There's nothing I like better on an early Sunday morning than watching a Lobster video while the first liter of coffee kicks in. The "classic" is a great bass, and I agree about the shielding and grounding issue. But, as you said - that's a relatively easy fix. However, Louis Johnson would play the snot out of his MM and you never noticed those issues. But then, we should all have talent as amazing as his was. Great bass Lobster. Congrats, and cheers!
Thank you Chris! It's funny, every time I see Joe Dart on his signature MM with the electrical tape on the poles.... I want to be like "JOE! Bring it here and I will fix it for you!" XD
@@LowEndLobster Copper foil on the underside pole pieces, with a lead wire that connects the foil to the pickup ground wire. That's the method David Meadows from Audere told me about ten years ago.
@@chriswenkle2635 Yup! I do similar. Foil on the underside of the poles. The SR Classic uses springs that wrap around the outer poles, so that will actually create the contact with the shielded pickup cavity. The cavity has a wire running to the control cavity shield, and that is attached to ground. For basses without the 'springs', I wrap some foil tape around the foam block under the pickup, and that will create the continuity between the pole foil and the cavity shield foil.
Happy to see someone enjoy their Stingray Classic as much as I enjoy mine. I have a 2011 Classic in chocolate burst with a birdseye maple neck/rosewood fretboard and it’s my ride or die. I love everything about it, especially the mute bridge, 2 band eq, slab body, thicc rosewood fretboard, and the NECK! The birdseye looks great and the profile is just perfect for me. The build quality is insane, it rarely needs adjusting. Set it and forget it. Not to mention the sound. It’s seriously my number 1.
As you brought the treble up that jewel came alive. Just bought the Sterling Ray4HH, I'm enjoying it big time. It's as close to your MM I'm ever going to get.
Thanks Nano! I really hope to check out a Ray34CA at some point in the future and compare to this and the Ray24CA (SUB in a suit ;P). It's really interesting to see the evolution of the SBMM basses over time
The fingerboard finish is mesmerizing and the overall look is impressive. I have the 4hh sub series and, though stock, it is pretty impressive for the price. The bridges mutes are great. Thanks for sharing Lobster!
Thanks Mr. Anderson! Funny enough you can buy the mute kit from EBMM direct and pop them on a SUB style bridge with a little modification. I did this on project Mold Smoothie, but that was early on and did not actually show the process. I will definitely do another mod like that in the future though!
This is BEEYOOTIFUL!!! That neck, that fingerboard, all that combined with black body with black pickguard... oh man!!! And it has tone to match. I could only use some arm and belly contouring but otherwise - the perfect Stingray. Do want.
Very cool sounding and looking bass. I am still a little confused about the Stingray models, not a lot of distinction in the names but I'll keep watching your reviews and figure it out. You have a keeper there and I can see why you love it so much. Thanks Lobster! 🦞
In 2018 they phased out the StingRay with the StingRay Special which has a slimmer neck (1.5” nut width), 22 frets, neodymium pickup(s), roasted maple neck, 18v preamp, stainless steel frets, lightweight tuners, and a sculpted 5-bolt neck attachment. This StingRay Classic is pretty much a reissue of the original StingRay from the 70s except this has 6-bolts and not the original 3 that Leo Fender designed.
Ooooh Lowbster, sorry but this time I got amazed by that Bongo on your wall: its contoured body, its colour with tha satin finish...one of the most beatiful basses ever seen! Maybe there's a video about that bass?
Ah, this SR has a masterpiece of a neck and it sounds fatter than usual. It offers that mid-rangy punch who I tipically love, and it sounds more growly than the typical MM SR for me.
Thanks Joe! It's coming! I have a short vid on it but I plan on shooting the full review soon. I have sort of a love/hate relationship with that Bongo hahaha
@@LowEndLobster I’m finally working at a real 9-5 so I’ll probably save up for a genuine Music Man, they’re probably my favorite bass along with a Warwick thumb Neck Through 4 string
My Ray Classic weighs 10 pounds + too, and I’ll never complain about it. It’s a lifer, and I’ve had around150 basses, and still have 30-ish. I buy, play, and sell them if they’re not special. The Ray Classic is special!
Now that's a killer bass all the way around, a lot of great tones. I like your reviews, so I smashed that subscribe button a few weeks back... Bass-on & cheers!
Great review lobster 🦞 I want a classic sooo badly!! I want a 78 tho, I just bought a 21 5HH all black special and I love it I love how you get a great stingray tone and almost a Warwick tone and 2 different jazz tones, the 18v preamp is nasty!! The neodymium pickups are great my favorites are the ceramic tho I know I'm probably alone in that, I have two 2021s and a 2020 and my 04 is my boo and then my 2007 both ceramics again great review!!
Loved it Lobster That Classic Funky and sweet Tone I Always Say To My Bass Playing Brother's Nothing Sounds like a Music Man Sting ray Bravo I'm going to get me One🤗
Great video! This thing sounds amazing. Would you be able to shed some light on this vs the Retro 70s model that recently came out? I'm going to be selling my Special and was all set to grab a retro 70's until I saw this. BTW, I know this is an older video but I love all your content and I just want to say you look so happy lately. Which makes me happy too. Yay!
Lobster, I would love a video of you trying to get the Stingray Special to sound like a Classic. I have a Special 4H, and am really considering adding one of these to my arsenal with flatwounds for the classic funk/disco sound. I can tell the classic has WAY more treble than the special, but I would love to hear them back to back in a comparison.
I have two Stingray Specials and a BFR passive Stingray. All of them are killer instruments. But I just barely picked up a nearly new (built this year) Stingray Classic just like Lobster's (black body/maple fingerboard). Reason is that, although it may not be quite as versatile as the new Stingray Specials, only a Stingray with that old school alnico pickup and that two band preamp is going to give a true '70s Stingray sound'. The Specials are great and I use them all the time, but they are just voiced slightly differently. The Classic gives the sounds of Bernard Edwards, Louis Johnson, Paul S. Denman, etc. And I love that sound. Wouldn't want it on everything I play. But when it fits the music, nothing can touch it. Plus, I absolutely love the gloss finished necks on these. Smooth as butter and not at all sticky.
LowEndLobster Did you ever do the video comparing this to a Stingray Special that you mention in the video? It’s the exact comparison I’m looking for. If not, I understand. Thank you, great channel.
Fantastic bass!!! I always liked the classic better vs the special’s. Just curious does your classic Stingray bass have raised poles on the pickup? I noticed the last time I had a classic SR it had raised poles on the A&D strings and it made it sound louder for some reason. I didn’t care for that. Great video 👍🏻 Thanks Lobster
Thanks! The pickups are not raised in the middle like the old ones. They definitely made a lot of adjustments to give us modern playability and quality while still giving us the vintage sound and vibe.
8:05 Sounds like Tim Commerford's tone on the self titled Rage Against the Machine album. That was the only album he used the stingray before sticking with his Fender.
Shopping for a new bass earlier this year, the Stingray was the last of two basses narrowed down on my list. It was either the Stingray Classic or the American Ultra Jazz. I picked the Jazz, but I still want this bass someday soon.
It's a 2021 Fender Ultra Jazz bass/active. I believe it replaced the Elites. Got it in Natural finish, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, tortoise shell pickguard. I absolutely love it, but it was a hard choice. Thanks for replying, I've enjoyed your uploads on bass guitars. Keep up the great work, I'll subscribe!
I played a EBMM Stingray Classic years ago at a GC and it was Black w/ Mirror Pickguard and it had a roasted neck. Man... It put the Geddy MIM next to it to shame.
@@22Pachanga yea. I'm no fan of gloss necks. Mim is ok but it's not for me and I am a big fan of geddy and rush. I totally get why lobster likes fng basses
I sure do miss my younger days when I didn't have to worry about the weight of a bass guitar, 10+ pounds is unfortunately an absolute deal breaker for me now. If it wasn't for that I'd love to have one of these just for the two band preamp and the mutes, it would be a nice addition to my 2008 Stingray 5 HH.
Thank you! Honestly, I haven't strung them up with anything that I could compare the two with in an apples to apples scenario. I suspect they're very similar though. The classic two band epoxied preamp is absolute buttah (and I'm not sure if there's any differences between the two), but as you very well know - the mojotone/aguilar combo nails the Smoothie w/ flats sound! Qapla'!
Owned/played a couple of the original Stingrays back in the day ... have been a (Fender Custom Shop) Precision player for last number of years. After looking at, and hearing, this bass ... I may buy one. Interestingly, I'm not finding this exact spec. Search continues ...
I disagree with you on the double HH special version I find it difficult to slap and pop with the extra pickup and don't notice a sound difference. I prefer the feel and sound of the classic over the special. Thanks for the review well done.
Used pricing seems to be a bit higher than mentioned but still tempting; very lovely neck on that model. Hey Lobster when you going to show us the mod in the Affinity Jaguar H ? :)
Heyo! Just got back from NAMM. Haven't done the mod yet, but it's coming! I'm excited to hear what it sounds like modded. I stumbled upon a spare set of Hipshot tuners that I had laying around which would be perfect for this lol
I'm normally a more-is-better guy but when I got my vintage SR I had to admit the 2-tone was just better-suited to the guitar than the 3-tone. Leo Fender knew what he was doing.
Check out Lobster bringing the chops to this video! Question: what are the mutes made of? Are they foam which are going to require replacing at some point due to wear and decay?
Thank you! Yes, foam mutes. You can buy a mute kit direct from Music Man (no music man bass required) for $30ish. Classic bridge has the same foot print as the SUB bridge. Check out the 'Mold smoothie' series, a little bit of drilling and the mute kit and you have yourself a classic bridge ;).
You should try to get an OG 70’s Music Man Stingray or Sabre bass! Those things are amazing (but pricy) Then again, you seem to get things for a good price!
Wow that is a nice bass! Congrats! I recently bought a fender flea active jazz bass (the one with the humbucker), I wanted an Ernie ball MusicMan Sting Ray, but I couldn't afford it, I really like the fender, but I'm thinking in changing the pickup, I was thinking on nordstrand, do you have any recommendation to get the closest to the tone thie bass in this video?
Seems like it plays nice. It's made nice, sounds nice and is what I imagine a Stingray to be. A very nice re-issue. P.S. ; F the mid control, that's what the wood is for.
Thanks Mitchell! Yeah man, honestly I really really really like the classic 2 band more than the modern 3. It gives me exactly what I want with no futzing around. I love it in this bass, my sabres, and my old smoothie.
@@LowEndLobster It definitely sounds better to me than the new 3 bands. Ash is a nice mid tonal wood so there really is no need for a mid scoop. Also, my Sterling Ray34 pre amp just had a pickup wire pop off so I just ripped the whole EQ out and twisted the wires to see how it sounded. I'm 100% sold on the passive V/T conversion. Might route in a hole for a split coil pickup in the future.
@@LowEndLobster I snagged one with the all rosewood neck, really excited to receive it. I'd love one with a gloss maple neck too but I'm getting ahead of myself 😂. Sucks they are becoming rarer and pricier
Does your wife know you are having an affair with this bass.. 🤔 still one of my all time favourite basses. As yoi know I have the Tony Levin inspired Classic Stingray. Amazing feel . First class video again. Stay safe my good man.
Thank you Sumbi! Jaxon hit the nail on the head. Single H specials can be had for a little less, but yeah generally $1500-$2000 is what you'll find the HHs for (depending on condition).
No, it’s boost and cut. It just doesn’t have a middle run notch in the pot, because boost and cut are split apart in a different spot for each of the knobs, not really in the middle
Hello! I just wanted to ask if older stingrays from the 90's (1992 to be exact) with a 2 band pre-amp are good for agressive slapping and overall playing. Thanks!
I've never had a Stingray pup so high that I can accidentally touch poles. IMO, thats a bit high. Try winding it down a little, its a little cleaner (35 yrs of Stingray lunacy here . .lol)
The Classic line is absolutely the best set of basses EBMM have ever produced. That 2-band pre sounds worlds better than the 3-band. The newer Stingray Specials are a different instrument entirely. Between the neodymium magnet pups, the preamp, the reduced size, and lightened hardware, the Stingray may as well have been discontinued and replaced with something sort of similar.
It's like they mixed a USA Sterling and a Classic Stingray to get the Stingray Special... I love both the classic and the special for their own reasons!
Nice bass. I mean, there's nothing else to say except make a couple T40 mass/girth/weight jokes - was looking at G&L's parts site again for the zillionth time and was reminiscing again about the idea of using a 5 string MFD pickup to make a FrankenAlSmoothie lol there's a few layers of jokes in there
an old smoothie using 3 MFD J form 5 string pickups slanted out like a strat bass lol The Al Smoothe lol Good tone vibes are making me giggle a bit 'e's gettin' giddy from it lol
10:00 *laughs in Carol Kaye/Good Vibrations* was not kidding about good tone vibes earlier i guess ha ha ha OMG please add a LEL #shorts with you ripping some Good Vibrations as well as Roundabout on that thing
Judging by todays tshirt LEL bout to have Reichstag moment and next episode there'll be Cat playing the bass and LEL begging for face pets and scratchies behind the whiskers while Cat is trying to demo this thing for his Cat Crew
LOL THE STERLING NAMING NONSENSE AGAIN 14:00 I guess if you ransomed Ernie Ball's kid back to him you would know whether you had the real kid based on what he offered you to get him back
You are correct! It's the Reverend Fellowship in the intro song. Love that bass too. 7ish lbs, great build quality, and sounds FAT!... but I do love my 'Rays.
@@LowEndLobster yeah but i found out that it’s because of my light bulb. when i play in other room or outside it’s quiet. even tho it’s a little hum.. not a big deal for me tbh
The Bass Gods smile down on those who appreciate these fine instruments.
Thank you John :)
You just can’t go wrong with black/black/maple on a bass. Love it!
Thanks Garrett!
There's nothing I like better on an early Sunday morning than watching a Lobster video while the first liter of coffee kicks in. The "classic" is a great bass, and I agree about the shielding and grounding issue. But, as you said - that's a relatively easy fix. However, Louis Johnson would play the snot out of his MM and you never noticed those issues. But then, we should all have talent as amazing as his was. Great bass Lobster. Congrats, and cheers!
Thank you Chris! It's funny, every time I see Joe Dart on his signature MM with the electrical tape on the poles.... I want to be like "JOE! Bring it here and I will fix it for you!" XD
@@LowEndLobster Copper foil on the underside pole pieces, with a lead wire that connects the foil to the pickup ground wire. That's the method David Meadows from Audere told me about ten years ago.
@@chriswenkle2635 Yup! I do similar. Foil on the underside of the poles. The SR Classic uses springs that wrap around the outer poles, so that will actually create the contact with the shielded pickup cavity. The cavity has a wire running to the control cavity shield, and that is attached to ground. For basses without the 'springs', I wrap some foil tape around the foam block under the pickup, and that will create the continuity between the pole foil and the cavity shield foil.
It makes me happy to see you enjoying that bass so much. Thanks for making this video.
Thanks Sam! :)
Happy to see someone enjoy their Stingray Classic as much as I enjoy mine. I have a 2011 Classic in chocolate burst with a birdseye maple neck/rosewood fretboard and it’s my ride or die. I love everything about it, especially the mute bridge, 2 band eq, slab body, thicc rosewood fretboard, and the NECK! The birdseye looks great and the profile is just perfect for me. The build quality is insane, it rarely needs adjusting. Set it and forget it. Not to mention the sound. It’s seriously my number 1.
As you brought the treble up that jewel came alive. Just bought the Sterling Ray4HH, I'm enjoying it big time. It's as close to your MM I'm ever going to get.
Thanks John! Congrats on your new bass! :)
I love that laquered neck. Had the same type in my 2011 SBMM Ray34CA. Favourite bass I've owned. Amazing video, Lobster.
Thanks Nano! I really hope to check out a Ray34CA at some point in the future and compare to this and the Ray24CA (SUB in a suit ;P). It's really interesting to see the evolution of the SBMM basses over time
The fingerboard finish is mesmerizing and the overall look is impressive. I have the 4hh sub series and, though stock, it is pretty impressive for the price. The bridges mutes are great. Thanks for sharing Lobster!
Thanks Mr. Anderson! Funny enough you can buy the mute kit from EBMM direct and pop them on a SUB style bridge with a little modification. I did this on project Mold Smoothie, but that was early on and did not actually show the process. I will definitely do another mod like that in the future though!
@@LowEndLobster , That would be great!
I have Never seen you look Happier, or Enjoy playing ( any Bass ) . . . this much. It's looks & sounds " Killer "
Thank you Michael! This classic is very special to me :)
I want the exact same bass. I love the lacquered fingerboard.
Thanks Bart :)
Mee too!
Very cool to see you having fun with your strument! Great bass, wonderfull tone, congratulations ! We ask for more Musicman reviews Lobster!!
Thank you Marcio :)
This is BEEYOOTIFUL!!! That neck, that fingerboard, all that combined with black body with black pickguard... oh man!!! And it has tone to match. I could only use some arm and belly contouring but otherwise - the perfect Stingray. Do want.
Thanks dude! I saw that they're coming out with a Timmy C signature model that is a cross between a classic and a special.... I am intrigued AF!
Very cool sounding and looking bass. I am still a little confused about the Stingray models, not a lot of distinction in the names but I'll keep watching your reviews and figure it out. You have a keeper there and I can see why you love it so much. Thanks Lobster! 🦞
In 2018 they phased out the StingRay with the StingRay Special which has a slimmer neck (1.5” nut width), 22 frets, neodymium pickup(s), roasted maple neck, 18v preamp, stainless steel frets, lightweight tuners, and a sculpted 5-bolt neck attachment.
This StingRay Classic is pretty much a reissue of the original StingRay from the 70s except this has 6-bolts and not the original 3 that Leo Fender designed.
@@jaxonvictoria4345 Thanks for the info Jaxon.
Thanks Sparks and Jaxon! Great idea for a video- explaining the differences between all the rays
Pure pleasure. To see and to hear. Congrats for this marvelous bass. The neck is really fabulous.
Thank you!
Love My Classics! Yup! The Black and Maple is Beautiful!!!
Thank you!
Yes. It sounds great. It’s really all you need. Single pickup. Slap friendly. And still nuturable enough for other classic tones.
Thanks Marty!
Ooooh Lowbster, sorry but this time I got amazed by that Bongo on your wall: its contoured body, its colour with tha satin finish...one of the most beatiful basses ever seen!
Maybe there's a video about that bass?
Ah, this SR has a masterpiece of a neck and it sounds fatter than usual. It offers that mid-rangy punch who I tipically love, and it sounds more growly than the typical MM SR for me.
Thanks Joe! It's coming! I have a short vid on it but I plan on shooting the full review soon. I have sort of a love/hate relationship with that Bongo hahaha
Excellent video! These basses are indeed special. Hopefully EBMM keeps making these.
Thanks taconeko!
Great bass. I have a Sterling ray34 from the 90's silver burst which I love. Your have some amazing basses lobster.
Thanks Phil! I am very fortunate :)
I had the Stingray Classic 5 w/birdeyes maple & fretboard, and i love It, a great máster built
Hell yeah, the classic is beautiful in every way.
Thank you Nick!
@@LowEndLobster I’m finally working at a real 9-5 so I’ll probably save up for a genuine Music Man, they’re probably my favorite bass along with a Warwick thumb Neck Through 4 string
Recently got myself a Stingray Classic in Sunburst with rosewood board. Simply just far and above anything else I’ve played!
My Ray Classic weighs 10 pounds + too, and I’ll never complain about it. It’s a lifer, and I’ve had around150 basses, and still have 30-ish. I buy, play, and sell them if they’re not special. The Ray Classic is special!
Thanks Joseph! Yeah man, the old school mojo here is unbeatable
The neck is beautiful, I love Stingrays.
Thank you Glenn! It really is a work of art, and the classics are truly among the best Stingrays IMO
Now that's a killer bass all the way around, a lot of great tones. I like your reviews, so I smashed that subscribe button a few weeks back...
Bass-on & cheers!
Thank you Todd! Welcome :)
Great review lobster 🦞 I want a classic sooo badly!! I want a 78 tho, I just bought a 21 5HH all black special and I love it I love how you get a great stingray tone and almost a Warwick tone and 2 different jazz tones, the 18v preamp is nasty!! The neodymium pickups are great my favorites are the ceramic tho I know I'm probably alone in that, I have two 2021s and a 2020 and my 04 is my boo and then my 2007 both ceramics again great review!!
Thanks Jeremy!
My 3 ideal basses- 1. This stingray classic 2. Classic Sabre. 3. Stingray 5. I think you could do just about anything with this combination of basses.
Thanks Roger! I'm right there with you. My Sabres and my SR classic just do 'it' so well.
Loved it Lobster That Classic Funky and sweet Tone I Always Say To My Bass Playing Brother's Nothing Sounds like a Music Man Sting ray Bravo I'm going to get me One🤗
Thank you Darrell!
Another great review, Thanks Lobster!
Got one incoming..... can't wait
Congratulations! They're epic
@@LowEndLobster had heart set on special but used classic was half the price. That neck :)
Great video! This thing sounds amazing. Would you be able to shed some light on this vs the Retro 70s model that recently came out? I'm going to be selling my Special and was all set to grab a retro 70's until I saw this. BTW, I know this is an older video but I love all your content and I just want to say you look so happy lately. Which makes me happy too. Yay!
I plan on it
Flea is the best example that this is a superior bass keep on rocking slapping and more good stuff !👍🙂
Thanks Ram!
Lobster, I would love a video of you trying to get the Stingray Special to sound like a Classic. I have a Special 4H, and am really considering adding one of these to my arsenal with flatwounds for the classic funk/disco sound. I can tell the classic has WAY more treble than the special, but I would love to hear them back to back in a comparison.
Great idea for a video, Brett! We have the gear to make that happen. I think I will do it during my next filming sesh :)
I have two Stingray Specials and a BFR passive Stingray. All of them are killer instruments. But I just barely picked up a nearly new (built this year) Stingray Classic just like Lobster's (black body/maple fingerboard). Reason is that, although it may not be quite as versatile as the new Stingray Specials, only a Stingray with that old school alnico pickup and that two band preamp is going to give a true '70s Stingray sound'. The Specials are great and I use them all the time, but they are just voiced slightly differently. The Classic gives the sounds of Bernard Edwards, Louis Johnson, Paul S. Denman, etc. And I love that sound. Wouldn't want it on everything I play. But when it fits the music, nothing can touch it. Plus, I absolutely love the gloss finished necks on these. Smooth as butter and not at all sticky.
Beautiful ! Makes me want to play
Thank you Florent :)
LowEndLobster Did you ever do the video comparing this to a Stingray Special that you mention in the video? It’s the exact comparison I’m looking for. If not, I understand. Thank you, great channel.
Not yet but I still have this bass in stock form and a stingray special. We'll make it happen!
@@LowEndLobster Thank you. These comparisons help so much.
Fantastic bass!!! I always liked the classic better vs the special’s.
Just curious does your classic Stingray bass have raised poles on the pickup?
I noticed the last time I had a classic SR it had raised poles on the A&D strings and it made it sound louder for some reason. I didn’t care for that.
Great video 👍🏻
Thanks Lobster
Thanks! The pickups are not raised in the middle like the old ones. They definitely made a lot of adjustments to give us modern playability and quality while still giving us the vintage sound and vibe.
I had a guitar center exclusive run one and the poles were raised. I wound up selling it. Lol
8:05
Sounds like Tim Commerford's tone on the self titled Rage Against the Machine album. That was the only album he used the stingray before sticking with his Fender.
Thanks Colonel! Dude they're coming out with a Timmy C signature that is a cross between a SR Classic and Special. I am intrigued!
I've always wanted one of these but with a 38mm nut width. If Musicman could make a stingray classic with a SLO neck, I'd be so happy.
Oh man, that'd be killer! I think the closest you'll get to that is one of the USA Sterling Classics. SUPER rare but exactly what you're describing.
Shopping for a new bass earlier this year, the Stingray was the last of two basses narrowed down on my list. It was either the Stingray Classic or the American Ultra Jazz. I picked the Jazz, but I still want this bass someday soon.
Thanks Gray Fox! Which kind of Jazz did you get?
It's a 2021 Fender Ultra Jazz bass/active. I believe it replaced the Elites. Got it in Natural finish, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, tortoise shell pickguard. I absolutely love it, but it was a hard choice. Thanks for replying, I've enjoyed your uploads on bass guitars. Keep up the great work, I'll subscribe!
@@MrPrincepop welcome! :)
I played a EBMM Stingray Classic years ago at a GC and it was Black w/ Mirror Pickguard and it had a roasted neck. Man... It put the Geddy MIM next to it to shame.
Thanks Melter! Yeah man these are super special and play so well.
LOL did you see the Lobster review on a mex Geddy?
@@22Pachanga yea. I'm no fan of gloss necks. Mim is ok but it's not for me and I am a big fan of geddy and rush. I totally get why lobster likes fng basses
I got the stingray special but I’ve got to get a classic! It’s the real deal tone that a stingray is suppose to have!
I sure do miss my younger days when I didn't have to worry about the weight of a bass guitar, 10+ pounds is unfortunately an absolute deal breaker for me now. If it wasn't for that I'd love to have one of these just for the two band preamp and the mutes, it would be a nice addition to my 2008 Stingray 5 HH.
Thanks Michael!
Truly a beauty. How does it compare to to Old Smoothie, tonewise?
"Bridge mutes, engage!" -- Capt. Picard, maybe
Thank you! Honestly, I haven't strung them up with anything that I could compare the two with in an apples to apples scenario. I suspect they're very similar though. The classic two band epoxied preamp is absolute buttah (and I'm not sure if there's any differences between the two), but as you very well know - the mojotone/aguilar combo nails the Smoothie w/ flats sound! Qapla'!
Owned/played a couple of the original Stingrays back in the day ... have been a (Fender Custom Shop) Precision player for last number of years. After looking at, and hearing, this bass ... I may buy one. Interestingly, I'm not finding this exact spec. Search continues ...
Thanks Dan! The classics are relatively rare compared to the specials. It's still up in the air as to whether or not they're being produced.
I disagree with you on the double HH special version I find it difficult to slap and pop with the extra pickup and don't notice a sound difference. I prefer the feel and sound of the classic over the special. Thanks for the review well done.
Used pricing seems to be a bit higher than mentioned but still tempting; very lovely neck on that model. Hey Lobster when you going to show us the mod in the Affinity Jaguar H ? :)
Heyo! Just got back from NAMM. Haven't done the mod yet, but it's coming! I'm excited to hear what it sounds like modded. I stumbled upon a spare set of Hipshot tuners that I had laying around which would be perfect for this lol
I'm normally a more-is-better guy but when I got my vintage SR I had to admit the 2-tone was just better-suited to the guitar than the 3-tone. Leo Fender knew what he was doing.
I agree. The Classics hit different and better IMO than the 3 bands.
Check out Lobster bringing the chops to this video!
Question: what are the mutes made of? Are they foam which are going to require replacing at some point due to wear and decay?
Thank you! Yes, foam mutes. You can buy a mute kit direct from Music Man (no music man bass required) for $30ish. Classic bridge has the same foot print as the SUB bridge. Check out the 'Mold smoothie' series, a little bit of drilling and the mute kit and you have yourself a classic bridge ;).
@@LowEndLobster You have given me an itchy feeling in my hip-pocket, sir. Looks like I'm about to be ~$30 lighter
I’m here, because TalkBass sent me here…cheers!
Welcome :)
@Lobster. Do you think the weight of the bass affects the tone? You said it was over 10 lbs
You should try to get an OG 70’s Music Man Stingray or Sabre bass! Those things are amazing (but pricy) Then again, you seem to get things for a good price!
I really want to!
Wow that is a nice bass! Congrats! I recently bought a fender flea active jazz bass (the one with the humbucker), I wanted an Ernie ball MusicMan Sting Ray, but I couldn't afford it, I really like the fender, but I'm thinking in changing the pickup, I was thinking on nordstrand, do you have any recommendation to get the closest to the tone thie bass in this video?
That bass is beautiful if I had the money I would buy.
Then I would paint it fiesta red🤘
Thanks Cody! My favorite classic color is the dark brown w/ white pickup cover like Johnny Lee Long's. Yummy!
I'm looking at your old you and I'm cracking up. How in the world were you able to pull this transition off? Successfully even.
Seems like it plays nice. It's made nice, sounds nice and is what I imagine a Stingray to be. A very nice re-issue.
P.S. ; F the mid control, that's what the wood is for.
Thanks Mitchell! Yeah man, honestly I really really really like the classic 2 band more than the modern 3. It gives me exactly what I want with no futzing around. I love it in this bass, my sabres, and my old smoothie.
@@LowEndLobster It definitely sounds better to me than the new 3 bands. Ash is a nice mid tonal wood so there really is no need for a mid scoop. Also, my Sterling Ray34 pre amp just had a pickup wire pop off so I just ripped the whole EQ out and twisted the wires to see how it sounded. I'm 100% sold on the passive V/T conversion. Might route in a hole for a split coil pickup in the future.
Well I may have ordered a Classic 5 after watching this video.... Curious to compare with my Special 5H
Congrats! The classics are wonderful. I love mine so much
@@LowEndLobster I snagged one with the all rosewood neck, really excited to receive it. I'd love one with a gloss maple neck too but I'm getting ahead of myself 😂. Sucks they are becoming rarer and pricier
That 10+ lb weight is how you know it's modeled after the originals for real.
LOL Yup! I'm excited for the Timmy C sig, combining the Stingray Special and Classic!
@@LowEndLobster There's a Timmy C sig coming? :O
i have a mid 90s Stingray. I like this one better
Thanks Josh!
Does your wife know you are having an affair with this bass.. 🤔 still one of my all time favourite basses. As yoi know I have the Tony Levin inspired Classic Stingray. Amazing feel . First class video again. Stay safe my good man.
Thank you Stuart! Yeah man these things are something else.
Hey Lobster, love the channel. What strings are you using on this bass?
Another great video👍🏽
Out of curiosity, what does a used MM Special HH sell for used (more or less)?
You make me proud of being a Crustacean ❤️
You mean the StingRay Special HH? I see them go from $1700-1900 currently.
@@jaxonvictoria4345 thank you👍🏽
Thank you Sumbi! Jaxon hit the nail on the head. Single H specials can be had for a little less, but yeah generally $1500-$2000 is what you'll find the HHs for (depending on condition).
The bass sounds awesome. Just one question regarding the preamp: Is it boost only since you start out with both bass and trebble all the way off?
No, it’s boost and cut. It just doesn’t have a middle run notch in the pot, because boost and cut are split apart in a different spot for each of the knobs, not really in the middle
Hello! I just wanted to ask if older stingrays from the 90's (1992 to be exact) with a 2 band pre-amp are good for agressive slapping and overall playing. Thanks!
Hi! Yes. I love the 2 band honestly... more than the 3 band
You even sound better on that bass😍
Thank you :)
Absolutely my favorite thing that EBMM made. Now if they would just make a fretless one. :)
The dream! The closest I have is my Stingray EX with the status graphite fretless neck on it
I’m contemplating a similar project with Ray24 Classic, upgraded PUP and Preamp. I loved the John East you did a vid and on a few weeks back.
i think the zero setting for the preamp is in the middle not at the end.
It's easy to understand why someone might want one of these instruments.
Thanks Philip! I agree
I've never had a Stingray pup so high that I can accidentally touch poles. IMO, thats a bit high. Try winding it down a little, its a little cleaner (35 yrs of Stingray lunacy here . .lol)
Thanks Button! Already ended up shielding and grounding it, no more pole noise!
The Classic line is absolutely the best set of basses EBMM have ever produced. That 2-band pre sounds worlds better than the 3-band. The newer Stingray Specials are a different instrument entirely. Between the neodymium magnet pups, the preamp, the reduced size, and lightened hardware, the Stingray may as well have been discontinued and replaced with something sort of similar.
It's like they mixed a USA Sterling and a Classic Stingray to get the Stingray Special... I love both the classic and the special for their own reasons!
maaan i just want a bass like yours…
give it to me now!
OK, going to throw it out the window very hard. Please be ready to catch it! ;P
@@LowEndLobster i wish!
Let’s goooooo
WOOOO!
Nice bass.
I mean, there's nothing else to say except make a couple T40 mass/girth/weight jokes - was looking at G&L's parts site again for the zillionth time and was reminiscing again about the idea of using a 5 string MFD pickup to make a FrankenAlSmoothie lol there's a few layers of jokes in there
an old smoothie using 3 MFD J form 5 string pickups slanted out like a strat bass lol The Al Smoothe lol
Good tone vibes are making me giggle a bit
'e's gettin' giddy from it lol
10:00 *laughs in Carol Kaye/Good Vibrations*
was not kidding about good tone vibes earlier i guess ha ha ha
OMG please add a LEL #shorts with you ripping some Good Vibrations as well as Roundabout on that thing
Judging by todays tshirt LEL bout to have Reichstag moment and next episode there'll be Cat playing the bass and LEL begging for face pets and scratchies behind the whiskers while Cat is trying to demo this thing for his Cat Crew
Also
DONT MOD IT
lol
RESIST URGES
LOL THE STERLING NAMING NONSENSE AGAIN
14:00 I guess if you ransomed Ernie Ball's kid back to him you would know whether you had the real kid based on what he offered you to get him back
favourite = stingray , but lobster theme song seems like a precision , hahahaha ,
You are correct! It's the Reverend Fellowship in the intro song. Love that bass too. 7ish lbs, great build quality, and sounds FAT!... but I do love my 'Rays.
I didn't know that the theme from"Seinfeld" was a genre of music in itself?
And what's the DEAL with all of these Stingrays!? They don't even sting! Who is playing these pointy basses?!
This is proof that…
Even $2000 instruments need to be shielded properly haha
my stingray is shielded but it’s still have a hum because of my lights
Funny enough, all my regular Rays are but the old Smoothie and this Classic aren't. They're taking the authenticity to another level ;P
I did end up shielding this after I shot the vid. 0 shielding stock hahaha
@@LowEndLobster yeah but i found out that it’s because of my light bulb.
when i play in other room or outside it’s quiet.
even tho it’s a little hum.. not a big deal for me tbh
How can I give you my address so that you know where to send it to?
Just post it here, it's fine ;P
(please don't)
@@LowEndLobster 742 Evergreen Terrace :-)
Second!!
WOO! :)
This dude won the lottery or something? How you get to wear pajamas all day and play $3,000 bases?
Join my Onlyfans.
First!
:D
Playing with a picc
is not epicc
~Davie504~
Very hard times...
@@LowEndLobster Now you have to be sent to the gulag (I’m joking lol)
@@LowEndLobster I also bought the ray 24 because of you and I really like playing it