It's a cool bass but defiantly doesn't match up to the Fender J-Bass. The J-Bass is just as versatile but with a passive pickup system. Also is it just me or do they only make it in slab body? Because when I tried it in the store It was an uncomfortable slab body style.
@redhook4 - Well, of course it sounds nothing like a J. Different animal. If you like one over the other, that's your preference. Yes, the Classic only comes with a slab body, that's one of the vintage features. The modern Rays have the contours.
@BassGuitarMag I see. Well I am in the process of sniffing out one of those minty green 5-strings. I just love the looks and sound so much. Is there a 4-string in mint green?
@SwedishBass - Yes, they make a 4 string Classic Stingray in Mint Green. Not sure about the Classic Sterling... maybe. Go to the Music Man website, they have all the models and available colors up there.
@BassGuitarMag Thanks again. Yeah, I am sure you are right. Too bad the Atlantic Ocean is in the way. The market in Sweden for basses is good, but a bit less of a selection than in the USA.
As you know from our PM convos, I'm more inclined to buy and then mod a MIA standard P-Bass with an MM pup in the bridge, and then use an external preamp that I can toggle, like a sadowsky than I would be to buy a MM bass -and- buy a MIA P-Bass...but there's no question in my mind that -if- I were going to buy a MM bass it'd be this one, bar none! These basses are sweet! I loved the sounds of the flatwounds, with the bass boost, and the treble cut. Even the slap sounded awesome w/ those flats!
Sir can you tell me your experience between a ¨ Music Man Sterling 4¨ and the ¨Sterling by Music Man SB14¨
Do they REALLY have a HUGE differences in sound and quality? Since the MM cost around $1,799.00 and the S by MM $600 thank you for your prompt response.
@rojas2284 - On the surface, they sound almost the same, but the quality of the materials does make quite a difference in the essential tone. The SB14 is basswood, and the MM Sterling is either alder or ash, can't remember. The neck woods are a much higher grade too. It contributes to a deeper, more developed tone. If you played them both, you would know right away that one bass is $600 and the other isn't. The SB14 is a great instrument in it's price range, but there is a reason MM costs more.
@BassGuitarMag That minty Music Man Stingray 5 is so cool except for the lack of the pop open battery compartment.
Evan at Bass Northwest in Seattle told me that even if he were blindfolded, it's difficult to tell the difference between Lakland's US series and their Indonesian Skyline counterparts. I played both breeds and I agree. But they said Sterling MM copies are not that impressive however, just allowing those on a low budget to have something that resembles a Music Man bass.
@bmiranda2645 - Keep in mind one very important thing - SBMM basses are $600-650, Lakland Skylines (except the 44-01) are more like $1200-1400. That difference buys a higher grade of materials. It's not fair to compare them head to head except that they are both imported versions of US instruments.
@BassGuitarMag Thanks much sir. But Sterling currently sells a MM RAY35 on Musician's Friend for $699 while Lakland's Skyline 55-01 is currently at $824. The price range is pretty close and I am planning on buying the Skyline over a Sterling when I develop the money. But then I also really love the cool Classic Stingrays demoed in this video. But considering their higher cost, I figure a Skyline 55-02 at $1,424 would still have more sound versatility. It's hard for me to make up my mind haha.
@bmiranda2645 - The 01 is a great deal, but the electronics are not quite pro level IMO. The bass itself is great, but first thing I'd do is get new pickups and preamp. The 02 is a killer bass, but again you're talking about twice as much as the Ray 34, so I still say it's not a fair comparison. For me, the most significant difference is Ray 35 = 34" scale, Lakland = 35" scale. If you prefer 35", there is no doubt on which way to go. If you are like me and prefer 34", the choice is also clear.
@BassGuitarMag Thanks. I figured that a channel with a Bass Whisperer would give very helpful suggestions. I got an Ibanez EDC705 Ergodyne 10 years ago and want to play another but higher end active 5 string bass with the MM type pickup. As this video demos, it seems that basses with a 34" scale can still have a tight low B string anyway. I have small hands. The 35" Lakland 55s got really wide necks. I really love the new MM 5 string with the egg shaped pickguard. I think you just sold it to me!
@BassGuitarMag Hey Ed, I love your reviews they help me a lot. Btw the new classic stingray by sterling by musicman is out, ya think you could review that one?
@Garnsay - I may not be doing a full review of that bass, but I've played many at the Bass Emporium where I teach. Great instruments, nice slim Jazz width neck, 2-band preamp, tinted neck... they sound great, look great, and are a great deal.
hey ed i'm hesitating about the classic stingray4 or the "original" stingray5.
i like the tone of the classic stingray4 but also the stingray5's. one advantage of the stingray5 for me is that it has a switch to change the pickup to a single coil, i love the single coil tone, but a 5 string's neck feels not that comfortable for me(but not uncomfortable)
one of the advantage of the classic stingray4 for me is that it has a flame maple neck, and the neck is very comfortable, but it can't have a single coil tone and a hclassic musicman umbucker tone at the same time!
which one do you think is better ed? thanks for helping!
@MetalKidDanny - Maple or rosewood are both great. It's a matter of preference. I like them both. Pick the one that you like.... maple is a little brighter and snappier. The 2-band sounds a little different, it's nice - but when it came down to a choice, I bought the 3-band too. I like the control over the mids. But then again, with a production line instrument... you should compare them bass to bass, not so much Classic to non-Classic. Each one is different.
I'll probably go for a maple for my reasons, but I'll have some hard thinking to do, only seen StingRays with Rosewood around here in Israel (In stores) and no Classic StingRay at all...
@gcampbell391 - even though they are both MM basses, they are very different. It's hard to make a comparison between them. If I had to pick one over the other, I guess I'd take the Classic 5 - mainly because the string spacing on the Bongo 6 is a little wide for my taste. I prefer 17mm on a 6 string, the Bongo is 18.
@BassGuitarMag oh ok. They essentially are the same bass as the classic stingray except for the ceramic magnets on the pickup and the missing eq plate on the front. Hopefully you'll get to do a review on it someday.
@TechSmack - No, a Fender will never sound like that. They are different beasts, even though they were created by the same guy. Active electronics, pickup construction and placement are the main factors that give the MM it's distinct tone.
I am new to bass i like the crunchiness of the mm but the smoothness of the jazz bass, can the MM go smooth? Because i might not need the crunch 100% of the time.
@TechSmack - Well, I didn't buy them all at once, I got them over a period of years. You can smooth out the MM, it has a 3-band eq. Roll off some treble, use a darker string, change your hand position...
@TechSmack - In terms of the instrument's capabilities - I'd say the MM has more flexibility due to the 3-band eq. But with your amp eq, hand placement, choice of strings... you can get a lot of different sounds out of a Fender too.
What do you think of this thing Ernie Ball is picking up with roasting their necks?
Can't make up my mind about it. Just doesn't seem like an idea that would show much improvement, and besides, could you ever really improve on a Music Man?
@DominoDylan - if it wasn't possible to improve on MM, they wouldn't keep doing it. I like the idea of using well dried wood for the neck. The marketing sounds like a gimmick, but there is some precedent for this idea working. It looks cool too. I want a roasted BODY!
@BassGuitarMag A roasted body would look so smooth with the slightest sunburst into black around the edges, I got the gimmick aspect of it too, but it seems there's more to it then I thought.
I'll be sure to look into it with more of an open mind then previous, thanks man, I just wasn't sure what to think.
and I would think if the wood were dryer it might cut down on precession?
Like your palm on the back would catch sometimes times, or am I thinking to hard?
Wood dries out as it ages, and that is one of the factors that contributes to many vintage instruments sounding great. By essentially "super drying" the wood before building, you enhance the wood's ability to vibrate.... yadda, yadda.
@DominoDylan - Do you mean the neck will get sticky? Well, whatever. There is a lot of discussion about this on Talkbass, and the Ernie Ball Music Man forum, you should go there and read about it. I don't know that much about them.
@hamboner2005 - Flatwounds have a darker tone, less sustain, less metallic ring. They have a nice warm thump to them. Rounds are crisp, brighter, more edge, grind, whatever...
Hey Ed, Saying hello from Talkbass. Just subscribed and I was wondering. I just got into Basses and i'm hunting for a Bass like the Stingray 4/5 I really like that oval pg and the sound but the price is killing me. Are there any Music Man Basses in the 300-400 range?
@Nitzleplick - The Sterling By Music Man basses are cheaper... in the $6-700 range. There are Music Man SUB basses you can find used for around $400, and there is OLP, and Stagg - two knock off companies that are pretty cheap. Obviously, there cheaper the price, the lower the quality, but the SUB, OLP, and SBMM are very playable.
Can you maintain that tone even at higher volumes? I have a warwick sweet 15 amp and the tone really goes to overdrive when I pass like 7 on the volume knob. What kind of amp do you use? I can't really be heard, the people i play with are playing loud and I can only hear myself as this distorted bass even though i want kind of groovy sound.
@d0ylee - A Sweet 15 has 150 watts, the amp in this video - Genz Benz Shuttle Max has 600 - 4 times as much power. If you want to play loud, get heard, and not sound like ass, you'll need at least 350-500 watts. Your amp is a perfectly good small combo, good for practicing at home, small gigs without heavy drums or loud guitars. Save your money.
@dasgre0g - I don't see what is so hilarious. They're great basses, I own 3, all 5 strings. But that is out of a total of 20 basses, so I'm not sure how I've "converted". I've owned many MM basses over a period of 30 years.
I HATE THIS TOO MUCH, I SPENT 2 YEARS AGO 1800 FUCKING € ON A STINGRAY WITH PIEZO TO RECREATE THE OLDSCHOOL MUSICMAN SOUND, AND NOW THEY NOW RUN A LINE OF STINGRAY RECREATING THE CLASIC ONES!!!!!!
...also ive always thought that the mute pads were a piezo....the old stingrays used to have piezo....
@adrianwelser - I don't see how a piezo would recreate the sound of a an old Stingray... but you are entitled to your opinion. The "old" Stingrays did not have piezos.
I so don't like the normal stingray 5 cause it looks more like the silhouette guitar.But when they put the classic 5 I was so happy.All i wish is that i could get a custom one with the HH pickup configuration and the unfinished neck that's on the normal 5.
@chickenandababy iMovie, Final Cut, Adobe Premier, or any video program. Just bounce the audio down, import the file into the video editing software, and line it up.
@BassGuitarMag The 'Ray with the flatwound strings had a really killer slap tone and an amazing ... did you prefer the sound/feel of the flats over the roundwounds when you were doing this review? Also, totally unrelated question - I have to use D'Addario super-long scale strings to fit my rather huge instrument. Are there any comparable-length flatwounds? Or do flats not taper in the same way?
@GotSoul92 - Flats don't taper, but I know that DR flats are made to fit extra long scale basses. I like flats and rounds, depends on the situation, I don't really have a preference.
I would love to see how Stingrays and Sterlings compare to some of their cheaper 'copies' like the Ibanez ATK (my bass) and the Fender Big Block Precision. Maybe I'm deaf, maybe I'm lucky, but I think my ATK beats the Stringray.
@xXTheVirus - I'm using regular Slinkys now, or whatever set is the factory standard. If you get the neck real straight, the higher tension string let's you keep the action low.
Mr Friedland, many users of the Stingrays have complained that the G string is less audible than others, irrelevant of the setup. I did not hear this in the tracks you layed down...did you notice that the G string is less audible? Thank you!
@jfh4242 - I didn't notice a problem. Frankly, I have played many Stingrays since the late 70's and have never noticed this problem. But that's just my experience.
@JosephGallagher - Well, nothing against Duncans, but why buy a Stingray and change it? To me, the whole point is I want it to sound like the way they make it.
It's interesting the way you respond to the "one trick pony" criticism. You convincingly demonstrate that the techniques used by the musician have as much or more influence on the sound as the instrument itself.
@tbcass - And eq. If you learn how to use the eq - which is part of the instrument, you'll find the bass has several sounds available to it, which IMO refutes any claim that it is a OTP. Anyone that would make that complaint about a Stingray needs to look at themselves, because in reality - THEY are the OTP!
@toskadas - Alembics are very well made, exotic, expensive basses. Musicman are very well made workhorse basses, and way less expensive. They are more like a tool than something exotic and fancy. They have completely different tones, construction, looks, feel, and so they are not really comparable at all.
I'm thinking my next bass that I buy will finally be a stingray! Do you think that it's really worth it to get the HH model? Like can it stack up tone wise to the bridge pickup? And on a standard stingray 5 is the B string good? Or maybe should I stick to a 4 string since I'm used to that anyway? Thanks for your help and I always look forward to your videos Ed!
@irishbug14 - An HH has all the sounds of a single H.... plus the front. So yes, it can certainly stack up to it. 4 or 5 is your choice, can't advise either way.
@nemakur The difference is the pickup magnet (as far as it go for the sound, because they dont have same dimensions and neck). The stingray have an alnico magnet and the sterling have a ceramic magnet. Alnico pickups usually are more classic and vintage in the sound and Ceramic pickups sound more edgy and have a bit more top end but less bass (to my hear).
Does anyone know the history of the pickguard on Stingrays & Sterlings? In the looks department these basses fall into the same camp as Rickenbackers - you either love them or hate them. I unfortunately can't stand the shape of the pickguard, just very aesthetically unpleasing to me. I just saw another clip on here of a Ball Family Reserve Stingray with no pickguard, that's the first time I've ever seen that. Sure looked a lot nicer to my eyes, but you know what they say about opinions...
Hah, pwned indeed! Ed pwns everything.
cursedswordsman 1 month ago
THAT IS NOT PUMP FAT REGGIE!!
runninonempiy 2 months ago
mmmmmmmm minty fresh!
Mutes are the great feature in this bass!
makarone 5 months ago
great playing!!
123andrelevy 6 months ago
It's a cool bass but defiantly doesn't match up to the Fender J-Bass. The J-Bass is just as versatile but with a passive pickup system. Also is it just me or do they only make it in slab body? Because when I tried it in the store It was an uncomfortable slab body style.
redhook4 6 months ago
@redhook4 - Well, of course it sounds nothing like a J. Different animal. If you like one over the other, that's your preference. Yes, the Classic only comes with a slab body, that's one of the vintage features. The modern Rays have the contours.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago 5
Classic Sterling? Was there ever a Sterling like that?
SwedishBass 6 months ago
@SwedishBass - Not until now.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
@BassGuitarMag I see. Well I am in the process of sniffing out one of those minty green 5-strings. I just love the looks and sound so much. Is there a 4-string in mint green?
SwedishBass 6 months ago
@SwedishBass - Yes, they make a 4 string Classic Stingray in Mint Green. Not sure about the Classic Sterling... maybe. Go to the Music Man website, they have all the models and available colors up there.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Ah, thanks. I just checked, and apparently, both Powder Blue and Mint Green has been discontinued. The colours I really wanted...
SwedishBass 6 months ago
@SwedishBass - Well, I'm sure there are a few used ones out there, or new-old stock. They are not uncommon. Good luck.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Thanks again. Yeah, I am sure you are right. Too bad the Atlantic Ocean is in the way. The market in Sweden for basses is good, but a bit less of a selection than in the USA.
SwedishBass 6 months ago
lmfao mmmmmmmmmmmmm minntttyyy freeeessssshhh
trev3050 8 months ago 2
As you know from our PM convos, I'm more inclined to buy and then mod a MIA standard P-Bass with an MM pup in the bridge, and then use an external preamp that I can toggle, like a sadowsky than I would be to buy a MM bass -and- buy a MIA P-Bass...but there's no question in my mind that -if- I were going to buy a MM bass it'd be this one, bar none! These basses are sweet! I loved the sounds of the flatwounds, with the bass boost, and the treble cut. Even the slap sounded awesome w/ those flats!
AUDEPrecords 9 months ago
lol PWNED!
jaj145 9 months ago 6
I might be wrong but your D string is out of tune
andrzejkostelic2 11 months ago
@andrzejkostelic2 - Thanks. I'll tune it. :)
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago 3
@BassGuitarMag
Sir can you tell me your experience between a ¨ Music Man Sterling 4¨ and the ¨Sterling by Music Man SB14¨
Do they REALLY have a HUGE differences in sound and quality? Since the MM cost around $1,799.00 and the S by MM $600 thank you for your prompt response.
rojas2284 11 months ago
@rojas2284 - On the surface, they sound almost the same, but the quality of the materials does make quite a difference in the essential tone. The SB14 is basswood, and the MM Sterling is either alder or ash, can't remember. The neck woods are a much higher grade too. It contributes to a deeper, more developed tone. If you played them both, you would know right away that one bass is $600 and the other isn't. The SB14 is a great instrument in it's price range, but there is a reason MM costs more.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Thank you very much and keep the great postings!
rojas2284 11 months ago
@BassGuitarMag That minty Music Man Stingray 5 is so cool except for the lack of the pop open battery compartment.
Evan at Bass Northwest in Seattle told me that even if he were blindfolded, it's difficult to tell the difference between Lakland's US series and their Indonesian Skyline counterparts. I played both breeds and I agree. But they said Sterling MM copies are not that impressive however, just allowing those on a low budget to have something that resembles a Music Man bass.
bmiranda2645 10 months ago
@bmiranda2645 - Keep in mind one very important thing - SBMM basses are $600-650, Lakland Skylines (except the 44-01) are more like $1200-1400. That difference buys a higher grade of materials. It's not fair to compare them head to head except that they are both imported versions of US instruments.
BassGuitarMag 10 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Thanks much sir. But Sterling currently sells a MM RAY35 on Musician's Friend for $699 while Lakland's Skyline 55-01 is currently at $824. The price range is pretty close and I am planning on buying the Skyline over a Sterling when I develop the money. But then I also really love the cool Classic Stingrays demoed in this video. But considering their higher cost, I figure a Skyline 55-02 at $1,424 would still have more sound versatility. It's hard for me to make up my mind haha.
bmiranda2645 10 months ago
@bmiranda2645 - The 01 is a great deal, but the electronics are not quite pro level IMO. The bass itself is great, but first thing I'd do is get new pickups and preamp. The 02 is a killer bass, but again you're talking about twice as much as the Ray 34, so I still say it's not a fair comparison. For me, the most significant difference is Ray 35 = 34" scale, Lakland = 35" scale. If you prefer 35", there is no doubt on which way to go. If you are like me and prefer 34", the choice is also clear.
BassGuitarMag 10 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Thanks. I figured that a channel with a Bass Whisperer would give very helpful suggestions. I got an Ibanez EDC705 Ergodyne 10 years ago and want to play another but higher end active 5 string bass with the MM type pickup. As this video demos, it seems that basses with a 34" scale can still have a tight low B string anyway. I have small hands. The 35" Lakland 55s got really wide necks. I really love the new MM 5 string with the egg shaped pickguard. I think you just sold it to me!
bmiranda2645 10 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Hey Ed, I love your reviews they help me a lot. Btw the new classic stingray by sterling by musicman is out, ya think you could review that one?
Garnsay 11 months ago
@Garnsay - I may not be doing a full review of that bass, but I've played many at the Bass Emporium where I teach. Great instruments, nice slim Jazz width neck, 2-band preamp, tinted neck... they sound great, look great, and are a great deal.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
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ejdbk 11 months ago
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ejdbk 11 months ago
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Nextorgd 11 months ago
hey ed do you know when or if you are doing a review on the new sterling by musicman ray34 classic active?
bassplayer1494 1 year ago
The bass looks really nice and sounds nice too. But I dunno, I wouldn't go out and buy a Ernie Ball bass :S
AnUnexplainable 1 year ago
Whatever - more for me.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago 12
@BassGuitarMag Haha I guess so xD. It's funny cause I was just watching your videos and thinking how awesome you were then you comment lol.
AnUnexplainable 1 year ago
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ejdbk 11 months ago
@AnUnexplainable why not? :O they not only sound beautiful but they look beautiful too! well, to each his own I guess.
imstoned6 1 year ago
@imstoned6 Yes I do agree 100% that their Sound and looks are FAMAZING :P
But I guess the only reason why I said that was cause there's a Fender Jazz Bass that I really want and I'm too focused on that ;).
AnUnexplainable 1 year ago
@AnUnexplainable understandable, jazz basses are great as well :)
imstoned6 1 year ago
those mutes are sooooo siq! just got mine unfortunately no mutes...
motule 1 year ago
check out those foam mutes doing they thang. lol
Midnightpitbull2 1 year ago
hey ed i'm hesitating about the classic stingray4 or the "original" stingray5.
i like the tone of the classic stingray4 but also the stingray5's. one advantage of the stingray5 for me is that it has a switch to change the pickup to a single coil, i love the single coil tone, but a 5 string's neck feels not that comfortable for me(but not uncomfortable)
FunkyRegan 1 year ago
@FunkyRegan
one of the advantage of the classic stingray4 for me is that it has a flame maple neck, and the neck is very comfortable, but it can't have a single coil tone and a hclassic musicman umbucker tone at the same time!
which one do you think is better ed? thanks for helping!
FunkyRegan 1 year ago
@FunkyRegan - If you want the 3-way switch in a 4 string, check out the Sterling 4.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Can you show the video of you playing that intro riff, sweet mother of god I want to learn that.
tylerwylie 1 year ago
Hey Ed, I love watching your videos!
Lately I've been GASing for a StingRay and probably will sell my SR Prestige Ibanez to afford one
I have a few questions, how would you compare the Classic Stingray to the regular one?
What's the difference between the 2 band and the 3 band? Some people prefer the 2 band for some reason though the 3 is more flexible.
And what do you think will do good for the StingRay, a maple or RW neck?
Thank you very much in advance
Danny.
MetalKidDanny 1 year ago
@MetalKidDanny - Maple or rosewood are both great. It's a matter of preference. I like them both. Pick the one that you like.... maple is a little brighter and snappier. The 2-band sounds a little different, it's nice - but when it came down to a choice, I bought the 3-band too. I like the control over the mids. But then again, with a production line instrument... you should compare them bass to bass, not so much Classic to non-Classic. Each one is different.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag Hey Ed, thank you for the quick response
I'll probably go for a maple for my reasons, but I'll have some hard thinking to do, only seen StingRays with Rosewood around here in Israel (In stores) and no Classic StingRay at all...
MetalKidDanny 1 year ago
i love the way you could tell that from the riff that it was ed playing!
ONdorch 1 year ago
these basses shit on ibanez and fender. some of the best sounding basses are these
psychedelicmanful 1 year ago
i love all your reviews man, great job! but i was wondering if you ever get to it could you please review the flea bass?
jared33647 1 year ago
can you get this preamp installed on a fender jazz?
BassDude50000 1 year ago
@BassDude50000 - No, the MM preamp is not sold separately.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Good Player.
1dgkonig 1 year ago
greatest bass EVER! since they are selling pretty good they added more colors like cherry red and natural wood
PhuckHue2 1 year ago
Since you've played both the Bongo 6 and the Classic 5, which one do you prefer? I'm torn between the two.
gcampbell391 1 year ago
@gcampbell391 - even though they are both MM basses, they are very different. It's hard to make a comparison between them. If I had to pick one over the other, I guess I'd take the Classic 5 - mainly because the string spacing on the Bongo 6 is a little wide for my taste. I prefer 17mm on a 6 string, the Bongo is 18.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Hey ed, have you played the classic sterling yet?
bassplayer1494 1 year ago
@bassplayer1494 - No I have not.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag oh ok. They essentially are the same bass as the classic stingray except for the ceramic magnets on the pickup and the missing eq plate on the front. Hopefully you'll get to do a review on it someday.
bassplayer1494 1 year ago
Can someone please explain the difference between a sterling and a stingray to me please?
96kjartan 1 year ago
@96kjartan i think sterling is the new sub-brand of musicman (sort of like the fnder/ squire idea)
username125418 1 year ago
What makes this bass so darn crunchy? can i make a fender sound like this?
TechSmack 1 year ago
@TechSmack - No, a Fender will never sound like that. They are different beasts, even though they were created by the same guy. Active electronics, pickup construction and placement are the main factors that give the MM it's distinct tone.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag Thank you ed, what would you play with of you had to choose? and which one would you recommend?
TechSmack 1 year ago
@TechSmack - I own 5 Fenders and 4 Music Mans.... I play both!
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag Wow that must have cost a fortune!
I am new to bass i like the crunchiness of the mm but the smoothness of the jazz bass, can the MM go smooth? Because i might not need the crunch 100% of the time.
TechSmack 1 year ago
@TechSmack - Well, I didn't buy them all at once, I got them over a period of years. You can smooth out the MM, it has a 3-band eq. Roll off some treble, use a darker string, change your hand position...
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag Oh cool, which one would you say has a wider range of tones?
TechSmack 1 year ago
@TechSmack - In terms of the instrument's capabilities - I'd say the MM has more flexibility due to the 3-band eq. But with your amp eq, hand placement, choice of strings... you can get a lot of different sounds out of a Fender too.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag cool thankyou, im really considering a MM now, do you know the best UK site for MM?
TechSmack 1 year ago
@TechSmack oh and which MM is better value for money and better quality? the HH stingray 4 or the classic stingray4?
TechSmack 1 year ago
What do you think of this thing Ernie Ball is picking up with roasting their necks?
Can't make up my mind about it. Just doesn't seem like an idea that would show much improvement, and besides, could you ever really improve on a Music Man?
DominoDylan 1 year ago
@DominoDylan - if it wasn't possible to improve on MM, they wouldn't keep doing it. I like the idea of using well dried wood for the neck. The marketing sounds like a gimmick, but there is some precedent for this idea working. It looks cool too. I want a roasted BODY!
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag A roasted body would look so smooth with the slightest sunburst into black around the edges, I got the gimmick aspect of it too, but it seems there's more to it then I thought.
I'll be sure to look into it with more of an open mind then previous, thanks man, I just wasn't sure what to think.
and I would think if the wood were dryer it might cut down on precession?
Like your palm on the back would catch sometimes times, or am I thinking to hard?
DominoDylan 1 year ago
@DominoDylan - What is "precession"?
Wood dries out as it ages, and that is one of the factors that contributes to many vintage instruments sounding great. By essentially "super drying" the wood before building, you enhance the wood's ability to vibrate.... yadda, yadda.
Did I mention it looks cool?
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag I would also think there would be a much clearer high end on the tone.
Does the wood get more brittle?
and it looks freakin awesome, wonder how a slightly spalted maple fret board would look roasted?
DominoDylan 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag Sorry I meant procession. by procession I mean like your ability to stay smooth and flowing in your riffs.
I would think that the dryer wood would keep from a smooth neck, so the flow would get off set.
I would think the roast would result in a clearer high end on the tone, but wouldn't that make the neck more brittle?
I wonder how a spalted-maple fretboard roasted would look?
DominoDylan 1 year ago
@DominoDylan - Do you mean the neck will get sticky? Well, whatever. There is a lot of discussion about this on Talkbass, and the Ernie Ball Music Man forum, you should go there and read about it. I don't know that much about them.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Great videos Ed!
paulogradim 1 year ago
anyone ever told you that you look like jordan rudess? (dream theater)
Rafescow 1 year ago
What is the difference between flatwound strings and other strings?
hamboner2005 1 year ago
@hamboner2005 - Flatwounds have a darker tone, less sustain, less metallic ring. They have a nice warm thump to them. Rounds are crisp, brighter, more edge, grind, whatever...
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag Thank you very much kind sir. You truly are a bass whisperer.
hamboner2005 1 year ago
Do you prefer 5 string or 4 string?
TechSmack 1 year ago
@TechSmack - No preference. I like both.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag kwl, i prefer the 4 string. just im used to it more
TechSmack 1 year ago
these classic rays are heavy as hell!
gunlak 1 year ago
@gunlak - Not necessarily, there's a white classic at the Bass Emporium that weighs 9 lbs. Not bad at all.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag i see, the ones i tried at GC was really heavier side by side with a Jazz. thanks for the reply!
gunlak 1 year ago
Hey Ed, Saying hello from Talkbass. Just subscribed and I was wondering. I just got into Basses and i'm hunting for a Bass like the Stingray 4/5 I really like that oval pg and the sound but the price is killing me. Are there any Music Man Basses in the 300-400 range?
Nitzleplick 1 year ago
@Nitzleplick - The Sterling By Music Man basses are cheaper... in the $6-700 range. There are Music Man SUB basses you can find used for around $400, and there is OLP, and Stagg - two knock off companies that are pretty cheap. Obviously, there cheaper the price, the lower the quality, but the SUB, OLP, and SBMM are very playable.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Ok, these 'classic' models sound way better than the 'modern' to me. Maybe the way Ed's review was recorded? Different amp?
cdp1 1 year ago
i had never heard that the stingray was a one trick pony, but i liked your rebuttal anyway
xmfplt 1 year ago
wow, anotrher great review, that baby sounds great! of course, the player helps.
TheBassfresh 1 year ago
Can you maintain that tone even at higher volumes? I have a warwick sweet 15 amp and the tone really goes to overdrive when I pass like 7 on the volume knob. What kind of amp do you use? I can't really be heard, the people i play with are playing loud and I can only hear myself as this distorted bass even though i want kind of groovy sound.
d0ylee 1 year ago
@d0ylee - A Sweet 15 has 150 watts, the amp in this video - Genz Benz Shuttle Max has 600 - 4 times as much power. If you want to play loud, get heard, and not sound like ass, you'll need at least 350-500 watts. Your amp is a perfectly good small combo, good for practicing at home, small gigs without heavy drums or loud guitars. Save your money.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
I own Fenders, Musicmans and G&L's.
In my honest opinion G&L beats the others hands down.
Leo Fender was right that G&L's are The Real Ones.
nirgam1 1 year ago
@nirgam1 - Agreed, G&L's are very nice basses. Who wins? Well, you - you have all three!
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
not that impressed with the tone, maybe it's the flatwounds
sangsaratrip 1 year ago
ese es el dios de los basses!!
marcellosmv 1 year ago
have u played the classic sterling yet?
dommyboy941 1 year ago
@dommyboy941 - No I haven't. Looks kind of nice.... but my favorite thing about the Sterling is the 3-way switch, so I think I'd miss that.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
i still think it is hilarious that Ed is now converted to the Music Man's :)
dasgre0g 1 year ago
@dasgre0g - I don't see what is so hilarious. They're great basses, I own 3, all 5 strings. But that is out of a total of 20 basses, so I'm not sure how I've "converted". I've owned many MM basses over a period of 30 years.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag - I was just pulling your leg, sir. Please do not take offense!
dasgre0g 1 year ago
@dasgre0g - no wonder my pants are too short.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag if anything you have a loyalty to lakland.
nintendonut100 1 year ago
@nintendonut100 - The only loyalty I have is to my wife. "Love one woman, many basses"
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago 29
@BassGuitarMag good answer.
nintendonut100 1 year ago
Are the Stingray wery much better then ray34?
Metallicsen 1 year ago
@Metallicsen - I would say yes. They are built from higher grade materials, but the Ray 34 is a very good bass at half the price of a US model.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
I HATE THIS TOO MUCH, I SPENT 2 YEARS AGO 1800 FUCKING € ON A STINGRAY WITH PIEZO TO RECREATE THE OLDSCHOOL MUSICMAN SOUND, AND NOW THEY NOW RUN A LINE OF STINGRAY RECREATING THE CLASIC ONES!!!!!!
...also ive always thought that the mute pads were a piezo....the old stingrays used to have piezo....
adrianwelser 1 year ago
@adrianwelser - I don't see how a piezo would recreate the sound of a an old Stingray... but you are entitled to your opinion. The "old" Stingrays did not have piezos.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@adrianwelser haha dont worry dude i thought the same thing....they do kinda look like one thou
motoxchamp321 1 year ago
"Classic Ray 5 Jam" is sick!
voncoolio 1 year ago
I so don't like the normal stingray 5 cause it looks more like the silhouette guitar.But when they put the classic 5 I was so happy.All i wish is that i could get a custom one with the HH pickup configuration and the unfinished neck that's on the normal 5.
That would be my dream music bass right there...
EjTnT 1 year ago
@EjTnT and hthey don't do them in fretless.
nintendonut100 1 year ago
Hey Ed!!
I want to make a bass cover for youtube and I need to know how to line up the audio to match with the video
I have pro tools...... could you do it out of that??
also what program would I need to do it if pro tools isn't it??
Thanks!
chickenandababy 1 year ago
@chickenandababy iMovie, Final Cut, Adobe Premier, or any video program. Just bounce the audio down, import the file into the video editing software, and line it up.
Muaguana 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag The 'Ray with the flatwound strings had a really killer slap tone and an amazing ... did you prefer the sound/feel of the flats over the roundwounds when you were doing this review? Also, totally unrelated question - I have to use D'Addario super-long scale strings to fit my rather huge instrument. Are there any comparable-length flatwounds? Or do flats not taper in the same way?
GotSoul92 1 year ago
@GotSoul92 - Flats don't taper, but I know that DR flats are made to fit extra long scale basses. I like flats and rounds, depends on the situation, I don't really have a preference.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
I would love to see how Stingrays and Sterlings compare to some of their cheaper 'copies' like the Ibanez ATK (my bass) and the Fender Big Block Precision. Maybe I'm deaf, maybe I'm lucky, but I think my ATK beats the Stringray.
jonsparrow15 1 year ago
@jonsparrow15
never
FunkyForrestFunk 1 year ago
@jonsparrow15 sorry man but your atk is a piece of junk compared to this.
motoxchamp321 1 year ago
@xXTheVirus - it depends on how low you go and how low you want your action.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@xXTheVirus - I'm using regular Slinkys now, or whatever set is the factory standard. If you get the neck real straight, the higher tension string let's you keep the action low.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Such a nice bass, it's my dream to get one of this... i love everythin about it, especially the stingray sound...
jaqetall 1 year ago
man, didn't know you could still buy flat wounds
eduardobadra 1 year ago
Mr Friedland, many users of the Stingrays have complained that the G string is less audible than others, irrelevant of the setup. I did not hear this in the tracks you layed down...did you notice that the G string is less audible? Thank you!
jfh4242 1 year ago
@jfh4242 - I didn't notice a problem. Frankly, I have played many Stingrays since the late 70's and have never noticed this problem. But that's just my experience.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag Thank you, I appreciate it.
jfh4242 1 year ago
I own a 2002 Stingray and loaded it with a Seymour Duncan Basslines' pickup and circuit (3 bands EQ)... you sorta made me miss my old PUP/EQ =/
JosephGallagher 1 year ago
@JosephGallagher - Well, nothing against Duncans, but why buy a Stingray and change it? To me, the whole point is I want it to sound like the way they make it.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
haha pwned!
pbobassist 1 year ago 12
drool...
hjokwon9292 1 year ago
I wonder what a Bongo Classic would be like.
I'd love to see a review of the MTD Kingston Heir (if you haven't already done one). Great review also!
GenericNameWoo 1 year ago
Thanks. I have a G&L 2000 and I ve tried a Musicman Stingray but never a Musicman Sterling hh.
I couldnt find something that mathes my Fender Precision California Series
MoWtube 1 year ago
@MoWtube - Match your Fender? Look at passive basses with PJ setups, not active dual humbuckers.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Thanks. I have a G&L 2000 and I ve tried a Musicman Stingray but never a Musicman Sterling hh.
I couldnt find something that mathes my Fender Precision California Series
MoWtube 1 year ago
How would you compair a G&L 2000 and a Musicman Sterling HH?
MoWtube 1 year ago
@MoWtube - they both have bolt on necks, two humbuckers, and lots of options. However they sound totally different.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@MoWtube - they both have bolt on necks, two humbuckers, and lots of options. However they sound totally different.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Love the use of 'pwned' in the vid.
MenosTreble 1 year ago
It's interesting the way you respond to the "one trick pony" criticism. You convincingly demonstrate that the techniques used by the musician have as much or more influence on the sound as the instrument itself.
tbcass 1 year ago
@tbcass - And eq. If you learn how to use the eq - which is part of the instrument, you'll find the bass has several sounds available to it, which IMO refutes any claim that it is a OTP. Anyone that would make that complaint about a Stingray needs to look at themselves, because in reality - THEY are the OTP!
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
what is your opinion on the alembic basses?and what difference does it with the musicman?
toskadas 1 year ago
@toskadas - Alembics are very well made, exotic, expensive basses. Musicman are very well made workhorse basses, and way less expensive. They are more like a tool than something exotic and fancy. They have completely different tones, construction, looks, feel, and so they are not really comparable at all.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag plus Alembics cost over twice the price of a Musicman.
nintendonut100 1 year ago
I'm thinking my next bass that I buy will finally be a stingray! Do you think that it's really worth it to get the HH model? Like can it stack up tone wise to the bridge pickup? And on a standard stingray 5 is the B string good? Or maybe should I stick to a 4 string since I'm used to that anyway? Thanks for your help and I always look forward to your videos Ed!
irishbug14 1 year ago
@irishbug14 - An HH has all the sounds of a single H.... plus the front. So yes, it can certainly stack up to it. 4 or 5 is your choice, can't advise either way.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
great line of basses they sound amazing
demoncow416 1 year ago
hey guys please check out y bass cover.
faisalfarissi 1 year ago
That 4 stringer with flats has the sweetest warm sound ever ....amazing
djangolino72 1 year ago
nice new gig at the beginning, it blows my mind
Balladchu 1 year ago
So you tell me how this is a one trick pony. (pwned!)
Ed is the best. Ever.
keyorama 1 year ago
mr. ed gives the best reviews on planet earth.
TheBassfresh 1 year ago
hey ed
is there much of a diference in the sound of the classic and the modern stingray
thanks
chickenandababy 1 year ago
@chickenandababy - Just the slight difference you get from a 2-band vs 3-band preamp. Obviously, the 3-band gives you midrange control.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Man the neck on that SR5 is beautiful!
jpuckett1989 1 year ago
I see your using the GENZ BENZ
set up. Would an SWR Go-Light
410 work as well with the classic
5 string?
byjuu246 1 year ago
@byjuu246 Of course it would, it will sound like an SWR.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
what is the sound between a stingray and a sterling?
nemakur 1 year ago
@nemakur The difference is the pickup magnet (as far as it go for the sound, because they dont have same dimensions and neck). The stingray have an alnico magnet and the sterling have a ceramic magnet. Alnico pickups usually are more classic and vintage in the sound and Ceramic pickups sound more edgy and have a bit more top end but less bass (to my hear).
Dethbass7 1 year ago
great job ed
you put two great reviews out in two days
great job
chickenandababy 1 year ago
I would so get all the Stingrays...
ps3fanforever 1 year ago
Ed, thank you for all these great reviews ! your playing is always a joy, too...
fabibass 1 year ago
Why didn't I get a shirt with my Stingray5? Just one more reason I wish I was Ed Friedland
vokes420 1 year ago
@vokes420 - that's an old shirt. It's "vintage".
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Love Music Man Basses. They have super sound!
fiszustudios 1 year ago
Does anyone know the history of the pickguard on Stingrays & Sterlings? In the looks department these basses fall into the same camp as Rickenbackers - you either love them or hate them. I unfortunately can't stand the shape of the pickguard, just very aesthetically unpleasing to me. I just saw another clip on here of a Ball Family Reserve Stingray with no pickguard, that's the first time I've ever seen that. Sure looked a lot nicer to my eyes, but you know what they say about opinions...
MajorImpact 1 year ago