have a look at StingRay replacement PUs with ceramic offered by some companies (e.g. Seymour Duncan). Maybe you could even get one according to custom specs from Magnetics pick ups in Italy.

I already have ordered a EMG and Seymour Duncan - latter seem to want it' own preamp.
However I'm affraid that these pu's loose some "steps" in the sound and make it too hifi - but lets see.

last days I have played a lot of Stingray to get to feel the sound better. When listening to old 77 versions i tend to hear that these old ones are more mellow - and not so "crunchy" as new Stingrays - can this be true?

To me a mix between sterling and Stingray sound would be ideal.

The sound I like of Sterling is when it's in Parallel mode (switch all way towards bridge) I don't like the other positions.

Are Stingrays wired serial or parallel? Did some playes in 70'ties rewire pu so they were in parallel?

cheers

 

[oli@bass]

The StingRay H pickup is wired in parallel, as is stated in this thread series or parallel.
(BTW, I mixed it up in my previous post and have it now corrected)

I don't understand why the SD Basslines would need a different preamp? They are advertised as "replacement" for MM instruments...

Regarding the sound of old rays... I think that the winding of the pickups was different then (AFAIK was the winding process refined and made more constant when Ernie Ball took over MM). That would be another reason to check out Magnetics, since they also offer to duplicate old SR pickups.


But besides from all that, the wood and neck have a audible influence as well. Each of my StingRays has its individual voice, especially the 2001 NAMM bass with graphite neck has a distinct tone. Maybe you should try a 30th anniversary StingRay, I can imagine that the mahogany body does add a something in the direction you're looking for.

 

[Scarbee]

I don't understand why the SD Basslines would need a different preamp? They are advertised as "replacement" for MM instruments...QUOTE]

Just found wire diagram on their support page that will work.

It's just that the one that comes with pickup is for their own preamp.

Let's see how it sounds - in any way I love my Musicman basses..