Music Man Stingray Classic vs. Stingray Special - Stingray Sweetness - LowEndLobster Tone Shootout

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Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Classic: www.music-man.com/instruments...
Hey Everyone! Today we have even more Stingray comparisons for you! This time we're comparing my Stingray Classic with the Stingray Special. The Stingray Classic is probably my favorite Stingray and it's easy to see and hear why, but can our Stingray Special do the classic "thing"? Let's find out!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with SIT Foundation Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at sitstrings.com/
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[@pwokaren]

The Classic’s sound is in a league of its own. Would love to see it up against a SB-2.

[@iansoares3404]

excellent comparison. Thanks for doing this. I own two specials and now I want a classic

[@PNovak87]

thank you so much for doing it with drums. I feel like that’s the BEST way to really know how it sounds.

[@MB57]

I like how both basses sound & look, but like the classic (esp in black/gloss maple) just a bit more. Great stuff!

[@user-zp1yo6so1e]

Thanks for posting!

[@philipmcadam5339]

Thanks Lobster, great video. Another comparison that I would quite like to see would be of an EBMM Stingray Special and an EBMM Bongo. Similar but, different.

[@dback139]

Excellent review. I've owned both. I had a 2010 Stingray Classic and still have a 2020 Stingray Special SLO Special HH. Both are fantastic instruments, but for me, the Special is a much better Stingray in all aspects. When it really boils down to basics, I find that the Classic is great for "that" vintage sound, looks great, plays great, but it is what it is. It doesn't have really any modern ergonomic contours (it is a slab body), and it weighs considerably more. The Special is a better "fit" for me, weighs less, and is just overall easier to play and I really like the 18v preamp

[@barackmycat9448]

I bought the 1st model to come out in `77. I loved it but I was playing a lot and I got a sore shoulder from that anchor. Fewer knobs the better for me.

[@PatrikAhlmConcord]

Nice comparison. 👍. For me - Classic all the way. 😎

[@luckylucky3770]

Thanks for the upload. The black one sounds better!

[@billyjay1]

Both sound great

[@Greywolfzx]

With everything centered, both sound quite similar. Biggest difference is with EQ. The Special has a higher output and more “aggressive” boost. Both sound amazing. Dream bass for sure. Thanks for the comparison.

[@internnutt]

I've always loved Rays (mostly of the SBMM variety owing to cost), but the weight has consistently been an issue for me, so I would lean towards the Special. I mean, sub-8 is crazy in the best possible way. Will have to wait for a "special" deal though as it is not inexpensive. As always, great vid!

[@t.c.v.t.]

Love that you read my suggestion awhile ago and added pick playing. I finally have a consistent resource for hearing a lot of the basses I'm interested in played with a pick. I know it adds more time to finishing these great videos but thanks it really helps. I love someone giving as much time to picking as slapping.

[@LowEndLobster]

It was a great suggestion :)

[@nickhall1115]

Thanks to both of you. I am primarily a guitar player, and use a pick almost exclusively (I play punk and hardcore primarily).

[@t.c.v.t.]

@@nickhall1115 Same with me. Was mostly playing punk and heavier music and anything under the rock umbrella. So his playing isn't like mine but I can hear enough to know if it would work.

[@t.c.v.t.]

@@LowEndLobster Right on!

[@nickhall1115]

@@t.c.v.t. Picks for the win!

[@Thanawolf]

Like every bass player, i like the stingray. The design, the sound the colours are really cool. However as a lefty we are so screwed that we varely have any choice at all. I would love to have the ray34 in purple but oh well not for me i guess. Great video

[@langstonmorgan555]

Stingray Special for me.

[@Bassdriver]

Looks (black with high gloss finished maple board is SO SEXY!!!) and tone with everything set flat of the Classic with ergonomics and versatility of the Special would be the perfect combo.

[@57precision]

Yes, EBMM needs to make the 2EQ and alnico pickup in the special package. And a fretless option. But they are not big on options anymore. You get what you get.

[@thereis5726]

if you forget one of those basses near to my house..i’ll appreciate it for sure

[@nickpicc]

Stingray Special for me. Ive owned both and the Special is just so much more versatile. Classic is great too but I love my Special. The mid control makes a huge difference

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Yea I luv the mids too especially in a live situation, it’s needed tho a classic 76/78 is a dream bass for me, I wish they would do a 5 string in the re issue classic version my 04 has some killer tones, my specials do too but I really love the ceramic pups

[@rrdream2400]

the trick to getting more mids from a 2 band EQ is easy, you just turn down the bass and treble and turn up the volume.

[@eldorado5319]

Stingray classic is my fav. I build a Stingray classic from Warmoth parts with a Delano pickup and an EMG 2-band EQ and I have to say that soundwise it comes close to your classic.

[@57precision]

Doing something similar, using a Bosko replica preamp and a Curtis Novak long-pole pickup. Should sound identical to a classic Stingray.

[@basswordz4335]

Classic!

[@42bass]

The classic is great,my favorite.

[@ferdinandhadiwirawan3456]

I don't know why, but I still love the old and standard MM Spec, classic tuning machine, 21 fret.

[@dennytroy]

They are all great but I do love my special as I’m a gigging bass player and the less weight is a benefit plus the neck is much nicer with the special.

[@kevinpelepako7381]

I like having the intro song back!

[@LowEndLobster]

That was purely accidental hahaha

[@roadbull1]

2 band f4 life!!!

[@1thess523]

Classic for me 👍.

[@57precision]

My two stingrays are a 4H special and a 4H fretless SLO special HS. I think both basses can cop the classic tone pretty well with the mids cut and bass and treble slightly boosted. The HS definitely has that ice-pick top end the classic is capable of, but I don't really find that useable. The special is less extreme in this regard. Would love to add a classic to my arsenal and keep flats on it.

[@garycook5125]

The Special has a mushy output on the lower end, while the Classic is punchy and clear on the lower frequencies. My vote goes to the Classic. Thanks for the great demo.

[@RussellNix-Buckner]

I agree completely. I came here hoping they would at least be close (because I really didn’t want to pay the $700 additional for the Retro) but the Retro sounds leaps and bounds better, at least to me.

[@nickxcarr]

Off topic, but I hope you'll review the Squier Paranormal Rascal that they just announced. I'm itching to add a short-scale to the arsenal and that green finish is calling my name...

[@LowEndLobster]

Mine comes Tuesday :)

[@VeitLehmann]

Same here! Maybe I'll get a semi-hollow short scale instead, but I guess not before trying the new Rascal!

[@chillpillology]

classic is just too hard to beat. great comparison!!!!

[@funkypunk1001]

I like the Special, hands down. I think the Classic sports a more articulate 'solo' tone, but I think between the weight difference, the 3 band EQ and the rounded tone of the neodynium poles, the Special is the better choice for a gig with a group.

[@Sallrada]

I'll take both ;-)

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

CLASSIC !!!

[@PushSueAside]

I still Trip on, all the MM/Stingray bass videos you have done, the only one you haven’t “reviewed” (at least, to my limited knowledge) is the only one I have. The early 2000s US SUB. In fact, not many have. Even the couple videos here on KZbin aren’t that great, and maybe because of that, it only makes me love it more. Still… I’d love to know more about it, there is so little info on these awesome basses. Maybe I’m delusional… maybe they suck and are an abomination?!?!? Cheers. Great video.

[@VeitLehmann]

For me, regarding the EQs, the truth is in somewhere in-between. I like bass boosts and treble cuts better on the Classic, bass cuts on the Special, and for treble boosts, I can't decide. Seems like the Special's EQ is a lot stronger. This adds versatility but also makes it easier to dial in ugly sounds. Overall, I like the rough vintage sound of the Classic, but also the more even, refined sound of the Special. Very interesting how different they are!

[@latonyahemingway3752]

You should do a StingRay only video playing all of your different Stingrays. I know it will be long but I will watch it. Just play some classic StingRay songs from different genres instead of that same demo riff.

[@ztopalusic]

classic for me ;)

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I prefer the sound of the Black one. Stingray and Jazz Bass are my 2 favorite's.

[@nickhall1115]

I wish they’d release a version of the special with the classic preamp. 😢

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I wish they would do a 5 string version of the re issue classic but I’d love the ceramic pups tho they are just so aggressive sounding!

[@rrdream2400]

@@bassimprovjams3772 they had a Classic V for a few years, not only do they sound like the original Stingrays, they don't have a compensated nut so it feels more like a 4 string because of the string spacing.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@rrdream2400 Ive seen them out there I want one so badly too! Their kinda rare to come across though maybe one day I’ll get blessed and have one

[@michaelblaney4461]

Id have to go with special for the weight difference alone.

[@contegeorge]

Classic, sound like more mids focuses

[@DolemiteSammich]

The special sounds a bit flatter in eq to my ears which makes it sound more natural and hifi to me. I think I like that more.

[@funkypunk1001]

That's the difference between neodynium vs. alnico pole pieces you're hearing in the pickups. Alnico5 has a scooped mid tone which gives it an articulate sound and neodynium has a more rounded tone.

[@toddpipes9679]

At the end its mentioned that with the eq at full boost, the Special is significantly louder, but when flat, did you have to compensate for volume/output, or are they close to the same? (Or does anyone else happen to know?)

[@hbrunyan]

I had a Special 5. Nicest build quality I’ve ever seen but I never bonded with the tone. Not sure if it was due to the weight of the bodies or the pickups. I suspect the latter.

[@kimmorgan379]

I'm biased. I have an '89 2EQ and although the newer basses are superb I have a thing for the older ones. I just find that older preamp makes it easier to get the bass to sit in a mix, but as a live tool, if you want to stand out then the Special is hard to beat.

[@luiza177music]

I almost regret going for a Special. I love the new contour / hardware upgrades, but I definitely prefer the Classic's tone. And the saddest part is that the Special's routing is incompatible with just about any other pickups *sigh*

[@vincenzollamas]

the Stingray classic tone is obviously better, YET all the other improvements they made with special, including how it feels to play it, make it worthwhile

[@kharybaker868]

The weight of the Special is appealing, but Classic had more mids present when flat...and the Special has mid controls to make up for it. I can't decide, and I see why you have both.

[@57precision]

Classic for flats, special for rounds in my book.

[@20thingsgoing62]

Can I borrow one

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

The Classic‼️✨🎸👍🏾ALnico PU baby! 👏🏾🤣Neodymium are 😎 cool but just lack that basic Sting Ray zing & uummph! (I own the Bongo so I know very well!🫤👌🏾)

[@samlelowitch]

I would take the Special as it is lighter and more versatile.

[@luigi.zanini]

neodymium vs alnico (5) pickup…the first one of course, also because the stingray is a too bright sound bass for me, so i prefer the neodymium…

[@WhatJeanWants]

For my ears, the Classic wins in every category!

[@pine3737]

There are two differences. The pickups and weight. The classic sounds classic Stingray, but the Specials preamp and pickup have a modern spec and vibe. They are close.

[@TheDarkKnight73]

The SS for me..

[@Steve-mp7by]

The 2 band will always sound better to me because there is less electronics in the signal path. The 3 band has a band pass filter at the front then it goes through a mid filter

[@ileutur6863]

Placebo

[@mr_bassman6685]

@@ileutur6863 pertybass has a good video comparing a 2EQ vs a 3EQ (non-Special) Stingray, the core tone is indeed different between the two (the 3EQ has more hi-mids and cuts the lower bass frequencies)

[@braddietzmusic2429]

Because slap is such an integral part of my sound, technique, and approach, I always fast forward to the slap part and start there. In the cases of instrument/electronics or amp comparisons , I forward to the slap section, and put the phone down and just LISTEN without my eyes. Then I look after x number of repeated to see what I continue to prefer if any. I always go back and check out the rest of the video, however. But yes, the slap sound is the tonal deal-maker and deal-breaker for me. Stingray Special for me.

[@StellarHamster]

Classic stays on the trone

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I’d love to see a comparison of these two along with a 76 or 78 is it me or does the 4 string versions have more sizzle then the 5ers? My 5er stingray specials just sound different but my 04 is a beast with the ceramic pup! The bass center and treble boost made me get to excited 🍌🥜🤣

[@CurtisGabrielMusic]

Man I hate to say it but the EQ on the Stingray special kinda sucks 😅 Much prefer the sound of the Classic. I have a Pre Ernie Ball 1978 Stingray, i'm not entirely convinced the Stingray Classic is quite the same even though it's intended to be, but it's definitely got that vibe in there.

[@mojoemurphy]

The special is better, because I have one, lol

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey I have one too! What are the chances!? ;P hahaha

[@pCeLobster]

Nothing will ever beat the 2 band.

[@pilummurialis6490]

Can you play different riffs, please? this same one is not as fun to hear now, throw in some power chords

[@LowEndLobster]

Yeah I'm gonna do a new one. I have a few others already filmed but we'll be doing a new riff soon :)

[@pilummurialis6490]

@@LowEndLobster Lovely, bring in more slap with trills and triplets too, lets see that go all out!

[@reanavision7896]

i actually feel like Lobster playing the same riffs on all basses is essential for comparison! i have actually started playing those same riffs myself when evaluating a bass

[@haha-px5xp]

Lobster get it done!

[@sody2000]

Thank you Thelonious Crustaceous. 🦞