Musicman20

[quote name='Stan_da_man' post='745927' date='Feb 15 2010, 02:55 PM']I don't really rate the TC cabs, though the TC heads on the other hand... If I were after cabs I'd go Bergantino all the way.[/quote] I was thinking exactly the same thing...that was until I had a good 20mins on the cabs. To me, they have that brilliant vintage voicing, with a smooth hf capability. Berg are fantastic, no doubt. They are also 200-300 each more per cab...and for me seeing the depreciation recently, i'd have to always stick to second hand for Berg. I do like a warm slightly agressive voicing to my cabinets, not pure and airy, so perhaps that's why the TC cabs work for me, plus they have a great form factor and weight for ceramic.

[quote name='Duarte' post='745578' date='Feb 15 2010, 09:45 AM']Also, bear in mind that as the Ray is wired in parallel, there may be volume differences between each pickup setting (the Sterling is consistent as it is wired in series). I have an HS Bongo, and the single is GREAT. I solo it all the time - EBMM have done it very well.[/quote] Thanks! I was thinking that s might be quite useful for a more precision-esque type tone but with the eb balls.

[quote name='dub_junkie' post='745487' date='Feb 15 2010, 06:27 AM']I think the 3 way switch on the 5H is useful. Each of the 3 tones is distinct from the other and I use them all. The H has one setting the HS doesn't with the humbucker in series.This sound is the biggest sounding of the three settings on the single H with more mids but its also my least favourite(though not by much) If you think you'll use the neck pickup I say go HS.[/quote] Ah, right! Thanks, now I see what I have to decide on. Is the series option the least useful in you opinion on the h?

I would prefer the rosewood myself as I like the inlays, but I think I'd really want a sunburst or White....why don't they make them in other colours now?! I have two natural instruments and that's enough.

Thanks! I definitely think the hs is more my thing, and I'm leaning towards a Ray I think at the moment.

Bump amended the post.

Dave, my Warwick gas turned to Ernie Ball gas! I know where I am with a Ray, so I'm hoping to go for a Stingray 5 H or HS, (need to do some careful research). I am tempted by the Sterling 5, the proper EB Sterling, but Im not sure if they are too aggressive for my tastes! Cheers

A warm welcome from me

I tested one of these before I decided the Orange was more my thing. It sounded nothing like I expected, quite bland. Glad you got your money back!

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='743348' date='Feb 12 2010, 06:09 PM'] Errr... me! [/quote] +1

MIJ Fenders are great, but if you get a good 08/09 or a vintage, it just sounds massive and looks stunning. MIM ones I've tested myself sounded half decent but didn't feel right. The Squiers discussed certainly look good. Sometimes it's the feel...getting a low action can be impossible on certain basses that are cheaper. I'd love a nice MIJ P or J to thrash about on. I might pick one up second hand eventually. The one I sold to Nigel was great!

Another +1 for Darren at Bass Merchant. He has been very patient with my bring indecisive about my 5 string but I'm almost there!

Ok, so thanks to everyone for ongoing advice. I have whittled my Ernie Ball 5 string choice to Stingray 5 or Sterling 5. I've looked into the schematics on the site, apart from the Sterling ones that my phone won't let me view. I listened to some demos and I'm definite that the hh is too much for me. So, it's down to H or HS. I want to be able to get single coil tones as well as the classic humbucker at bridge tone, but what will I gain and lose with having HS instead of just H on both models? Is the serial/parallel switch useful on the Stingray 5 H? Does the single coil at bridge sound better with a H or HS?! Stingray 5 now has the same alnico pickup like my 2 Rays in my sig, which I know I will like. From what I've been told the alnico's are slightly warmer and less aggressive/hi fi, and more than classic stingray tone I love. Sterling 5 are ceramic pickups, more bite, diff plate, smaller neck profile and body?! I'm not 100% on what the body and neck differences are. Can anyone help? Perhaps a Sterling would be a good idea for a bit of variety. Colour is already decided! White with black or tort guard....classic vintage vibe Rosewood board. Advice would be great, thanks!

Thanks for all the advice, I've gone with my gut instinct and basically what I wanted when I first liked the idea of a 5 string. I've put money with ernie ball and I'm just deciding what spec. Screw the depreciation! It'll be the most awesome colour I've seen and a modern pickup configuration I've started a new thread for advice I'm finally getting there.

Guys, spoken to strings n things and defintely going for an ernie ball. Now more choices...ray 5, sterling 5, pickups?! 16 week wait but nevermind. New topic lol?!

Just as an update, the new Warwicks have a shallower neck profile, so no longer baseball bat like!

[quote name='Duarte' post='742590' date='Feb 11 2010, 10:13 PM']The newer Ray 5's have alnico magnets - same electronics as the Stingray. The Old SR5's had Sterling electronics...maybe check out the new Sterling 5.[/quote] So are the pre 08 Rays more desirable than the new ones?!

Classic song....

[quote name='BottomEndian' post='741991' date='Feb 11 2010, 12:51 PM']Sounds Live don't have an SR5? Well, my offer of a few weeks back still stands: if you want to have a noodle on my fretless SR5 (and my OLP if you fancy it), let me know. I'm pretty nearby. (Be warned, though: it's a 1993, so it's alnico magnets and no phantom coil.)[/quote] Hey man Thanks, Soundslive have no stock. GuitarGuitar and Soundslive have no Warwick or Stingray 5s! Ill have to see if I can travel to check out your fretless....youll have to excuse my rubbish fretless playing though....only tinkered with fretless once before.

Well, if im honest I can definitely adapt to necks. Ive tried a few 5 string necks recently...the Lakland DJ/JO, the Spector, and a very very quick go on a Warwick which doesnt really validate as a test. I have also played a Ray 5 for a small amount of time. The Lakkie necks were easiest to play straight away, but Ive had so many QC issues, (thats me being unlucky I think) that I gave up. That and the massive waiting time put me off. I do like what Lakland do and many users on here have good examples, but £1200 for an Indonesian bass with things I wasnt happy with meant Warwick and Stingray came to mind. Why did I think of Warwick I hear you ask?! Well, I have two Stingrays already. I was thinking of going totally different and new....something Im not used to and that has a different tone. Thats why the $$ came to mind. I did also think aboutySpector. Love the style, love the wood, not that into the tone....but thats just me! The Warwick demos ive heard definitely sound 'Warwick'. The $$ I was after has sold, BUT, I can order another with any spec I want. Keep the input coming....thanks

Nothing beats the simplicity of a P, esp through a tube or good tube emulating amp. I do love the tone of a Jazz bass...but sitting in a punk/rock/metal setting, the P bass adds more ummph for me. The J is more for my sat at home fingerstyle or when I just fancy cutting through in a different way. I dont know why Ps work so well, but they do! Cheers

I have just moved to Newcastle and extra funds to go and test are low I would love to a b them both, but the store I am dealing with are way down south. I can't even have a quick road test of one up here as no shops stock either of them thanks for the advice.

I wouldn't replace it myself....they sound good as they are

Woah! I was expecting such a resounding vote for the Ray. If I'm honest, the ray is more my style, and since I was 15 or so and I first saw one hanging there, I thought 'if I get a 5 string it's the ray'. You know what puts me off though? Not the retail, but the price they go for secondhand. People seem to lose a lot. I don't expect to sell it on, but it's nice to have that security. Rich, are the new Ray 5s different with pickups then?! They do have my dream colour in stock... Suprisingly I like the plate...I would get a classic series but they are more money, and they have no selector/2band eq, and I'd like a mid control for max flexibilty with a 5 string.