Stingray 5HH vs 5H

[tbonesullivan]

So, I've got my SR5 HS back, and now I'm in full-blown GAS mode, and trolling Bass Central and the local MM dealer looking for basses.

I Already have an HS ceramic, and I like the options, but for this one, I want as close as possible to the sound of a stingray 4, which I have and love. Alnico bridge pickup in parallel is a must, as that is the classic sound that I want. Question is though, should I go for the HH model, or the single H model?

What I'm really curious about is just how different the series and parallel sound of the SIngle H is, and also what the "filter" position sounds like. I have tried out an HH model before, and it definitely had a nice sound, but I just find the neck humbucker to be too broad sounding, as well as the position where all 4 coils are on.

Anyone been in the same predicament?

 

[tunaman4u2]

The Sterling HH5 is something to behold. I'm asking Beaver about one today actually

I had a Sterling HH & a Sterling H but I much preferred my Sterling HH & still have it. Now I want one in a fiver. The LEAST pickup config I use is the neck only but I really like the other 4 selectors.

I remember checking out the Stingray HH but its all parallel all the time... at least with the Sterling HH the middle position is different, parallel vs all of the rest in series.

 

[Gravesend Black]

I'd prefer single H. You may be interested in classic SR5 that seems to be a regular SR just with that B string. I guess that modern alnico SR5 could be a bit different in case of that big awesome body I like) While classic SR5 body = SR4 body.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Not really looking at the classic models. I love the oiled necks on the standard ones. Also I need a 3 band EQ, which isn't going to happen on the classic. Also I'd like at east the 3 way switch to give some tonal variety.

I've also gotta find out if all of the "brick" shaped pickups I see at Bass central are old ceramic stock, or whether they changed housings on the Single H models.

 

[tunaman4u2]

How do you like the maple on burst man? Thats exactly what I"m looking to go by the way... although I'll get a clear or tort guard. You finding the maple snappier, clearer than the rosewood?

 

[Gravesend Black]

What do you mean saying "brick" shaped? This?

What is the difference between this and those "big-eared" ones?

 

[tunaman4u2]

Thats so awesome! Me want!

The only downside I see having a HH vs H is the weight, otherwise its all tonal versatility man. Sure you can do a few things on the H like choose dummy coils, series or parallel etc but nothing I could REALLY discern in a mix. The HH pickup selector radically effects tone

 

[Gravesend Black]

Thats so awesome! Me want!

The only downside I see having a HH vs H is the weight, otherwise its all tonal versatility man. Sure you can do a few things on the H like choose dummy coils, series or parallel etc but nothing I could REALLY discern in a mix. The HH pickup selector radically effects tone

Thanks)
Yeah it is all about tonal versatility and personal tastes. I think it's good when one model but with different PU config is pretty different. My guess that Tbonesullivan just needs to clarify what sound he like the most and to choose the PU config according to his taste. Weight discussion is a personal taste to. This honey monster is freakin' heavy. And I like it. When I play it - I feel my bass with whole my body.

 

[tbonesullivan]

How do you like the maple on burst man? Thats exactly what I"m looking to go by the way... although I'll get a clear or tort guard. You finding the maple snappier, clearer than the rosewood?

I think it is a big snappier, though it may just be to my ears. It's not a huge difference. I do like the look and feel of rosewood sometimes though, and they do have the advantage of not being such a pain to keep clean like the maple boards are.

I love the feel of the SR5 neck. For me, it's close to the perfect neck for a 5er. Not to wide, not to thick. just Comfortable.

 

[Movielife]

Get the HH. Rude not to!

 

[tbonesullivan]

What do you mean saying "brick" shaped? This?
What is the difference between this and those "big-eared" ones?

That would be the brick, and I honestly have no idea what difference it makes. Looking on Bass Central, I see a bunch of SR5 H's with the brick, and others with the ears. I was thinking maybe those are SR5's from the ceramic era, but on the other hand I have a ceramic SR5, and I have the ears. Also, the "classic" SR5 has the Brick shaped pickup.

So yeah, I just don't know. Of course, it's only really relevant to helping me figure out if a partiular bass would suit my needs.

What I really do need to do is get down and get some playing time on alnico 5H vs the HH. I've also of course gotta bring my two SRs with me for comparison.

 

[Movielife]

All the single H pups are the brick type.

 

[tbonesullivan]

All the single H pups are the brick type.

The one pictured on the MM website has the ears:

StingRay 5

Also about half the 5H's on bass central are brick, and the other half have ears: MusicMan Basses - StingRay 5 String Fretted Basses

 

[tunaman4u2]

So I write to BassCentral about their awesome Sterling HH5ers in maple! All sold except black ! I have the WORST luck trying to buy EBMM basses! ha ha

 

[tbonesullivan]

Get the HH. Rude not to!

Well, then the thought is, maybe I should just get another HS, this time with Alnico pickups. It would have closer to a true single coil sound in the 2 and 4 positions. Decisions decisions. It was easy with the SR5 HS because it was used, in great shape, at a great price. I actually kinda wish that the SR5 had a switching system similar to the reflex, where you had buttons for each pickup, and series/parallel.

 

[Movielife]

I love the HS.

 

[tbonesullivan]

So I write to BassCentral about their awesome Sterling HH5ers in maple! All sold except black ! I have the WORST luck trying to buy EBMM basses! ha ha

wait, so pretty much everything on their website is already gone? that's kinda lame.

 

[tbonesullivan]

I love the HS.

as do I. I guess I really need to plug in and try out to see what i want to go for. I just see the HS as having more variety than the HH. Maybe more "useable" positions too. But the single H is the sound that everyone usually goes back to.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Ok... after listening to some youtube clips, its definitely gotta be a single H, or something that has series/parallel switching. the difference is quite striking, to my ears.

 

[Gravesend Black]

Glad that you solved your doubts)