MusicMan Stingray 4c user reviews ( 8/10) - 26 user reviews

• 12/11/11

  yoTrakkz's review "nice bass"

  Characteristics

  The Stingray 4c is an American classic. Its features include, typically, a maple neck, an alder body and a split single-coil Precision Bass pickup. It has a vintage golden pickguard and vintage hardware. It also features a volume knob, a tone knob, and a 1/4" input.

  Utilization

  This bass is somewhat heavier than a Jazz Bass, and can be somewhat large and long, but it was never too awkward for me to handle, and I'm less used to playing bass than most. A well-maintained P-bass will play and feel great, and the top notes won't be too far out of reach for anyone. If anything, the lowest notes will be more strenuous for someone with shorter arms. Everything on this bass is smooth and stable.

  Sounds

  I like using this with a Peavey tube bass amp, but I've heard many good combos with it. I like a nice, smooth, fat tone, one that isn't going to pop too hard, but fat enough to hold down a heavy groove. This bass is definitely more low end thud than the J-basses smoothness, but it has plenty of both. It's pretty versatile and can really hold down a fat groove. Distorted, it is particularly nice because it doesn't get too fuzzy, and it doesn't lose the pop of the low end. I really like using this for rock music, as well as some of the heavier funk and R&B. Most of the rock I play isn't too heavy, more in the vain of Dire Straits and Wilco in terms of heaviness and dynamics, and I think that the bass is just deep and round enough for those genres.

  Overall Opinion

  This base, in my opinion, are some of the best instruments made in the 20th century. These will certainly cost you a pretty penny nowadays, too. Getting a good used one is a good lifetime investment for the true bassist. I think it's worth it in the long run, before they get even more expensive. They sound absolutely phenomenal, and if they are well-maintained, they play great too. The 4c is certainly in a league of its own, and going classic is definitely the best choice.
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• 12/07/08

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by chevaliernoir/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  
  
  
  
  Maple neck, rosewood or maple fingerboard.
  
  
  
  I don't know how it influences the sound but maple fingerboards get dirty very fast.
  
  
  
  Standard machine heads (not sealed lubricated).
  
  
  
  It has a 3-band EQ (on the more recent versions). The battery access is great because you don't need any tools.
  
  
  
  No balance control since the instrument has a single pickup. The pickup is very close to the bridge so you have a lot of space for your right hand.
  
  
  
  I give it an average mark because of the single pickup and the old-school machine heads, but the instrument is very sturdy. It's also very heavy. The manufacturing quality is very good and it will certainly last a long time.

  Utilization

  Very pleasant neck.
  
  
  
  I'm used to playing with my thumb resting on the pickup edge. But since the pickup is very close to the bridge, I have to rest my thumb on the lowest-sounding string. It's not much of a problem if you 're already used to playing like this. I found it annoying and couldn't get used to it.
  
  
  
  The instrument is very heavy... like its sound.

  Sounds

  It's certainly its weakest point.
  
  
  
  Perhaps you'll love it. The sound is very special and it reminds me of a Musicman. It's perfect for a rock band. The bass sound is very present but it doesn't overshadow other instruments. The attack is very good and the powerful low-mids are perfect.
  
  
  
  The problem is that the bass can only produce this kind of sound. It's not versatile at all. Even with the EQ you cannot really alter the sound much.

  Overall Opinion

  As an object I give it a 10.
  
  
  
  The neck feels great (although the maple fingerboard gets dirty quickly).
  
  
  
  The instrument is too heavy for my taste and doesn't have a thumb rest.
  
  
  
  It's not versatile at all.
  
  
  
  As a summary, I can understand that some musicians consider it the perfect bass but it's not for me (I will keep my 5-string Warwick and I will sell the Musicman).
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• 04/27/08

  MGR/Augustinas's review "Music Man Stingray 4"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  I play the bass for 16 years now in a various bands. Most often I play rock, blues, jazz, funk and sometimes classical music. My favourite genre of music is rock (I like it from 8 ears old).
  
  
  
  I bought this Stingray 1 month ago at www.musiciansfriend.com for 1365 USD.
  
  
  
  I like almost everything about it. My bass is transparent gold with maple neck. Very good looking, extremely good rocking sound, awesome slap sound, active electronics (9 V power supply) with treble, middle and bass controllers, which gives you more tonal variations from solid and massive to sharp and high sound.
  
  
  
  Unfinished neck. I affraid that it will become dirty after some time :-) Anyway this natural maple is wery nice for my left hand.
  
  
  
  Very strong, good done. I think it won\'t break even cracked to the wall.
  
  
  
  It\'s probably the best bass I\'ve ever had. Since I really like to play rock, Music Man Stingray is right bass for me.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 04/14/02

  MGR/Otis P. Jivefunk's review "Music Man Stingray 4"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  My old bass fell apart because I used it so much. I needed a bass that would stay together and sound good at the same time. I also need a bass that was perfect for slapping. I then walked into a local music store to see what they had. I picked up this bass and played it. The following weekend I went back to the store and bought it. It cost somewhere around $1400 (I had been saving for a while), but you can get them cheaper.
  
  
  
  The sound and playability. It's active, which just adds to the great single humbucker tone. That's right! No neck pickup to get in your way. The string spacing is wide, so it's perfect for slapping. It has a nice, low action which is also perfect for slapping. It also has really BIG fret markers.
  
  
  
  The 3-1 headstock takes some getting used to, but once you do, you'll love it.
  
  
  
  I have rammed the headstock into the wall at least 20 times (I need to be more careful) and it has taken THREE MAJOR FALLS! IT STILL PLAYS PERFECTLY! This bass will probably live longer than i will.
  
  
  
  The tone cuts through a band like a hot knife though butter. It's extremely easy to play. The bass is built so well, you could probably kill someone with it.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 10/05/12

  le reverend's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " A try at least once in his life"

  Characteristics

  Bass 4 string USA
  
  The handle is a treat, maple, I coisi a model with rosewood fingerboard. He slides alone.
  
  Only 1 micro, double (keypad MusicMan what).
  
  1 volume, active 3 tones (treble, mid, bass) with corrections very effective. Big influence on the setting of mid tones on the other 2!
  
  Very good build quality and very good fittings. Reasonable weight and comfort (for bass).
  
  Battery Access: fastoche.

  Utilization

  In use, the comfort of the handle is a reference. Good ergonomics of the instrument in general.
  
  Sound setting is very effective due to corrective assets.

  Sounds

  Sounds low as they are expected. Nothing revolutionary, but solid, the basic seat. Short bass.
  
  It is a versatile bass, not a low extreme.

  Overall Opinion

  I am a guitarist and I wanted to mumuse with a pretty low (visible on my profile). Yes, sure, I have not taken the first toy. My brief was to have something comfortable and basic. Contract completed, it is very comfortable and the sound suits me perfectly. The appearance of low active, even if he removes the side roots, bringing more freedom of adjustment while being very simple. And I'm not a purist, the bass is a complement for me, so much the worse for the side roots.
  
  When I have the money and the need, I brancherai on a bass amp that will fit most (a 15 ").
  
  
  
  I hesitated with the Jazz Bass, super bass also, again in its active version. Hey hey, I still hesitate!
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• 02/15/12

  jhm's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Excellentissime"

  Characteristics

  - Stingray 4 string made in 3 eq availed himself of 1991
  
  
  
  - Varnished maple neck (thin birdeyes).
  
  
  
  - Key varnished
  
  
  
  - Body blue / green poplar, not Ash
  
  
  
  - Possibility of the dampers

  Utilization

  - Neck wider than sterling or a jazz bass which suits me perfectly.
  
  
  
  - Very fun to play and as light as my old Sterling.
  
  
  
  - The frets are the vintage type.
  
  
  
  - Electronics 3q responds well and is fairly accurate.

  Sounds

  - It's a bass, in my opinion, as I said for sterling, will not suit all styles of music.
  
  
  
  - I use it mostly for rock and funk that are, for me, his favorite fields.
  
  
  
  - The sound is much more "root", "fat" that sterling has a slightly more modern sound.
  
  
  
  - It remains less versatile than the sterling. Just simply install a switch parallel / series / single coil, and voila.

  Overall Opinion

  - I play with for a few days and I can already do without it. On an ampeg tube amp, it achieved excellence.
  
  
  
  - She has that sound, inimitable grain. One likes or dislikes. I love it.
  
  
  
  - The Sterling is great. But, it lacks just that grain vintage that I find only the stingray.
  
  
  
  - Otherwise, it lacks just a switch or selector as the Sterling. Anyway, on sterling, I was using only one dial position.
  
  
  
  - Anyway, what I will ever Chois without hesitation.
  
  
  
  - Before you buy, try one, because the sound is musicman, nevertheless, quite special, but absolutely brilliant.
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• 01/09/12

  xbassman_K's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " The Bass!"

  Characteristics

  No need to revisit the characteristics of the MM Stingray that everyone knows.
  
  But I must still specify that I have owned four different
  
  the first one I had was a 1988 model, bought new at the time, black maple neck, one of the first to have the 3-band EQ, I stole it and I'm inconsolable ...
  
  the second, one of the first 5-string, bought new in 1992, natural rosewood handle, I have always.
  
  the third, a model 2003 3-band EQ, maple neck goldtop color kind, sold.
  
  The latest, a 1989 model, Eq Honeyburst rosewood handle 2 bands. I always have.
  
  
  
  I also had the opportunity to be among the latest models pognes several microphones, 2 doubles and 1 double + 1 single, and a model equipped with an additional piezo. (These last certainly make a big more versatility, but for me it almost anecdotal!)

  Utilization

  As always, the stories of sleeves are a matter of personal taste, but I must say it suits me perfectly. It is halfway between a JazzBass and Precision, and not too thick. For purely aesthetic questions I always preferred versions with vintage gloss varnish finish, so as the MM before 1991 (or as the new series Stingray Classic at present), after it is rather neutral limit matt satin varnish on the back of the neck. Note the beautiful wood used for handles, 3 of the 4 models I had owned a bird's eye maple sublime the most beautiful effect.
  
  Weight issue, we are in the middle, but we can not say whether a low light.

  Sounds

  Having read other reviews, I must say I can not understand the users who say that this bass is versatile. It's actually quite the opposite! And that's the whole point of having an active EQ! Sure, if you look for modern sounds very typical kind Warwick ... Must go to Warwick! But if one is more interested in all the classic sounds (I mean by that JazzBass, Precision and consort), it has everything that is in store! With a bonus feature that I found on Stingray: it is heard no matter what! This bass has the unusual ability finally pierce the mix effortlessly and regardless of the setting Eq! It's truly amazing. And if, like me, you think a bass player must use their authority to take the building (like the pillar of skyscraper), then this is the tool for you! And what gouache, what a joy to live, any spell without effort!
  
  For cons, I would advise to beginners because it forgives nothing, everything is picked up by his big humbucker phenomenal, so that those who have not yet mastered their sound and their fingers will find it difficult to play cleanly with.
  
  My amp is an Ampeg SVT with which this bass has a real love story, they seem to have been made for each other. Otherwise I also tested a lot of amps, nothing to report except with Trace Elliott, neither I nor she seems to appreciate a lot. I use little effect, sometimes a Fuzz, sometimes phasing.

  Overall Opinion

  Over 20 years I am faithful to this model! Unlikely to change, and yet I have a low score! But this place has a choice. As said before, I had different patterns of Stingray, but my favorite is this one has a 2-band EQ, which I personally find most "wicked". The model with 3-band EQ in my opinion are less wild and more consensual, but also more versatile. As with any instrument "well born", it gets better with age and I have noticed with a newer model with which I was not all good "vibes" of the older models . So I would advise that it wants to acquire, to leave rather looking for an older model (at least 15 years) equipped with the 2-band EQ (certainly much more rare).
  
  I'm thinking, I did not find fault. If the price may be because even though its price / quality ratio is very good, it remains an instrument of luxury.
  
  And yes, of course I would do this choice!
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• 05/23/10

  moixjj's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Beware his fiery, young padawan!"

  Characteristics

  I spend on dtails dj exposs in other reviews. My Stingray is black with a touch opment. It dates from 2000 and has played very t these 10 last years. The round took a verdtre tint on the bottom and availing oneself of the very marks of use on key brands. Nothing that the n9affecte jouabilit. The varnish was jumping on 2-3 places will appreciate that allows the paint and lacquer. The combination of both is very shepherd. I prfr a natural but I have not made the 500E over mouth. For the rest, RAS.

  Utilization

  The neck is thick and comfortable. Even for my small Mimine. To the big rock, it's nickel. It does not address and is not too heavy IMHO. The wood used is very dense, so the weight is low but not abnormal. If you want good smacking, it takes hard and heavy. CASC in acute, as I do not care, not a determination to CRITERIA for me. But since they planing heel CASC is greatly facilitated.

  Sounds

  With Musicman, you know what achte ... achte one or not. Stingray's "old school" is NOT a versatile bass. But what she does, she does it very well. It is a sound that typ not suit everyone. For me, it's perfect. Ms. Low on $ $ I always play only on the bridge humbucker. No need for neck pickup. I play rock music very heavy (stoner) and I need a good break into the mix while having a sound very fat and powerful. The Stingray password nickel for a. I can imagine that it's the same for the funk. It happens. Now we can find the sound so loud that it is not adapted to the beast. Must imperatively try before you buy. On my rig Ashdown ABM is nickel. But beware, it is hard tame and not a gift for a sound ing (exprience made in concert). And the slightest mistake means. I strongly deprecated a beginner.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 2 months. I had several bass (and I've always several) and I bought this to use very stingray particulire. She filled her role and that's all I ask.
  
  In my opinion, the price of new Musicman in Europe is very heavily on earned-even if they are good basses. I do not understand this pricing policy. It's a shame because I'd like to try a bongo ... As the price of a new GM is exorbitant, it dvalue very quickly. Used is a good deal though.
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• 09/04/08

  Buck78's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  I played for 5 years on a Fender Jazz bass japan base. I wanted an instrument more upscale with better wood. My assessment of the Stingray will be essentially from the JB. I had gone to buy a big American Deluxe JB and then an opportunity came to me, I thought why not change it.
  
  
  
  No need to revisit the technical characteristics of the GM, everyone knows. That fighter who refuses to be in control like that. The sound is quite heavy and has a dominant in the lower midrange quite pronounced. It's an immediately recognizable. Basseu when played on a MM on a recording or on stage, you can hear it now! This instrument is unique in their way in any mix or balance, even loaded ... like "push you I'm coming!". In other words, it does not in the discretion and I think this bass is rather reserved for sending music styles. Personally, I use it in a disco, funk in which the bass is very present here and slap hard. But beware, the égalo 3-band does not do everything and here is not so versatile that wants to suggest. To play the Chic (Bernard Edwards was one) is obviously great, but to quote the old James Brown of the 60s, even the soul, the MM sends too much, this is too. It supports a tad and presto, you find yourself down the volume. So, we forget to play on either junk (which date back to when the MM did not exist) or the risk of soft blues eat everyone.
  
  
  
  In addition, the highs are quite delicate to deal with and it has very quick to be aggressive. A bit like the active EMG pickups that equipped a lot of guitars in the '80s, a sound of fret buttons is highlighted by the electronics of a diabolical precision. As such, I recommend this bass for beginners or intermediate levels. As it moves on this bass, I had 15 years of practice of the four strings in the fingers and I was already far from being armed. But where the JB tolerate inaccuracies, not only allows the MM and I had to learn to play precise if it's disgusting! To be clear, the MM is a tool reserved for bass players who can play!
  
  
  
  Moreover, we note a compression of the natural sound that gives the impression of having a built-in compressor on bass. This can become annoying when you want to lower the dynamic attacking game under the right hand. The JB, I attacked less well and the bass followed linearly. On the MM, I attack a little less and continues to spit, you really control his game and calm down if you want to keep the subtlety in the dynamics.
  
  
  
  The counterpart here is the sustain, which is also one of the big strengths of this bass. The bridge is more than a Fender balèze and has 2 large steel screws on both bridges and other things that keep them against each other. We obtain thus a higher resonant mass. We note a plaque, we let it ring, we'll smoke a cigarette, you come back, it sounds again. Something crazy!
  
  
  
  Sometimes I tell myself that I would like to find the versatility and subtlety of the JB but I admit that it's very hard to do without the sound of the MM, this growl so special, that presence is phenomenal out on stage. An interesting alternative would be a JB with a microphone and an easel MM. Sandberg is here, and it seems that's fine. But here is a Sandberg and not a Fender or Music Man. And resale, no one will want one of Sandberg as Fender and Music Man, here is the values ​​of investment safe!
  
  
  
  Regarding the price, we find at 2000 euros in France, it is too expensive even if the quality is there. It is an instrument to purchase and the market does not lack.
  
  
  
  In summary, a great bass sound exclusive, but a very strong temper control you need to know ... maybe it's why we see them as the second hand market.

  Utilization

  See above

  Sounds

  See above

  Overall Opinion

  See above
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• 03/20/08

  Kranibus's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Stingray vintage (so two eqs) 1977. Sunburst a quality of madness Ingala! (But the bar is varnished with sweat ... saw his age, I forgive him)
  
  Otherwise, it is known dj all.
  
  
  
  Finally I would like to drive the point has remarkably pos Foox in message Previous.
  
  
  
  I possde this low for a good fifteen years but I do not play vritablement than 10 years ... I had trouble playing the beginners: a not sound, this low mdium makes all the richness of this put me off a little low ... I left it in a corner during the years before qques regain control ... I forced myself not to play it (I possde other low) and it came gently ... I came to understand that this is only for low growl and roar the magic that comes out ...
  
  You just learn to play him get into it without neighborhood
  
  
  
  I do not think this bass is destined for a beginners because of the difficulty of ringing and because the handle is very "heavy colas" ... It's basically a low trs demanding that does not give easily ... However, hands express, is a monster! In fact, just by dplacant his right hand, you get him to do what you want! Try to see!

  Utilization

  Perfect! just a little heavy even when.
  
  Channel "heavy colas" but we can play without having giant hands.
  
  Trs well equilibrated the handle does absolutely no pic of the nose.

  Sounds

  THE Stingray's with that growling mdium!

  Overall Opinion

  Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
  
  yes, and full of bass of this model by the way! I must say that my opinion is biased since my old Stingray does not sound at all like the rcents MODELS ... It has a richer depth ... It is an instrument that ages well and trs improves with age.
  
  
  
  Exprience with, you will do again this choice?
  
  Although sr!
  
  This bass has so many characters it will not fit in and got the game for everyone but what rgal when she snores on a big amp ...
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