Streamer LX-4 vs. SSII 4-String

F

FunkyBassist

Joined
Oct 23, 2010
Messages
49
Reaction score
0
I own the LX4 and am considering upgrading to the Stage II in 4-string.

The LX4 has P/J pups, while the Stage II has J/J--and they use different body woods. What are the tonal differences between these two bases? And will I see a major 'wow' going from the LX-4 to the stage II?
 
The woods are different, as is the preamp (2 band LX vs 3 band SSII). Also, bolt-lx vs neck-through stage II. I personally think the SSII is the holy grail of basses... but that is a matter of opinion.

The SSII is clearer and brighter than the LX to my ears.

You should just check out a couple youtube videos of them.

[video=youtube;pRhDi3kXyvE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRhDi3kXyvE[/video]
 
[video=youtube;9cPg7L15KRU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cPg7L15KRU[/video]
 
I will check those out this evening, but one time I tried a used SSII at GC that had been custom made for Dirk Lance with SD pups instead of the MEC pups, and it was the most responsive and aggressive tone I have heard: didn't take much effort to make it growl. Is that how SSII sounds usually or was the customs pups here a factor?


shaft311 said:
[video=youtube;9cPg7L15KRU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cPg7L15KRU[/video]
Click to expand...
 
I've got an LX5, would love a SS2 5. But if I were to spend that much money on one new (unless a second hand one comes available), I'd go custom shop and get one in any spec you want :D
 
Short answer:
It will be a major WOOOOOW, and then WOOOOHOOOO :)
Just wait to see it :)
 
Sorry for butting in here guys - but is there WOW factor between a Stage 1 and Stage 2?!

Apart from the the pups and woods is the neck profile / playability any different? I still get that WOW factor whenever i pick up my SS1's, would i move up to a WOOHOO level by playing a Stage 2?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
There are a few fairly sizable differences:

- Standard string spacing: SSII is 16.5 mm on a 5. Took me about 6 months to get used to.

- Neck: See above. Standard SSI 5 is a broadneck, somewhere between a Thumb 6 and a SSII 5.

- Tone: To my ears the SSI has a more "open" but scooped sound than the SSII. SSII sounds darker and more aggressive by default. Stu Zender vs Dirk Lance says it all for me*

- Weight: My SSII 5 feels a hair heavier than my mates SSI 5, though obviously weight of any one model of bass is variable from one bass to the next.

* Though SZ's famous "Iroquai Rug" bass looks like an SSII, HPW told me that it was constructed of SSI woods.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
SSI is more "conventional" sounding, so less WOOOW factor :)
I guess LX has more WOOOW factor than SSI, while SSI is more elegant sounding
SSII is a monster.
 
FunkyBassist said:
I will check those out this evening, but one time I tried a used SSII at GC that had been custom made for Dirk Lance with SD pups instead of the MEC pups, and it was the most responsive and aggressive tone I have heard: didn't take much effort to make it growl. Is that how SSII sounds usually or was the customs pups here a factor?
Click to expand...

No, that is just the nature of the SSII. Out of the box they sound ridiculous and in your face.

Changing pickups/preamp configuration will change the character a bit but the balls of what makes it sound like it does (woods, neckthrough, pickup placement) will still be there.
 
I did own an SSI 5 string. Indeed, the broadneck is . . . well, broad. But mine was fairly light. In any case, I liked the LX4 better than the SSI. I thought the SSI was very rich and melow.

The SSII--like I said, that one time I tried it guitar center, I've never played a bass that was so responsive and aggressive.

The LX4 is very, very punchy. The fingerboard--at least on mine--is very stiff, resulting in a giant round BOOF every time you hit a note. But I feel I would like the LX5 with the JJ configuration better than the PJ pup on the LX4. And If I am going to go with a JJ pup set, might as well look to the SSII.




Florin said:
SSI is more "conventional" sounding, so less WOOOW factor :)
I guess LX has more WOOOW factor than SSI, while SSI is more elegant sounding
SSII is a monster.
Click to expand...
 
FunkyBassist said:
I did own an SSI 5 string. Indeed, the broadneck is . . . well, broad. But mine was fairly light. In any case, I liked the LX4 better than the SSI. I thought the SSI was very rich and melow.

The SSII--like I said, that one time I tried it guitar center, I've never played a bass that was so responsive and aggressive.

The LX4 is very, very punchy. The fingerboard--at least on mine--is very stiff, resulting in a giant round BOOF every time you hit a note. But I feel I would like the LX5 with the JJ configuration better than the PJ pup on the LX4. And If I am going to go with a JJ pup set, might as well look to the SSII.
Click to expand...

FunkyBassist
My '99 Streamer LX 5 has the JJ pickup configuration and the nice wenge neck. This bass is for sale with Warwick gig bag as I'm not playing it enough to keep it. It sounds great especially since it was just setup and has new DR nickels on it.

Dave
 
Indeed, chunky is good. Whoever tells you the opposite is liying (or has very small hands). 8:
 
I own both an LX ('98) and a SSII ('88) and there's a BIG difference between both...

The difference IMO is more in the mid response, the SSII is a mid monster it cut through like buther and has more sustain. The LX is a slap machine monster with punchy, nice lows and awesome top end snap. it is more conventionnal sounding a bit.

I must say that my SSII is still unbeatable-go-to-bass, even downtuned it cuts and sounds as big as normal. The best bass I hhave had up to now. You shouldn't be disapointed buying one, but it depends on what you want/need...The SSII is a big WOW +++ for me !!
 
`



@funky ...

+1 re: chunky.


Perzenally, I cannot get into the std 5-string chunky Wick neck.
I've tried twice. Sold both, no regrets. But with with the 4, I'm
all for chunky. I'm convinced that, tonewise, neck wood trumps
body wood, when the neck has enuf mass .... So, chunky rules.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top