Help! Stingray 5 Special 2019 VS 2022 mystery huge sound difference

[J-War]

Hello all,

My bassist came to the studio yesterday with his stingray 5 special to record some final takes, his sound was so awful we did some comparison with mine.
Mine = musicman stingray 5 special 2019 active H MN vintage tobacco
His = Music Man Stingray 5 Special Snowy Night (you can see the exact model here Music Man Stingray 5 Special Snowy Night )

Everything from knobs to switch was set up the exact same way, brand new batteries, we just switched the jack from one bass to another.
You can listen to the results below on soundcloud, my stingray from 0:01 to 0:15 then his stingray from 00:15 to 00:30

https://on.soundcloud.com/WsgP36ArNhuPuc6t9

Any help or explanation would be very welcome, we are so lost !
Thanks in advance.

 

[lm183902]

Interesting.

I think from your description, I was expecting your bandmate's bass to sound like something was wrong. I didn't think his sounded awful, but it was definitely lacking the punch and clarity that yours seemed to have. Was this a mic'd amp or were you getting the distortion with pedals/plugins? Do you know the type and material (nickel or steel?) of strings his had compared to yours. And age of the strings?

 

[nebadon]

I haven't heard t recording yet only have access to Phone Speakers now

Check your friends pickup to strings distance

 

[J-War]

If i remember correctly, the strings distance was barely the same as mine but we will ensure it is the case. Thanks for the hint.
Although i am not sure, that alone, could explain the whole sound difference between those two instruments which are the same models.

Mine is from 2019 with ASH body, his is from 2022 with " selected hardwood " meaning it's probably american basswood or something like that i guess...

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

IMO the recording from 0:15 onwards has too much fret buzz. With a little relief added to the neck, all should be good.

 

[J-War]

Interesting.

I think from your description, I was expecting your bandmate's bass to sound like something was wrong. I didn't think his sounded awful, but it was definitely lacking the punch and clarity that yours seemed to have. Was this a mic'd amp or were you getting the distortion with pedals/plugins? Do you know the type and material (nickel or steel?) of strings his had compared to yours. And age of the strings?

Jack > Kemper ( DI / STACK mode ) > spdif out > RME Fireface UCX spdif in
No effects on the chain, just ampeg SVT AMP & CAB sim on the kemper

We use the same strings ernie ball slinky, on the audio you heard my strings were brand new and his strings were 2 weeks old.

 

[Musikron]

Setup differences caused this.
Match these parameters and I'll bet you'll make a lot of progress.
String type, and gauge.
Nut slots.
Action and intonation.
PICKUP HIGHT.

 

[Golem]

Ash and poplar bodies will not sound alike.