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Yes, I believe this is a fairly common comment. I think it’s down to the narrow (-ish) fingerboard and MM wanting to maximise string spacing. Ironically as we normally pull downwards it would have made more sense to space the low B close to the top edge instead of the G to the bottom edge. It happened to me occasionally when I first owned one but I adapted quickly enough and it never happens now - but then I’m not too fussed about string spacing or fretboard dimensions. I think this affects players who tend to “grab” the string on the fretboard a bit more, or those that use vibrato a lot, but I’d agree that it’s one of the tightest basses with the G to the edge of the fretboard.

There’s a definite difference between the H and HH models. The H offers a 3-position coil tap with series, parallel and single coil, whereas the HH is a 5-position switch offering both coils of the bridge, inner coils of both pickups, all 4 coils, outer coils of both pickups and finally both coils of neck pickup. If you really want the classic Stingray sound then the H may be better as I’ve found the HH tends to offer more tones, but a bit less like a classic Stingray. If you like to slap then the H or discontinued HS model may be better as the HH makes it harder as the neck PU is so close to the end of the neck. Then there’s the year, as depending on which one you buy you could have Stingray with ceramic (like the current Sterling), alnico or neodymium magnets, and they each have a different tone. A light SR5 is much more common since the Special range started in 2018 - they seem to be pretty consistently 4Kg or thereabouts. Older ones do appear but I’ve not played or owned either an older SR5 or Sterling 5 below around 4.5Kgs.

That is excellent.

I’d love a Sterling is this finish. Sadly despite tempting me constantly by having the Sterling on their homepage, there’s no sign of MM reintroducing it (yet).

That’s very true. Once you get over the single position laziness then just apply all the fingerboard knowledge you’d apply on a 4 to the extra range. Although TBH when I used to have to sightread in one or two takes for money it really helps not having to shift too much. But that’s such a niche skill that is probably redundant nowadays it doesn’t really count

The number of strings has nothing to do with limits - that’s down to the player. It’s the go large mentality - it’s initially attractive because you have more of everything - positions, strings, maybe even frets. It’s easier to build long lines that ascend of descend and if you’re interested in messing around with chords and/or soloing it gives you higher range (or much higher if you string E to F instead of B to C). However the trade-off is that you have to reach over an extra string and a chunk of fingerboard to play every single note in a regular bass line. If I were playing a set that didn’t specifically need a 6 (and that’s probably 99.9% of all recorded music) I’d take a 4 or 5. I have a 6, but probably play it 10% of the time, just for fun. Years of playing a 6 also gave me wrist problems and a touch of arthritis in my little finger so be careful OP - you may grow to prefer your new 6 over all other basses, a la Anthony Jackson. If so, more power to you. It may however just be new bass syndrome.

Given Parcelforce only cover musical instruments up to £200 (although they don’t separate damage and total loss, so it may be different), you may count yourself lucky you recovered the bass. It does seem that IP may have offered additional cover but what’s the betting when push came to shove they’d wriggle out of the full payout? Any courier can screw up but I’ve gone direct to UPS for my last 20 or so purchases and sales and they’ve been far cheaper than IP for the same service and haven’t let me down (yet), plus they seem to offer the highest level of compensation I’ve been able to find.

The 5HH. Matching headstock too. I’d love this in the Sterling shape (never gonna happen):

That’s including “duties and taxes”, hence my question about whether this is being imported by the distributor?

Now available from Music Man. It looked a nice colour on the Bongo and transfers well to the Stingray. Not sure how the online store works as it appears to be shipping from the US, but taxes are added? Do these go through the distributor in the UK or are they direct to the buyer? Price for the 5HH comes out at £2,771.91 inc UPS shipping

Takes me back. I remember getting this album as a Christmas present (yes, I don’t know why either) before I’d even started playing bass so On reflection I’ve always known that Jaco’s (and everyone else’s) playing is just sublime. Of course, JM makes it with her beautiful voice, and the open tunings/sounds were captivating then and haven’t aged a bit.

I was told an extraordinary number of instruments turned up at dealers with faults during from the early part of 2020 onwards as factories struggled to rush instruments out with skeleton staff. Poorly profiled nut, poorly inserted and profiled frets, jack socket not working, bent tuning pegs etc. With most stores having one member of staff onsite (and not every day in some cases) and firm demand, it’s inevitable that some basses in sealed boxes just got shipped out.

That’s a good point. As another long term hater of the Stingray 5 pickguard (one of the reasons why I have a Sterling instead), it didn’t occur to me to get one the same colour as the bass to somewhat reduce its impact. It’s a shame really as some of the special edition Stingrays that lose the pickguard look so much better. I do however love the pickguard on the SR4.

Very nice. I briefly had an L2500 tribute and loved the tone, but having asked the dealer for the lightest one they had was a tad disappointed when it turned up and weighed 5.4Kg! Would love a CLF 2500 in gold and I gather they’re much lighter (around 4Kg). Just a shame about the ugly metal scratch plate which actually works on your bass but doesn’t look so great on the other colours.

I’ve been looking for a Big Al 5 SSS for a year or so now. I’ve not seen a single one for sale worldwide. The last one up for sale was about 18 months ago on TB, and one on hear apparently a couple of years ago. I know they weren’t produced for long but they seem to be as rare as hen’s teeth.

Sold some headphones to Tony. Fast payment and great communication. A pleasure doing business

Having had both a 425 and a 435, I beg to differ. The electronics and the B string on both Yamahas was nothing to write home about. Both were bought before playing (one was dirt cheap) but I moved them on because they were a bit anonymous and lacked that feeling of being “alive”. Nothing like some older 80s BBs I’ve played. I also tried the 735 and didn’t believe it was worth the extra money (painted neck seemed odd and didn’t sound or feel better to me). As always, everyone has their own views. IMHO the Sire V7 5 that I bought (fully expecting to send back as not good enough) is a much better all-round bass - although maybe not all are, not sure about their consistency.

I hate naffing acronyms or I have no idea I’m with you on acronyms Dave.

IHNA

Sterling 5 HH in scarlet red, Corvette Teambuilt 6 and Sire V7 5 in lake placid blue. Loving all 3 of them! I still hanker after an NYC Sadowsky. Every one I've tried has felt abs sounded incredible

Well to be fair I’ve spent the same amount recently, but in my defence it was 3 basses Looks fabulous, enjoy!

Were you the lucky ticket holder that scooped the £122m on the Euromillions last night? Well done