Music Man Stingray Special vs. Stingray- What the heck is the difference? - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

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Hey everyone! Today we're taking a deep dive into my 2018 Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special and my 2017 Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray to figure out what the heck is the difference? The '17 was my first Stingray, and I didn't even know the specials existed or what the difference was. With so many different EBMM (and SBMM) Stingray models, it's a lot to keep track of. So let's go over the differences in detail so you can decide which 'Ray is the one for you!
Shirt: www.amazon.com/Bass-cat-kitty...
Stingray Special Specs:
Model StingRay Special
Size 13-1/2" wide, 1-5/8" thick, 44-7/8" long (34.3 cm wide, 4.1 cm thick, 114.0 cm long)
Body Wood Select Hardwoods
Body Finish High gloss polyester
Bridge Vintage Music Man® top loaded chrome plated, steel bridge plate with vintage nickel plated steel saddles
Scale Length 34" (86.4 cm)
Neck Radius 11" (27.9 cm)
Headstock Size Only 8-3/4" (22.2 cm) long
Frets 22 - High profile, wide, Stainless Steel
Neck Width 1-11/16" (42.86 mm) at nut 2-1/2" (63.5 mm) at last fret
Neck Wood Select roasted maple neck
Fingerboard Fretted - Maple, Rosewood, or Ebony (dependent on body color)
Neck Finish Gunstock oil and hand-rubbed special wax blend
Neck Colors Standard - Natural with finished headstock
Tuning Machines Custom Music Man, lightweight with tapered string posts and ergonomic clover design
Truss Rod Adjustable - no component or string removal
Neck Attachment 5 bolts - perfect alignment with no shifting; Sculpted neck joint allows smooth access to higher frets
Electronic Shielding Chrome or black plated aluminum control cover (dependent on body color)
Controls 3-band active preamp with 18 volts of headroom; vol, treble, mid, bass
Switching Single Pickup - N/A; Dual Pickup - 5-way lever pickup selector
Pickups Standard - Single Humbucking with Neodymium magnets; Optional - Dual Humbucking with Neodymium magnets
Stingray Specs:
Model StingRay
Size 13-1/2" wide, 1-5/8" thick, 44-7/8" long (34.3 cm wide, 4.1 cm thick, 114.0 cm long)
Body Wood Ash
Body Finish High gloss polyester
Bridge Standard - Music Man® chrome plated, hardened steel bridge plate with stainless steel saddles (Stealth Black finish features matte black hardware)
Scale Length 34" (86.4 cm)
Neck Radius 11" (27.9 cm)
Headstock Size Only 8-3/4" (22.2 cm) long
Frets 21 - High profile, wide
Neck Width 1-11/16" (42.86 mm) at nut 2-1/2" (63.5 mm) at last fret; SLO Special -1-1/2" (38.1 mm) at nut, 2-1/2" (63.5 mm) at last fret
Neck Wood Select maple neck
Fingerboard Fretted - maple or rosewood; Fretless - Pau Ferro with or without inlaid fretlines; Stealth Black - Ebony
Neck Finish Gunstock oil and hand-rubbed special wax blend (Ultra-light satin polyurethane finish for Stealth Black)
Neck Colors Standard - Natural; Optional - Matching painted headstock
Tuning Machines Schaller BM, with tapered string posts
Truss Rod Adjustable - no component or string removal
Neck Attachment 6 bolt neck plate
Electronic Shielding Chrome plated brass control cover
Controls Single Pickup, 3-band active preamp or 2-band active preamp; vol, treble, mid, bass; Dual Pickup, 3-band active preamp; vol, treble, mid, bass
Switching Single Pickup - N/A; Dual Pickup - 5-way lever pickup selector
Pickups Standard - Music Man® humbucking with Alnico magnets; Optional - Dual Humbucking with Alnico magnets; Optional - Humbucking/Single coil with Alnico magnets
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(130) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at www.mjcironworks.com
Discord: discord.gg/dzrFMzD
Facebook: LowEndLobster
Twitter: @LowEndLobster
Instagram: LowEndLobster
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[@grantbrown8047]

I'M REALLY HAPPY ABOUT THE WAY LOW END LOBSTER DELIVERS HIS PRESENTATION, HE PLAYS THE SAME RIFF OVER AND OVER, SO YOU CAN GET AN ACCURATE IDEA OF WHAT THE DIFFERENT INSTRUMENTS SOUND LIKE. HE'S UNBIASED, PLAYS A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT STYLES REALLY WELL AND IS A VERY LIKEABLE GUY. THANKYOU LOBSTER, FROM OZSTRAYA.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Grant!

[@grantbrown8047]

@@LowEndLobster KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK LOBSTER !!!!!

[@Apathesis0]

Only way to demo an instrument properly, IMO.

[@faronjohnson3478]

I am possibly buying a speed blue stingray special tomorrow. I didn't know what the differences were between the two and you helped me so much. Dude, you're a hoot, a very good bass player without the ego. I could watch and listen to you for hours! Thanks, man!

[@JustNodIfYouCanHearMe77]

That stingray special is my dream bass. I wish I could find one exactly like it

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Forgive!

[@twocats2543]

Totally did not expect to like the Special more. It is different in a modern, more headroom-y sort of way. The sounds you got out of it were huge. It sounded like a Stingray on steroids. Maybe this is similar to an American Fender vs. an American Elite/Ultra or whatever they are calling that line these days 😄 Great video!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you :)

[@dginta7932]

Awesome playing. Love that Special..

[@crocholiday]

Follow up... I pulled the trigger on my Stingray 5 Special today. You're videos helped me finalize my thought process. Well, my overthought process lol. Thank ya sir!

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats! Enjoy your new bass!

[@vincentbruni699]

Great review as always. EB Music Man basses are my favorite! That BFR Bongo on the wall needs some lovin’.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Vincent! It does, I should do a (longer) vid on that soon :)

[@thiagodeandradeneves4585]

I love both. Both sound and look amazing.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Thiago!

[@sethnicholls7861]

I really hate to admit it man... Um, but the 2018 special is absolutely, hands down a better version, and/or my favorite. I don't know if it's the neodymium magnets or the 18-vol preamp but something is magically boosted without sounding distorted w it. Ya, it sounds clearer, punchier, cleaner, and overall higher quality tone. I'm sure it's a combination of all the new updates but I forgot to mention those stainless steel frets add alot of clarity, as well as durability. Both of which I'm sure a lot of us bass players will appreciate down the road. I didn't know you could take something so good, & make it that much better wow!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Seth! I think it's a combination of those things. I just got one of the new SBMM Stingray short scales that has the neodymium magnets and passive electronics... its spicy! Tons of output that they actually had to reign it back and instead give you the option for "full output" with a push/push (not push/pull) volume knob.

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

@@LowEndLobster So,..IYO,..the NeoDymium Pick Ups (got ‘em in my ‘08 Bongo Bass!..so, I know ‘em well! Bettin’ they need that 18v! 😉)…are better in quality than the ALnico types? 🤔I think that the ALnico are more crisper and have a tad more Midrange for that Typical Stingray twang! d(‘, ‘ ) Also,…the issue of Strings ran “thru the bridge” to the back of the Bass + the Ash Wood (heavier) on the Classic type are factors as well huh!?🤨😒 I feel an ALnico PU in a Special as is,… would be awesome ‼️✨🎸🎶🤘🏾😎

[@jessecappelletto5621]

Great comparison! I have a green 94 Stingray with a rosewood fingerboard ( since 96) and I love that bass. I have been interested in these new Stingrays and I need to try one next time I go back home to Canada.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jesse!

[@glennb3231]

It's easy to tell when you really like a bass Lobster, that smile and laugh like a kid opening his favorite gift on Christmas morning. I really get a kick out of just watching your expression of approval. I finally picked up a 4HH Special in Tectonic Blue Sparkle with an ebony fret board to go along with my Maroon Mist 4H Special with rosewood fretboard. I really don't care for any of the new upcoming colors for this Spring or the price increase so grabbed one of the last, if not the last Tectonic Blue Sparkle at the old price. Gotta say that ebony fret board sounds tight, almost a piano like attack and really focused. I've never had an ebony fret board before and I'm wondering just how long before it disappears from the MusicMan line up altogether, other than on perhaps a BFR. I like the rosewood fret board also, it's a bit more mellow and woody in character but I am liking the ebony even more and not just because it's new and I'm in the honeymoon stage. It's ultrafocused and really punctuates the power this bass is capable of punching out with its excellent electronics, pickups and 3 band eq. Try one if you should get the chance. I love all your videos, they really help take away some of the stress during this time.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hehehe, I don't have much of a poker face ;P. Congrats on your new bass! I'm right there with you, I'm turned off by most of the new colors for 2021

[@jreschke5]

Just got a snowy night special yesterday. Love it. Thank god for 48 month financing

[@ryanrogers8923]

Wow! Just wow. You really can't lose picking eather of these amazing basses. For me, the spical, when it began to over power your amp, it ticketed some destructive kid vibe in me like I would be seaking to do just that while playing it every time. So ya, I like the spical. But they are both fantastic! Thanks for the comparison, I would of never known the differance otherwise. Well done sir!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ryan! :)

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Great instruments all around. So often it's hard to differentiate basses sound potential even when they look nearly identical. Great comparison.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks James!

[@leslielopez2925]

You are pretty cool man! Thanks for your work, it helps a lot!

[@crocholiday]

Both sound amazing for sure. I think I dig the special a lil' bit more. I'm glad I'm not the only one that gets all jolly when I play a quality instrument....

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Croc :)

[@jeffreya-bomb7313]

I just purchased a damaged "clearance" Stingray Special HH at Guitar Center (blech) for $1500. It sounds and feels better than my 90's Stingray. Also much more balance across the strings. Thumbs up!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jeffrey! Indeed they're entirely different instruments. The 'regular' pre special stingray is in a weird middle ground. The Classic is ... well more classic, and the special is indeed something special and its own bass all together. So glad you're enjoying yours! Bass on my friend!

[@monahantp3767]

The Special checks all the boxes for me. In fact, I just traded my "Old Smoothie" for a new Special 4HH and couldn't be happier. For me, it's easy to dial in the older Ray tones on the new Special-- and the twin humbuckers open up an even larger world of tone ;) Thanks for the comparison!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the vid :) and congrats on the new bass!

[@acsaiyanbalce4610]

It’s like stereo vs mono!! Great review and awesome playing! I love both bases TBH. The special I like better if you’re a really excellent Bassist as yourself because every note and mistake can be heard with the special TBh. That Special is perfect for you!! 👌

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! :)

[@martinelmore7112]

When it comes to Stingrays, I love ‘em all, but I just bought a 2019 Stingray Special 4H in Burnt Apple and man, do I love that bass! Your 2017 ‘Ray sounds great too, but I do think there is something really “special” about the Specials! Great playing, Lobster!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Martin! Congrats on your 'Ray :)

[@QueenRaven911]

I own a passive Fender MIJ and a passive/active Yamaha TRBX604, but I just can't resist the look and the sound of a Stingray Sp, and I've watched numerous reviews so I decided to try my luck in the used market. I ended up got a used mint condition Stingray Sp in Charcoal Sparkle. Looks aside, the sound of the SP is so robust, I can see how Lobster started smiling and giggling after have a round with the Sp, I had the exact same reaction. It is a super fun bass to play with.

[@JMC8415]

Special is my cup-O-tea for sure!

[@Belman5]

I think I have a slight preference for the newer white one. Sounds terrific.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Belman!

[@MrTennisgolf]

Great comparison. I like the original Sting Ray over the Special. To me it has the special Sting Ray character and tone. The Special in the flat position just sounds like a lot of other basses, although some of your tweaks made it sound more like a Sting Ray. Since I prefer passive basses, I would pass on the “hotter” Special. I am planning to add a 2021 Sterling Ray 34 shortly, mainly for slapping to my two Fenders an 2 Classic Vibe Squiers.

[@rqkeating]

Side by side is a great way to compare instruments. Anything else requires you to "remember" the sound of one instrument for too long before hearing the next one. Thanks!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Russell! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@mojo6524]

both sound great to me!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Mojo!

[@ejjacinto5014]

I'm a huge fan of stingrays but I personally prefer the old stingrays including the 2017 version Nice video comparison as always 💙

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks you Ej!

[@andrewhayes7055]

Just listened to this through a pair high end studio headphones and chord mojo dac and the differences are pretty clear to me( a non musician). The special is much punchier compared to the older stingray which comes across as more mellow, maybe this is due to the more powerful pre amp on the special. They are both excellent though personally I prefer the sound of the special. Great video btw.

[@glenndjubilee]

The Special has just a little more of what I like about a Stingray. Mine is an '89 5 string I got used and I mean USED. But it cam with a hardshell case and it plays great!

[@MasonMorris_RadioSaladStudios]

I have a Sterling Sting Ray Ray24. Each Sting Ray has its own nuance or voice. And that’s a good thing. Of course, with my Acoustic B450, and patience, I feel most of those voices can be found. Having said that, the Classic seems to find the higher frequencies easier, which would make it great for the more percussive licks. The gold Sting Ray seems to reside in the mids. That would make it great for Jazz and rock. You’d hear, in either case, a genius tone of a Sting Ray.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Everett! Excellent comment :)

[@roadbull1]

I prefer the 17’. Mainly because it was available with a 2 band eq (like mine is!) and the special is not. Great video man.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Roadbull!

[@MrRuhavik]

Nice. Both are great.

[@LowEndLobster]

I agree :)

[@ReverendRaff]

I would love to see a three way showdown between these and the Darkray.

[@alexskibicki2262]

Cool review...both basses sound good, but personally I like the stingray special more. that bass seems to have more presence than the original. I do like that roasted maple neck. it looks nice. I have tried out a sterling sub ray 5 a year ago and I think it sounded pretty cool.that bass along with a fernandes atlas 5x, an arbor singray clone, and my friend's music man string ray were the only music man styled basses I've tried out. anywho, great comparison between these basses.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Alex!

[@guyviola5359]

For myself, LowEndLobster, I prefer the Stingray Special, it look and sounds great!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Guy!

[@rubenriverarojas7910]

Man, that yellow color is beautiful

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ruben! Firemist Gold is the color and I love

[@PushSueAside]

Woh! Some didn’t like either. They are both pretty special. I still can’t decide. They are so so freaking expensive, and they make too many models, but look so similar. I don’t think I want to get a sterling and mod it because, they make to many sterling models too, and i still can’t pick a favorite. I guess, in a way, I’m glad Rickenbacker hasn’t put out a budget brand. 3-4 models to choose from. But I guess when I finally get a MM. I’ll think differently. Thank you for sharing your awesome stuff. Cheers

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Tommy! I just got a Stingray from the 90's that sounds completely different from these two! Needs a little TLC but it has one of the original 3 bands. Vid coming on Thursday for that ;).

[@PushSueAside]

@@LowEndLobster freakin sweet. You have absolutely scrambled my brain with MM basses. I want one so bad now, just waiting for the best deal on either the best mod platform that keeps the body in tact (otherwise, why bother, you know) or the right price on the MM that just captures the essential MM tone without breaking the bank. I know...that’s what everyone wants. I just think, if I go budget, I want it to make me say, “OH I SEE...MM basses are incredible, i need more of this” and not “I guess I can see...if I changed this and that I might like it” or “I guess I’d have to try the real expensive ones to be satisfied”. You know what I mean? I picked up one of the 299 or 399 ones once at a gc and was not amused, every about it was so unimpressive, I thought “Nope, not for me”. So I’m hoping I just picked a real bad one and I really should try again. You seem to make them sound “so not like the one I tried” and they are beautiful. But you know what it’s like, you can pick up a HLK and just be like “I NEED TO GET AS FAR AWAY FROM THAT BASS AS POSSIBLE” even though it’s shaped the same as a jazz or p bass. It looks like it...but it way isn’t. Sorry for rambling. Cheers

[@liohrt]

In a free youtube video, Scott Devine from the SBL academy made an interview with Ernie ball to talk about the stingray special 4 back in 2018 i think and the sellers told Scott that all the preamp was "useable" unlike the bongo. I own now a Stingray 5 HH for about 3 years now and I'm glad to see a video like this to demonstrate that with the bass knob turned to something like 75% from the start, it totally blows the amp. Seriously, this bass has some low frequencies for about 3 basses in total! I play mostly mine with the HH full on configuration and I almost never use more than 50% of my bass knob, I even sometimes turn in to about 40% depending of what I play. 18 volts preamp on this one is a beast!

[@KimSE4]

Great vid, as always. I mean, without hearing them next to each other I couldn't tell you which one was the special, but THEY ARE BOTH MUSICMAN STINGRAYS! Unmistakeable sound. Me? I'd go for the new version for the SS frets, the heel joint and the roasted neck. BUT I don't like the black hardware, just my taste. I must get myself to a store to try one, I'd love to see what the 5 string is like...

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Kim! Hoping to snag a 5'er of the Special in the near future! I have my eye on one in particular.

[@KimSE4]

@@LowEndLobster I see a LOT of pro players using a 'Ray 5-string. Gail-Ann Dorsey comes to mind, and I've seen a lot of jobbing bassists relying on them, especially live.

[@rmccain99]

I like both.

[@dronenthusiast1057]

Both Stingray's sound great! But I prefer the sound of the Stingray special just a little bit more over the 2017 Stingray. I recently purchased a brand new Stingray Special and absolutely love it.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Dronenthusiast! Congrats on your new purchase :) what color?

[@dronenthusiast1057]

@@LowEndLobster Thanks!! The color is Burnt Amber, hope you like it :-) I also have the Sterling Stingray24 :-)

[@KwonCW84]

The Special sounds more “open” than the original.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks!

[@rayhewitt6875]

Great video and Thank You!!! They both sound great. It’s definitely a Tuff one to choose. Lol Makes me wonder what it would be like with the original pickup in the Stingray special 🤔 One more thing, love that your always Happy!!! Thanks

[@rayhewitt6875]

My conclusion is I would prefer the classic over the special. I tried both and the classic to me just sounds better

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I love my SR classic

[@stushwartz]

Decided I want to get one, Shame the White you have is no longer produced. Got the chance of an HH Cruz Teal ad a good price. Prefer the White with Black hardware though. As always bang up job .

[@jdmarino]

They are both great, but the special is pretty special. Two thumbs up (one for each bass).

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks John!

[@MrTkeddo]

The Special sounds alive on the treble side rather than a painful ear splitting treble and with the indestructible stainless steel frets , upgraded pickup and the weight saving hardware, it’s definitely a Premier bass guitar , I have a 2010 USA Stingray and I’m wavering on trading it in for the Special.

[@jimlewin8042]

I really like the special better. I’m going to buy one now.

[@1176hambone]

I can hear how the original design made the tone. There's a reason the pickups were alnico and the body was heavier. Density in low mids/high bass. It's like a B15N vs. Hartke.

[@jackhammer4720]

Thank you good review,I think the 2018 has better clarity,both are beautiful, lots depend on Amp,and player,is the thumb ring to enhance Slap. Thanks Fred nz

[@Matheus.t.e]

The special has something resonating super hard, I think its the strings on the headstock area... It really bugs me, but both basses are extremely wonderful in every aspect!

[@Jihadbearzwithgunz]

The pros the basses wood density could be different the cons of comparing basses with similar builds 1) pots they will always have a 10-20% variable meaning a 500k ohm pot may rate down to 480k and up to a 520k which will effect the tone 2) same goes for any caps used in circuitry for pre amps or even passive tone circuits and even switches. Awesome vid lobster and awesome basses

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Josh!

[@Jihadbearzwithgunz]

Know I'll always comment, like and been subbed for a while man gotta get you up in that youtube engine and popping up in others feeds

[@keithgray7593]

Great review! I think the Special sounds better. It sounds more alive. I just wish they weren’t so astronomically expensive. I know for a fact I will never own one because of the ultra high price.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Keith!

[@carriermonkey4821]

If you listen closely to the special , there is a ringing sound that's not supposed to be there . One or more of the strings is still resonating post note in the string tree or past the nut somewhere . That or a metal lamp shade is in the room and vibrating for the special portion .

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks John! I'm not hearing it but I'll take your word for it :D

[@terryacosta7424]

Yeah I hear it too. Ringing the entire time

[@blueravine]

Yeah a friend of mine pointed out that the only new Stingrays being made are the special nowadays, so I really appreciate videos like this. I hear the ringing you're talking about and I'm wondering if it's the bass the whole time. I was going to order a 5 but the tone is just so much different from the old Stingray that I'm really on the fence now. That ringing sounds like a chain link fence or a tether ball pole when it's windy out... Really strange.

[@gabrielduran3651]

Something I realized is that the battery preamps make the bass a whole lot louder then other basses

[@kennethmartin9965]

I would like to see these basses compared to a classic Peavey T40. I know it's kind of retro but the T40 has tone to rival many of today's passive basses!

[@scooter7878]

the T40 is a fantastic instrument! it’s been my main bass for 5+ years now. so much tome versatility, but it’s heavy as heck lol

[@stushwartz]

Hey 🦞 . Two different beasts. Alnico definitely warmer. More traditional. Love the look of your white Special tho. Really want one bur new so expensive. Have to keep an eye out. Or maybe go for a Ray 34 and add some of your special sauce . I've been reading the tuners on the Ray 34 are not good. Aguilar pickup and a pre amp. Interested to perhaps see your views comparing Ray 34 to a Sandberg Central .as similar pricing Stay safe. All the best my friend.Stu.

[@michaelkeefer4293]

Both sounded great! The Special to me sounded more Hi-Fi with lower lows, higher highs and less emphasis in the mids. I can imagine the 17 would cut thru a mix better because of the mids, which might be why some people are complaining about the Special losing some of the Stingray character. I think I like the tone of the 17 a little better overall, I just really like that classic Stingray tone, but the lighter weight and features of the Special would probably sway me if I was buying one today. So which one do you prefer? BTW, I just realized my 2008 SR5 HH has 22 frets. I never really paid attention to it until you pointed out the differences between your Special and the 17.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Michael! Great comment :)

[@tigerscott2966]

I can't decide, so I'll take them both...

[@LowEndLobster]

You have good taste hahaha

[@ramshaar2597]

The first 1 you play the un speacial sound a little bit more sharp and clean .the speacial is more unic the sound is more warm and thick and thats why i like her more this 2 realy good basses enjoy them

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Ram! :)

[@pwokaren]

Dare I say it. I actually liked the Special better overall. I don’t think it loses much if it’s character at all. Would love to get your opinion on the Stingray NeckThru at some stage.

[@LowEndLobster]

Oh yes, I would loooooove to try a neck thru. A rare beast!

[@00Seven1000]

OOohhh yes....The Special does sound better you know. Good improvement!

[@WowIndescribable]

Would be nice to hear the same comparison only with flatwounds on both.

[@LowEndLobster]

That's a great idea! Thank you :)

[@coreymcreynolds2482]

Definitely the special it sounds more open and musical

[@iansoares3404]

This is a great comparison. I actually like the sound of the 2017 Stingray better. It's more aggressive sounding for sure. The special sound is very nice however, just more smooth. I love how the white with black pickguard looks like a toilet seat. lol

[@blusound598]

ahhahahah made my day on the toilet seat lol

[@roykato86]

Mr Lobster, your videos are so enjoyable! May I know what's your signal chain? Cheers!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Robert! I plug direct into my Orange Crush 50 BXT combo amp, and use the line out to go into my Focusrite. No alteration of the sound :)

[@ChipsA17]

Honestly i like the original style better. Also thats how the ray34 layout is which is what im getting.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ross! Awesome, and you probably heard the Ray34 vid and how close it sounds to the '17. They did a great job capturing most of the spirit and feel of the modern non special ray. The move to the special was a smart move from EBMM to widen the distance feature wise between the Ray34 and the US models.

[@bandarock96]

Seinfeld sound track is amazing! You should play that sometime

[@bizibetiko9778]

Do I like the Stingray, or the Stingray Special better? Yes. If I had to buy one right now it would be the special. That thing just sounds smooth to me.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Bizi :)

[@SlinkyBass0815]

Thank you for that comparison. Do you know if the roasted maple necks are protected with any kind of finish or if you have to oil the roasted maple fretboard? I'm thinking about getting a Stingray 4 special but I'm not sure if I should get the "raspberry" with ebony fretboard (which in my opinion looks better) or the black stingray with roasted maple fretboard (which might be more durable?). I've heard that you have to oil ebony fretboards and if possible I would like to get the bass which I don't have to oil.

[@klaymeister]

Stingray special for me just because of versatility

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Klay!

[@BecomingAMan]

Dude I died when you did the Seinfeld thing 😂, I think I prefer the regular stingrays myself. (My dream bass is a 30th anniversary stingray 4 😍)

[@LowEndLobster]

XD Glad you liked that! Those are awesome rays

[@toysintheatticband]

I like the 2017!regular Sting Ray better. Sounds like it’s got more of the Music Man bite.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Richard! Indeed, the difference in tone is very polarizing especially for fans of the classic stingray tone.

[@Evanderj]

Im with you, Richard. The original Stingray sits in the mix exactly where a bass should. I'm not stoked on the changes. I gave away my 2002 EBMM Ray4 and now im having trouble finding an adequate replacement :-/

[@aldito7586]

I prefer the SR Special tone. Clearer, more articulate. The features ? No contest. The SR Special hands down.

[@cricketinfernal]

Didn't know Bob Brozman also plays/ed bass!

[@LowEndLobster]

Holy doppelganger batman

[@RayRay-vv7fw]

Both sound good, but I like the sound of the 2017 a lil better.

[@ronwass]

I have a '93 that has the 5 bolt neck and the extra fret.

[@jeordie82]

Oh my god! That t-shirt is the coolest thing ever!!!! Cats and bass guitars. Two of my favourite things on earth. I must have it.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! It's linked in the description :)

[@boomerbassmeme]

You are now LowEndStingray ... Since this is now the Stingray Channel you can send your Spector to Boomer's Home for Wayward Basses where it will be loved and have punk and metal played on it! 😊👍

[@LowEndLobster]

XD this made me chuckle

[@russellzauner]

@@LowEndLobster shallowendstingray

[@DmitryShultz]

Just lost my with Reflex Game Changer is a house fire :( Special going to be my next bass, sounds so close to my old one.

[@LowEndLobster]

Aw damn, sorry to hear about your loss. What color would you get for a special?

[@DmitryShultz]

@@LowEndLobster Still not sure, they all are beautiful

[@DmitryShultz]

@@LowEndLobster burnt ends will be the color, most likely 4H (4H vs 4HH will be nice review to listen ;)

[@devostated.]

Omg where can I get this shirt!!! I love it.

[@TheCrusader1099]

mr lobster how many basses do you have? lobster: yes:)

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes ;P

[@russellzauner]

@Laz Sunset *Peavey gang represent*

[@russellzauner]

@Laz Sunset also, I've been meaning to try out some Peavey VFL pickups, what's your opinion? I think that had the same pickups as the second gen TL5 I look at sometimes. It would be cool, if the VFL are as great as the Super Ferrites, to have a second TL5 because I love my first one so much. I've almost bought a second first generation TL5, but I also don't want to miss out on something cool. I will never sell this bass unless it's at my own estate sale.

[@wesliggett2454]

Hard to pick. I vote 17. Snappy thing it is.

[@Ezra1701a]

hey man, awesome video! What amp are you using?

[@gianfranco1510]

I noticed like a background sound while you were playing slap on the new stingray special, not present in the regular stingray

[@48streetrat]

Be interesting comparing the USA stingray and stingray special to a USA Sterling.

[@LowEndLobster]

Vid comparing US Sterling and Stingray (special only makes a brief appearance) dropping tomorrow afternoon :). I should take clips of both and mush em together!

[@TheGAMEGod_YT]

Look out folks I’m binge watching lobster 🦞. Starting to feel dizzy. Need Red Bull

[@LowEndLobster]

Gotta power through! SNAP INTO A SLIM JIM!

[@bassbastard650]

Hey lobster, I have 2015 neck thru. Awesome bass. Lemme know if your want to demo it. Thanks great review.

[@neilhewerdine2075]

Brother Lob …. Are the necks identical profile wise?…. Especially front to back between yesteryears and the new special? Was thinking about getting a 2 pup spesh to compliment my bog stock 2005 Ltd edition…. The 2 pup numbers sound awesome …. I’ve never played one sadly but how do you find the neck pup on that champagne beauty you have there ….. does it get in the way with some slap or is it serviceable ?

[@LowEndLobster]

I think the profile is identical or close to identical. The neck pickup isn't a deal breaker for slap, but you do have to be wary of it.

[@coryrich5514]

I have a stingray special 5 HH. Will a bongo 5 HH sound a lot different than the stingray since they have the same pickups and preamp?

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Cory, Bongo preamp is quite a bit different and the pickup positions of the bongo are different as well. They do not sound alike.

[@luigi.zanini]

Original 6:05 Special 11:35

[@bassbastard650]

Hey lobster, I have a 2015 stingray neck thru, lemme know if you want to demo it. Great review!

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey dude! Absolutely! Hit me up on Instagram!

[@motivation89742]

Are the maple neck stingrays brighter than rosewood ones?

[@trailblazeratv6306]

They got rid of the glassy high end. Not as much string noise and clank IMO

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed! IMO the Special is a lot more well rounded tone wise

[@Lee-bass34]

Is that colour scheme on the special a US only colour? I’ve never seen a white special with black plate and black hardware before, looks epic!

[@davidcampbell1140]

That Ernie Ball better be NERC CIP compliant. I know somebody we can call to verify. Haha!

[@LowEndLobster]

EYOOO!

[@pb6717]

I have a 2007 US Sterling that I wish was a little lighter. Its 9lb 4oz. Is it possible to change out the bridge and tuners for a little weight loss?

[@sethnicholls7861]

Yes!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

:D

[@joeiaquinto9214]

The SR Special has more of a well-rounded, versatile sound, to my ears. The Gold SR has the one-dimensional, albeit cool AF, MM sound.

[@krodranvin2293]

Hey Lobster, if you have the opportunity, please consider reviewing a Sandberg Electra Bass, supposedly a quality made in Germany active Bass for under a 1000 bucks. I'm really curious how good the preamp is

[@LowEndLobster]

I am curious about those! Thanks for the suggestion, will definitely be checking one out hopefully soon :)

[@krodranvin2293]

@@LowEndLobster Ooh great!

[@datle1402]

lobster, where's the video for the Battle of the stingrays?

[@LowEndLobster]

Which one? The SUB mods? That's coming next week :)

[@christosfragias592]

Thanks Lobster 🦞. I really like your videos. Very informative, honest, and impartial.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!