Sting Ray vs. Sterling vs. Warwick Corvett FNA

[Robbie Flowers]

I was just wondering, does anybody know what the basic differences are between the Sting Ray and the Sterling? Also, the Warwick Corvette FNA (Apparently now discontinued) has a simliar pick-up scheme. I have a pseudo-sterling and like the sound. I love the stingray. I am trying to decide on my next bass and it seems like one of these three fits the bill so if anyone has any opinions about these instruments I would greatly appreciate any info. Also, what else is out there for basses that have the single humbucker pick-up stlye-setup?
thanks,
r_flowers

 

[Shaun Lopez]

Sterling Vs Stingray

Robbie,
The stingray is a bigger guitar. But what is strange is that the Sterling actually has 22 frets while the StingRay has 21.
The Shielding on the Sterling consists of an Aluminum lined control over while the StingRay has a crome plated brass control over.
The sterling has a three way lever switch that determines which coil you choose to use while the StingRay does not have a switch at all. Also, the sterling has a hum cancelling phantom coil that the StingRay does not have. I play a StingRay,it is by far the best instrument I have ever owned.

Shaun

 

[Robbie Flowers]

what role does shielding play in an instrument?

The stingray 5 has a 3-way pick up selector I think.?....

What other basses do you play? and What style of music do you play with your stingray?

Thanks for the reply shaun.
-Robbie

 

[Robbie Flowers]

what role does shielding play in an instrument?

The stingray 5 has a 3-way pick up selector I think.?....

What other basses do you play? and What style of music do you play with your stingray?

Thanks for the reply shaun.
-Robbie

 

[Mike Pierce]

Purpose of Shielding

The primary purpose of the shielding is to separate you, the player, from the electronics of the instrument. It's a safe guard. Also, it keeps the noise of the electronics down. You are correct about the switch, it's a three way. Position one (closest to the neck) is both coils in series mode. Position 2 is single coil. Position 3 is both coils in parallel mode.

Mike

 

[jadesmar]

I was wondering about that switch.
Not being electronics savy can you summarize what sounds we should be looking for in each position. I am just leaving it on, well, I guess it's on series mode.

 

[bassdude63]

Stingray/Sterling

The Sterling's neck feels very similar to a Fender Jazz's neck(1-1/2 at the nut) and the neck heel is sculptured making access to the upper frets easier. Due to the 3-way coil selector switch, there are a lot of tonal possibilities. The Stingray's neck feels very similar to a Fender Precsion's neck(1-5/8 at the nut). It has the traditional "block heel" found on most bolt-on neck basses. The Stingray's bottom cutaway is wider than a P-Bass', so it's a bit easier to reach the upper frets compared to a P-Bass. The Stingray sounds great and is one of the "classic" basses on the market. I've tried a few Warwick's, and I'm impressed with the quality of their instruments. The bottom line is: Which bass feels and sounds best to you? Try each out on the same kind of amp you're using and then decide. Happy Hunting, D.M.

 

[bassdude63]

Sterling's 3-way selector

I was wondering about that switch.
Not being electronics savy can you summarize what sounds we should be looking for in each position. I am just leaving it on, well, I guess it's on series mode.

When the selector is towards the bridge, the pickup is in parallel mode. This position will give you the same wiring as that found on the Stingray; punchy lows, slightly scooped mids, and glassy highs. With the selector in the middle position the pickup is in single-coil mode(think Jazz Bass brigge pickup sound) but due to the hum-cancelling dummy coil, no noise! And with the switch towards the neck is series mode: real ballsy tone across the frequency spectrum, a bit more output than parallel mode. I hope this helps. D.M.

 

[Shaun Lopez]

The Music I play w/ the StingRay

Robbie,
Sorry it took so long for the reply, but it turns out other members were able to answer some of your questions. You guys rock.
As for the style of music I jam to with my Stingray, I would have to say there are a few styles I have played. The majority of bands I have been in have been mainly rock bands, but I have also done some funk,blues, and even salsa projects. Currently, I'm in a hardcore metal band and the StingRay is still able to shred those metal riffs. I'm able to get different tones that I like to fit each style I have encountered, that is why I would have to say it is my Bass of choice.

 

[Estin]

all three of those basses are great. i used to be a bass player, but now play guitar full time. although i like to mess around on basses here and there. i used to own the Corvette FNA and it was a great bass. very nice warm tones and the build qaulity was also excelent. i think between the 3 basses you will have no problems getting the tone you want, but play them and see. since i owned the warwick before, i would try the Stingray 5 string. i'd go with a black finish with matching headstock with rosewood fretboard and optinal peizo. damn.........that would be a great bass.

 

[Estin]

forgot to mention that you can also look at the Modulous Flea bass. thats a single humbucker style and has great tones. but it has a graphite neck so you'd have to see how you like the sound and feel of that. damn its really a toss up with the warwick and EB, but in my opinion i go with a the EB. great instruments and their based here in the states if you were to ever need warranty repairs or what have you.