How could I have missed the Sterling?

[strummer]

Hi everyone, long time since I posted anything here, but now I wnat to share...

I have played Musicman basses for quite some time (I think I got my first Bongo 5 HH in 2005), mostly Bongo fivers but also SR, both 4 and 5 strings. Once I tried a Sterling 5 (London 2009), but until last week I had never had a 4 string Sterling in my hands.

But, I "needed" a four string bass, there was a Sterling for sale and knowing the EBMM quality I had no hesitations about buying it without trying. I sort of knew about the Sterling: Kind of like a SR with a bit downsized body, thinner neck and parallell/single/series switch. Or so I thought...

So I got it, a little surprised at the low weight, plugged it in at home, sounded fine, restrung it and set it up like I like it, and went to rehearsals, where the bass completely blew everyone away! Cuts through like no bass I have ever had before, packs an amazing punch and that stick like neck and tiny body felt totally like home after ten minutes. My band mates loved not only the sound, but they all agreed it looked great too!

Yeah I like my new to me Sterling, think maybe I should have tried one earlier...

 

[bovinehost]

It's all about the mids with those basses. I love 'em.

 

[danny-79]

I’m seriously contemplating a Sterling next. I’m after something HH to replace my light function band bass. A Sterling is a very good contender

 

[Tollywood]

I enjoyed reading your post, Strummer. It made me want to try one. What color did you get?

 

[strummer]

I enjoyed reading your post, Strummer. It made me want to try one. What color did you get?

Thanks
It's black with a black pickguard and rosewood board, very low key.

 

[Tollywood]

Thanks
It's black with a black pickguard and rosewood board, very low key.

I'll tell ya what's not low key: that yellowy green bass in your avatar. Or, is that a filter trick? Do you have any pics of that?

 

[strummer]

I'll tell ya what's not low key: that yellowy green bass in your avatar. Or, is that a filter trick? Do you have any pics of that?

That is Heinz, and I need to change my avatar as that bass is once again back with @Bovinehost, who will no doubt post pictures of said bass if asked.

I have only owned Heinz twice, and I am looking forward to perhaps owning that bass again. It's that kind of bass.

 

[Tollywood]

That is Heinz, and I need to change my avatar as that bass is once again back with @Bovinehost, who will no doubt post pictures of said bass if asked.

I have only owned Heinz twice, and I am looking forward to perhaps owning that bass again. It's that kind of bass.

Good lord, man, how could you let it slip through your fingers twice?!?

Just kidding, mostly. Is it a StingRay5?

 

[ksandvik]

If I would ever switch to bass, a Sterling would be it, sounds good and won't break my back.

 

[strummer]

Good lord, man, how could you let it slip through your fingers twice?!?

Just kidding, mostly. Is it a StingRay5?

What can I say, I am a slut.
It's a Stingray 5, yes.

 

[Tollywood]

Yes, you are. That is such an unusual color.

 

[strummer]

Yes, you are. That is such an unusual color.

It was supposed to be trans green, came out slightly different, and I think Sterling Ball has a good name for the color...

Skickat från min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

 

[bovinehost]

Heinz is an icon, for sure. Hanging on the wall right now, secure between a Cutlass and a Bongo.

 

[Tollywood]

Heinz is an icon, for sure. Hanging on the wall right now, secure between a Cutlass and a Bongo.

Come on, man...share the love...pics, please

Oh, and do check my signature. I have a very special bass arriving tomorrow.

 

[Mu5icM@n]

Sterlings are great. I've picked up two in the last year--a '00 trans red fretless and an '02 Blue Dawn. The Sterling fretless sound is amazing--I've wanted one for 25 years and I finally decided to just go get one. The Blue Dawn is my favorite finish so had to have one of those. Sterlings aren't all super light--the fretless is very light but the Blue Dawn Sterling is average--but they sound amazing and I love the neck on them. My favorite thing is to put super zingy bright strings on them and use them in series mode, with good eq they cut through like nothing else.

 

[strummer]

My favorite thing is to put super zingy bright strings on them and use them in series mode, with good eq they cut through like nothing else.

I'm totally new to the Sterling, so which is series mode? I haven't moved the switch yet , it's in the bridge position...

 

[Bert]

 

[strummer]

View attachment 35074

Thanks Bert!
This true for all Sterlings? Mine is from 2001, and I suddenly got an urge to look under the prickguard

Edit: Forget it, I used the search function (I know...)

When I wrote an article on the Sterling last year all my research indicated that the original Sterling model wiring configuration is unchanged. Phantom coil is still there for sc sounds.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Well, the Sterling was originally a 4 string version of the 5 String Stingray, which had different electronics than the 4 string. If you've got a 5 String from before 2007, the sound will be very similar to a Sterling.

 

[danny-79]

This thread is doing nothing for my GAS now I’ve finally quenched the Bongo itch