Why I Think The Music Man Stingray Is The Best All-Around Bass

Рет қаралды 38,340

Күн бұрын

I know I've mentioned this before but I feel I must reiterate. The Music Man Stingray, especially their budget bass, better known as "Sterling" is the most affordable quality bass money can buy. I wish I had never parted with my pair of Stingrays many years ago. If you're starting out on bass and want something reliable, look no further than the Stingray.
Here are some links to some of the gear mentioned and used in these videos...
Music Man Sterling Stingray (Amazon) amzn.to/45XntIq
Lekato Wireless (Amazon) amzn.to/3A7uZlu
Fender Rumble 40 Bass Amp (Amazon): amzn.to/3tDtcBd
PolyTune (Amazon) amzn.to/3UuoWjp
Fender or D'Addario Tuner (Amazon): amzn.to/3hOVTbx
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108 (Amazon): amzn.to/32L1u8k (Amazon)
TC Electronic Bass Amp: amzn.to/3z6XgWe (Amazon)
Micro Bass 3 (Amazon): amzn.to/2QWPqy5 (Amazon)
Vox Bass Headphone Amplifier: amzn.to/2QYv1s8 (Amazon)
SSL2+ amzn.to/3efz6jW (Amazon)
Apple M1 MacBook Air: amzn.to/3kpACm8 (Amazon)
Apple Venus Vol. 1: amzn.to/2Q5AXjl (Amazon)
Apogee Duet: amzn.to/3duaF39 (Amazon)
M-Audio Mobile Pre USB: amzn.to/3ecDT5t (Amazon)
M-Box: amzn.to/3ehovos (Amazon)
Items I use to create content on this channel:Apple M1 MacBook Air: amzn.to/3kpACm8 (Amazon)
Camera: Sony WX500 amzn.to/2NgJgXx (Amazon)
Other Camera: iPhone amzn.to/3qEFOo4 (Amazon)
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Sandisk 1TB External SSD: amzn.to/3auvTuR (Amazon)
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Пікірлер: 186

@LukeLendrum 2 ай бұрын

This video helped me decide to pull the trigger on an ultralight Stingray Special as a workhorse to protect my injured shoulder and neck.

@skoon002 Жыл бұрын

I actually like the Stingray sound better than the P-bass. It's just so punchy but low. You are right, it has a VERY distinctive tone. Just like the old Ricks or Wal basses. You can always pick out a Music Man in the mix.

@Al_Mac125 Жыл бұрын

Completely agree. Done around 1300 gigs with my 97 Stingray. An increadible tool. Here's the thing about Ernie Ball that a load of bass players don't understand, pre Ernie Ball is not the same as pre CBS Fender. Ernie Ball MM just got better & better unlike the shafting of Fender by CBS. Yeah sure, you may prefer the voicing of the old pre EB preamps, but the basses got better & more versatile. I've owned a bunch, including a pre EB 79, loved it too but my 97 was the keeper. Nice one PRJ 👍

@hubbsllc 7 ай бұрын

This is pretty much my assessment as an owner of a pre-EB StingRay. The more contemporary EB MM basses are solid, quality, workaday instruments and are probably more comfortable to play for long periods due to the body contours that mine utterly lack, but I'm pretty sure there isn't a one of them that is sonically a dead ringer for mine. The models with more than one pickup certainly have more versatility than mine does but on that note, even with just one pickup the effect of the two-knob boost/cut EQ mine has is huge; between that and changes to right-hand technique I have never lamented the lack of a second pickup.

@LowEndLobster Жыл бұрын

A fellow wielder of the BFR fretless. One of my favorites!

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Ha! Great minds! That's the second time I've purchased a bass and then discovered you had it! I must let you know that your video gave me comfort as I awaited for that bass to arrive. Thank you!

@michael_caz_nyc 10 ай бұрын

I'm a guitar-player who bought a Sterling Stingray short-scale Bass and I absolutely love it. It's fun to play r&b, funk, motown, reggae and classic rock on bass. This Bass has exceeded my expectations. (also) played by Bernard Edwards /Chic and Paul Denman / Sade. oNe LovE from NYC

@thescatman5029 Жыл бұрын

I have a 2004 SUB, for $800. Bought it, in 2005. It's a complete funk machine! To buy any MusicMan under a G, at that time, American-made, was unheard of! After I bought it, Ernie Ball discontinued those American-made SUB's. I'm glad I got one! It's that good. Still have it. I have a '62 P Bass Reissue, as well as a '62 Jazz Reissue. Love them all!

@rohanjones3095 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the time and effort creating this breakdown, it was very, verry helpful!

@progrockjock 10 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

@EbelTank 8 ай бұрын

Dude. Props for your screen saver. Epic albums popping up. The bass is strong with this one.

@progrockjock 8 ай бұрын

Thank you! That means a lot! There are a few album covers that shouldn't be there (ie. Corine Bailey Rae, if I'm spelling her name right) but 99% of that music has been the soundtrack to my life and I'm grateful to have caught most of it live. The screensaver on my old iMac is actually better. I lost hundreds of album covers when converting to the M2 Pro but this was mainly due to the operating system...ok, I'll stop rambling. Thanks, again!

@herobass Жыл бұрын

Agree!!! I have my #1 Bass and it's a Musicman Stingray. I have used this bass for the past 14 years on everything. I believe it's versatile and have a solid tone for days. Most of my videos on my channel feature this bass. I love it! Excellent content! I hope to see more videos. Have a Bless on my friend.

@melissaerliech9148 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely love my EBMM BFR '22 short scale Stingray. It's beautiful, feels great playing it and I love its' tone.

@jeroen914 Жыл бұрын

Got my Stingray new in '93 (same one you are playing in your '96 clip) and it'll stay with me for ever Build quality is insanely high, straight off the shelf. Even though it looks like a "simple" Fender-esque construction, it's perfectly excecuted up 'till the last detail I've had other basses since, because sometime you wanna try something new, but they never last. I always go back to the MM Even more important... the sound. It'll always cut through the mix, specially live, which is tough for most basses

@KeithCopeland778 Жыл бұрын

I agree!!!! I have a Sterling by Music Man Ray 35 and didn't see the need to spend the extra money on USA StingRay-UNTIL I BOUGHT ONE!!!! My 2022 StingRay 5 HH Special is a PHENOMENAL BASS AND THE VERSATILITY IS OFF THE CHARTS!!!! It's the best multi-genre bass you can buy!!!

@richardjcranium 8 ай бұрын

I had the exact same experience. I had a Ray 35 as my main bass for a few years and it never let me down but I was just seemed to be slightly lacking in “something”plus was really heavy. I had a Sterling five for a while and it was nice, but still wasn’t “there”. Until I decided to drop the money on the Special 5HH when they came out and I was like wow now this really nailed it. It really checked all the right boxes and gave me a wide range of tones to choose from. It’s been my main one for a few years now and it’s never going away.

@trunkshope6 Жыл бұрын

ooooo that fretless sub is a nice one for sure! i was not aware they made a fretless, very nice! After getting a fretless jazz i am tempted to defret a sterling sub bass if i can find one cheap enough. I love all of the musicman family and owning a bunch ,i never had a bad one that didn't set up well.

@ShadamAran Жыл бұрын

When I bought my first bass I didn’t know what I wanted, or anything about basses or tone for that matter, so my friend came with, blindfolded me and handed me basses off the wall one after another. I ended up going with the pbass, (I knew it was the one after hearing the open e for the first time) but the only other bass I woulda bought that day was the stingray, but I couldn’t afford it at the time. 10 years later I’m touring the country with a stingray 5 HH special. You really can’t do much better before you start looking at having things custom made.

@rustydelorean6405 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I just got a gently used Peavey t-40 (black on black with maple neck). I saw your video on one and decided to get it.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Oh, that's cool! Thank you! That T-40 was still at Sam Ash Atlanta the last time I was there. I love the look and sound of it but I can't bring any more basses home for a while.

@ChrisBarnette-zk8iy 4 ай бұрын

I love these basses as well. The low end ones are set up nice and I love how you get super lows and the beautiful highs. A perfect blend of sound and most on a cheap price.

@johnregner6582 Жыл бұрын

I have 3 of them. Bought my first one new in 77 and I still have it. Natural finish, black pick guard, white pup. Came with flats, changed them out for round wounds, now back to flats. In 2018 bought a MM Special in charcoal grey sparkle. In 2020 bought a sunburst short scale. That's my go to now. Nice and light and fun to play.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Nice collection! I played a 1978 fretless (natural finish) a year and a half ago that was going for $3,800. It was the first Stingray I ever played with flats on it. Amazing!

@johnregner6582 Жыл бұрын

@@progrockjock Thanks! I still have 2 Music Man amps from the 70's too. Bass amp, tubes of course, has a 150 watt head with a normal channel too. Cab is a single 15" with a ported bottom. The other is a 100 watt tube guitar amp with an EV 12". Had both amps recap-ed and are still useable, if you're strong enough to lift them.

@christophermitchum6829 Жыл бұрын

Three Peavy black widows...15's... back in the day! Seriously bad, dude!! Then, time moved on...now it's a p.a. system...2 18subs and 4 12" 2way , all powered Mackie...it works, 🎶🥴🎶😎

@tunmybass6 8 ай бұрын

Yes I do agree, I purchased my 5 String Sterling Bass and it truly has a Unique sound. One of the options that I like on this base is the five position toggle switch that you can perfect. The Bass is very versatile. I enjoyed playing it, especially at my Gospel venues it does the job perfectly.

@corporalpunishment924 Жыл бұрын

I’m whole heartedly agreeing with you here. I love the Fender precision and some of the other variants but to me the Stingray is far more versatile and just feels better in my hands not to mention the tone is far more to my liking. That being said, I’m surprised you don’t have a WARWICK in your collection because even though they’re expensive, they are very very good! Would love to know your thoughts on them. Great video!

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

I really dig Warwick and I've been looking at them more now than I did in the 1990s! I demoed one on this channel but it wasn't like most of the other ones I've tried. Great looking basses too! I'll revisit them again soon. Thank you!

@julianthesmooshyhusky8976 7 ай бұрын

I grew up playing a stingray and now play a corvette $$. It’s really just a grown up stingray with more versatility

@Andyanddiana467 10 ай бұрын

I just got a cheapo sterling Sub Ray 4. All I had to do with file and polish the sharp frets, give it a good setup, install strap locks, and…it’s a great bass! Fabulous value for the money.

@justinkline1294 8 ай бұрын

Right-on about the Sterling basswood body being lighter in weight. Also more resonant in my opinion. Just feels like an alive instrument in-hand. I replaced full-sized brass bridge saddles and an Aguilar 4M pickup. Stock 2-band preamp. Like it much more than my first EB stingray that I had. A keeper for sure.

@is_what_it_is 6 ай бұрын

The Sterling full scale Stingrays sound incredible for the value and fit into every genre. I added a passive switch so I could play it through my interface without overloading it and aside from not having tone control in passive mode it sounds great. Most versatile bass I've ever owned.

@AllbeeHivezChristianAllbee 4 ай бұрын

My oldest bass is a 2014 Sterling SUB Ray4. With many other basses having come and gone in my collection since then, this one has stuck around all these years. It has been that good to me. I played it stock until 2019 when the pre-amp died on me for good. I swapped both the pickup and a pre-amp for a Seymour Duncan and MojoTone respectively. It’s not my number one instrument, but I have loved this bass' distinct sound with everything I have played and it is here to stay.

@progrockjock 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience! That was a wise decision to replace those components with Seymour Duncan and MojoTone. I really miss having a fretted Stingray in my collection. I'm actually planning to sell my fretless SUB and my Ibanez ATK (a wannabe Stingray) and I will be replacing them with a fretted Sterling Ray4.

@AllbeeHivezChristianAllbee 4 ай бұрын

Between my Ray, my Jazz & Precision Basses, and a Harley Benton Rickenbacker copy I have, I have ended up with the “big four” basses.

@progrockjock 4 ай бұрын

Oh, man! How do you like that HB Ric? I hear they're pretty good!

@hankfleming0560 6 ай бұрын

that groove in the intro 🤌🤌🤌

@progrockjock 6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@sexyworm1000 4 ай бұрын

I’m a guitar player that’s finally making the move to learn bass as well I always loved the look of a ray 4 white with the black pickguard lucky me sterling has a ray24ca in white with tortoiseshell

@thebionicbassplayer 6 ай бұрын

I've owned about every Stingray from the SUB Series to the Sterling's to a Musicman Pre-Ernie Ball original and I have to agree with your assessment. They are about the most affordable well-rounded bass you can get. I've owned numerous Fenders, Squires and G & Ls to compare them with.

@pCeLobster Жыл бұрын

Stingrays are the coolest looking basses without a doubt. They're more similar to P basses than a lot of people think. But, they can be both bigger and more pillowy or tighter and punchier depending on your hand position.

@RealEstateChris56 3 ай бұрын

I agree! The Stingray neck feel, growl and sensitive EQ, it's all there. I think it's Leo Fender's masterpiece. I play a Stingray Special 5H. Killer bass!!

@rome8180 Жыл бұрын

I have a Sterling Ray34. I believe they're around $900 new. I bought mine on discount for $700. You would never know it's a mid-tier instrument though. The fretwork is immaculate. The neck is roasted maple, and is so comfortable. Maybe the only thing that isn't as good as an EBMM is the pickup. It still sounds great to me, though. But you can always upgrade it if you want.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

A Ray34 for $700?? You totally won! I really dig those. I posted a video on a charcoal, roasted-maple-neck, Ray34 a few months ago. I almost bought it but ended up buying the BFR. I still want that Ray34 though.

@jacobmeyers3446 Жыл бұрын

I love my stingray. I noticed Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy has been playing them recently. Not my favorite band but it’s cool to see someone switch to them too

@MelGibsonsFist 3 ай бұрын

I have a fender P, a Sandburg cali SL tt-4, and a G&L L-1000. All are amazing. Next on my list is a stingray 5 string.

@progrockjock 3 ай бұрын

I’m so close to pulling the trigger on G&L L-1000 to complete my Leo Fender Arsenal. Sandburg makes good instruments as well. I like your profile handle!

@andrewbecker3700 Жыл бұрын

I think depending on the model, and how each specific color option is spec'd out, there's some Sterling Stingray Ray34's that come in under $1k that are every bit as good as many MM state side offerings. I snagged a B-stock in firemist silver for $749 to match my Sterling Cutlass CT50 HSS. They're the 2 least expensive guitars in my collection but nobody thinks that.

@rmccain99 Жыл бұрын

I like the string spacing for the plucking hand on the four string and I wish they maintained that on the five string but they do not. The Gibson Grabber has a three pickup layout which gives it a unique sound. I would like to see that on the Stingray.

@57precision Жыл бұрын

There is always the short-lived Big Al, if you can find one.

@ratherbe7 9 ай бұрын

I agree and I didn’t like the look of the Stingray initially 😂😂 And yes that raspy baritone voice they have is very unique, especially when wide open.

@nerigarcia7116 2 ай бұрын

I have a Stingray and Jazz and feel I got it covered.

@dbs3278 Жыл бұрын

I wish you had mentioned the Ibanez ATK line ( although not in production). I have a flame maple natural 4-string like one I saw on one of your videos. Plus 2 others (another 4-string and a 5-string). They are heavy, but i like them. Also have a unique sound (s).

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

I'm totally with you on the ATK line! My ATK700 is the best Ibanez I've owned and played so far. This particular video was taken from 90 minutes of me rambling about many of the basses I own. I've thought about just posting the unedited footage since I went through the trouble to record it. Either way, I'm planning to release a follow-up video all about the ATK line, so please check back. Thank you!

@GunnySmithApple Жыл бұрын

I will agree that Music Man has the best feeling necks and can be setup better than any bass I’ve ever played. I’ve owned a couple. However, for me, there are a few basses I like better for tones.

@pine3737 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! A stingray will become ones go to if they planed that or not. What you said True That!

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I really need to spend more time with their 5 & 6-string models to see how they feel.

@thebionicbassplayer Ай бұрын

One of the few times I've agreed with a reviewers assessment of a bass guitar line. Musicman Stingray is one of the best all around instruments you can buy.

@mjolnircarlssen4211 5 ай бұрын

I loved my Music Man Stingray 5 (early 90s) with an HH setup, and I could never get the neck adjusted correctly. There was so much tension, and I endlessly fought with the action. For me? I’m a PBass guy, but if I was to try a Stingray again, I’d probably do better with a 4-String Stingray with a single humbucker. It’s likely a better fit for me.

@ollywright 7 ай бұрын

I've owned a fretted musicman stingray (same electronics as yours) since 1992. I've never played a better all-round bass, it's still what I play 90% of the time. If I could only keep one thing I own, it would be my '92 stingray.

@omni-c 8 ай бұрын

They sound so cool, I just wish they had better color ways

@troybranch Жыл бұрын

I completely agree 👍

@FlamesAt1000ft Жыл бұрын

Damn! 😧I just knew you’d mention the MusicMan “Bongo” Bass‼️✨🎸In which I own by chance! I ☝🏾monitored for a Japanese Manufacturer in Tokyo, Japan and got one free and a marriage ensued!! 👌🏾👍🏾👏🏾😍The Bongo deserves more attention as an ”All-Around” Bass!! one more KILLER MusicMan style Bass! Aesthetically they get dissed but their tone Is definitely MusicMan!! Just adore mine‼️✨🎸🙏🏾🥰

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

I must admit that I don't like the look the Bongo but I've been very interested in playing the John Myung model. Who knows? I might fall in love with it too!

@randallsnell5767 Жыл бұрын

A Leo Fender design. His next step, with Dale, and George, was G&L.

@user-fu9vj9ix3g 3 ай бұрын

Yeah, the looks are just right. I consider them tobe th elogical evolution of the fender.

@LoKoSFermincho Жыл бұрын

Great video! I would love to hear your thoughts when comparing a G&L Kiloton to a Stingray. I've heard people say it's a weird hybrid between a Jazz, Precision and Stingray all combined into one. I'd like to hear your unfiltered opinion on it because I think it'd be too good to be true. I had the chance to play a Tribute (G&L's cheaper line) Kiloton and I quite enjoyed it but I'm not sure if it's worth going for it or buying a Sterling Stingray instead.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I am actually planning to look at a vintage G&L bass this week. I looked at a Tribute tele-style guitar yesterday. I wasn't impressed but GC isn't known for setting up the guitars they hang on the wall. For well over a year, I have been looking deeply into G&L, as well as, Lakland. I feel like the latter is a wannabe G&L. However, I haven't played Lakeland I didn't like. Similar to G&L, Lakland gets completely overlooked, other than the fact that Nate Mendell of the Foo Fighters used to play them and has his own signature model. There are people who think I'm comparing a $2,000+ Ernie ball to a Fender Squier but this is not the case. Right now, Music Man is the only company offering a bass that comes from the factory with great sound and action for around $300. Even from Indonesia! I have some nice basses but I'm still searching for one that covers 90% of my bass needs. I actually hope it's G&L. We shall see...

@vincemincevince 10 ай бұрын

i bought a ray 4HH and i was a bit disappointed as the strings that came on it were the worst i’ve ever got on a bass and the set up was really bad. but when i put ernie ball strings and got it set up it’s amazing now

@williamperri3437 3 ай бұрын

“Chaos AD.” 👊 hey bud I’m an experienced Drummer new to playing bass and I went with the Yamaha broad Bass 4 string you did a video on. I love it so much more than my Ibanez TMB 100. I had a vintage modified squire from 2017 that I ended up selling to my brother which I loved but when I checked the new Squires none of them were as clean as the Yamaha, or as well made as my 2017 Vintage modified Jazz bass. How do you think the Yamaha holds up against the standard music man stingray? It came with really nice low action and has a really comfortable body!

@progrockjock 3 ай бұрын

Yes sir!! Sepultura (1984-1997) is one of the best!!! I like the Yamaha Broad Bass a lot and I'm planning to revisit it again soon. Yamaha is as well known as Ibanez, Sterling, Squier and Epiphone but they have a sleeper effect that rivals Lakeland, G&L, Sire and Schecter. In other words, All of the brands I mentioned have hidden gems. I did a video last year comparing the 5-String Broad Bass (with tapewounds) to a 5-String Sterling. I liked the Yamaha better for feel and it would've completely beat out the Sterling if it weren't for those tapewound strings. Much respect to you for being a drummer - It's my favorite instrument! Keep jamming!

@julianthesmooshyhusky8976 7 ай бұрын

Best part about a stingray is it really doesn’t matter what amp you use, it’ll sound like a stingray

@AzixZander7x7 Жыл бұрын

While I’ll agree overall. I know for fact you can buy a good Fender Jazz or Precision for under $500 even $300 the marks is saturated with them, and god forbid you spend a little more down the line to upgrade the pickups or tuning pegs. Honestly as long as you pick one of those 3 up, you’re golden. For playability and repairs. There’s a huge market and community behind these basses, that’s the real take away!

@mdwayne741 4 ай бұрын

Such a nice sound on that Fretless bass of yours ... I have always been a little scared to buy one (because of my skill level- or lack thereof. 😂. Never thought much about Fretless until recently... it's just a cool sound... it's different. Blue Murder was a 3 piece band with John Sykes, Tony Franklin, and Carmine Appice.....I love Tony's bass sound on their self-titled album! Check them out if you haven't. PS...I love the Ratt "Invasion Of Your Privacy" photo!!!!

@progrockjock 4 ай бұрын

Thanks about my fretless stingray and noticing the Invasion of Your Privacy vinyl on the wall!! I bet you can guess which 2 are not actual vinyl records in the frames. I will give you a clue one of the pictures is actually part of a promo set I got my hands on around the time the band was out touring...Geez, I just gave that one away 😂...oh yes, I know about Tony Franklin and Blue Murder, as well as The Firm. A fretless monster he is indeed!

@iamLexxKelsey Жыл бұрын

I agree 💯

@robsantorobass Жыл бұрын

I love how MusicMan basses sound. But finally got to play one and I gotta say, I didn’t like how it felt. The neck felt really stiff, the body felt too big. I play Schecter Stiletto basses and that body and neck just work for me. After I played the MM I picked up just a random Stiletto off the wall and immediately felt in my comfort zone. I’m sure if I played the MM for an extended period of time I’d get used to it but I don’t know if I’d wanna chance spending over 1k for something I’d learn to like/get used to.

@robsantorobass 10 ай бұрын

@@nickk5948 best way I can put it into words really; it just didn’t feel comfortable. It felt like I was fighting that bass to play it. The neck just didn’t sit well with me

@PolarBimbi 3 ай бұрын

you should make a video comparing the musicman to the ibanez atk :)

@progrockjock 3 ай бұрын

Great idea! It's time to do a side by side, sound and look comparison.

@christophermitchum6829 Жыл бұрын

Got a 5 jazz... but my 5 Michael Kelly whoops AZZ!!!

@bassyey 2 ай бұрын

HH version yes.

@michaelweinman9051 Жыл бұрын

Ahhhhhhhhhhh my final frontier. Music Man Sterling Stingray

@BassGods 26 күн бұрын

I have a Ray4 Sub, and turned it into a serial killer Bass. lol! I added a Seymour Duncan pickup, Aguilar obp 3tkpp 3 band eq, with push pull knob, and even had the classic mutes installed. This thing is getting cremated along with me, when my time comes. 😂

@progrockjock 26 күн бұрын

Sounds like you have an awesome, customized bass! Your comment about being cremated with the bass comes at a weird time. 2 days ago, my son and I had a discussion about my "burial bass" not being buried with me, since I wanted to be cremated and he said, "don't worry, we can just cremate it with you!" 😂

@bassimprovjams3772 Жыл бұрын

Nothing like a stingray I’ve owned a dozen of them and down to 3 I got 2 specials, and my 04 is my got to the grave bass just amazing basses!!! I want the 30th anniversary sooo bad too!! The ceramic pups are my favorite stingray tone, just so snappy and aggressive I don’t think I knew they made Sub fretless basses, personally I’ve never been a P bass guy, if I want a P tone I’ll use my lakland 5502 and put the neck J pup on, I’m not much of a neck pup solo tone guy,

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Ugh, I passed up a candy-apple red 30th anniversary a few months ago because I really wanted that BFR Fretless. Hopefully, we'll live to see the 50th Anniversary - You know it's going to be insane!! Only 3 years to go...and oh, yes, Lakland basses are great! I recently did some recording with a 5-string that was in the studio. The demos I played on were Metal and the guitarist used the John Pertrucci Music Man.

@bassimprovjams3772 Жыл бұрын

@@progrockjock yea I’m excited to see the 50th anniversary! I love how the 30th anniversary had the ceramic pup, at least the 5er did idk about the 4 banger, I love my lakland soo much! I’m on my 2nd one now, I was a fool and sold my first one to Johnny Lee Long and had to get another one, John Petrucci is a guitar God!! 🙏

@mil3ston3s Жыл бұрын

I see XTC + The Specials on the wall, I subscribe.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Thank you! XTC is my favorite band!!

@johnwbkennedy539 Жыл бұрын

After seeing this video went and ordered a Sterling Ray34. I didn't want to break the bank so went with something in the middle. Is this a half decent bass?

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

The Ray34 is an awesome bass! It's the way I will probably go. I bought a pair of Ash Stingrays (fretted & fretless) in 1995 for right around $2,000...yes, for both!

@slappy853582 Жыл бұрын

I love my 34, I honestly think about upgrading to an Ernie ball but can't see the point

@Colorlibertad 7 ай бұрын

Nice video!! I have the '92 one, but a Luthier put glue on my pickup and I had to throw it away. Music man doesn't sell me the pick up separatelly. Do you think the electronics and the pick from the Sub is the same as the Sting ray enie ball? I could by a Sub and take the pick and the electronics.

@progrockjock 7 ай бұрын

Thanks! Man, I think I might try getting a Seymour Duncan Stingray Pickup but I think the pickup sounds about the same. I have a fretless sub and a Ball Family Reserve Fretless and they both sound great!

@Colorlibertad 7 ай бұрын

@@progrockjock good idea!! Thank you!!

@latonyahemingway3752 Жыл бұрын

Preaching to the choir !!! I have A BFR Fuego Fretless 5, Amethyst Sparkle StingRay5 Special, BFR Crescendo 5, and Ernie Ball Short Scale Stingray Starry Night. I love the Specials and the Original Pre Ernie Ball era StingRay. I would love to have a Tim Cummerford Short Scale with he old school bridge mutes. You can't beat Ernie Ball quality. It rivals boutique quality . There is no genre where a Stingray won't work . To me it is the best design Leo Fender ever did. It's like the best of a Jazz bass and the best of a Pbass all in one. I think they were the first company to master the 5 string.

@carloscondemore 6 ай бұрын

Amen!!!!

@corpselover450 7 ай бұрын

I recently picked up a used sterling 34HH From my local music store Went to get it set up in the truss rod was broken and two of the tuners were locked up Went back and exchanged it Truss rod was busted on the second one I don't know if anyone else has had this issue

@progrockjock 7 ай бұрын

I'm sorry to hear this! I've always had great luck with all of their basses, regardless of the tier.

@jamesr6497 4 ай бұрын

Great video; agree Stingray is King of Basses. I just realized I thumbs upped you to 666 votes; hope that doesn’t bring you bad luck haha. Really enjoyed the info and subscribed. I haven’t gotten my first Stingray yet, but will share when I do. So far happy with my P bass and my 2 Jazz basses. Cheers!

@progrockjock 4 ай бұрын

Thank you! I'm cool with 666 thumbs up! I didn't even realize the video had that many likes. Having a Jazz bass actually curbed my desire for another fretted stingray. Sounds to me like you've got all the basses covered!

@jamesr6497 4 ай бұрын

@@progrockjockYes; I feel pretty covered. I wanted a Stingray at point in my life when it wasn’t financially feasible; so you’re video has sort of rekindled my interest. I agree with you that G& L is no doubt a quality instrument; but I also think the Lakeland Basses are pretty awesome; been looking at their PJ basses, very interesting bridge designs. Your thoughts on Lakeland craftsmanship? Have a great day!

@austinman1712 Жыл бұрын

Bought a Sterling 34 on a whim and it’s outstanding.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

I really think Sterling Ray34 is the sweet spot! I believe it's better than the Ernie Ball Stingray I had back in the day and is definitely lighter.

@paulgrinold1103 8 ай бұрын

Tim C from RATM plays a music man.

@Rondoggy67 4 ай бұрын

100% on their quality control. They're also a good company that looks after its workers.

@progrockjock 4 ай бұрын

That's good to know. Sterling Ball seems like a real class act!

@D14V0R05 7 ай бұрын

God damn that's a beautiful roasted flamed maple fingerboard.

@son0fsocal 8 ай бұрын

To your Point , I say the same thing about IBANEZ. They make $200-$2500 and beyond , they play amazingly , I’ll put my SR5005 against any MM, FENDER even a 5k Fodera. I’m complimented all the time on my bass after gigs.

@progrockjock 8 ай бұрын

It's so awesome to read your words!! Ibanez is where it all began for me with the bass. I refuse to part with my 1986 PL5050. I recently purchased an SR506e and I can't put it down but I'd rather have your prestige model! I currently own 3 (PL5050, ATK700 and SR506e) and I'm looking into buying a 4th one soon. Also, I have made hints in multiple videos about doing a video like this for Ibanez, so hopefully you'll see that soon...

@PaddyLeggBass Жыл бұрын

Lakland QC is the best I’ve ever known, altho they don’t do anything super cheap like the SUB, but I’ve known a few Sterlings have problems with QC

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Lakland basses are totally underrated. I was telling someone else in the comments that I used a 5 string for a studio session a few months back. I was so impressed, I almost bought one but decided to hold off. It's still on the list for consideration.

@PaddyLeggBass Жыл бұрын

You won’t regret it, they are VERY good!

@48streetrat Жыл бұрын

Have a USA made Musicman Sterling 4 string got it for $850 from pawnshop.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

You totally scored!! We used to gig with another band and their bassist had a natural finish Sterling. I always told him to find me if he ever sold it, not giving real credit to the 94 Ernie Ball I owned. Hang on to that bass!

@chrisjennings5680 11 ай бұрын

What are your thoughts on Laklands?

@progrockjock 11 ай бұрын

Terribly underrated.

@chrisjennings5680 11 ай бұрын

I have two Laklands - a 5501 and 5502 and love them both!

@mlchaelphelps1158 Жыл бұрын

Leo Fender said that he believes that the g&l basses are the best basses that he ever made

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Spoiler: G&L coming soon...

@johnraspberry2269 Жыл бұрын

Stingray is the BEST bass guitar ever made.

@raytar84 2 ай бұрын

Sterling by MM is something different than EBMM Sterling. Just as a reminder ;). Good luck.

@progrockjock 2 ай бұрын

I know. It's the most ridiculous thing Music Man ever did. Then there is Atlanta naming over 100 streets using the word "peach" 🙄 Anyway, I actually prefer the Music Man Sterling over the traditional Stingray design.

@raytar84 2 ай бұрын

@@progrockjock Don't tell anyone but... me too. Good day.

@r3b0rn80 Жыл бұрын

I don’t understand why they can make a Sub Sterling for around 500€ but can’t make a fretless one…

@jdcrawford 4 ай бұрын

Aero pickups, can make a music man pick up with similar characteristics as a P

@PorchBass 22 күн бұрын

Unless you use a lot of pedals, when you will want a passive switch on your Stingray!

@TenFalconsMusic Жыл бұрын

. If you can't do it on a Stingray or P Bass... You can't do it.

@mirkosmi1800 8 ай бұрын

Bro, you know what fretless is. Musicmen is truly the best fretless I've ever heard. The standard among fretless...

@nickpicc Жыл бұрын

I've had Stingrays at every price point and agree. Should be noted that even the cheap Sterlings 5 have a great B string, which is hard to find at that price. My Stingray Special 5 H is my number one

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

I agree with you and I will be adding a 5-string to my collection but I want to check out the L-2500 before pulling the trigger. I've never owned a 5-string before, so I want to make sure I give all of Leo Fender's creations a try.

@nickpicc Жыл бұрын

@@progrockjock the L2000 was my main bass for many years. I've had a M2500 from G&L too. Can't go wrong with G&L or EBMM

@GunnySmithApple Жыл бұрын

I do think it’s a little unfair to compare cheaper Fenders to a $2000 Music Man bass. Obviously it’s probably not going to be as good. Now, if you want to compare the cheaper Sterling by Music Man line to the cheaper Fender lines, then that’s reasonable.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

I agree with you. That's why I kept mentioning that I was comparing the quality of the entry-level, fretted Sterling/Sub basses to the Fender Squier line. The Sub fretless I showed cost me somewhere around $600 give or take. I think all of Leo Fender's creations are great but I believe Music Man and G&L are putting out better quality instruments these days.

@anderscarlsson3387 8 ай бұрын

Love Stingrays. But the Jazzbass is the most versatile bass.

@ohhwelltestchannel8550 Ай бұрын

Throw a $120 pickup in a Sterling and wire it in parallel and you have 95% of an EBMM.

@flukyreview9128 9 ай бұрын

Music man Sting Ray, Fender Pbass, Jbass and G&L. All these basses were created by Leo Fender

@emilianolasalle Жыл бұрын

The best one would be an sabre bass

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

I love Sabre basses!!

@danielshade710 Жыл бұрын

No one on earth agrees with this premise. For one…..Steve Irwin.

@dsmiddy2374 5 ай бұрын

Thumbs up for Ratt

@jamesreynolds4487 7 ай бұрын

1961 jazz bass is the best bass

@robertandre778 Жыл бұрын

best in the world ? or just best American Brand ? ;)

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Best in the universe ;-)

@chuckybastard 9 ай бұрын

I love my Stingray special

@KyleConnors413 Жыл бұрын

I respect your opinion, but MM have a super glassy, crisp trebly high end that I just can’t stand. For me the P bass remains the most versatile. The high end has a better, smoother roll-off and isn’t harsh at all. ALTHOUGH, there’s nothing like the phat boom of a MM E string, it’s god tier level

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

And I respect yours. I have had 5 P basses and each one of them had a different tone - All favorable. My first one was actually a PJ Passive/Active. I've never seen another like it. The one I have now is the best. It's probably a 1962 but I need to take it apart in order to verify. Every studio I've walked into with that old P bass has celebrated its appearance. After live gigs, people would ask me about my tone and I would give all the credit to that P bass. It is, and always will be my main bass. However, I just think for beginners and pros, a lot of ground can be covered with a MM Stingray.

@vanpet1993 10 ай бұрын

Regarding quality control, I don't trust Sterlings in recent years, not in the slightest...

@progrockjock 10 ай бұрын

Dude, if your avatar is who I think it is..."Gattsu"...Berserk is, hands down, my favorite Manga of all time!!!...but I must argue that 95% of the Sterling basses and guitars I've played around here in Atlanta are generally solid. However, Ibanez certainly gives them a run for their money when it comes to quality control.

@vanpet1993 10 ай бұрын

@@progrockjock yeah its our man Guts... :D I recently bought sterling ray34 with sliver hardware and tuning machines literally ate themselves with first restringing. Additionally, truss rod doesn't have enough freedom of movement to adjust the relief the way it should be. I also read the forums about it and a lot of people have those problems... Just type "stingray purple sparkle problems", you will get what I mean... On the other hand it did sound very good, but it's unfunctional in the long run, so be careful when buying those. I ended up returning mine.

@progrockjock 10 ай бұрын

I know I'm a total dork, but Guts is my hero for so many reasons! I wish someone would pick that manga up and do a legit series covering the Black Swordsman evolution. That series released on Netflix, covering the Golden Age Arc, once again, was just tired and not done nearly as well as the OLM version. Speaking of that 1997 series, I covered that Silver Fins song acoustically going on 2 decades ago, but never posted it anywhere. Back to Music Man, Steling - Wow! I'm sorry to hear your experience with the Ray34 was so bad! I actually think I might be done with them. I love my BFR fretless but I am still trying to find the bass that suits me the best or just sort out the electronics in my Pedulla.

@vanpet1993 10 ай бұрын

@@progrockjock On the other hand, I have MM Stingray special which is top notch in almost every sense... So I definitely recommend those... The only thing I have against it is that neck is quite sensitive to humidity changes, but as I've managed to learn, that is something to be expected from unfinished one piece necks...

@vanpet1993 10 ай бұрын

@@progrockjock i haven't played one but i heard all the best about Maruszczyk bass. Polish manufacturer located in Germany They make custom basses check them out. They even have a very good configurator on Public Peace site... I'm planning to buy one in the future... P.S. Berserk really needs good anime adaptation... We can only hope it gets done one day. :D

@michelzbierski6522 Жыл бұрын

🏃 *Promosm*

@57precision Жыл бұрын

Ahh the October 19 BFR. I am kicking myself hard for not buying this when it was new. It's now my white whale.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Another one will come along. Like many times before, I was lamenting the loss of my old, natural finish, Ernie Ball Fretless, which I had so foolishly traded away 25 years ago. I was actually searching for my old bass when I stumbled across the BFR fretless. I paid more than twice as much for the BFR but it is truly better than my old one. When the time is right, your bass will appear.

@57precision Жыл бұрын

@@progrockjock I definitely think so. I am lucky enough to own an awesome 2011 fretless SLO special HS. But it is one of those boat anchor Stingrays, and I'm imagining how nice a sub 8lb fretless would be with the awesome new preamp. I'm more mad that EBMM killed off the Stingray Classic, Sterling, Sabre, Cutlass/Caprice in favor of dumb meme basses like the Joe Dart Jr, or spending thousands to recreate a specific mineral stain on the Cliff Williams. I would buy a production fretless Stingray Special in a heartbeat, but they just aren't committed to doing any kind of options anymore 😥

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

I couldn't agree with you more about all of those new MM models. FYI, my MM SUB fretless is my heaviest bass. It's 10lbs!

@Life1967sunny 3 ай бұрын

Precision bass is the best for all genres.

@PierreLewin Жыл бұрын

I build my own basses (fretless), they sound better than the Stingray, and feel super comfortable. I can practice 4 hours in a row and don't feel any pain. I had a Stingray... Sold it! Too hard, and heavy.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

I've only been to France once but I plan to return soon and when I do, I'd like to meet you in person. Really dig your basses and your sound!

@PierreLewin Жыл бұрын

@@progrockjock I live in Brazil. However I plan to spend some time in France soon. I just booked a flight August 20th to Paris.

@progrockjock Жыл бұрын

Oh, cool! Brazil is on my wife & I's bucket list! Safe travels to you!