Yep, I’ve tried a few different basses since I got my first one, and returned them because they didn’t measure up to my MusicMan or I just didn’t play them as much. I still have 2 basses, after recently returning the fretless I got in April. It was nice, but I wasn’t “feeling it” so back to the store it went LOL. I’m always on the lookout for something unusual looking. And I still want to get that Bootsy Collins star shaped replica bass because it looks cool LOL
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Well, I just got another one yesterday, and I am now at 9 basses again.
Still have 2 for sale tho, so its a number I tend to hover at or below.
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Looks cool, yes.
I bet it will take more than a little getting used to, cuz it is for sure going to poke into your forearm.
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I would imagine I probably wouldn’t play it a whole lot and it would be a show piece lol
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it’s just gotta be super heavy too
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Nice Avatar/Profile picture.
Have you ever played a Yamaha bass?
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Yeah my first bass was a Yamaha. I don’t have it anymore though.
Somewhere I posted a photo of my three basses: Ibanez GSR190 that came as the core of a Guitar Center Jumpstart kit, Yamaha TRBX304bin candy apple red, and a Stu Hamm Signature Fender Urge II.
I’m now torn between acquiring an acoustic or the EBMM Stingray. LOL
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Stingray.
Acoustics are not all they seem to be. IMHO
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I’m still waiting on my Steinberger Spirit XT-2. Musician’s Friend says they won’t be in until June 26.
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Are you referring to an acoustic bass or guitar?
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Well, this IS BassBuzz. LOL - I already have a decent acoustic guitar - the Yamaha FG830 I believe… and a Gibson Les Paul Studio in black.
The acoustic I’ve been looking at is the Washburn AB40, but then @PamPurrs picked up a free no-name. It’s on Amazon for $200. The Stingrays cost as much as my Urge and I’m not quite ready to spend that kind of money just yet…
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Resistance is futile.
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My suggestion would be to get a SBMM Ray4 for $300 and see how you like it.
If you prefer the fatter neck like a P bass, then you can opt up for the SBMM Ray34, as Ray4’s and Ray24ca’s have a more Jazz like neck.
Note that EBMM Stingrays have the thicker neck, and ONLY have the SLO neck (jazz size, also found on EBMM STERLING model basses) in limited release BFR models once in a while. That is what is on my EBMM Stingray SLO Special.
If you get this, you could potentially get BOTH an Acoustic and SBMM Stingray.
Once you get your hands on the Stingray, you will be able to determine if it is for you or not.
The Ray4 is $299, and, although the pick up is less then stellar, it is adequate if you have the treble boost cut and bass boost at or below mid way.
It is harder to find a better bass for that price, PLUS it has huge upgrade potential, and for as little as about $70 more (up to near $160 more) you can easily find a pickup you can quickly drop in, and then you are not as limited by the boosts.
I find the stock pick up adequate and it is what I use with my Aguilar pick up ($120) and just love it.
If you decide to go with the fatter STINGRAY neck (1.69" at the nut vs 1.5" on the Jazz / SLO / Sterling neck), you WILL be getting the exact same Pick up and 3 band Pre-amp that WAS used in EBMM stingrays prior to 2017. For 2018 thru present, EBMM Stingrays have an upgraded pick up and preamp,
BUT
with the addition of those previous EBMM electronics in the Ray34’s, you are looking at a STELLAR instrument that is all but identical to the US built EBMM stingrays, with the acceptation it is not made in the US, and you MAY find some fit and finish differences, but they are few and could be simply, not as smooth frets at the end (although I would hardly call any SBMM ray of any model that I have pick up, rough by any sense of the word).
So, if you are truly torn, but do want both an acoustic and Stingray, and you are even considering the $2400 for a current EBMM Stingray Special (standard Stingray model of 2018 thru present), then. you may find getting a SBMM Ray34, plus an acoustic in the $500 or under price range satisfies all of the GAS you currently have.
Likewise,
If you prefer the more narrow neck, then you can get the Ray4, and a pick up (and pre-amp if you like) for less money, PLUS get an acoustic that cost $100 or less, and still save money.
EVEN a Ray34 AND an acoustic for $1000 or less would be savings over a NEW EBMM Stingray.
IDK your budget, and / or your exact desires, but there are loads of options (used EBMM and acoustic, or mix match like I said above) out there.
If you like, there is a company Retro-Vibe UK that makes a '78 MM Stingray CLONE pre-amp that is an exact replica of the 2band preamp used in the 2nd year of stingrays, AND there are other pickups modeled after similar years, Tone Monster pick ups I think.
But
Drop them in a Ray4 and for under $450, you will have a great sounding, classic, old school Ray sound for cheap (with a Jazz neck)
Hope to not further confuse your decision, but you have lots to consider.
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Loved all the explanation, and let me add that going from the Ray34 to the Ray Special showed me what a huge difference there is between them.
Simply said, they named it Special for a reason 
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man, I was in GC at Union Square today in NYC (took my daughter to the new Harry Potter store $$$) and they had a USED AERODYNE for $645.
I stopped dead in my tracks, took it off the hook, played it, and with more self control than I thought I ever had….put it back.
If I did not have the Bello bass this would have been a different story.
That bass is beautiful in person.
God I hope it sells quickly so I don’t change me mind.
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LOL, you sure have more willpower than I would have had. 
You already know in your heart that it found its way there especially for you. We only live once, John.
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But @John_E you can’t leave that poor bass all alone and terrified on the wall of that horrible place 
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Ya well I am eyeing a different bass I already said I wouldn’t buy instead sadly.
I think I need to start blocking facebook marketplace, craigslist, GC, SW, talkbass classified…
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Man you learn quick.
So, what are you eye balling for your next bass?
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