SHORTSCALE Stingray Bass! - Review and Demo

[@Bassboy1987]

I love short scales! For years I've played standard scales, these days it's short scale for me.

[@bassweapon]

If short scale basses start to get this good, a ton of professional musicians are actually going to choose the short scale version for gigs bc it’s more comfortable

[@TheBassWizard]

True!

[@cookiemobers5650]

If you have the chance, check out the new Schecter Banshee short scale. I bought mine a few months ago, and freaking love it. It's my first passive pickup experience, but I haven't really noticed much of a difference. I'm a small person, and if I can find a short scale 5 string...I may never go back to standard. My 5 string Schecter is a beast, as far as weight. I'm just a hobby player, but... like most bassist... I have more than one...LOL. I have 4!

[@bryancontreras2892]

Denise Mobers Ibanez Mezzo 5 string. 32” ! :)

[@cookiemobers5650]

@@bryancontreras2892 I've been looking at that! I've only ever owned Schecters, so I'm a bit spoiled on that sound. But the Ibanez is def on the list.

[@cedcobasse]

Hi denise. Banshee seems awesome. How is the banshee's weight ?

[@Unonomouse]

I really like how you consistently cover Musicman's instruments and the depth you go into when talking about them. They are one of my favorite brands and you are a very reliable source, thanks

[@paulspence2815]

For an old man with small hands, short scale basses are the best. This sounds like a very versatile bass with a good range of tones available.

[@differentdrummer6162]

Paul, I fall into both of those categories. I just ordered a short-scale Ibanez but if I had bit more cash, a Sterling would be coming to my house soon.

[@thewomanwithnohead]

Nice, finally a short scale which doesn't sound dark and muddy ! Insane !

[@taylorpearcy319]

I’m guessing it’s because of the pickup. Honestly I’m not fond of the tone of long scale active stingrays. Too “jangly” for lack of better word. I think the passive electronics and shorter scale mellow out the tone just enough to make it sound great here.

[@mitchmitchel4914]

Thank you for playing the same riffs/melodies when demonstrating different tone settings so you can actually focus on the difference the changes make. So many reviewers switch a tone setting and then start slapping when they did finger style on the previous tone setting. +1 pro review!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I just bought one in Olympic White. I am very impressed with the fit, finish, set-up/playability & overall sound. (playing for 23 years) oNe LovE from NYC

[@jacksonhilts5866]

Lost a finger a few months ago and these look sick

[@adnanti-nk1hw]

Oh man, my condolences are tou better now?

[@drakejdf]

I play right handed so my left hand is my my main for playing cords leads etc.I lost my forefinger 10 years ago and I’m back in the groove never give up.I have a Ibanez mikro bass and love it and want this one.

[@tracychappell2029]

@@drakejdf Sorry you lost your finger but like that you are still playing.

[@travieso1ruvalcaba672]

So sorry to read that man. If it helps, I know a basist with only 2 fingers on either hand. And he was rather good and creative with the technique he developed.

[@markbass354]

Marcelo I wish I had that bass when I was 16 , my first bass was a Fender Precision it was larger than me and real heavy.

[@michaelbell75]

I have loved Stingrays forever and this fixes the main thing I never liked, the active preamp. I love short scales basses. Short scale and no preamp in a smaller, lighter and more affordable package. Amazing.

[@DwayneRidgwayOfficial]

For the price point of about $550, it seems really good. I've always had smaller hands/trouble with stretching for fretting, so it seems perfect for me. Might try and save up for it. Great review.

[@etpslick100]

DJHammer222 $550 is way cheaper than the &1999 Ernie Ball model.😕

[@patticake5311]

The long scale Sterling Ray (not the U.S. Sterling) is only $299, which is a lot less, but this seems like a great bass. I'm verrry tempted...

[@Stewr306]

These are the same build quality as the SBMM Ray 34 bass, which are around $600, not the cheaper SUB Stingray. That’s why they’re $550.

[@robjgolde3221]

Damn, I kinda like these electronics a little better than a traditional stingray. That series tone sounds killer.

[@BassedInVegas]

Thanks for the great video. I’m a pro player and recently purchased this exact bass, the white version and I absolutely love it. I also just purchased the Ibanez Mezzo 32”” scale bass and love that bass as well. All my 34” scale bass’s are currently being sold. Cheers, Davyo

[@etpslick100]

I have the white one! Love it! Love it! Love it! A whole lot cheaper than the Ernie Ball model. Sounds great for a “passive” bass; gives you nice pickup options! Great bass!😌👍🏾

[@nathanfilewood5934]

That 'series' setting is incredible! Sounds phenomenal. I've always wanted a Stingray (and almost had one years ago) and now I want one even more

[@danieltorres5238]

Sounds like a Stingray to me! Smaller, lighter and affordable...we got a winner here!!

[@susiemuirhead561]

It is a StingRay

[@theamateurfurry4735]

I can play a normal “long scale” bass just fine, and I have for years, as I own a 1985 Peavey Dyna-Bass. That being said, I didn’t start out on bass, I started with guitar, and that’s what I prefer even though much of my professional music career has been made on bass. For that reason, I think I much prefer short scale basses over the traditional long scale. Next time I’m in a guitar store, I will be sure to try one of these out if they have them in stock! I love stingrays, and I like comfortable playability. I see this as an absolute win!

[@jean-pierrethouin2404]

Great Demo.... Exactly what i am looking for, Specially the fact that it does NOT sound like a short Scale! Those options with the TONES are Great! Tx. J.p.

[@Kosthoms]

it sounds incredibly good, I think this is one of the best sounding short scale out there, I wonder if it can sound good with flats?

[@Lysdexia]

Superbly entertaining and informative review - thanks Marcelo! The bass - I'm just going to buy one. It looks fantastic and sounds terrific - well done EB.

[@knrtn439]

I love the cut tone. I cut my tone on my Jazz bass and I love how low it feels! This thing does the same, but 10x better! Damn!

[@lawrencebyrdsong7570]

It has that Louis Johnson tone and it's passive

[@glennb3231]

Thanks for that nice demo. The boost switch is in its normal position when it is out. Pushed in you get a cut in volume and a subtle but noticable cut in bass tone. To me it sounds much cleaner pushed in. In parallel position, boost knob in and with tone full this passive bass does a fair representation of a genuine EBMM StingRay, but comparing it side by side to my EBMM StingRay 4H Special it falls galaxies short in getting that StingRay sound, and also has a bit of a muddy tone I can't dial out. I think where this short scale really shines is in the single coil position giving it a nice deep gutsy sound I can't get from my 4H Special. It would nice if MM incorporated that same switch into the full scale 4H StingRays in the future. The 4HH has its own thing going on with its 5 way switch but I prefer the more focused sound of the 4H. Putting the coil switch into the 4H would boost its versatility factor putting it on more even turf in that regard with the 4HH. I don't know why it hasn't been done but perhaps there is a valid reason having to do with the electronics and it being active.

[@congerscott6064]

I have big hands but i still prefer short scale bass guitars, for me they are faster playing and more comfortable to play, great review thank you 👍🏆.

[@erikottens7536]

Thanx Marcelo,great demo, been looking forward to it since unboxing vid came out,this will also be great to play with the band on small stages too.

[@stevepethel6843]

That passive bass sounds incredible

[@philipmcadam5339]

Thank you Marcelo, for your insights, much appreciated.

[@martinheath5947]

The volume boost would be most useful in single coil mode. Great review man Now I want one!

[@MarkMarxonsBassChannel]

Great video and amazing playing as always 💯❤️

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Despite the fact that one brand I have a general aversion to is Ibanez, it was Ibanez instruments which helped me to learn about short scale models like this Stingray. The first bass player I worked with long-term had such an Ibanez model. Subsequently, my instrument retailer from the late 90s and early 2000s almost sold me one like it.

[@jaysjams1517]

I have one in sunburst....I love it. I think its a good bass for a fraction of the cost of the Music Man version.

[@TheChef470]

I own over 30 long scale basses and about 6 short scale basses. Later in life,(I'm in my late 50's) I have developed carpal tunnel in both hands as well as trigger finger issues on my left hand. I have several shorties,( mini p....modified pups, a Marcus Miller and a G&L Fallout) that have become my "go to" basses. They sound every bit as good as their larger counterparts and are mush easier to get around on. Anyone interested in 34 in long scale basses lol !

[@Ricardo96092]

Played one last night and what I like most of this short scale is the downsized body, it looks so well balanced.

[@la196]

I love this thing!

[@la196]

Just ordered the Olympic White with RW last night. Backordered, but should have it in 2-3 wks:) Been 4 yrs since I've added a new bass to the herd which was my Sire V7. This will be my first short scale bass and I'm looking so forward to it!

[@petermolnar8769]

Hmmm... I feel this bass will be my next bass.😉 Thanks for the video.!

[@cedcobasse]

Hi, nice review. She sounds great. Is the neck as good as 34'' sterling ? What about her weight ?

[@bryancontreras2892]

amazing looking and sounding bass! Great review! any chance you could check out the new Schecter Ultra 5 bass? :)

[@lafemmeparallel]

Excellent review! Thanks

[@ahauntedlighthouse7305]

Superb instrument.

[@preyforapophis]

That intro riff was so NASTY!!! Love love it.

[@DHTC888]

I KNOW RIGHT

[@piaten]

Just a question: For someone who doesn't already own an MM, but might consider getting just one, would you recommend this short scale instrument, or should I rather go for the full size version?

[@wulliemccreadie1591]

The shorty is an easier instrument to play and it's passive VS it's big brother. What's your ability level?

[@sexyeur]

Yes, awesome review! Thank you! I want one... Sharing...

[@TheBassWizard]

Thanks for watching!

[@sexyeur]

@@TheBassWizard Diamond in the rough. Thank YOU, bad ass bass man. Not to boast as if your mad skill could rub on like suntan lotion but I subscribed and belled too. Have a great day.

[@sbdreamin]

just ordered one in blue. Thanks!!!

[@steveothebassist]

Why can't they make a full scale one with the same electronics??? I would KILL for that!

[@markcheetah4960]

Agreed. I like passive electronics better.

[@TheopticnerveX]

That Bass sounds great.

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

Looks amazing. Excellent video Marcelo! Big issue for me is pickup location. I primarily use a pick, and that pickup location means I'd keep bumping it which messes up recording... Because of pickup location, I'm leaning towards a G & L Tribute Fallout Short Scale Bass. Thoughts?

[@johnstephen7610]

Pickup location is an issue for me too, since I also mostly use a pick. For me, the pickup location on this bass would work better, because its farther back. I place my picking hand right about in the middle. The Tribute Fallout pickup is right where my pick would go, so I would prefer this SBMM Short Scale. But each of us is different. Too bad Marcelo didn't respond to your question.

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

@@johnstephen7610 Worked out great. I’ve been very happy with my G&L Tribute Fallout. It’s an amazing bass. It is perfect, aside from a bit heavier than I wanted, and some Low E string challenges (seems to always be an issue with Short scale basses), and it gives an incredible tone. I A/B’d it with the MM Sterling Short Scale and it really was no contest at all. I wanted to like the Sterling because it was lighter and shorter, but the feel and tone of the G&L won out, so I returned the Sterling.

[@johnstephen7610]

@@geoffreymerrifield5666 Glad to hear it worked out for you.

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

Nice, didn't know the specifics of specs and that it's passive, but was interested the second I heard of it! Still, since I currently lack a 5-string, think a 5-way HH pickup Stingray will be next on my list, but can easily see this following it for the classic single humbucker sound in a slightly more compact package.

[@manolasecaira9316]

Thanks for this video! I’ve been wanting to buy a bass forever and have been watching a bunch of videos trying to decide... do you think this one might be good for a beginner? I’ve always had difficulty stretching my fingers on other instruments so figured it being shorter might help.

[@carpediemarts705]

Put one of these in your hands and ask your hands. Gibson's SG looking bass has been 30 inches since the late 60s when Jack Bruce played one in Cream. Paul McCartney did the majority of his playing on a 30" Hoffner. Fender makes the Mustang. Shortscale basses are nothing new.

[@haze4haze]

Yes buy one

[@jimalbruzzess2445]

Hey Marcelo, great review! Those look like they would be very comfortable to play. Is the body smaller too? I use to have a short scale P bass, shouldn't have sold it. Oh well. I will have to do some hunting. Thanks for the review. 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@gregpantelides1355]

Marcelo, that low end is tight!!!

[@aj81ds]

Did you feel the low E string was less flubby compared to other shorty’s?

[@bill4510]

Are you using any amp sims in this video, or are we hearing the DI?

[@MrJusthomas83]

You are a dope a$$ bass player, 👏. Really brought out the tone with ur hands, bravo.

[@geneciccone4196]

Hi Marcello always a great video always all the info you need and great playing! Curious have you played the Mustang PJ player series bass I'm kind of stuck between the short scale Sterling you're playing here and the Mustang would love any input you have!

[@la196]

For several hundred more, you may just love that Fender! They are backordered too:)

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Maybe we will see a 3 pickup selection on a 4 banger in the future 🙏🙏🙏 great review wizard

[@jrosner6123]

Has a great E string! The only drawback for most short scales is the smaller bodies make them tough to wrangle.

[@romeou4965]

Perhaps the inherent boosted low frequency of short scale gives this bass a bit of pbass bottom end without a neck pickup?

[@Frodohotep]

This bass is awesome!

[@sonicacoustics9176]

Awesome scaling! :)

[@spongesurf]

This seems to be priced in the SUB bass range but it's even better. How did they manage that? Also, since you have reviewed several Musicmans...when are you reviewing a Bongo? Wanna talk about sound options? My Bongo 5 is hot.

[@SuperDixxxie]

Sounds incredible Marcelo, thanks... atb Dixie in uk

[@georgestulles8225]

Great review, awesome bass

[@TheBassWizard]

Thank you!

[@scottt9382]

sold!

[@rijudasgupta2643]

Fantastic review. How heavy is it? Also, is there a drop in quality because it’s SBMM and not EBMM?

[@gregpantelides1355]

I’ve tried a few SBMM in stores and they feel great. I wouldn’t say their a drop in quality in the sense that they use poor quality components or they feel cheap. Neither of those things are true. You will notice that feel isn’t quite as nice as an EBMM in terms of just expert craftsmanship with the frets and the neck. That being said, SBMM stuff feels really good. :-)

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

The Ray34 and 35 are excellent quality instruments. The SUB Ray4 and 5 are actually really really good too, I almost always gravitate towards them when trying in-store. And that’s coming from a Fender fanboy who has MIM Deluxes and MIAs.

[@wesleyreed3534]

How does the neck feel? How’s the fret work... are they smooth and polished, any snagging? Are the edges of the fretboard rounded?

[@greadore]

Good review. I have a low end short scale bass that has really bad neck dive and am looking to upgrade and replace but don’t want the same issue. How is the neck dive on this bass? Thank you!

[@questelohim...]

I like it

[@bFOURdwZEROlf]

looking for some 24 fret basses, to play around! I know the bassist of Lightning bolt uses a Stingray, but I see more range from the pickguard to the end of the neck. what if there was a bass with ALL NECK? :D (probably 30 frets)

[@wearetomorrowspast.5617]

Doesn't float my boat, not an MM fan. Nice playing though, really cool that MM made a short-scale, they are a lot of fun. Subbed on this vid.

[@luisantoniochinchillacamar5598]

How much does it weight?

[@Melkor0410]

I really need help here. Ive been seeing this bass being demo-ed for awhile. I understand its passive yes but may i please know how is it possible to get a volume boost because from what i know all the vol boost stuff goes through an active circuit so i wanna know how does this bass get a volume boost from it being purely passive

[@flynnnelson1029]

Ok so, the pick up starts out "boosted" because it's just a really hot pick up, so when it's normal or non "boosted" the output is actually being limited. Pushing the volume dial is actually turning the limiter off.

[@Melkor0410]

@@flynnnelson1029 ooohhhhhh. But still though. How would a passive circuit even limit the output of the pickup. Unless that specific volume pot is special for that

[@brendene2780]

If I’m looking for a bass, and I’m new to bass playing, would it be better if I get a short scale or long scale?

[@peterboggi9690]

Left handed version?

[@HectorRigon]

This bass have the same Pickups than Ray34? and bridge

[@jettsom]

I have small hands and I always had some struggle playing my US Sterling. This could be a better fit but I’m not sure about the tone. It lacks presence and growl in the lows I think.

[@rattmann3170]

Is it a problem switching back and forth between a 34 inch scale and short scale?

[@robertsmith5744]

Yep, I am glad that Ernie Ball Made a 30" scale bass, I was looking at the el cheapo ones, but not anymore . . . . .

[@globalnova]

this is an El Cheapo ..

[@walkensauce]

i'm after an alternative for my Hofner. Would this work well with Flatwounds?

[@henryfreeman7748]

I would like to own one now

[@JOTG2000]

SOLD!

[@paxonearth]

Is it neck-heavy?

[@shuruff904]

I have this exact bass.....but mine is active, not passive. Is that normal? It's brand new from Guitar Center...also, I did not know the volume know could be pressed in.... Edit: Same color, same maple neck everything is identical...

[@Saxyct]

How about the strings tension? does it feel much weaker or floppy to play with respect to the normal scale instruments? I also wonder how the volume boost control works, considered this bass has no active electronics...

[@DMac12flyers]

It's lower tension and you get more low end

[@chicharones9640]

Is there someone that can explain to me what parallel, single coil and series are exactly doing with the pick up?

[@martinheath5947]

Each pickup has two wires, a signal wire and a ground wire (+) and (-) at either end of the magnetic coil. Series/parallel works similarly to batteries. If you put two 1.5 volt batteries end to end (-)(+)(-)(+) one feeding through the other ("Series"), you get a 3volts output. If you put them side by side with (+)(+) terminals connected to each other and (-)(-) terminals connected (Parallel) you still have 1.5 volts coming out. Like batteries, pickup (+) wires can be re-routed so that one runs through the other (-) to provide a beefier sound in a "Series" configuration. Parallel wiring sounds a bit crispier and more defined and "Parallel" is the traditional wiring for both pickup coils on a regular Musicman Stingray bass (and actually most electric guitars and basses with more than one pickup:)

[@chicharones9640]

@@martinheath5947 well thank you sir haha that’s a very interesting explanation.

[@martinheath5947]

@@chicharones9640 I hope that made sense!

[@martinheath5947]

@@chicharones9640 Electric guitar humbuckers are traditionally in "Series" with magnetic poles reversed and one coil wrapped clockwise and the other counterclockwise for hum cancelling purposes

[@eeeejcicjn]

Just bought this one and liked it. Can anybody suggest mods for this to upgrade. I’m new on basses and Music Man.

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

Aftermarket tuners are always a good investment. Other than that, just play it and change a couple of thing you *really* don’t like. I had a Ray34 and it was excellent in every way, except for the tuners.

[@jimmyperullo947]

I like it, but I'd have to get olympic white, since I already have the ray35 HH in daphne blue.

[@la196]

FYI, that's what I just ordered but be aware if you prefer maple, Olympic white is only available with RW. Which is what I wanted:). I probably would have got the Daphne if it was available with RW. But not to be:). That's ok:)

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@la196 Can I ask - How you like it? I just ordered one in Olympic White. ( I'm a guitar player ) so the short scale is nice to move-on.

[@la196]

@@michael_caz_nyc Hi Mike, I have 5 basses and this was my first short scale. I love it. I think you will be happy with the build quality, it's solid, the electronics are very nice, the neck feels great, everything with mine was perfect upon arrival. You'l like how easy it is to move around on it. Mine is also olympic white:). Looks great with the rosewood! Got mine back in April. In fact I just put it down when I noticed your comment. So fun for sure. I think my favorite bass of mine... (my Lakland) has been feeling a little neglected. In case you're curious, it's very well balanced. I bought a set of Labella flats when I purchased mine which shipped with the bass but I still have the stock slinky strings on though. I believe you'll be very happy with it. I'll be curious what you think.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@la196 I do appreciate your Input. I will write back, once I get it. I'm super-psyched, as-a-fan of: Bernard Edwards ( Chic ) and Paul Denman ( Sade ) - who both play Stingray's. I've always Loved-the-Look of the Olympic White Stingray. I have played some great Budget-Basses on this journey. (2) that stand out: Yamaha TRBX304 and Jackson Spectra JS-2 = both great bang-for-the buck. oNe LovE from NYC

[@UncleDanBand64]

What are the string gauges?

[@mrbungle7586]

Looks great, price? Great review as always, cheers.

[@TheBassWizard]

Price could vary depending on what country you’re in, but Google should be able to help you with that information

[@mrbungle7586]

@@TheBassWizard Thanks Marcelo, will investigate, I'm in Australia, doubt they have it here yet, but will check it out. Take care.

[@HoldenRivera]

Mine came setup like garbage. I had to dump an additional $100.00 to get it set up before it would play comfortably and in tune. Now that its setup I love it. But its no buttery dream when its delivered.

[@dougmarshall5324]

Fantastic love it want one only no one is selling it, i have tried extensively for 3 weeks to find this with no success, Ernie Ball everything, Sterling everything SUB but not this one ...... last resort Marshall Islands 3000 miles off the coast of New Zealand !

[@dhebrailmaxence376]

Does anyone know the difference between the MM short scale SS (≈600$ if I remember well) and the MM short scales that cost ≈1100$ ?

[@bobt5778]

Does anyone know if the body is the same size as their 34 inchers?

[@AndBassForAll1]

No it's smaller

[@bobt5778]

@@AndBassForAll1 thx!

[@HoldenRivera]

I also MicroMeshed the "Made in Indonesia" and Logo off of mine.

[@ineedsomebass]

@Holden Rivera Looking to do that as well. I’m new to micro mesh, any tips??? What grain did you use? Did you do it dry or wet? Thanks.🙂✌🏾❤️🎶

[@souldreamer9056]

In what situation would you use parallel and sc?

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Just for different tonal variations. Example: in a Reggae track, you might want a Deep Bass (or emulating Synth-bass) and in a Pop track you might want to slap & pop using a single coil pickup for more top end. All personal preference. oNe LovE from NYC

[@blueplateradio2]

Is it available in 5 string or is 5 string on the horizon?

[@spongesurf]

I don't think the b string would do well on a short scale. They can get sloppy. But I hope to be proven wrong!

[@pilotreg]

700th like :D

[@sidthebassist89]

Honestly the SUB series HH Ray catches my attention more than this. who doesn't want a sub $400 HH Stingray?

[@spongesurf]

Someone who values a short scale and wants a passive sound I would imagine.

[@markknight6445]

What gauge strings are on that please ?

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Ernie Ball 2852 Regular Slinky Short Scale Bass strings come standard. oNe LovE from NYC

[@LaFritePerreGoat]

A stingray with 3 way siwtch is actually called a sterling.

[@mindhead2005]

No The US sterling is very different in many ways. Smaller body, a more jazz sized neck, smaller headstock, a ceramic pickup with 3 way switch, no banana control plate, smaller pick guard The US Stingray 5 has the same switching as this

[@eloysuopunki7926]

The extended amount of frets is just an aesthetic choice here since they're not accessible