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Stingray 34H versus 34HH

Discussion in 'The BASS Place' started by BoneDigger, Apr 6, 2021.

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  1. Apr 6, 2021 #1
    BoneDigger

    BoneDigger TDPRI Member

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    Hello everyone. I apologize for the somewhat arbitrary nature of this post. I realize that it's all a matter of "what works for me" but I have a bit of a dilemma and I'm trying to figure out my next course of action. Recently, I purchased a Stingray Ray 34H from GC. It's a great bass and plays and sounds like a dream. I already own a G&L "Jazz" bass and a Gretsch Electromatic hollow bass. Both of these have two pickups.

    To be clear, I am loving what I am hearing from my new bass. The issue is, there is also an HH model (stealth black) hanging on the wall at GC. It's $200 more, and would give me two pickups versus one. The main differences between these are the number of pickups, the finish, and the body of the H is Ash and the HH model is mahogany.

    The HH model would give me more sound options. The H model will give me tone shaping, but not to the extent that the HH would. But since I already have a "Jazz" and the Gretsch, I'm really not sure the second pickup is needed. The natural looks great with ash and the roasted maple neck. The black one I'm not as in love with the looks, but it's certainly not bad.

    So, while I can still return the H model with no penalty, do I keep the ash model or do I upgrade now to the HH model?

    As a clarification, for this bass I want a real powerful, clear punchy bass. If you have heard the Waylon Jennings version of "Clyde" you'll know what I am looking for.



    What would YOU do?
     
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  2. Apr 6, 2021 #2
    Reedt2000

    Reedt2000 TDPRI Member

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    I just got a Sterling Ray35 H and I don't miss having a second pickup. It is a little bit of a one-trick-pony... but it's a killer trick :D

    Like yourself I've got other basses with different pickup types, if I didn't I might have looked for an HH model.

    Polish_20210320_124931837.jpg
     
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  3. Apr 6, 2021 #3
    Killing Floor

    Killing Floor Tele-Afflicted

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    I love my EBMM HH basses. I have a Ray that’s kinda old and a Sabre that is 35 years old. Original owner of each and they have held up better than most.
    I believe (not promising) the HH comes with the 3EQ? The ability to punch up the lows and even the highs and use the mids +/- to tune to the room is awesome. Or to add punch and clarity if your guitar cranks low-mid bedroom tone on stage. (Y’all know who you are).
    Huge fan of the HH range. If I buy another Ray or maybe a Bongo that’s all I’d look at. The neck pup does a ‘decent’ cover for a P, close enough if you need that. And nothing thumps
    like a Ray when you slap it.
     
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  4. Apr 6, 2021 #4
    Killing Floor

    Killing Floor Tele-Afflicted

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    Yay, porn:

    Not bad for 1988 with years of tour life.
    upload_2021-4-6_18-42-50.jpeg
     
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  5. Apr 7, 2021 #5
    Martinp

    Martinp Tele-Afflicted

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    The single pickup Stingray is an extremely versatile bass, I'm not sure the $200 would be buying you much
     
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  6. Apr 7, 2021 #6
    alex1fly

    alex1fly TDPRI Member

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    More options doesn't always translate into better sound or playing. It doesn't really sound like an upgrade to me how you described it - more of a parallel move.

    You have a bass that you love the sound and look of. You might trade it for a bass that costs more money, doesn't look as good, and has a few more options that may or may not help you, and may even have a different fundamental feel and sound due to the mahogany vs ash. Sounds pretty simple to me - keep the ash H model and play on!
     
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  7. Apr 7, 2021 #7
    BoneDigger

    BoneDigger TDPRI Member

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    Thanks guys! As of right now, I'm leaning towards just keeping the 34H. Since I kind of have my other bass tones covered, I'm not sure I would gain anything.
     
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  8. Apr 7, 2021 #8
    Hiker

    Hiker Poster Extraordinaire

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    During my shopping in December, it was about (Ray 34) H vs HH. I chose easy slap, and everything the H has to offer. It stays! The natural ash is easy on the eyes, too.

    Yours is not an issue, it’s a dilemma.
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2021
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  9. Apr 8, 2021 #9
    BoneDigger

    BoneDigger TDPRI Member

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    I tend to agree. I was just making sure I wasn't going to be really disappointed somewhere down the line. I actually kind of like that extra room in front of the pickup. I'm not much of a slap player, and mostly play with a pick, but I can move back and forth to get a sharper or more mellow tone without that front pickup in the way.

    The other consideration is looks. I just tend to like the look of the natural ash version more than stealth black.

    I have wondered if a clear pick guard might be nice to add, but the black one isn't bad.
     
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