Nivagues

Interesting thread!

The 2EQ has been the same since the Pre-EB days. The 3EQ sounds different because it has a high pass filter which favors the higher frequencies over the lows. Both are 9 volt They ceased being offered as from 2018 except for both the "Classic Series" 2EQ and the "Old Smoothie" black epoxied 2EQ Sting Rays which, in turn, ceased being offered as from 2020. Both are great Basses

All Sting Rays ("Special" Series) now have a new revoiced 18 volt 3EQ. The pickups are Neodymium as opposed to the previous Alnico.

I don't know what the future holds for the 2EQ as its IC chip has ceased being manufactured but there are equivalent ICs.

One of the best Sunburst finishes I've seen in a long time. Beautiful. Congrats.

Sunburst.

Below is a copy of page 4 of the 1978 hang-tag manual the factory attached to new Pre-EB Sting Ray Basses. It describes how to adjust tone controls (and in particular the bass control) to avoid the loss of mid-frequencies. This would also apply to the Ernie Ball 2EQ (9 volt) Sting Ray preamp today as the preamp circuit is virtually the same as it was from 1978 onwards.  

On ‎15‎/‎08‎/‎2020 at 01:15, ikay said:

+1 about avoiding an over-scooped EQ. The chart below of the freq response curve for a Stingray 2-band clearly shows the mid scoop with bass and treble maxed. The centre of this mid scoop falls around 200 to 800Hz which just happens to be G string territory.

The G string frequency ranges from 98Hz (open) to 196Hz (octave) to 392Hz (2 octave). In practice the first harmonic is usually more dominant than the fundamental so the 'effective fundamental' freq range of the G string is double this - ie. from 196Hz (open) to 784Hz (2 octave). Slap bang in the scoop.

The G string does of course generate other higher harmonics but these will sound thinner and weedier than the fundamental. 

Mind the scoop!

+1

If you mean the "Classic Collection" series, they're available through Ernie Ball customer service:

[email protected]

Hi bbrich.

I've suddenly developed a similar problem with my Trace Elliot 715 combo. Large decrease in volume and loss of tone. Can't find the fault. You referred to a transistor between the preamp and power stage. Do you know designation of the transistor or maybe a pic. There is a small rectangular board between the preamp board and power stage. It has a component which looks like a small three leg transistor (the only one of its kind on the board) but the schematics for the 715 identify it as a Triac. Would this be what you are referring to? Any help appreciated.

Cheers Gav (Nivagues)

Totally agree!

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Both the Sting Ray and Sabre control plates can be obtained by emailing Ernie Ball customer service.

Nice playing.

I was unable to distinguish between the two.