Time's Makin' Changes: Stingray Special pt.2

Just over one year ago, I went through a major change in my gear collection.  All my P-Bass-type basses were sold off to fund a brand new Stingray Special, and shortly thereafter I returned it for the chance to own my "dream bass"-- a Rickenbacker 4003 (two to be exact).  

Enjoying the Fireglow!

At first I gladly accepted the quirks of the Ricky: its antique bridge, wide but shallow neck shape, neck dive, bubbling paint, stubby tuning posts, sharp body edges, and yes-- that large cover over the bridge pickup.  On stage it was a struggle to keep the pickup noise at bay and the instruments weight was... weighing on my nerves.  But damn, the things look fantastic!

Most of those quirks can be addressed with aftermarket parts, but I didn't really want to spend more money (on two basses) to do so. 

Hello Baaaby!

At the very time I was seriously considering what to do about the Ricks, I discovered that our local shop had a new Stingray Special in stock-- AND it was the very color I was unable to find last year-- Aqua Sparkle! 

The next day I took both Ricks to our local shop and promptly secured my new Aqua Sparkle Stingray Special, which features a very dark ebony fingerboard and black hardware.  

Most of us who've sold or traded away instruments have experienced "buyers remorse" of some kind.  Meaning, you have a certain level of regret letting go of something which you were once very excited about.  This time I don't have any whatsoever.  Is it because I'm getting older and understand/ have accepted that tastes change over time?  Maybe.  Probably, yes.  

The opposite of plug & play, pedalboard ver.2

Adding to that, I find myself seeking to simplify my life, which extends to my bass playing & collecting.  For example, I was getting quite frustrated by the Rickenbacker's stereo output option, i.e. "Rick-O-Sound."  This is a feature which allows the player to send two independent pickup signals from the bass to different amps, effects, etc.  Using the Radial "BassBone" and a handful of effects I spent hours, days, weeks trying to find a useful combination that I could access quickly.  It just never happened.  What it did accomplish however, was to consistently grow frustration with the entire endeavor... and reinforce the desire to return to a simple plug & play philosophy.  

An air-tight neck pocket

Specs and my review for the new Stingray Special can be found HERE though this new bass has a few differences.  The fingerboard on this one is a very dark ebony, on which the white side position markers stand out brilliantly.  On maple fingerboard SRs' the black markers on a dark roasted maple neck were difficult to see in low lighting.  Fit and finish on this particular instrument is better than the previous-- specifically the neck pocket fitment is tight as can be.  This one also feels to be noticeably more open and lively than the last; in the neck position I find a lot of useful tones whereas the previous seemed rather dark and difficult to use.  This is to say that this instrument speaks to me in a way the other didn't.  Both were fine instruments, but this one I have bonded with right away.

A finish with a rich heritage 

Lastly, the finish.  That wonderful  sparkly blue manipulator of light has long been my dream finish.  I've come close a few times, once with a G&L JB 5-string (where I discovered that the B string simply gets in my way) and that time my wife bought a teal-sparkle Telecaster, but never finding mine-- until now!  The Stingray Special Aqua Sparkle is my new #1, and I don't even care that I traded two beautiful Rickenbackers to obtain it(!)

Driving an old 1960s Dodge Charger is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lives.  It's fun, it's physically demanding and a true joy; much like the Rickenbacker 4003. Living with one as a daily driver however, well that's something else entirely.  In the end, I'm thankful to have had the last year with two beautiful Rick basses, but the time has come to pass that joy to someone else, while I enjoy the comfort and luxury of my new, modern bass... It's nice to be home!

...Stay tuned & in tune!