Stingray 3EQ and 2EQ Sound Samples

[martthebass]

Interesting comments regarding the weights and potential effects on sound. I've not yet owned a Ray less than about 9.5lbs (I'd love the 8.2lb one!) but I've definitely found that the body wood does make a difference to the sound - certainly in the case of my 30th compared to the poplar 3eq it replaced.

[peteb]

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='775842' date='Mar 15 2010, 11:23 PM']Hi Pete,

Depends on which one of Michael's sound clips you like best. If you like the cleaner focused sound with more bass boost, go for the 2eq. If you prefer the three-dimensional sound of the 3eq, go that way.

I know what you're saying about the Sterling - Same goes for the Stingray 5 up until early 2008. Both of these models have the ceramic magnets in the pickups & sport a highly bright and aggressive sound. I actually like that sound, but also love the warmth of the alnico magnets in the Stingray 4's (the 5er also has alnicos now!)

Now I have my 3eq/piezo Stingray set up as I like it, I'm not too bothered about getting a 2eq, but there's always that nagging doubt...[/quote]
Thanks for that Rich

Answers a few questions I've always had about the difference between the ceramic & alnico pickups and why I seem to prefer the sound of the 4 string rays to a couple of my mates' 5 strings!

May have to consider a 4 string ray if I decide to go down the route of a more traditional option - still can't make my mind up whether I prefer the 2eq or the 3eq thru!

Cheers - Pete

[dave_bass5]

[quote name='Musicman20' post='776255' date='Mar 16 2010, 01:41 PM']Cheers for this!

In this clip, I have a preference to the 3EQ....it sounds HUGE. They both sound great but the 3EQ does it for me on this one.[/quote]

I have to agree with this.
I also prefer the 3EQ in these new clips yet the 2EQ in the first. I guess its down to the low end boost in these new ones.
It does show that either will do a great job.

Thnaks for doing these Michael. It doesn't help, just makes it more confusing lol.

[implo]

Hello,
I'd be interested in knowing you signal chain for this - was the bass put through an amp/DI, or straight into the mixer/soundcard? I've just realised my 'Ray doesn't sound like a 'Ray at all... :-/

[Linus27]

[quote name='implo' post='781780' date='Mar 21 2010, 04:48 PM']Hello,
I'd be interested in knowing you signal chain for this - was the bass put through an amp/DI, or straight into the mixer/soundcard? I've just realised my 'Ray doesn't sound like a 'Ray at all... :-/[/quote]

The bass was plugged direct into my Shuttle 6 amp which had the entire EQ set flat. Out of the back of the amp I had my minidisc recorder recording live my playing. The minidisc was then plugged into my soundcard on my PC and run through Creative Media player and converted into the MP3 format.

[implo]

[quote name='Linus27' post='781937' date='Mar 21 2010, 07:55 PM']The bass was plugged direct into my Shuttle 6 amp which had the entire EQ set flat. Out of the back of the amp I had my minidisc recorder recording live my playing. The minidisc was then plugged into my soundcard on my PC and run through Creative Media player and converted into the MP3 format.[/quote]

Thanks.

[dave_bass5]

After a lot of hard thinking ive just ordered a SBMM Ray34 in Black.
Got it for £569 inc delivery which i think is a good price.

All these sound clips were very helpful Michael. Thanks.

Of course im expecting to balls it all up and find that i really did prefer the Sub with its two band EQ lol.

Edited March 23, 2010 by dave_bass5

[Linus27]

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='783296' date='Mar 23 2010, 12:27 PM']After a lot of hard thinking ive just ordered a SBMM Ray34 in Black.
Got it for £569 inc delivery which i think is a good price.

All these sound clips were very helpful Michael. Thanks.

Of course im expecting to balls it all up and find that i really did prefer the Sub with its two band EQ lol.[/quote]

Blimey, thats a bit of a move but I think its a good one. I really can't see you being dissapointed. Should be a cracking bass. I bet you are well excited now. Good stuff Dave.

[dave_bass5]

[quote name='Linus27' post='783300' date='Mar 23 2010, 12:30 PM']Blimey, thats a bit of a move but I think its a good one. I really can't see you being dissapointed. Should be a cracking bass. I bet you are well excited now. Good stuff Dave.[/quote]

Cheers.
Yeah, its a bold move considering how much ive wasted over the past year. Im glad i started the MM thread last year though, its given me a lot of info and while it looked like a MM wouldn't be right for me getting hold of Waynes Sub showed it might well be the perfect bass (except for the slightly wider neck issue, which ill have to come to terms with)

Funny thing is im never excited after spending money. I always go through a period of buyer remorse the moment ive placed the order lol. Do i really need it? no, of course not but it eats away at me until i have to do something about it. my bank manager will be getting his deep, deep red pen out right now. Ive had quite a bit of interest in my Sub so hopefully that will be sold this week. That will help ease the shock.

I was getting tempted by all the SR4s available on here at the moment. I knew i might crack and do something silly but now ive placed the order for the cheap version the rest of my money is safe from you lot ;-)

Its in despatch now so will be here tomorrow (fingers crossed).

[Linus27]

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='783325' date='Mar 23 2010, 12:45 PM']Cheers.
Yeah, its a bold move considering how much ive wasted over the past year. Im glad i started the MM thread last year though, its given me a lot of info and while it looked like a MM wouldn't be right for me getting hold of Waynes Sub showed it might well be the perfect bass (except for the slightly wider neck issue, which ill have to come to terms with)

Funny thing is im never excited after spending money. I always go through a period of buyer remorse the moment ive placed the order lol. Do i really need it? no, of course not but it eats away at me until i have to do something about it. my bank manager will be getting his deep, deep red pen out right now. Ive had quite a bit of interest in my Sub so hopefully that will be sold this week. That will help ease the shock.

I was getting tempted by all the SR4s available on here at the moment. I knew i might crack and do something silly but now ive placed the order for the cheap version the rest of my money is safe from you lot ;-)

Its in despatch now so will be here tomorrow (fingers crossed).[/quote]

Dave, you should never feel bad about spending your money and treating yourself. You only live once, you work hard to earn money, playing bass is your passion and hobby and so you should enjoy it whilst you can. Its only money and material possesion and it can always be sold. If it makes you happy then thats the important bit.

[dave_bass5]

[quote name='Linus27' post='783388' date='Mar 23 2010, 01:26 PM']Dave, you should never feel bad about spending your money and treating yourself. You only live once, you work hard to earn money, playing bass is your passion and hobby and so you should enjoy it whilst you can. Its only money and material possesion and it can always be sold. If it makes you happy then thats the important bit.[/quote]

Well thats exactly how i think as well and i dont feel guilty, just a bit "have i made the right decision".
I really am looking forward to getting it though. Im happy with my decision. this time around. And i have 7 days to send it back if i dont like it.

I think its going to make a good partner to the DD. Both come from the same factory and both have the matching headstock.

If this becomes my main bass it will be a shame to have the DD sitting in the wardrobe but this time im going to hang on to it. It will feel strange going from a bass that cost me £1500+ (the DJ5) to a bass that costs about 1/3 that all in 5 months. Just goes to show cost isnt everything.

Edited March 23, 2010 by dave_bass5

[Musicman20]

[quote name='Linus27' post='783388' date='Mar 23 2010, 01:26 PM']Dave, you should never feel bad about spending your money and treating yourself. You only live once, you work hard to earn money, playing bass is your passion and hobby and so you should enjoy it whilst you can. Its only money and material possesion and it can always be sold. If it makes you happy then thats the important bit.[/quote]

Massive +1.

I have overspent a little recently....only a little. BUT, I compare it the amount my friends WASTE on their very-expensive-to-run Japanese Sports Cars, and Im laughing. One of them spent £1400 on suspension and fitting, and then his MOT was well into £700 with it being a specialist car.

He has to pay to store it and cannot drive it that much due to the area I used to live in. Plus you cant park it anywhere.

If you ask me, cars ARE a waste of money unless you get a really nice car that actually might retain SOME value. If its like some of the cars Ive heard of recently that depreciate to half within a year, then thats a waste of money.

I hate cars BTW due to the hassle ive had with them....I want a quality Audi because they look awesome and scream quality, but unless Im on mega bucks I wont buy new. Thank god I dont need it now...I live slap bang near everything so the money went on bass instead.

Bass is a damn good hobby and if you earn from it, like some of us do, then its even more reason to spend. Exactly the reason why I joined the covers scene....to cover GAS funds.

Apologies to those who really like their cars. Ive had bad experiences with them.

Edited March 23, 2010 by Musicman20

[dave_bass5]

I agree about the cars thing but as i dont drive and have never owned one i guess my opinion is a bit one sided lol.

I also agree on the covers thing. With regular money coming in from the gigs its self funding to a point.
I just realised i have 8 gigs in May, thats going to easily cover the bass and the holiday, plus i have whatever i can get for the Sub coming in so its worked out pretty good, i hope.
I figure around £200-£240 for a back up bass that might well become my main bass.

Edited March 23, 2010 by dave_bass5

[tom1946]

That's interesting Michael.

I have to say that I prefer my 2eq. I really like having a heavy bottom end which is why I've gravitated to a P bass.
My settings are the same as yours.
Good luck!

[peteb]

[quote name='peteb' post='776561' date='Mar 16 2010, 06:41 PM']Thanks for that Rich

Answers a few questions I've always had about the difference between the ceramic & alnico pickups and why I seem to prefer the sound of the 4 string rays to a couple of my mates' 5 strings!

May have to consider a 4 string ray if I decide to go down the route of a more traditional option - still can't make my mind up whether I prefer the 2eq or the 3eq thru!

Cheers - Pete[/quote]
Just acquired a 3eq stingray!

First impressions are that it plays nicely, I prefer the neck to the sterling I used to have and that it has a much thicker sound!

Also, I need to work out how to use the 3 band eq - any help appreciated!!

[dave_bass5]

This might explain how the three EQ knobs work and interact with each other.

[url="http://www.music-man.com/faq/music-man-basses/how-does-the-3-band-eq-function-on-your-basses.html"]EBMM FAQ[/url]

I got a Ray34 a few days ago and am still coming to terms with it but i think its going to work out well. I can hear a difference between the 2 and 3 band EQ but i dont think its going to make too much difference at a gig.

Im struggling a bit with the neck and action but i think its just a case of getting used to it all. Its just a bit wider and higher than im used to.

Edited March 26, 2010 by dave_bass5

[Musicman20]

Just resurfacing this topic...

Ive been listening to the clips again, and as my Classic is no longer incoming, I was thinking of just getting a new 4 string Ray, single H.

At first I thought it has to be 2EQ. Now listening again, I think Id miss the complexity and sheer grunt of the 3EQ. Its a tone Ive gotten used to for years, and all the bands I like normally have 3 EQ Rays to really blast through the mix.

Thanks for these clips Linus.

[Linus27]

[quote name='Musicman20' post='846376' date='May 24 2010, 11:41 AM']Just resurfacing this topic...

Ive been listening to the clips again, and as my Classic is no longer incoming, I was thinking of just getting a new 4 string Ray, single H.

At first I thought it has to be 2EQ. Now listening again, I think Id miss the complexity and sheer grunt of the 3EQ. Its a tone Ive gotten used to for years, and all the bands I like normally have 3 EQ Rays to really blast through the mix.

Thanks for these clips Linus.[/quote]

You are very welcome. My take on it was this. I wanted a bass that would do big fat driving rock, something that a Precision would do. For me, the 2EQ was better. Its fatter sounding than the 3EQ and has a more simple tone whilst retaining the Musicman tone. The 3EQ has more versatility and more scope and would suit more styles. Both are amazing but I wanted a more simple Precision type appraoch and so it was 2EQ all the way.

[dave_bass5]

Im the same.
I did miss the 2EQ i had with my Sub when i first got my Ray34, and i also read how a lot of people prefer the 2EQ. I think that coloured my judgement a bit.
Just recently ive been using the mid control on my Ray34 a lot and i do think i would miss that.
Saying that, i find the low end to be a bit thinner than the Sub, and i miss that.

Sooooo, i think ill try and invest in a J East pre for the best of both worlds in a month or so. I cant see me selling the Ray34 just to replace it with a SR4 so if im keeping it i might spend a bit more money on it.

EDIT: I didnt see Michaels post before i posted mine. Michael sums it up for me as well and im hoping the J East will give me the best of both.

Edited May 24, 2010 by dave_bass5

[Musicman20]

I agree the 2EQ is a more driving P type tone, whereas the 3EQ always reminded me of a much more aggressive and bassier version of a Jazz, (sort of).

It's definitely worth listening and trying before making your mind up, as I've realised. Usually I like the original designs but with the Ray the 3EQ just works.

[Ou7shined]

[quote name='Musicman20' post='846413' date='May 24 2010, 12:11 PM']I agree the 2EQ is a more driving P type tone, whereas the 3EQ always reminded me of a much more aggressive and bassier version of a Jazz, (sort of).[/quote]
Sacrilege!

[Musicman20]

The 2EQ bass control has a lower freq shelving, but it's down to very low sub bass that doesn't make much difference. If you really cranked that area it's more likely to take a strain on your amp/speakers.

[richrips]

My main bass has always been a 3 eq stingray. Recently i have found the bottom end not deep enough for my current reggae band (sure you can boost the lows or use a sub octave, but that tends to sound hollow and flabby).

Is it possible to get a standard H modded to HS anywhere in the UK? The bass has sentimental value as my first real bass, and has the odd chip so would be poor performer in retail value. Anyone had a stingray modded???

Cheers,
Rich

[mcnach]

[quote name='Linus27' post='783388' date='Mar 23 2010, 02:26 PM']Dave, you should never feel bad about spending your money and treating yourself. You only live once, you work hard to earn money, playing bass is your passion and hobby and so you should enjoy it whilst you can. Its only money and material possesion and it can always be sold. If it makes you happy then thats the important bit.[/quote]


Can I pay you a (small ) retainer so that you email me that post above every 2-3 weeks?

[Linus27]

[quote name='mcnach' post='932395' date='Aug 22 2010, 12:41 AM']Can I pay you a (small ) retainer so that you email me that post above every 2-3 weeks?

[/quote]

I will happily accept the following payments,