Music Man Stingray Special - Strategic Improvement on a Classic Formula - LowEndLobster Review

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2017 Stingray vs 2018 Stingray Special: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX_LXmmKjL19ba8
Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special HH BFR Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3qZeXitbKyKrrc
Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special: www.music-man.com/instruments/basses/stingray-special
Hey Everyone! Today we're actually reviewing an Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special 4H! We've done a LOT of Stingray videos including a handful of Stingray Special videos.... but I've never actually done an in depth review of one and given it a rating. Here we go!
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/
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKG1Xmh7jLScnas
Discord: discord.gg/dzrFMzD
Facebook: LowEndLobster
Instagram: LowEndLobster
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[@sjeffy5137]

I really respect MM as a company, they don’t really overcrowd their lineup and once they make an improvement to their formula they’re very confident about it and don’t really turn back, they’ll make an occasional stingray classic but it’s a far cry from Fender or Gibson who just make reproductions of their old stuff. As much as I love an old tone I respect the commitment to innovation.

[@57precision]

Stingray classic has been discontinued for almost 4 years. As much as I love the Stingray Special, the classic is the one bass I want them to bring back.

[@sjeffy5137]

@@57precision Well you can always find em used ofc, and EBMM does sometimes put out a ball family reserve or a limited edition as a classic I believe

[@PorchBass]

Only MM could release something like the Darkray and get me to take it seriously.

[@thestevilwithin]

@@57precision @twice-vehk Agreed. I lucked out and got one of the BFR Slugger 5 HHs back in Feb '22. I actually didn't like it tonally for a long time, but I've really warmed up to it the past few months (putting Cobalts on it brought out some hidden crunch I didn't know it had). Definitely has a different voice than a Classic and the pre-2018s, but I think it's a great instrument in its own right. It's forced me to experiment with warmer, softer tones that I otherwise wouldn't have, which I'm now coming to appreciate. It still has tons of bite, you just have to roll the treble a bit more than the previous models. 5 claws for me too 👌 As much I like the Special now, there really isn't anything else like the Classic 👍

[@57precision]

@@thestevilwithin I had a similar experience. Love the Bernard Edwards tone but I found flats didn't really have enough bite on my Special. It needs rounds. I don't have a Classic yet but I string up a friend's with LaBella's and it is magic. Both great instruments, that's why you need more than one!

[@nanoluciani]

Videos like these reassure my love for stingrays. What an amazing instrument 😍

[@irussb]

Thank you for introducing me and doubtless many others to Donny Benet, who also plays a beautiful Stingray. I bought my 4h special a few years ago and it's a great bass. Thank you for all your videos Lobster.

[@masterbeaver]

I got a Stingray Special (Raspberry Burst) about a year ago and have barely put it down since. It's pretty much everything I ever wanted from a bass.

[@WE500CD]

That color combo is real sharp!!!

[@WE500CD]

Another fantastic video Lobster!!!! A beautiful instrument.

[@phillkeegan9116]

I use to just watch the LowEndLobster for the Basses i am interested in but now i watch all his videos because he is just so entertaining.

[@jm000020]

Fantastic review as always. Very glad I purchased my secondary market Stingray a few years ago, the prices keep creeping higher.

[@johnr374]

EBMM really killed it with this version of the Stingray. The lighter weight and contoured neck joint are the 2 best improvements over the previous model. A damn near perfect instrument IMO.

[@o-g-ob4399]

Lighter weight isn't necessarily better, I have a/b'd EBMM basses that sounded lifeless because they were too lightweight!

[@Leo_prado]

@@o-g-ob4399 lol

[@Gerry926]

These videos are always very clear and reproduce the actual sound of the instrument. I'm looking at compressors right now and I'll check your channel to see if you've reviewed any. Cheers!

[@wpkg]

if youre still looking for a compressor the Cali 76 compact bass sounds great with this bass

[@braddietzmusic2429]

An improvement that keeps it solidly in a Stingray visual, dramatically adding to its tonal flexibility, would be to offer the three-way selector with parallel, parallel with filter and series pickup choices like exists on the Sterling Ray 35.

[@danielisgro6609]

I love my MM Sting Ray Specials! My HH is my go to most of the time with Ernie Ball Super Slinky’s. I keep flats on my single H and get compliments a lot on feel and tone. Great review!

[@BobBlackBass]

Nice review, Lobster!

[@marciosouza8656]

Amazing sound !

[@TenFalconsMusic]

Lobster's in love... and so am I. Thanks Leo! ! !

[@Tytb_]

that bass is absolutely mad!! what a beauty!

[@stushwartz]

Hi 🦞. Awesome job, as always. Finally got one 🙌. Yes, it can be a tad bright, but I can tame that with the preamp . Keep up the great work. 👍 ATB Stu

[@k0brakai]

MAN ! I bought a Stingray Special HH JUST YESTERDAY ! I love those basses, they sound so punchy and massive !

[@meyersguitars2196]

I love that bass and this should be a standard model as it is such a classic with that color/wood combo. As for the dead spot, try to make sure all screws are tight, even the strap buttons and also adjust the truss rod tighten it just a very little to see if this fixes it. I had the same issue on a bass and did this and fixed it. Loving this bass and through that Ampeg it is sounding amazing.

[@LowEndLobster]

I'll give that a shot! Thank you!

[@kevin.caudle2185]

Super versatile, thanks lobster

[@rickrolli7091]

Hey Lobster. Thanks for another great video. I couldn't agree more on the EBMM stuff. You are getting a high quality instrument right out of the box. Wanted to give you another compliment. Everytime my wife hears your funk section of the review. It reminds her of Seinfeld. That's pretty cool 😉👍. Get on with your funky self. 😎🎸😎. Until we groove again ✌️😎👍🎸🦀🥕🦞

[@chrisreed4174]

Absolutely love my 5 string HH Sting Ray Special in Chopper Blue. The only thing I changed was the black pickup covers out for white. It looks way better this way IMO. When I swapped the covers, I accidentally reversed the neck pickup, so my pickup selector is a bit different now, but honestly in the 2nd position, its sounds amazing and a bit fuller sounding to my ear.

[@rqkeating]

Having the section about balance is really appreciated. Just another thing to set you apart from other bass reviewers!

[@AdityaPurwanegaraBass]

this bass looks heavenly to play, someday i will have one of this!

[@soundwisestudios5340]

I absolutely LOVE my SRSP 4HH!! My favorite bass out of all I own.

[@JononBass]

So crazy, I just picked up a Stingray Special 5H with the same finish and neck from GC yesterday. Plays great, sounds great, and only weighs 8.5 lbs!

[@internnutt]

Was recently in a local music store and saw two of the new HH Specials in stunning pastel green and blue with matching headstocks. The fellow at the store asked if I wanted to try one out and I told him that Rays were really too heavy for me. He insisted I give it a go, so I did and wow! Light as a feather and the neck was so fast. A bit too pricey for me right now, but 100% on the radar! Great review of an incredible instrument!

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

That Ampeg rocket combo sounds stellar too.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! I"m really happy with it

[@mando3d245]

Yes! Mod it! I have a black Stingray Special and it's a beast! I think that the only thing I don't like is the bridge... Feels a little cheap for the price

[@richardkelley-oz8hk]

Damn that bass sounds nice what kinda Amp do you use?

[@fixedgearjerk]

Mine wears EBMM Cobalt Flats, can get just about any tone and always a joy to play. Would love EBMM to release a production Sterling or slab Stingray!

[@bwmedina]

This is my exact bass - 2018 special with natural finish and maple neck. Everything I want in a bass.

[@vanpet1993]

I've recently bought one in Smoked Chrome finish and let me tell you, it's a thing of absolute beauty! I love that classic finish as well, tho! ^^

[@stephenfoley1261]

MM fan boy here. 9v and 18v Stingrays, Sterling, Sabre, Caprice. Build quality is unbeatable.

[@tazo300]

Hey Lobster, What do you think about the differences between the new special vs. the pre-2018 models? What would you recommend? The new or the old model? I have a 2011 American made 4hh model. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thx for your content! Great videos!

[@ka-bar5060]

Someday (in the not-too-distant future) I will add one of these, but in the HH configuration, to my arsenal. Nice review. Sucks to hear about the deaden 9th fret.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Again, it's not like it's a completely dead spot. I just notice that note just dies out a little faster than the others.

[@samlelowitch]

I'd love it if you could review the current EBMM Sterling with the roasted maple neck.

[@AugustThor438]

Everything sounds much better, cheers ❤

[@mojoemurphy]

There's an amethyst 4HH in my town that I want pretty bad. Played it and fell in love

[@r.l.rachel740]

My 2005 Stingray is my go to bass. However, it may be time for an upgrade to the Special. Lobster, Thx for the review.

[@andreasfranzke3787]

I got the Stingray Special 4H in Black (2018 Model) and love it. But I always think about selling it to get the 4HH Version but I am not sure if I would regret it or not….

[@wren23_bass-synths]

I always wanted a fretless Stingray ever since I saw Pino play one. The fretless ones rarely come up on the used market.

[@57precision]

They are certainly rare. I looked every single day for 3 months before scoring a 2007 unlined fretless HS. It was worth the effort. Wish EBMM would stop screwing around and give us fretless options again, because I would certainly buy a fretless special if it was a production model and not just a limited-run BFR.

[@chrismorris3897]

Nice!

[@richardkelley-oz8hk]

I own a early 90s music man stingray bass and a ampsg bass combo bass amp it sounds awesome 👌

[@MooreBass]

Whew! Expensive! That's more than the most expensive Fender production Jazz bass. But, it is a very excellent bass! Thanks!

[@paulsmith1807]

I love the crazy 5 claw guy - I wish I was more like him ;-)

[@tigerscott2966]

Classic....that one is for the serious bass player... Resale value is always high, so its a Good investment too....thanks.

[@carlosjorge7518]

Would love you to review an old American SUB music man

[@DangableQ]

I owned a '90 Stingray 5, but unfortunately sold it because I mistakenly fell into the "one-trick pony" mindset. Fast-forward to a couple of years ago when I picked up a Stingray 5 Special. So glad i picked one up! The new 18v preamp is very musical and gives me tons of usable tones with the new pickup, which in this version actually sounds good in single coil mode. Love the weight of my Special, the new body contours, and the contoured neck joint. The only thing that I'm not completely in love with is the feel of the hollow tuning pegs.

[@barrygoodson4952]

Hey Lob how about a new bass line for 2023 ?

[@johngeddes7894]

My first question is whether the body is wrapped in ash veneer or is it solid? Secondly, the pickup location seems to limit the tone to slap/funk style like the Seinfeld theme. The Casady bass gets the single pickup location right. The tones available are more usable that way. I guess slap bass isn’t in my future.

[@BrendanOriginal]

Surprised this doesn't have the thumb rest built into the pick up. Easily my favorite thing about my sterling ray34.

[@NVaughan81]

Man, I wish I could afford one of these. I daydream about the raspberry burst one like a little kid.

[@BeaudoinEric]

Definitely my #1 dream bass. I’ve got a Sterling by Music Man Ray5 as my current #1 player. It’s a great bass but someday I’d like to own the real deal. Nothing sounds quite like a Ray.

[@DV8shredder]

Have you reviewed any passive model stingrays? I've got one of the old USA SUB models I'd love to see you review something like that!

[@MatGuaBec94]

The short scale one kzbin.info/www/bejne/moarkKVsZZKJbdU

[@TheMlvswoll]

Damn, that cuts through the drums like a beast. The tone is nasty!

[@57precision]

My special has a dead spot on the 7th fret of the G string. It's pretty slight and tbh the rest of the bass is so fantastic that I can easily overlook it.

[@davidmhuey]

Have you dialed in your favorite settings? My Sterling Ray35 had a more aggressive sound. This is mellow, almost muffled. My same settings don’t seem to work on this bass. Curious what you do

[@kimmorgan379]

I think MM have struck a good balance between staying close enough to the classic formula to keep the fans happy, but innovate and diversify enough to stay in the game. Personally, I'd love to see a MusicMan multiscale...

[@erikavery8569]

I would love a fretless StingRay 4.

[@mouthmw]

I prefer the older ones, they have a lot more character and pizazz IMO. These newer ones don't sound as good in the mix to me, but a lot of boomers like em because they're now "smoother, more Fender like". Whatever floats your boat. Weight reduction is the only better thing about these, but my old 90s one sits at a super comfortable 8.5 lbs. So that's a win win for me.

[@danielaltic9032]

Bless your heart! 🙂

[@ansmusic1983]

The Stingray Special with the Neodymium pickup sounds closer to the USA Sterling (ceramic pickup) than the older Stingray which has an alnico pickup

[@BurntMcgurnt]

What neodymium pickup is in it? Or is there just the one kind?

[@mando3d245]

Hey! I have a Stingray Spacial, it was working fine but all off the sudden it doesn't sound, it starts sounding but a couple of seconds mutes... It has happened to anyone else?.... I think it's the battery compartment or the jack

[@mattfoley6082]

How many basses do you own? How do you pay for them all?

[@ramshaar2597]

Cool bass still i need a beast i am notvso sure maybe the ibanez atk still for example off spring bassist switch from ibanez 2 music man sting ray

[@restitutionrecords525]

I’m in a pro reggae band in South Florida and play a Stingray Special 4H (Burnt Apple Red) ash with the roasted maple through an Ampeg SVT-7 Pro. There’s no way to get a deeper fatter sound than a Stingray Special with Cobalt Flats through any higher end tube Ampeg SVT model. You’re simply going to have punch you dead-in the chest bass waves and nothing more. I ended up selling multiple Fender Jazz basses when I bought my Stingray Special. I paid $1750 for a mint one so deals aren’t impossible to find.

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! That's such a nice finish. Thanks for sharing!

[@restitutionrecords525]

Am in love with the burnt apple red finish 🥰 black in the shadows and deep red/black under the stage lights 💪🏽

[@iansoares3404]

Can you please do a Stingray special vs Stingray Classic Comparison. I am curious if you can EQ the Special to sound like the Classic

[@nickpicc]

I had a classic and a special, both 5 strings, and while the classic was nice, the special could be made to sound like it pretty easily. The classic was not as flexible as the special. Still have my Special but don't have the Classic anymore

[@Rondoggy67]

I got a Stingray Special in the dropped copper finish a couple of years ago. Absolutely gorgeous finish, light-weight, sounds fantastic, and it's really easy to personalise the setup. Only problem is that my niece fell in love with it and I have promised to give it to her as a birthday present.

[@LowEndLobster]

Luckily the SBMM shorty comes in a similar color... will she notice ;P?

[@TenFalconsMusic]

You're an absolutely awesome uncle. 😁👍

[@Rondoggy67]

@@LowEndLobster Unfortunately, yes! I also designed a personalised scratchplate for her, so it's already hers and there's no going back.

[@bizibetiko9778]

I'd love to have one, but I think I'll stick with my Sterling Ray34. I really just can't make myself justify that price. Only thing I dislike about the Sterling is that it's heavy. Like Harley Benton kind of heavy.

[@SpartacusPlanktonpants]

It works really well with the new amp. Maybe you should go through all of the instruments you've previously reviewed with this amp as well now? 🙂

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! That's the plan! It's a great opportunity for me to revisit past instruments in a whole new dimension. Plus I do the balance testing, pick playing and more stuff that I didn't do in older videos. You have no idea how much fun this is hahaha

[@SpartacusPlanktonpants]

@@LowEndLobster Your pick playing has really improved, nice one. Your slapping is amazing though! And I can see how much fun you're having 😀 Keep it up!

[@eldorado5319]

Sounds great! The neodynium pickup sounds nicer, smoother than the ceramic, i like it 🤩

[@idiotburns]

God bless Lobster

[@davidmhuey]

I really like the 5 string, however the G string is so close to the fretboard edge that it is way too easy to pull off the edge of doing a pull off. The neck is slightly slimmer compared to my Sterling Ray35. Have you played a 5 string version? Thoughts?

[@LowEndLobster]

OMG yes, I haaaaate the 5 because of that.

[@davidmhuey]

@@LowEndLobster that has been the only reason I haven't purchased one, I keep telling myself it shouldn't be a deal breaker or that I wouldn't use a pull off there that often, but I think I really would

[@LowEndLobster]

Every 5'er special I've played has had this. Was at a really nice shop in Italy in Oct and they had a black 5H special... Loved it until the string fell off LOL

[@HDproducer1]

So hard to find one that's playable. Everyone that says it's a technique issue is in denial lol.

[@davidmhuey]

Well I ended up getting one and to be honest. It isn’t an issue. It doesn’t happen when I play because I think I got used to the bass. I love it and it is my main gigging bass.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I could listen to stingrays all day! The only thing I flaw a stingray for and we all know this, if the G string slipping off the edge minor changes in playing helps it , but when you play your dingwall you simply do not have that issue

[@mouthmw]

That's a problem only on the five string version due to the narrow neck. Four string version never had this issue.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@mouthmw ohh I’ve never played a 4 string version, good to know

[@martinheath5947]

@@mouthmw I have a 4 string StingRay Classic and it has that exact problem. Sounds great though!

[@loiseaunoir1021]

Every bass guys growls when he picks his pick on the floor!

[@daviddesmond2143]

Hey Lobster-how about settling the argument between the Stingray H and HH that you can't slap on the HH? Another great video. OMG-you are not really going to mod this bass??? NOOOO....

[@mouthmw]

It's not an argument, you either find that is physically bothers you or you don't. It's that easy. We don't all slap the same, and we don't all have the same setup.

[@LowEndLobster]

I have my HH video linked in the description. IMO the neck pickup doesn't really impact my slapping, but YMMV based on setup and technique as mouthmw said

[@ileutur6863]

People only believe that myth because some nerd on youtube who is much less thorough than lobster said it once

[@MrOccamRazor]

Man, that bass is sexy as f•ck. It's got sauce for days. The only thing I was sad about is the new bridge, I love the old school bridge. I know, that sounds petty, but if I had the Benjamins I would still totally buy it.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I knows are your thing, but Stingrays are perfect as is.😊

[@joethebar1]

Unless they’ve dealt with the real issues, Such as the weak G string/ PU problem ( on the SR4),I’m not interested. The SR 5 has a notorious issue with the proprietary bridge causing the G string to fall off the fretboard- an easy fix with a laterally adjusted tailpiece. I’ve owned lots of EBMM basses and they have their problems but the company refuses to acknowledge them.

[@LowEndLobster]

You haven't seen a USA SR5 here for a reason ;P. I learned my lesson with my Bongo, had the same G issue. So annoying!

[@hotwheel6663]

How much?

[@johnraspberry2269]

That's the best bass ever created

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

I miss the dampers. On the bridge.

[@LowEndLobster]

Yeah, the mute bridge is my fave. I wish they did a non signature Timmy C as a hybrid between the special and classic... The Stingray Classic Special! :O

[@TheSancheezio]

Damn I thought this Stingray had an RGB effect going on it at the beginning

[@TheDarkKnight73]

hmm its ok nothing to get to excited over

[@monahantp3767]

@7:50 What did you misinterpret? I'm pretty sure you had it correct in the previous video; Sterling talks about starting "flat," which means the EQ at the center detent (you can watch him twiddle the knobs in that fashion). Either way, there's really no right/wrong approach-- whatever works for you ;) Beautiful Ray-- Congrats!! Sterling video @1:14 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKWnh6KhbMuNY9k

[@LowEndLobster]

I took it as him meaning full cut and not flat LOL and missed the bit of him doing the center detent thing until liek a year later. That being said... it works! LOL

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Where did he go ??

[@LowEndLobster]

Taking a break :)

[@jkarwa234]

LowEndLobster has a double standard when it comes to Stingrays vs. any other bass in existence. Specifically, he considers any bass priced over about $1500 as overpriced, while stingrays get a pass even though they are WAY more expensive than that. For example, the Mononeon Fender got torn apart specifically for being priced at about $1500, while he considered the Darkray bass was great for "a very small premium".... C'MON, they cost $2800!

[@randygomez9595]

Me waiting for Lobster to turn the mids back up 💀

[@rom4486]

How many special music man has , anniversary special , vintage special , special edition , if everything is special it’s not that special it’s regular

[@brandonmalone1893]

How can a dead spot around the 9th fret not be a big deal? That's an experience bass...it better be flawless. I'd be pissed.

[@LowEndLobster]

It's a common thing with stingrays. IMO it depends on the severity for me

[@Asp0321]

We are forgiving about the instruments we love imho. I forgave a lot of setup issues with my P bass (American Professional, but needed a crazy amount of tlc and setup, specially the intonation and bridge saddles) but it’s my main instrument and it’s been a workhorse for many years. Lobster is an EBMM man through and through so it’s not surprising to me he’s willing to overlook a design flaw, even with a 2000 dollar bass. Though I wonder how he’d react if a Fender Jazz had a dead spot at the 9th fret.

[@brandonmalone1893]

Is it really? I never would've guessed. That would bug the hell out of me

[@57precision]

@@brandonmalone1893 Common with pretty much any bolt on neck to have a dead spot somewhere. I've even had a Rickenbacker with a horrendous dead spot on the 3rd fret of the G string which is a terrible place to have one.

[@brandonmalone1893]

@@57precision that's not true at all. Then you got fret issues , or problems with the neck...again another case of a high dollar instrument that shouldn't have that problem

[@WowIndescribable]

I thought you also had an Old Smoothie…

[@LowEndLobster]

I do!

[@timesurfingalien]

Looks like my Dillion 0:46

[@kbussche]

That bass weighs nearly 1 pound LESS than my warwick corvette 4 string.

[@gbvoul]

LEL plays the longest phrases in bass history

[@rickhurst9058]

Wish Ernie Ball were still producing this natural stingray special - I haven't seen a new one available for a long while now!

[@ironblast5]

Not a fan of the bridge on these

[@facelessman7733]

Spoiler alert! This bass earns 5 claws!

[@rod_andrade]

MM fanboy.

[@jamesonpace726]

Dude, play louder...!

[@AqueousMantra]

15:17 strawberry letter 23?