I notice when talking about pulloffs you compared a 5 string musicman to a 4 string fender bass. Would that make any difference being one has a extra string? Never owned either of the two bass ,but play Ibanez 4 & 5 string. Just curious
I play a Stingray5 for many years now. Simply love it! Had the same thing with the G string coming off the fretboard. To solve this issue, I asked a luthier to replace the original plastic topnut with for a bone one with a slight adjustment of the spacing on the G string. Using a .45/135 gauge stringset the issue was resolved! Also the bone nut does increase tone quality and sustain compared to the plastic standard nut.
Hi Marc. The fretboard thing sl;iding off on the g string is something I can absolutely acknowledge. I just thought it was an adjustment thing on my particular instrument. Good to know it's not. But about the weight..I played a Fender Jazz from '74 for years wich was really heavy, but didn't know any better, it was my first serious bass. I could play that thing for hours without problems, though I kinda knew it was heavy. So when I finally got my MM5 it was quite light for me. Goes to show it's also a matter of perspective. Anyway, love this bass too for the same reasons you pointed out. Thanks!!
I would just like to say you are the ONLY person I've ever seen that has enough attention to detail to notice the G string being too close to the edge of the fretboard. My Spector has the exact same issue and everyone I've ever mentioned it to has looked at me like I am too nitpicky. Just subscribed. I like your content.
Great Bass indeed! I have used mine since 1999 and it has held up in all weather at Disney and beyond. It can do all styles and cuts through...it has an exciting sound. I have two four strings, and three five strings...one of which is a Fretless 5. My fave is the Orange five string, with the earlier pickup magnet and electronics. My spare is newer and has a different magnet type. Rock on.
I play also a Stingray 5 string . To me the sound of a Stingray is very unique and special. Sometimes maybe too special. For just "Bass" I prefer Jazz Basses. But I love to hear the Sound of the Stingray! My favorite "Stingray- Player" is Tony Levin. My recommendation: Peter Gabriel "So" on Vinyl of course ;-) And of course Pino Palladino on Stingray Fretless.
Hi Marc, I've got one of these which was made in 2000 and with you 100% on your views on this bass, killer low B, great action and never gets lost in the mix. Getting a 3 inch wide strap really helps with the weight issue. I recently got my hands on a Sadowsky Metro RV5 bass and IMHO it does what the Stingray 5 can do and more, the playability and the Sadowsky pickups & preamp are top shelf, and you won't have the issue on the G string. I'd love to hear your opinion of the Sadowsky bass, I don't think you would find any negatives. cheers, Mik
Nice playing. I did not hear a bad sound out of it. My StingRay 5 HH weighs 10 1/2 lbs. With the G string being close to edge a bit unfair to compare a 5 string to 4 string but the G is close to the edge. The StingRays 5's now being built in 2018 weigh about 9 1/2 lbs according to EB
I have the same bass.... I love it for the great and unique sound.... low B for me is the best 5th string on an industrial instrument that costs around 2000€ powerful but really balanced with the others.... same problem with the G string, also the B string is very close to the border of the neck, furthermore string spacing is 16.5mm and I needed some adjustment to get used to, especially in the slap technique coming from a jazz bass 4 strings (string spacing 19mm) one last thing the volume knob position in my opinion is not very confortable when I use double thumbing because my hand collides with it... anyhow if you love this sound, you'll find it only in a "ray" bass...
I just tried this very bass out today and LOVED it! I have a G&L L2000 and am looking for something different to complement that. I was leaning toward a j-bass, but this one just has an awesome sound and feel. Are there any other basses that you would suggest I look at that might be comparable before I make my decision?
Hope for a review of the Fender Ultra Jazz Bass 5 String..It would be nice to know your opinion between both the Fender Ultra Jazz Bass 5 String & Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 5 Bass in comparison..Thank You @BassWizard
Having had the opportunity to tour or perform the globe, studio work at Paisley Park studios, to global tours with various artists I can honestly say I don't think I've seen a better review or style, what a pleasure to enjoy your work, clear, precise and too the point, thank you I really enjoyed it..Doosie Ward
I have tried this bass several times, but it seems not to do for me. Maybe it is because I am used to such very dynamic passive basses as the Jazz Bass and the Rickenbacker, but I just will not find the Music Man dynamic enough, because its pick-up just want to keep on pushing out it all, all the time. It must be because it is an active hum bucker. However, it must work perfectly when playing Heavy Metal or Rock-Funk (which I do too, but with the Precision and Jazz bass)
Nice! I've spoken to a couple of bassist in my local area who sold theirs, because they thought it was 'too much'. I.e. too forceful in the mix. Has anyone else made that observation? Cutting through the mix is the whole idea w. Stingrays after all, so it seems like a paradoxical point.
Cutting through vs 'sitting' in the mix. Eg, Flea vs Tony Levin, both Stingray players. Stingrays are not really a 'blending' instrument like P bass with a bass tone that comfortably occupies the lower frequencies and marries well with the kick drum in a mix
Not quite right with the pick up switch description. Stingray pick ups are in parallel not series so switch towards bridge is the Stingray sound. Had mine for 14 yrs and still my go to gig bass.
First time I'm seeing any of your videos.. Very informative and very true what you mentioned about the 5 string stingray. I like the lick you did with the finger tapping chords and harmonics. Thanks for the video!
Nice modern tone. When bass is priced $800 and above, you know what to expect. I remember thinking for so long in the music store many years ago between this bass (Ray /Asia version) vs. Fender Jazz bass . I purchased the J bass in the end but It was a real tough fight. Maybe my next bass would be this.
I always liked StingRays, and 5-strings. Only very few basses can get a proper StingRay sound. But on the other hand, most StingRays can only deliver this sound and not much more. I'd miss some warmth quite often. And the other thing that I don't like about the StingRay 5 is how narrow the string spacing is on the bridge. That's why I'm happy with my Clover Apeiron H.5 with Delano TheHybrid electronics - it delivers pretty nice StingRay sounds (not 100% authentic because the pickup is closer to the bridge), and awesome Jazz Bass sounds, and it has 19 mm string spacing which I find very comfortable to play. It also has a rolled fretboard but I never had an issue with this.
Couldn't agree more with you, with regard the pulling off to the open G String! Been playing my 5 string stingray for 3.5 years now and that is the only thing I would change!!
Amazing review man! Love it. I have a Sterling S.U.B Ray 4 and I’m in love with it forever. I just love the way that this instrument sound and how powerful is it, and in Live in the mix is always in front, I totally agree with You ❤️.
I've always been a 4 string guy, looking at 5 strings now. All of the MM Stingrays I've played had a P bass neck width and feel (roughly). Does your 5 string MM feel similar in neck width to a 5 string Jazz bass, or more of a P bass sting spacing? Buying a 5 string for my wife, and we're both 4 string jazz bass fans, so looking for something with a realativly 5 string jazz bass like nut width, but want to venture out of the jazz bass tone a bit. Really love that stingray tone.
String spacing in this bass and mm 5 string basses in general is very comfy. At the nut the spacing is very similar to a standard fender p 4 string or a fender j 5 string. At the bridge, the spacing is narrower than a 5 string fender, but slightly wider than an Ibanez Soundgear 5 string. As a 5 string bass, MM make some of the best tensioned 5ers, no slop if you have to tremolo pick the B, making this thing very versatile as opposed to fender's 5th strings' tension, those are a bit softer and harder to get punchy sounds from a B or drop A. It's also a great substitute for the jazz bass and has a quicker action. In my opinion it's like a refined fender bass that filled the void that the p and j basses couldn't. I play p and j basses simply out of nostalgia, but the Ray is always my go to bass, even when I try to convince myself that p bass is the most appropriate bass, I wind up grabbing the Ray 5. The 4 string Ray, by the way, is a bit more aggressive than the Ray 5, but that's what makes the Ray 5 a great versatile bass, it's a bit jazzier sounding while retaining that aggressive stingray punch. I think you'd love this instrument if you're into j basses
Great review and I would love to have that bass despite its downsides. On the G String coming off the fret board. Is it because it’s a 5 string? Of course, 5 strings take up more space on a fret board vs your Fender 4 string. Are there any other 5 string basses you may have or tested that doesn’t have the same prob?
So...whats it usually like under the pickguard? Is there usually a cavity around the pickup? Thinking about getting a Sterling version of the 5 string.
Excellent review. I've used a mm sr 5 for about 14yrs now mainly and can attest to the weight. To me though i find it a plus as that means to me that the wood is substantial and the beast feels like a force to be reckoned with. Which it is. It may kill my back but I like that. The G sting falling off the fret board took some getting used to and I agree.not the best attribute of this bass. Not just on pull offs but playing in general. Thanks for explaining the pickup switch. I've always used the back setting and found it articulate when playing hard rock/metal so left it there. May be experimenting with the front setting again/more as youve subjectively showed the differences. Thank you for that.
Love how you showed off all the different sounds in a very musical way. Did you see the much lighter Stingray "special" EBMM just came out with? New pickups and EQ which apparently have all the old sounds plus more. Would love to hear your take on them.
I was wondering if the G string problem (11:43) is a specific problem on 5 string Stingray basses. Maybe somebody with a 4 string Stingray can compare.
Marc what’s your thoughts on Ibanez basses.. maybe a review is in order:) I love the tone of Bartolini pickups and the necks on their basses are fast and easy to play!
tony89merc I had a t40 really liked the sound it was the closest I could get to a Ricky. I eventyally sold it because the pickups clipped alot and it was too damn heavy!! My shoulders were done after playing it at church. And lugging it around was no fun either. It was a real beaut too, black finish with mirror pick guard.
I have a similar model and immediately noticed the issue with the G-string sliding off the fretboard. To solve the issue, I had my nut replaced with a custom one and now the G-string is a bit more centered, just enough to have it not slide accidentely off the board while playing.
Hello Mark - Thank you for a very informative lecture on the Stringray5. You’ve answered a lot of questions for me! One question remains (for me). Does your bass have an ebony finger board, or is that just the lighting in this video? I LOVE ebony under my fingers, but I’m not that fond of rosewood. I have this same bass with a maple fingerboard. For me, that’s better than rosewood but still not as good as ebony. Cheers.
Awesome bass, the thing with the g string being close to the end of the frets, its something you can definitely get used to, i had a schecter stiletto 5 with the exact problem, but you do adapt to it
Hi. Great videos! Question to you. How you usually set treble for music man bass? Is it lot or not? What about treble for your amps? I'm stil looking good setup and sound for my bass... King regards
Dang! I've been playing my Stingray 5 since the mid 90's. I always thought it weird that the G would slip of the fingerboard. I thought it was just mine.... As far a weight goes, I switched to a nice wide soft leather strap, and that helped a lot. Nice video!
The thing I don't like about many 5 string basses including most of the Musicman models is the compensated nut. On the Musicman Classic 5 the nut is not compensated, so the G string is farther from the edge and the E and B string are closer to each other than the D and G are. Somehow it feels like a 4 string bass with an extra low string which i really like, a lot of players probably don't like that, it comes down to preference.
7:29 What do you mean when you say the bass only does one kind of sound? As a long time guitarist & keyboardist with some bass playing experience, I think I know what you mean, but it would be great if you or someone else expounds on this statement.
Chocobo Beach It’s called a harmonic and it’s done by placing your finger gently on the string without applying pressure/pushing down and then plucking. Im sure there are tons of tutorials on youtube if you search around, but check out the song “Portrait of Tracy” by Jaco if you wanna have your mind blown :)
I had one and sold it very quickly for a few reasons: Too heavy. The G string would slip off the fret board. Dead D note on the third fret of the B string. Not quite the same tone as a 4 string Ray.
The round Musicman stock bass bridges are shit....are there any direct replacement upgrades that are direct bolt on? Kluson, Leo Quan maybe or others? I own a MM 5 string. Love your insight.
Nice Stingray I love that color, I have a 4 string HH Stingray, does the Single H sound better than the HH in the 5 string? I’m really considering getting a 5 string Stingray but not sure to go HH or single H..
Have you looked into the Gruv Gear's duo Strap? Really Helps out with the weight issue. before: 40 min. Afterwards: 3 hours + and never get tired. Drummer quit before I did.
Awesome gear review and explaining things. Are you using regular round wound strings? I use the heave EB Slinkys and enjoyed them. Would you use a lighter or tape wounds?
I am using stainless steel roundwounds, which are bright sounding. For the stingray tone and the type of playing I do, they are my favorite type of strings. I haven't tried tapewounds on it... they might be too warm and mellow sounding for my taste
Hi, greart sound and skills, have you ever try the stingray5 from Sterling? have any comments, I have one and I love it. Whats your position about the "cheap" instruments.
Cool review, man, I have a StingRay 4 and it's one of my favourite basses so it was cool to learn the little tidbit about how the pickup was wired. Your 5-string looks really nice as well, a friend of mine has a 5-string as well and he's said the same thing about the weight
Hey Marc - your review of this bass is spot on! I have a similar model but with a dual and single coil pickup combination; the tone just cuts right through. You're 100% correct to call out the weight of this beast. Right about at the 1 hour mark the shoulder pain is unbearable, even with a WIDE strap! Wondering if you can review some of the semi hollow body basses.
i love the stingray 5 alnico the most, great bass! If you want to make this bass lighter, swap the tuners for ultra light hipshot ones. The different in weight at the end of the headstock makes a UGE difference hanging around your neck. And after that, if you are not satisfied yet, you can replace the tonecontrols for plastic fender-ish ones. Makes a big different again. I understand your weightissue, it can ruin the party after a few ours playing. Keep up the groove!
My Fender Jazz bass actually has the same issue with the G string. It's not as bad because the frets aren't rounded but yeah, a slight slip and you're hammering off onto a dead note.
Hey Marc, do you have a finicky neck on your bass? What I mean is this: My Sting Ray, depending on the weather will go in and out of tune until the weather is right, or it adjusts itself. (kinda wierd isn't it)? Each time I'm about to play it, I would have to let it settle in the room for a while before playing.
I haven't had that issue... seems odd. If I go through extreme weather changes (especially from humid to dry climates) then it does affect the action, but that will happen with any bass. The tuning on it has been rock solid though!
It happens to me, a lot, and it's very annoying. It forces me to continuosly adjust the neck tension via the trussrod. May I ask if yours has a rosewood or a maple fretboard? I think that could be it. I have friends who own a similar bass but with rosewood fretboard and they describe it as the most stable bass ever.
Great video thanks. I encountered the same issue with the G string. I think Stingrays are of legendary sound and quality but it's really just a one trick pony soundwise. I got fed up after all these years and looked for similar sounding basses, although not as harsh and clanky. But you are totally right, the sound is in your hands principally. You can play jazz etc. with a Stingray too etc. of course.
great review again. I own a 2000 SR5 H, black / maple, ceramic PUs. Killer tone and utterly versatile. heavy though, ( as is my 2007 SR 4H ...looking to upgrade to a SR 5H Special Black soon as they're lighter and I hear just good things about the new 18v pre amp and PUs . What year is your SR5 here ???
I use the musicman stingray 4 and 5 string basses live all the time and I always keep the treble all the way up but in some places I will back it off a little bit because it might be too piercing to the ears
I have the dual humbucker version of the Stingray 5 and you are 100% correct about the weight and the G-string being close to the edge of the fret board, I've had the same two complaints about mine. But otherwise it is absolutely awesome! It's my main bass but lately I've been looking around to add something something lighter for when I play long gigs or need to travel with a bass, but no matter what I'd get I'll probably be wishing I had the Stingray in my hands.
I sold this bass ... great bass with piezos... the weight didn't affected me but that easyly pulled G string yes. That was the reason why i sold it :( if only .....
Cara muito legal seu trampo! Sinto exatamente o mesmo com relação ao meu MusicMan, o meu é ´98 e pesa uma tonelada... o lance da corda G eu resolvi tapando a cavidade do nut com bicarbonato e super bonder e abrindo uma nova cavidade um pouco mais pra dentro na distância do jazz bass... resolveu total! Virou outro instrumento depois disso, um milímetro mais pra dentro no nut resolveu o problema na escala inteira da corda escapar... Abraço e parabéns pelo trampo!
Obrigado Ricardo e valeu pela dica! Eu não tenho coragem de fazer essa modificação sozinho, mas vou falar com um luthier pra ver se consigo dar um jeito nesse problema! Grande Abraço.
Love my Stingray 5!! Great review; subscribed. I can even get a tone like a Ric by putting pickup in series mode and using a pick by the end of the neck. Never noticed the G string fretting out because I do not typically use that technique but that is a legit complaint. Mine is average weight; I was doing 3 and 4 set gigs and the weight did not bother me too much.
I'm more a Fender kinda guy, but sure, depending on the genre and amount is musicians, it can be harder to cut through the mix compared to an Ernie... The problem is I can't afford one haha. Are Sterlings good?
What do you think of this bass and what would like to see me review next? Leave a comment and let me know!
The Bass Wizard I love that color & headstock. My stingray 5 is basic black w/ maple neck & fingerboard. My favorite basses ever.
Thanks for the video. It's great as always. My question is what do you think about marcus miller sire basses?
I've never tried one... but I have the Fender Marcus Miller bass and love it!
The Bass Wizard It's worth trying a wider strap, it'll spread the pressure from the weight of the bass and make your shoulder ache less.
I notice when talking about pulloffs you compared a 5 string musicman to a 4 string fender bass. Would that make any difference being one has a extra string? Never owned either of the two bass ,but play Ibanez 4 & 5 string. Just curious
I'm a drummer and i just love the stingray's sound, i think is the best of all.
Hearing a Stingray bass locking in with the drums is one of my favorite things on earth, hands down.
Same here.
@@xavierarmendariz7155 absolutely. Specially in person when you cab feel it in your body. So good.
I play a Stingray5 for many years now. Simply love it! Had the same thing with the G string coming off the fretboard. To solve this issue, I asked a luthier to replace the original plastic topnut with for a bone one with a slight adjustment of the spacing on the G string. Using a .45/135 gauge stringset the issue was resolved! Also the bone nut does increase tone quality and sustain compared to the plastic standard nut.
I always thoght that the classic wiring of the MM Pickup was always PARALLEL...
I had this bass in my hands today, I can't get it out of my head im in love
Hi Marc. The fretboard thing sl;iding off on the g string is something I can absolutely acknowledge. I just thought it was an adjustment thing on my particular instrument. Good to know it's not. But about the weight..I played a Fender Jazz from '74 for years wich was really heavy, but didn't know any better, it was my first serious bass. I could play that thing for hours without problems, though I kinda knew it was heavy. So when I finally got my MM5 it was quite light for me. Goes to show it's also a matter of perspective. Anyway, love this bass too for the same reasons you pointed out. Thanks!!
My sentiments exactly..
I would just like to say you are the ONLY person I've ever seen that has enough attention to detail to notice the G string being too close to the edge of the fretboard. My Spector has the exact same issue and everyone I've ever mentioned it to has looked at me like I am too nitpicky. Just subscribed. I like your content.
Great Bass indeed!
I have used mine since 1999 and it has held up in all weather at Disney and beyond. It can do all styles and cuts through...it has an exciting sound. I have two four strings, and three five strings...one of which is a Fretless 5.
My fave is the Orange five string, with the earlier pickup magnet and electronics. My spare is newer and has a different magnet type.
Rock on.
I play also a Stingray 5 string . To me the sound of a Stingray is very unique and special. Sometimes maybe too special.
For just "Bass" I prefer Jazz Basses. But I love to hear the Sound of the Stingray!
My favorite "Stingray- Player" is Tony Levin. My recommendation: Peter Gabriel "So" on Vinyl of course ;-)
And of course Pino Palladino on Stingray Fretless.
Hi Marc, I've got one of these which was made in 2000 and with you 100% on your views on this bass, killer low B, great action and never gets lost in the mix. Getting a 3 inch wide strap really helps with the weight issue. I recently got my hands on a Sadowsky Metro RV5 bass and IMHO it does what the Stingray 5 can do and more, the playability and the Sadowsky pickups & preamp are top shelf, and you won't have the issue on the G string. I'd love to hear your opinion of the Sadowsky bass, I don't think you would find any negatives.
cheers, Mik
Nice playing. I did not hear a bad sound out of it. My StingRay 5 HH weighs 10 1/2 lbs. With the G string being close to edge a bit unfair to compare a 5 string to 4 string but the G is close to the edge. The StingRays 5's now being built in 2018 weigh about 9 1/2 lbs according to EB
I have the same bass.... I love it for the great and unique sound.... low B for me is the best 5th string on an industrial instrument that costs around 2000€ powerful but really balanced with the others.... same problem with the G string, also the B string is very close to the border of the neck, furthermore string spacing is 16.5mm and I needed some adjustment to get used to, especially in the slap technique coming from a jazz bass 4 strings (string spacing 19mm) one last thing the volume knob position in my opinion is not very confortable when I use double thumbing because my hand collides with it... anyhow if you love this sound, you'll find it only in a "ray" bass...
Beautiful review 👌🏿
Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤
Sir, you inspired me! You are the first bass player I haver ever looked up to! I want to be like you!
I just tried this very bass out today and LOVED it! I have a G&L L2000 and am looking for something different to complement that. I was leaning toward a j-bass, but this one just has an awesome sound and feel. Are there any other basses that you would suggest I look at that might be comparable before I make my decision?
Hope for a review of the Fender Ultra Jazz Bass 5 String..It would be nice to know your opinion between both the Fender Ultra Jazz Bass 5 String & Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 5 Bass in comparison..Thank You @BassWizard
Having had the opportunity to tour or perform the globe, studio work at Paisley Park studios, to global tours with various artists I can honestly say I don't think I've seen a better review or style, what a pleasure to enjoy your work, clear, precise and too the point, thank you I really enjoyed it..Doosie Ward
I have tried this bass several times, but it seems not to do for me. Maybe it is because I am used to such very dynamic passive basses as the Jazz Bass and the Rickenbacker, but I just will not find the Music Man dynamic enough, because its pick-up just want to keep on pushing out it all, all the time. It must be because it is an active hum bucker.
However, it must work perfectly when playing Heavy Metal or Rock-Funk (which I do too, but with the Precision and Jazz bass)
Its definitely a very unique sound that you'll either love or hate. And while I do love it, I agree that its not suited for everything.
Are you going to upgrade to the 2018 model since is is lighter?
Nice! I've spoken to a couple of bassist in my local area who sold theirs, because they thought it was 'too much'. I.e. too forceful in the mix. Has anyone else made that observation? Cutting through the mix is the whole idea w. Stingrays after all, so it seems like a paradoxical point.
Cutting through vs 'sitting' in the mix. Eg, Flea vs Tony Levin, both Stingray players. Stingrays are not really a 'blending' instrument like P bass with a bass tone that comfortably occupies the lower frequencies and marries well with the kick drum in a mix
Great video. Lots of good info not only on the bass, but at the 5 minute mark when you spoke on articulation, feel, and groove. Very cool. Thanks.
Thank you! I always try to make the reviews educational :)
Not quite right with the pick up switch description. Stingray pick ups are in parallel not series so switch towards bridge is the Stingray sound. Had mine for 14 yrs and still my go to gig bass.
I agree w/you. I have a Stingray 4-string, a Slo-Special, and it's very heavy. I love the tone and power of the active setup, but not the weight.
First time I'm seeing any of your videos.. Very informative and very true what you mentioned about the 5 string stingray. I like the lick you did with the finger tapping chords and harmonics. Thanks for the video!
Nice modern tone. When bass is priced $800 and above, you know what to expect. I remember thinking for so long in the music store many years ago between this bass (Ray /Asia version) vs. Fender Jazz bass . I purchased the J bass in the end but It was a real tough fight. Maybe my next bass would be this.
I always liked StingRays, and 5-strings. Only very few basses can get a proper StingRay sound. But on the other hand, most StingRays can only deliver this sound and not much more. I'd miss some warmth quite often. And the other thing that I don't like about the StingRay 5 is how narrow the string spacing is on the bridge. That's why I'm happy with my Clover Apeiron H.5 with Delano TheHybrid electronics - it delivers pretty nice StingRay sounds (not 100% authentic because the pickup is closer to the bridge), and awesome Jazz Bass sounds, and it has 19 mm string spacing which I find very comfortable to play. It also has a rolled fretboard but I never had an issue with this.
Couldn't agree more with you, with regard the pulling off to the open G String! Been playing my 5 string stingray for 3.5 years now and that is the only thing I would change!!
Amazing review man! Love it. I have a Sterling S.U.B Ray 4 and I’m in love with it forever. I just love the way that this instrument sound and how powerful is it, and in Live in the mix is always in front, I totally agree with You ❤️.
Thank you Nicolás!
I've always been a 4 string guy, looking at 5 strings now. All of the MM Stingrays I've played had a P bass neck width and feel (roughly). Does your 5 string MM feel similar in neck width to a 5 string Jazz bass, or more of a P bass sting spacing?
Buying a 5 string for my wife, and we're both 4 string jazz bass fans, so looking for something with a realativly 5 string jazz bass like nut width, but want to venture out of the jazz bass tone a bit. Really love that stingray tone.
String spacing in this bass and mm 5 string basses in general is very comfy. At the nut the spacing is very similar to a standard fender p 4 string or a fender j 5 string. At the bridge, the spacing is narrower than a 5 string fender, but slightly wider than an Ibanez Soundgear 5 string. As a 5 string bass, MM make some of the best tensioned 5ers, no slop if you have to tremolo pick the B, making this thing very versatile as opposed to fender's 5th strings' tension, those are a bit softer and harder to get punchy sounds from a B or drop A. It's also a great substitute for the jazz bass and has a quicker action. In my opinion it's like a refined fender bass that filled the void that the p and j basses couldn't. I play p and j basses simply out of nostalgia, but the Ray is always my go to bass, even when I try to convince myself that p bass is the most appropriate bass, I wind up grabbing the Ray 5. The 4 string Ray, by the way, is a bit more aggressive than the Ray 5, but that's what makes the Ray 5 a great versatile bass, it's a bit jazzier sounding while retaining that aggressive stingray punch. I think you'd love this instrument if you're into j basses
Great review and I would love to have that bass despite its downsides. On the G String coming off the fret board. Is it because it’s a 5 string? Of course, 5 strings take up more space on a fret board vs your Fender 4 string. Are there any other 5 string basses you may have or tested that doesn’t have the same prob?
So...whats it usually like under the pickguard? Is there usually a cavity around the pickup? Thinking about getting a Sterling version of the 5 string.
There's no cavity under the pickguard, just enough space for the pickup to rest in and stay in position.
@@dannellim11 dope. Bless you.
You can fix the G string issue by changing the nut. And just drill a hole for the G string a bit closer to the center.
Great video, thanks. I pull the G off the side of my Jazz bass all the time!
Excellent review. I've used a mm sr 5 for about 14yrs now mainly and can attest to the weight. To me though i find it a plus as that means to me that the wood is substantial and the beast feels like a force to be reckoned with. Which it is. It may kill my back but I like that. The G sting falling off the fret board took some getting used to and I agree.not the best attribute of this bass. Not just on pull offs but playing in general. Thanks for explaining the pickup switch. I've always used the back setting and found it articulate when playing hard rock/metal so left it there. May be experimenting with the front setting again/more as youve subjectively showed the differences. Thank you for that.
Love how you showed off all the different sounds in a very musical way. Did you see the much lighter Stingray "special" EBMM just came out with? New pickups and EQ which apparently have all the old sounds plus more. Would love to hear your take on them.
I was wondering if the G string problem (11:43) is a specific problem on 5 string Stingray basses. Maybe somebody with a 4 string Stingray can compare.
You should try a Erin Ball Music Man sterling bass it's a smaller body. I have two and they are awesome especially during long gigs.
Marc what’s your thoughts on Ibanez basses.. maybe a review is in order:)
I love the tone of Bartolini pickups and the necks on their basses are fast and easy to play!
I haven't played one in years, but I'll see if I can get one for a review! Thanks for the suggestion!
Hi Marc try to do a review about the ibanez sr5000
You wanna play a Heavy Bass???? Pick up a Pevey T-40 .... I have two...
tony89merc I had a t40 really liked the sound it was the closest I could get to a Ricky. I eventyally sold it because the pickups clipped alot and it was too damn heavy!! My shoulders were done after playing it at church. And lugging it around was no fun either. It was a real beaut too, black finish with mirror pick guard.
One sure thing about Ibanez basses is that you will not hate them for their weight
I have a similar model and immediately noticed the issue with the G-string sliding off the fretboard.
To solve the issue, I had my nut replaced with a custom one and now the G-string is a bit more centered, just enough to have it not slide accidentely off the board while playing.
Hello Mark - Thank you for a very informative lecture on the Stringray5. You’ve answered a lot of questions for me! One question remains (for me). Does your bass have an ebony finger board, or is that just the lighting in this video? I LOVE ebony under my fingers, but I’m not that fond of rosewood. I have this same bass with a maple fingerboard. For me, that’s better than rosewood but still not as good as ebony. Cheers.
Is it possible to tune it to EADGB instead of BEADG? The high b is more beneficial for me as I like to play high.
Awesome bass, the thing with the g string being close to the end of the frets, its something you can definitely get used to, i had a schecter stiletto 5 with the exact problem, but you do adapt to it
Hi. Great videos! Question to you. How you usually set treble for music man bass? Is it lot or not? What about treble for your amps? I'm stil looking good setup and sound for my bass... King regards
Dang! I've been playing my Stingray 5 since the mid 90's. I always thought it weird that the G would slip of the fingerboard. I thought it was just mine....
As far a weight goes, I switched to a nice wide soft leather strap, and that helped a lot. Nice video!
At first I thought it was just mine too, it seems like an odd issue to have been done purposefully across the board!
Hello what is the color finish of your music man bass? Thanks.
my man playing some sly stone. you’re one groovy dude!
Thank you! :)
On that bass is the pickup alnico or ceramic?
Nice Sound and clean technique for 5 strings. What sort of strings do you use?
The thing I don't like about many 5 string basses including most of the Musicman models is the compensated nut. On the Musicman Classic 5 the nut is not compensated, so the G string is farther from the edge and the E and B string are closer to each other than the D and G are. Somehow it feels like a 4 string bass with an extra low string which i really like, a lot of players probably don't like that, it comes down to preference.
7:29 What do you mean when you say the bass only does one kind of sound?
As a long time guitarist & keyboardist with some bass playing experience, I think I know what you mean, but it would be great if you or someone else expounds on this statement.
It's the "stingray sound", easily recognizable, but you can add trebles, boost the mids...
Regular mode is parallel. Other than that great review.
Yes..... Love hearing 'If you wan't me to stay'.
That pingy thing he does at 7:53, can someone tell me what that is and how to do it, I am new to bass and think that sound is p cool
Chocobo Beach It’s called a harmonic and it’s done by placing your finger gently on the string without applying pressure/pushing down and then plucking. Im sure there are tons of tutorials on youtube if you search around, but check out the song “Portrait of Tracy” by Jaco if you wanna have your mind blown :)
Thank you so much man, I definitely will!! rock on
5:38 technique-wise what exactly was he doing to get that sound?
He's muting the string he plays with his left hand.
What si song played in chord section
I had one and sold it very quickly for a few reasons:
Too heavy.
The G string would slip off the fret board.
Dead D note on the third fret of the B string.
Not quite the same tone as a 4 string Ray.
Nice review, thanks, who strings are you using?
The round Musicman stock bass bridges are shit....are there any direct replacement upgrades that are direct bolt on? Kluson, Leo Quan maybe or others? I own a MM 5 string. Love your insight.
What's the best string for stingray 5? Or what is your favorite kind of string? Flatwound, roundwound?
Great review. Have you checked out the lighter Stingray Specials?
You probably hear this a lot, but have you tried playing with a wider strap? It went a long way when I switched to the wider dimarzio cliplock strap.
As always, I play guitar but I found this very informative. I finally understand what people mean when they say it's all in the hands!
Thank you!
I like your technique especially the left hand muting.
Great Video. Thanks to share with us your opinion about this bass! Please, do it more times.
My 'ray 4 and 5 are my main live basses. I've had more than a couple of sound guys say something like " oh a Stingray...I know what to do with that".
Nice Stingray I love that color, I have a 4 string HH Stingray, does the Single H sound better than the HH in the 5 string? I’m really considering getting a 5 string Stingray but not sure to go HH or single H..
What do you usually have the three way switch set to?
Have you looked into the Gruv Gear's duo Strap? Really Helps out with the weight issue. before: 40 min. Afterwards: 3 hours + and never get tired. Drummer quit before I did.
Awesome gear review and explaining things. Are you using regular round wound strings? I use the heave EB Slinkys and enjoyed them. Would you use a lighter or tape wounds?
I am using stainless steel roundwounds, which are bright sounding. For the stingray tone and the type of playing I do, they are my favorite type of strings. I haven't tried tapewounds on it... they might be too warm and mellow sounding for my taste
Hi, greart sound and skills, have you ever try the stingray5 from Sterling? have any comments, I have one and I love it. Whats your position about the "cheap" instruments.
Cool review, man, I have a StingRay 4 and it's one of my favourite basses so it was cool to learn the little tidbit about how the pickup was wired. Your 5-string looks really nice as well, a friend of mine has a 5-string as well and he's said the same thing about the weight
Hey Marc - your review of this bass is spot on! I have a similar model but with a dual and single coil pickup combination; the tone just cuts right through. You're 100% correct to call out the weight of this beast. Right about at the 1 hour mark the shoulder pain is unbearable, even with a WIDE strap! Wondering if you can review some of the semi hollow body basses.
i love the stingray 5 alnico the most, great bass! If you want to make this bass lighter, swap the tuners for ultra light hipshot ones. The different in weight at the end of the headstock makes a UGE difference hanging around your neck. And after that, if you are not satisfied yet, you can replace the tonecontrols for plastic fender-ish ones. Makes a big different again. I understand your weightissue, it can ruin the party after a few ours playing. Keep up the groove!
My Fender Jazz bass actually has the same issue with the G string. It's not as bad because the frets aren't rounded but yeah, a slight slip and you're hammering off onto a dead note.
Hey Marc, do you have a finicky neck on your bass? What I mean is this: My Sting Ray, depending on the weather will go in and out of tune until the weather is right, or it adjusts itself. (kinda wierd isn't it)? Each time I'm about to play it, I would have to let it settle in the room for a while before playing.
I haven't had that issue... seems odd. If I go through extreme weather changes (especially from humid to dry climates) then it does affect the action, but that will happen with any bass. The tuning on it has been rock solid though!
It happens to me, a lot, and it's very annoying. It forces me to continuosly adjust the neck tension via the trussrod. May I ask if yours has a rosewood or a maple fretboard? I think that could be it. I have friends who own a similar bass but with rosewood fretboard and they describe it as the most stable bass ever.
What do you think of the sub sterling basses?
Great for the price!
The Bass Wizard yeah right?! Have you ever tried one? It’s defenitly like a real musicman and he is yeah more light weighted
Wich one do you like the best, this stingray or the shecter that you have?
Great video thanks. I encountered the same issue with the G string. I think Stingrays are of legendary sound and quality but it's really just a one trick pony soundwise. I got fed up after all these years and looked for similar sounding basses, although not as harsh and clanky. But you are totally right, the sound is in your hands principally. You can play jazz etc. with a Stingray too etc. of course.
Thanks Marc for the review. Great video, great advice about to practice and keep it on, you are great... thumbs up.
About the wheight, you could get one of those double straps, they divide the wheight between both shoulders...
Whats the song at 9:23? I've heard it before but can't put my finger on it.
If You Want Me to Stay " is a 1973 hit single by Sly and the Family Stone, from their album Fresh.
What are you playing at 9:54? Could you tab that out?
great review again. I own a 2000 SR5 H, black / maple, ceramic PUs. Killer tone and utterly versatile. heavy though, ( as is my 2007 SR 4H ...looking to upgrade to a SR 5H Special Black soon as they're lighter and I hear just good things about the new 18v pre amp and PUs . What year is your SR5 here ???
I use the musicman stingray 4 and 5 string basses live all the time and I always keep the treble all the way up but in some places I will back it off a little bit because it might be too piercing to the ears
Also my basses are made of really dense and heavy northern Ash and they weigh up to 13 lbs at most
Well, it may sound great, but what kind of amp do you use? any pedals thru it too?
I have the dual humbucker version of the Stingray 5 and you are 100% correct about the weight and the G-string being close to the edge of the fret board, I've had the same two complaints about mine. But otherwise it is absolutely awesome! It's my main bass but lately I've been looking around to add something something lighter for when I play long gigs or need to travel with a bass, but no matter what I'd get I'll probably be wishing I had the Stingray in my hands.
nice, what mic are you using?
The neck is top heavey twist neck up or shim it?
Hi Marc! Just curious what kind of pedals do you use if any?... could be a video idea.
I sold this bass ... great bass with piezos... the weight didn't affected me but that easyly pulled G string yes. That was the reason why i sold it :( if only .....
Awesome Bass! I have the Special 5HH and love it. Will be getting a single H version soon!
Hi Marc. Just an unbiased suggestion. You may try a mono warsaw strap. Absorbs the weight of the guitar quite well.
Cara muito legal seu trampo! Sinto exatamente o mesmo com relação ao meu MusicMan, o meu é ´98 e pesa uma tonelada... o lance da corda G eu resolvi tapando a cavidade do nut com bicarbonato e super bonder e abrindo uma nova cavidade um pouco mais pra dentro na distância do jazz bass... resolveu total! Virou outro instrumento depois disso, um milímetro mais pra dentro no nut resolveu o problema na escala inteira da corda escapar... Abraço e parabéns pelo trampo!
Obrigado Ricardo e valeu pela dica! Eu não tenho coragem de fazer essa modificação sozinho, mas vou falar com um luthier pra ver se consigo dar um jeito nesse problema! Grande Abraço.
Hey, Marc - any ideas which bass may be alternative to heavy Stingray 5? Really love the sound - but I can't play basses heavier than 4 kg...
Have you considered a dual strap such as GruvGear's DuoStrap? I have read that it can help a lot with heavy basses!
I'm not familiar with it... I'll check it out! Thank you!
They just came out with the new version! Over a pound lighter weight. Nice review.
You are so right! - it is so heavy (6 jr 7 kg)! - I sold mine and change to japan vintage precisoion 4 string...
Love my Stingray 5!! Great review; subscribed. I can even get a tone like a Ric by putting pickup in series mode and using a pick by the end of the neck. Never noticed the G string fretting out because I do not typically use that technique but that is a legit complaint. Mine is average weight; I was doing 3 and 4 set gigs and the weight did not bother me too much.
Do you have a review on the schecter
I'm more a Fender kinda guy, but sure, depending on the genre and amount is musicians, it can be harder to cut through the mix compared to an Ernie... The problem is I can't afford one haha. Are Sterlings good?