MM Stingray graphite necks - a feeler

[Kiwi]

There's been some interest expressed in MM Stingray necks so I thought I would just provide a single location where questions can be asked rather than trying to stay on top of multiple threads. 

I have preEB neck and SR5 Classic necks that could potentially be used for molds.  One thing I've noticed is that the SR5 neck is pretty chunky, even compared to my Spector.  I could look at a narrower nut and slightly slimmer depth, more like the Steinberger necks already made.  Any thoughts or reactions to this idea?

Personally I would also go for an ebony fingerboard just because I know it's pretty neutral tonally but I'm also curious about padauk because the tap tone is pretty amazing.  Some kind of rosewood/pau ferro variant might soften fret noise a little further than ebony (assuming there are no issues with CITES).

[obi 2 kenobi]

I would be interested if headstock matches wooden stingray necks a la Status

[Raslee]

Probably too much of an ask, and not a deal breaker, but any chance of a slimmer nut width on the 4 ray? 40mm-38mm? Appreciate I maybe in a minority and it may not be feasible though.

[Kiwi]

10 hours ago, Raslee said:

Probably too much of an ask, and not a deal breaker, but any chance of a slimmer nut width on the 4 ray? 40mm-38mm? Appreciate I maybe in a minority and it may not be feasible though.

Yes, a 38mm nut is possible...(I thought the stingray was already around 40mm?)  The construction process involves carving a wooden form first and that can be adjusted in CAD/CAM software before milling begins.  But for batch every order slot has to have the same specification because the batch is based per mold and the main way I keep the price down is using a MoQ.  Otherwise it's a custom order with a custom mold.

[itu]

If we forget the headstocks, J is most probably the slimmest at nut. How would P and MM differ from nut width and neck thickness? Would it be feasible to offer two or three sizes (thin J, regular P, wide MM)? 

 

I try to understand the difference of the offering, because all custom features seem to widen the amount of units available. 

 

Three necks, fretted or fretless is 6 models in total. If the nut width is an option for every neck, there will be many more models. 

 

I like the possibility of no front dots, and fretless but that should be a doable option: just jump over some tasks in the production. A logistical nightmare it may be, though. 

[Kiwi]

3 hours ago, itu said:

If we forget the headstocks, J is most probably the slimmest at nut. How would P and MM differ from nut width and neck thickness? Would it be feasible to offer two or three sizes (thin J, regular P, wide MM)? 

 

I try to understand the difference of the offering, because all custom features seem to widen the amount of units available. 

Yes, and the amount of demand for each isn't clear either.  I'm very keen on being demand led initially because quite a bit of time and resources get committed to the development of each new neck. 

[crazycloud]

I'd be interested in an SR5 neck, depending upon anticipated cost. I was looking to get a Status one when they pulled the plug.

[Raslee]

On 18/07/2025 at 04:16, Kiwi said:

Yes, a 38mm nut is possible...(I thought the stingray was already around 40mm?)  The construction process involves carving a wooden form first and that can be adjusted in CAD/CAM software before milling begins.  But for batch every order slot has to have the same specification because the batch is based per mold and the main way I keep the price down is using a MoQ.  Otherwise it's a custom order with a custom mold.

That would be great. I was hoping for something similar to the MM Slo neck which is similar to the jazz width. I think the standard USA Rays were just over 41mm from memory.

What is the next steps? Do you need deposits or are you scoping the demand/cost?

Its fantastic you're doing this for the community, big credit to you.