I narrowed it down to two

[Joebone]

Have not waded the thread, but EBMM quality control is way ahead of Fender, and the SR is an iconic "forever" product, while the Elite is yet another effort to capitalize on one of the original "forever" products, but in the hands of a company that has strayed from the true path.'

That said, try a lot of Rays before you pick "the one" - variability of woods, weight and mojo can lead to tonal differences, and beware of the subset of Rays that have a weak G string.

 

[pudgychef]

I voted Ray as that would be my choice - well built, versatile, the neck is comfier to me and they are beasts...

Actually that suggestion of an HH Ray is well worth considering...

 

[FingerDub]

My vote goes towards the Ray. I hate the HH model though. It doesn't sound bad, it sounds great but that second hum bucker makes it very difficult to slap with.

If it were me, I'd be looking at the Sterling or G&L's offerings as well.

So how are people able to slap on 2 soapbar basses, of which there a lot of ubiquitous bass models out there?

 

[willsellout]

So how are people able to slap on 2 soapbar basses, of which there a lot of ubiquitous bass models out there?

I'm sorry. Did I say it was impossible? No. I said it was difficult. Its not the fact that there are two humbuckers. It's the placement.

 

[Ant Illington]

Classic Stingray over Elite Jazz for me. The Stingray is the better active bass IMO. I'd try them both though. The Classic, IMO has a better neck and a really punchy and responsive sound. It sounds like a longer scale bass, even though it is a 34. I absolutely love it.

This. I have both and I'd go with the ray because you can essentially get the jazz sound but a Jazz can't do the Stingray sound. The Ray CAN be mellowed so don't even believe the generaliztion that it can only be aggressive. I think that it is generally accepted that MM is more consistently well crafted and their customer service is better. I've never used either one for customer service.

Go find a recent Elton John concert and listen to Bissonette laying down all those mellow grooves on a Stingray. It can be tamed.

 

[Catbuster]

Music Man. A Stingray H fits into any mix, anywhere, any time, a lot like a P bass. EBMM build quality is way ahead of any Fender, especially in terms of consistency.

 

[matty4string]

Would you buy a used ray from guitar center or no. I'm a set it and forget it guy. I play metal and rock. And use medium auger strings

 

[willsellout]

Music Man. A Stingray H fits into any mix, anywhere, any time, a lot like a P bass. EBMM build quality is way ahead of any Fender, especially in terms of consistency.

I'm not sure I agree. Other than setups in stores, every Fender and MM bass I've encountered has been pretty consistent. They are both solid. Good fretwork, electronics are good. Neither are shielded. Neither are PLEK'd. Both are produced in the US. Both hold their value.

I can't attribute any negative quality I've found in stores to Fender or MM that wasn't just piss poor in store instrument management and maintenance.

 

[beaglesandbass]

I vote a Ray, and to take it one step further, the Classic Stingray. 2 band pre and foam mutes.

 

[Badwater]

MM is a great investment. So are the high end Fenders. This is a great survey for a vote, but the only real way to know which one to get is to get both in your hands and spend some time with em. Everyone has personal preference and opinion. None of it is wrong. But which is right for you.

 

[winegamd]

I vote Jazz. Fender has really stepped up their quality control in the past couple of years, and the newer Fenders seem nicer than a lot of instruments in their price range. In fact I would almost say go with the new American Professional series over the Elite.

 

[andruca]

If I were shopping for a 4 I'd get the Sterling HS instead of any Stingray. In the case of a 5er, a Stingray5 HS or Sterling5 HS. After you've tried those necks nothing Fender (except maybe for the Geddy Sig Jazz) comes close. Besides even the H version of either Sterlings or Stingray5 have a coil tap switch. No Classic and no HH Musicmans for me as you can see.

Another important thing is a Musicman's presence in a mix is light years away from any Jazz, which I find you have to roll off either pickup in order to cut in a mix, as it's sorta' scooped with both maxed. I've extensively recorded MANY basses and had to deal with positioning them in the mix. Nothing cuts like a Musicman naturally does.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Would you buy a used ray from guitar center or no. I'm a set it and forget it guy. I play metal and rock. And use medium auger strings

Possibly. Again, check it out. My "forever" bass was purchased used over 30 years ago, used. Used you are gonna get a better deal, but like a used car, you have to get it checked out by someone who knows, and it won't have "new bass smell".