Stingray or Jazz. Pros & Cons?

[russjm]

I'm going to be in the market for a new bass at the end of the month.

Now I've always wanted a Stingray, but have never been able to afford one. However, at the end of the month I'll have about £800 ( $1200?) to spend on a used bass.

I already have a Highway 1 Jazz, but that's going to be the backup for the new bass, I just can't decide on what to go for. I play mainly jazz, Hip Hop and funk at home, but rock and pop in the band, so the bass has to cut through the mix live, but be flexible at home tone wise. Someone has told me that sometimes their ray can get lost in the mix a bit, especially the G string which seems to disappear live.

I want something easy to play, I don't like a high string tension, in fact I'm using TI flats on the jazz because they're so easy to bend, something I like to do.

Is a Stingray, in your opinion, capable of doing what I want? Or should I go for another jazz?

 

[Dr Stankface]

StingRays sounds amazing with flats or rounds. Sit exceptionally well in the mix and i've never once gotten lost (I'm a SR5 player though). Also owned a few Rays and they sounded great in the mix. I think either a used Ray would do you nicely or, if you can spare the change, pick up one of the new dual pickup models.

Hope you find one that you love. Always try before you buy though.

 

[tiffles]

most of the replies here will probably be towards a stingray...

seriously they are amazing. also have you looked at a bongo... they have amazing tones come out of them and sound incredible at a gig.

welcome, and go the stingray!!

 

[russjm]

Yeah I've tried a couple of Bongos, a friend of mine has the stealth 4, but it's the Stingray I want.

I guess you're right, the jazz won't get too many votes here .

 

[kompressaur]

nah get a Sterling.1.5" nut,beautiful fast neck,sleek body,midrange growl,parallel,series and single coil settings,wicked heel shape and sexier than either.
the best elements of both you mention + some of its own too
my tuppence worth
Komp

 

[AnthonyD]

If you're liking the jazz feel but thinking about stingray tone - go Sterling!

Seriously - pick one up and you'll know...

 

[adouglas]

Yeah, you don't really expect anyone here to advise you to go for the J-bass, do you?

Here's my $0.02, as unbiased as I can make it:

J pros:
- It's familiar to you, so you're comfortable with it and you know how to get what you want out of it
- It gives that J bass sound, which is a good thing if that's what you want

SR pros:
- Cuts through the mix much better
- Much punchier, more dynamic

Neutral comments:
- The SR has a distinct character that's different from non-EBMM basses. Many people (including everyone here) really like it.
- EBMM basses have consistently excellent workmanship and quality. Customer service is superb. The user community is loopy and entertaining. With a J bass, your experience may vary widely.

General observation:
- Since you've already got a J bass, why not increase your versatility and go for something different this time around? If you get an SR, you'll have a choice of which you want to play at any given time. If you just get another J bass, then what's the point? One of them will just sit in the closet.

Overall advice:
- Don't mess around. Buy a Bongo.

PS: String tension has nothing to do with brand of bass. If it's got the same scale length, a given set of strings will give identical tension no matter whose name is on the headstock.

 

[roballanson]

If you are in the market for a bongo I know a mint Bongo 5 HS - so great sound capabilities - going close to your price range.

PM me if interested..

 

[bassmonkey]

Bongo, no question, it's a revelation.

Look at my sig, that's in chronological order.

I'd PM Roballanson if I were you. My next Bongo (on order) is a 5HS, they are the pick of the Bongo crop as far as I'm concerned.

 

[russjm]

Thanks a lot for all that.

As I say, I've tried a couple of Bongos, and as great as they sound, can I live with the shape? I'm just not sure. I'll give that some thought for sure.

The Stirling is a possibility too. I tried one on Saturday with a Nordstrand pickup in it. That thing was awesome, really punchy and growly, with loads of bottom end and crisp clear top end, very nice.

However the problem I have is that it's Stingray I've always lusted after, and maybe I'm just wearing blinkers, but it's still the Stingray I want.

I will check out the Bongos and Sterlings too though, I promise .

 

[AnthonyD]

If it's aStingray your lusting after that I think you already know your answer - go with your heart or you'll regret it later...

 

[bassmonkey]

If it's aStingray your lusting after that I think you already know your answer - go with your heart or you'll regret it later...

Yes, and he'll end up getting a Bongo later on anyway.

 

[Caca de Kick]

Definitely go for the StingRay, you can cover all your ground owning both basses. The Ray sounds great, punchy and cuts through anything, and it's very esay to play.

I have several Rays and several J's, and those are my two favorite basses. I have never experienced a weak G, so I don't know what that's all about.

 

[Jim_F]

If you've already got a J - I would suggest going for a Stingray - I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

"However the problem I have is that it's Stingray I've always lusted after, and maybe I'm just wearing blinkers, but it's still the Stingray I want."

I was in the same position last year, and ended up getting the 'Ray. Absolutely no complaints so far, great to play (and like you I play rock and pop/funk too), cuts through fine live and have been really pleased with the results in the studio.
The 3 band EQ gives you a hell of a lot of control of the sound dynamics, and the ray sounds good with fingers, slap and plec. depending on what I'm playing.

I would have agreed with your comments about the bongo a year ago - I guess hanging round this place is starting to warp my fragile little mind. I have got used to the looks and am starting to appreciate the design, and having played one a couple of weeks ago they do play and sound incredibly good ....

Good luck with whichever bass you go for ....

 

[Psycho Ward]

Follow your lust.... if it doesn't get you in trouble.

 

[stretch80]

HOw about a 2-pickup Stingray? Say a HS, though if you're looking used that may be harder to find.

 

[Straight UP]

Go with the Sting Ray.

 

[Bill]

Here's my response:

This thing cuts through 3 guitars & a loud drummer...never had any problems!

 

[bassmancb]

I own a Jazz and a P-Bass along with my SR and trade them out when I do a show. Each Bass adds it's own style of tone. Go with the Ray!!

 

[rhythmCity944]

i've owned both a jazz bass and a stingray bass...the jazz bass just seems dull and not very punchy (even with active electronics) at all once you plug in that stingray...besides, active electronics allow you to mess with your stage tone more for a better mix, more cutting, or bigger bottom or all in the same