Stingray, pickup/preamp, or Ampeg set-up problem?

[Hossinn]

I purchased my 4 string Stingray in 1993 and have been playing it ever since in the ska/reggae band that I formed in 1985. Similar to many of you, I suppose, I have been forever trying to find that "perfect" sound between my bass and my rig. I am currently playing through an Ampeg SVT Classic and an Ampeg 8 x 10 cabinet. My problem is that for the music we are playing (more reggae/rocksteady these days than ska) I can't seem to get the heavy, low end, thick, punchy sound I would like to. I thought that the SVT/8x10 was going to be just the thing I needed.

1. Is the Stingray just not the right bass to get the "heavy" sound I am looking for?
2. Would replacing the pickup/preamp help me? (Bartolini for example?)
3. Would a different cabinet set-up help me? (4 x 10 / 1 x 15(18) instead of 8 x 10?)

I recently purchased a Hohner B2AV (headless 5 string) that seems to have more of the thick sound I am looking for (I upgraded the EMG Select Pickups to EMG J pickups as well as the preamp).

Thanks in advance for any advice you might be able to offer me.

 

[Bill]

I'd definitely try a different amp/cabinet setup first of all. The Stingray has PLENTY lof punch & low end without having to change the guts! As far as cabinet recommendations, I'll leave that to somebody with experience with more cabs that I have. I have a GK 1001RB-II head going through an old Hartke 410XL cab, and I love the tone I get with my 'Ray. It'll rumble the whole building.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Moondog]

that's a fine rig you have.
and the Ray should do the job
I'm shopping cabs...
& find the ampeg 410HLF
w/more low end than the 810e (it's ported)
not too boomy - just right

 

[syciprider]

Roll off the Ray's highs and boost the lows?

This is what I do for reggaesque tone.

 

[Mr Light]

You can't go wrong with the following:

SWR

Ampeg

GK

...And some would say Trace Elliot, as well.

 

[Hossinn]

Fridge or 2 x cabs?

that's a fine rig you have.
and the Ray should do the job
I'm shopping cabs...
& find the ampeg 410HLF
w/more low end than the 810e (it's ported)
not too boomy - just right

That's what I was wondering...go the route of a 410 (ported) + 1x15 instead of my Ampeg refridge??? I've heard that the 8x10 that I have is not the best for low end.

 

[phatduckk]

by checking out the specs on ampegs site:

410hlf: Frequency Response (-3 dB): 48 Hz - 18 kHz
810e: Frequency Response (-3 dB): 58 Hz - 5 KHz

just from looking at numbers (no ears involved) it looks like the 410 will get you a better range (including low end). I think id blame the cab

 

[strummer]

I vote for a new box, maybe a 4x12?

 

[TSanders]

Maybe I missed it, but have you tried flats on the Ray?

You may want to comsider a Bongo. They are capable of doing any tone, and doing it well. Very well, might I add.

 

[Hossinn]

Maybe I missed it, but have you tried flats on the Ray?

You may want to comsider a Bongo. They are capable of doing any tone, and doing it well. Very well, might I add.

Yesterday when I FOUND this forum was the first time I ever even heard of the BONGO. From looking around, it sounds like that is an incredible guitar.

 

[Disquieter]

personally, my 810av cab blows everything else away.

how is your head setup? the classic does not offer a graphic eq, maybe you would benefit from some outboard gear?


also, it sounds like you need a dual pickup ray, humbucker and a single coil with a rosewood board.

that will get you low end punch and rumble for days (and days)...



yup
jack, sell this man a bass

joel D.

 

[Hossinn]

personally, my 810av cab blows everything else away.

how is your head setup? the classic does not offer a graphic eq, maybe you would benefit from some outboard gear?


also, it sounds like you need a dual pickup ray, humbucker and a single coil with a rosewood board.

that will get you low end punch and rumble for days (and days)...



yup
jack, sell this man a bass

joel D.

You don't think one larger speaker is necesary for superb low end (1x 15/18)?
Any suggestions on outboard gear that would work well with my Ampeg setup?
As much as I envy those of you that have a list of 5-8 basses in collection, I don't know if I could afford a new bass at the moment........how much $ we talking anyway?

 

[Moondog]

IMO, you do not need a different head or bass.
Travis had a good idea w/flats . .

You can add a 15/18 but that's a bit much
w/the fridge.

As much as I luv the fridge, you might be
happier trading it for a 410HLF.

Check it out - I was impressed, you won't need
a 15/18 w/this cab IMO.

Then let me know what you think - I'm
thinkin about the SVT-CL/410HLF for my
next rig.

 

[Hossinn]

More for Less?????

IMO, you do not need a different head or bass.
Travis had a good idea w/flats . .

You can add a 15/18 but that's a bit much
w/the fridge.

As much as I luv the fridge, you might be
happier trading it for a 410HLF.

Check it out - I was impressed, you won't need
a 15/18 w/this cab IMO.

Then let me know what you think - I'm
thinkin about the SVT-CL/410HLF for my
next rig.

So hard to believe, but from what phatduckk and Moondog have said it seems that there is a possibility that I could get MORE FOR LESS!!! Half the 10's and more low...is it possible?

BTW, I was thinking of the 15/18 in addition to a 410, not in addition to the fridge.

I have really appreciated all of the opinions that everyone has offered...thanks.

 

[Disquieter]

Bigger speakers can offer a good lowend, but often lack the defenition that you get from highquality ten's..

if you need a super sweet cabinet, get a Phil Jones Bass cab, with 16 5" drivers, each one is rated at 100w.

like this: http://www.philjonesbass.com/PRODUCTS/SPEAKERS/16H.htm

that's an exceptional cabinet, more lowend than anything else, hell, even their 9speaker boxes blow away most other things.

i'm all about the 24x5

try it out sometime if you can, i think you'll appreciate it.

 

[Psychicpet]

for my 2-bits I think what you might be looking for is a dual p/u bass...like a Bongo OR THE NEW AMAZING dual p/u Sting Rays and Sterlings. I think the sound you're wanting is that tone you get from plucking closer to the neck but also with a p/u that is placed closer to the neck for that dubby sound... make any sense?

 

[Hossinn]

Bigger speakers can offer a good lowend, but often lack the defenition that you get from highquality ten's..

if you need a super sweet cabinet, get a Phil Jones Bass cab, with 16 5" drivers, each one is rated at 100w.

like this: http://www.philjonesbass.com/PRODUCTS/SPEAKERS/16H.htm

that's an exceptional cabinet, more lowend than anything else, hell, even their 9speaker boxes blow away most other things.

i'm all about the 24x5

try it out sometime if you can, i think you'll appreciate it.

OH MY GOSH!!! I have never seen anything like this cabinet and am very intrigued! Those 5's end up giving more low end because of the speaker quality and cabinet design I guess. I am definitely going to try to take one of these for a test drive.

I wonder how my SVT head would work with one of those cabinets???

 

[Hossinn]

for my 2-bits I think what you might be looking for is a dual p/u bass...like a Bongo OR THE NEW AMAZING dual p/u Sting Rays and Sterlings. I think the sound you're wanting is that tone you get from plucking closer to the neck but also with a p/u that is placed closer to the neck for that dubby sound... make any sense?

Yes, makes sense. I almost always play with my thumb resting on the end of the neck. I am as far away from the single pickup as I can be.

What am I going to pay for one of these dual p/u guits? The wife is not going to be pleased when I tell her that I must buy another guit...

 

[Psychicpet]

the extra p/u models I believe are only around another Benjamin at the most, but I'm sure that there's an American delaer or two here that's in your neck of the woods that'd be glad to work ya an estimate

as for the missus...... a nice week-end away somewhere, maybe at an exotic Motel 6 off of the Interstate somewhere ofcourse one with a Jack in the Box near by

 

[maddog]

by checking out the specs on ampegs site:

410hlf: Frequency Response (-3 dB): 48 Hz - 18 kHz
810e: Frequency Response (-3 dB): 58 Hz - 5 KHz

just from looking at numbers (no ears involved) it looks like the 410 will get you a better range (including low end). I think id blame the cab

Phatty's onto it. Go by the numbers. Best if they have a -3db number. Cone size doesn't always define low-end performance. Really comes down to a combination of cone mass and box design. The ported designs will usually give you more low-end although it will roll off faster after a certain point. I think the Ampeg 810 is sealed which could be why the low end is unsatisfactory to you.