Which Stingray to get?

[born2play55]

Hey guys, this is my first thread on this forum...
i'm looking to get a stingray soon, i was wondering about whether to get a new one or a little bit older one?

I found a 1995 or so one in trans blueburst in good condition with a gig bag askin 900 solid.
I was wondering whether you guys thought an older one like this is better than the new ones because of the bridge/ battery cover. or do you think i'd be better off with a new one?

thanks

 

[phatduckk]

the Stingrays have gotten better over the year. Many of us here will say they like the newer ones better. if your budget allows I'd say go with new

900 for a used SR is a "normal" deal so its not a "must jump on that deal" kind of price. however, if youre on a budget you should be able to find a used one in that price range or lower pretty easily on the net

 

[Drmckool]

i'm also going to say that you should either wait for a really cheap used one or get a good new one if your willing to shell out the money

 

[bovinehost]

Hey guys, this is my first thread on this forum...
i'm looking to get a stingray soon, i was wondering about whether to get a new one or a little bit older one?

The differences between a 95 and a current model are minimal, but the blueburst is an interesting finish. If you like that finish, might be worth it as long as the frets and everything else are in good shape. Otherwise, yeah, like Phatty said, 9 bills is not an amazing deal and I've bought/sold plenty of SR4s - some much newer than 1995 - for less money.

I was wondering whether you guys thought an older one like this is better than the new ones because of the bridge/ battery cover. or do you think i'd be better off with a new one?

There's no advantage to the older model unless you like the finish. I haven't checked out the For Sale thread up top lately, but there are usually some smokin' deals on late model Stingrays in there.

Jack

 

[saxnbass]

There are a few SRs in the FS thread, AFAIK.

 

[midopa]

Didn't the blueburst finish have a problem with certain cases/gigbags? Like the finish would react and become all goupy?

 

[saxnbass]

Didn't the blueburst finish have a problem with certain cases/gigbags? Like the finish would react and become all goupy?

Really? Maybe if it's a Nitro. I know Nitro finishes react to rubber.

 

[Art and Music]

I just recently got my first SR4, an '04 in MINT condition for less than the one you mention. From my limited knowledge, it's like Jack said, not a lot of differences to worry about missing if you stay in the late 90's or the latest, greatest millenia.

 

[russjm]

Some of the older ones have a kind of "mojo" that you only get with age, but other than that, I can't tell a massive difference. My '05 SR4 is still the best one I've come across of any age so far, so it's really a case of try before you buy if you can. I hate to buy anything blind and online without trying it first, having said that, that's exactly what I did with my ray, although I knew the guy from a website, it was still a gamble, and I got away with it, it's a fantastic bass. After gigging it last night, I had some great comments afterwards, the main one being that it punched through the sound like a hot knife through butter, wicked.

 

[Dr Stankface]

But why buy a bass with someone else's mojo?

Get a new one and make your own mojo! (If finances allow)

 

[rhythmCity944]

bought my '88 SR4 site unseen for a lot less than $900 and it was the best purchase I've made...the frets were not worn at all due to the fact the original owner only played flatwounds...the teal finish is goupy feeling and really beat up (lots of scratches, worn off paint, scuffing, chipping, etc...) but it adds to the character of the bass...I'm in love with that bass, my newer Stingray is still hot

I'd say unless you like the blueburst finish, get something newer, you will not regret it

 

[russjm]

But why buy a bass with someone else's mojo?

Get a new one and make your own mojo! (If finances allow)

I hear ya, I mojo'd mine against a mic stand on Saturday night .

 

[funky_me]

Hey guys, this is my first thread on this forum...
i'm looking to get a stingray soon, i was wondering about whether to get a new one or a little bit older one?

I found a 1995 or so one in trans blueburst in good condition with a gig bag askin 900 solid.
I was wondering whether you guys thought an older one like this is better than the new ones because of the bridge/ battery cover. or do you think i'd be better off with a new one?

thanks

Welcome to the forum!

Many people will say here that they like better the new ones... and many people out there will tell you that old ones are better...

I tell you this: make your own opinion. Try everything you can, from every year of production, H, HS or HH models, etc. Then decide, considering your taste and financial power, what is appropriate to you.

Always follow what YOU think. You can and should get advices from everyone, but in the end it's you who is going to play your instrument.

Be well.

Ricardo.

 

[silverburst]

For 900 they usually come with a hard case too. I'd try to talk them down, or look around a bit more. ALthough that is a pretty finish.