Stingray 5 low B issues

[mikoman]

I bought a used Stingray 5, built in 2001. Body: ash, neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, matching headstock, 1 pickup.

The sound of the bass is just the way I expect a Stingray to sound like. However, the low B lacks clarity and definition. I get a lot of overtones and no precisely defined tones. I don't have that problem with the other 4 strings. I wonder why this is. I'm using Elites strings, the low B is an untapered string, 130mm. Does anyone have an idea what to do about this? Could this be a problem that can't be resolved as it's due to the wood of the bass itself? Or should I use different strings? I set it up with low action and the low B is quite close to the pickup (5-7mm). Has anyone had the same problems and found a solution? Or did I simply buy a lemon? Thanks for your help.

 

[r goldsmith]

Not a lemon...

Sounds like a string and/or pickup issue to me. I've owned two SR5's (and played a good deal more) and never had that problem. I'd suggest some experimentation with the pickup height first. If you get no joy, try another type of string.

 

[WillPlay4Food]

Have you played other 5 strings through your rig before? Are you sure your speakers can accurately reproduce 30Hz sound waves? I would start here and rule out your rig first. Next, make sure your pickups are set to the correct height from the strings as outlined in the FAQ on the EBMM website.

If things don't work out, call customer service and hear what they say. That's why they answer the phone after all. Might as well put the big brains on the case.

 

[nicjimbass]

I've found that with cerain strings the B gets lost sometimes. I recently threw on a set of SS DR Low-Riders, and the B really perked up. It's got alot more bite to it, and sounds closer to the other strings.

 

[r goldsmith]

I recently threw on a set of SS DR Low-Riders

+1 for SS Lo - Riders on a Stingray 5. Probably my fave string.

 

[mikoman]

Thanks WillPlay4Food. I'm playing a Warwick Thumb 6-string otherwise and get a very nice low B sound from that bass. I'm aware that the Stingray will not deliver the same sound as the Warwick, but something doesn't quite sound right, abit muffled compared to the E string.

 

[mikoman]

Has anyone used a tapered B-string on a Stingray 5? Does that do any good?

 

[mynan]

Has anyone used a tapered B-string on a Stingray 5? Does that do any good?

It sounds like you are approaching this from the standpoint that the SR5 needs help in the B department. SR5s are renowned for having a solid B. That's not the issue.

I would take a look at pickup height first and make sure it is to specs. If that doesn't work, then I would try a new set of strings...Slinkys work great. If that doesn't work, call EB customer service...they are very helpful and may have some answers.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

I have to agree 10000000000000000000% with mynan (she is not my nan really ) but yes the StingRay5 low B its a string that you need to respect!!

Do that bass a big favour and put on a set of "fresh" Ernie Ball - Regular Slinky - BASS 5 - Custom Gauge - Part no# 2836

If you have issues with the pickup height check out the F.A.Q. on Ernie Ball website that will tell you exactly how to set it and you will be happy for ever and ever.

 

[koogie2k]

Call Customer Service and be done with it. Hope you get it straightened out.

 

[adouglas]

Having the strings too close to the pickup will dampen them.

If it were me, I'd return the instrument's setup to original factory spec. That means putting on the same strings that it ships with and setting relief, string height and pickup height to factory spec. All of this information is in the FAQ.

THEN, and only then, assess whether something is actually wrong.

 

[mikoman]

Thanks for all the suggestions. My reference is my warwick thumb neck through 6-string bass which delivers an excellent low B across all 26 frets. Maybe I'm just used to that different sound? Does anyone have experience with both basses and knows how they compare?

 

[mynan]

One more thing...

I usually play my SR5 with the bass pot at center (detent). I'll add a little once in a while, but I've found that too much causes the B to lose some definition.

So if you haven't...start with the eq flat and work from there.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Thanks for all the suggestions. My reference is my warwick thumb neck through 6-string bass which delivers an excellent low B across all 26 frets. Maybe I'm just used to that different sound? Does anyone have experience with both basses and knows how they compare?

I had a thumb 5 a few years back, not a bad instrument, but it didn't satisfy me enough to make it a "for keep" bass, so it went to the highest bidder.

 

[nicjimbass]

One more thing...

I usually play my SR5 with the bass pot at center (detent). I'll add a little once in a while, but I've found that too much causes the B to lose some definition.

So if you haven't...start with the eq flat and work from there.

I'll back this up! I usually boost my bass a smidge, but this past Sunday at church, I found that was too bassy. I put the bass flat and cut both treble and mids, and it took the boominess away and brought back my definition.

Also, OP, are you saying the B string is bad when playing a gigging levels, or practice levels? I find that at practice levels, there is a much more noticeable difference than at gigging levels.

 

[Big Poppa]

Pickup height but call customer service

 

[ggunn]

I bought a used Stingray 5, built in 2001. Body: ash, neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, matching headstock, 1 pickup.

The sound of the bass is just the way I expect a Stingray to sound like. However, the low B lacks clarity and definition. I get a lot of overtones and no precisely defined tones. I don't have that problem with the other 4 strings. I wonder why this is. I'm using Elites strings, the low B is an untapered string, 130mm. Does anyone have an idea what to do about this? Could this be a problem that can't be resolved as it's due to the wood of the bass itself? Or should I use different strings? I set it up with low action and the low B is quite close to the pickup (5-7mm). Has anyone had the same problems and found a solution? Or did I simply buy a lemon? Thanks for your help.

Is it the low B string you are having trouble with, or is it the low B note? In other words, how does a low E played on the B string compare with an open low E?

 

[RobertB]

hmmmm, so I sorta think I may be beginning to see a few patterns emerging here ... pickup height and .... wait ... wait, it's coming to me ... Customer Service! Now there's a novel idea.

 

[Marley's Ghost]

What amp/cab are you using? How do you set your eq?