Sweetwater & Cory Wong: StingRay II – Funky Firemist and Zipper Tests

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay II Cory Wong Signature Guitar

Cory Wong crashes into Sweetwater with his signature Ernie Ball StingRay II, and it’s not just another pretty face. We get the inside scoop on how Wong twisted the classic StingRay DNA into a guitar that’s as versatile as his pedalboard – and just as wild. From custom-wound humbuckers to a finish so exclusive even Cory’s salty about it, this video is a rapid-fire tour of design, tone, and a thing called the “zipper test.” If you think all signature guitars are just marketing fluff, this one might just slap you out of your cynicism. Grab your headphones, because some sounds are better felt than described.

Design Origins: Wong’s Funky Blueprint

Cory Wong doesn’t just play guitars – he redesigns them. The StingRay II started as a bass, but Wong saw the potential for a humbucker-loaded guitar that could handle his genre-hopping needs. He admits he’s been a single-coil loyalist for ages, but the itch for a proper humbucker axe led him to team up with Music Man and get his hands dirty in the design process.

It’s not every day a player gets to tweak specs with a company like Music Man, but Wong brought his wishlist and wasn’t shy about it. The result? A StingRay II that’s more than a rehash – it’s a purpose-built machine, shaped by a musician who knows exactly what he wants from his gear. Sweetwater’s video keeps it moving, so don’t expect a dry spec sheet – this is all about the creative hustle behind the hardware.

Firemist Silver: The Exclusive Bling

Let’s talk about that Firemist Silver finish – Sweetwater’s exclusive colourway that’s so rare, even Cory Wong doesn’t have one. It’s got chrome hardware (the only StingRay II that does), and a matching headstock that screams boutique. The other colours get gold, but this one’s pure flash. If you’re the type who wants your guitar to look as sharp as it sounds, this finish is basically a flex in metallic form.

The one that you're looking at right now is a Sweetwater exclusive color so exclusive that I don't even have one.

"The one that you're looking at right now is a Sweetwater exclusive color so exclusive that I don't even have one."
© Screenshot/Quote: Sweetwater (YouTube)

Custom Humbuckers: Tone Chameleon in Action

The pickups are a custom wound Cory Wong Music Man humbucker that I just worked with their team.

"The pickups are a custom wound Cory Wong Music Man humbucker that I just worked with their team."
© Screenshot/Quote: Sweetwater (YouTube)

Wong didn’t settle for off-the-shelf pickups. He worked with the Music Man crew to create custom-wound humbuckers, referencing everything from Lukather to Petrucci to Valentine models. The goal? A set that could nail George Benson warmth on the neck, get spanky and funky in the middle, and still rip hard rock and punk on the bridge. That’s a tall order, but the demo proves this guitar isn’t just for clean funk – it’s a tonal street weapon.

The video dives into sound examples, from rolled-back tone knob jazz to snappy bridge attacks. Wong’s not shy about showing how the tone pot and pickup voicing interact, especially when he wants to avoid that woofy, muddy mess you get on lesser guitars. He even throws in some gated fuzz for good measure, just to show the StingRay II can get nasty when pushed.

Honestly, words can’t do these tones justice – you’ve got to hear the thing bark, sing, and snarl for yourself. If you’re a pickup nerd or just love hearing a guitar get wrung out in real time, this section alone is worth a watch.

Tremolo Tricks & Locking Tuners: Built for Battle

Forget tuning nightmares – this StingRay II packs Schaller locking tuners that make string changes a breeze and keep things rock solid. Wong’s all about practical upgrades, and these tuners are a must for anyone who actually gigs. No more wrestling with slipping strings mid-set.

The Music Man custom modern classic tremolo is another highlight. Wong shows off dive bombs and wild whammy antics, all without the hassle of a Floyd Rose. It snaps right back in tune, letting you go full chaos without the usual headaches. For players who want performance without compromise, these features are the unsung heroes.

Schaller locking tuners amazing these things stay in tune so well.

"Schaller locking tuners amazing these things stay in tune so well."
© Screenshot/Quote: Sweetwater (YouTube)

The Zipper Test: Sonic X-Ray Vision

It feels like there is a zipper going down into the earth's core which sounds insane to just say.

"It feels like there is a zipper going down into the earth's core which sounds insane to just say."
© Screenshot/Quote: Sweetwater (YouTube)

Wong wraps things up with his infamous “zipper test” – a trick where he bends notes to reveal the pickup’s dynamic response. When it’s right, you hear a sound like a zipper tearing down into the earth’s core. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s the mark of a proper humbucker. According to Wong, only the best pickups pass this test, and the StingRay II aces it. If you want to know what that actually sounds like, you’ll need to watch the video – trust me, it’s a trip you won’t get from reading specs.