Quick Introduction/Question

[kathrynplaybass]

Hi, everyone, I just joined these forums today. =)

I'm 16 years old and I've been playing bass for about 2 years. My first bass was one of those Yamaha beginner deals and now I play on a MIM Fender P-Bass. I've always loved the sound of Music Mans and I've wanted a Stingray for a long time. But after trying out some basses at my local guitar shops, I've decided that the Music Man Sterling is really what I want now. I've just never had enough money.

A few days ago, I found a used Stering SUB on Craig's List that I'm a bit interested in, and that I can actually afford. It's $400 and I'm going to check it out in a few days. I'm having a hard time finding information on the Sterling SUB though. Do you think that I should go for it? I know it'd be a step up from my Fender, but I don't want to rush into it and feel like I should've just waited and saved up for the Sterling I've had my eye on.

So for any of you who have played the Sterling SUB, what are your experiences with it? And how does it sound/feel compared to the regular Sterling?

Thanks all. =)

 

[mynan]

I've never played one, but the SUBs are great basses for the money. They were made at the same factory as the regular Sterlings. MM cut some corners in the finish, ie textured finish for the body and painted neck, but they are the same quality as the regular Sterling. It doesn't have a pickup switch like the regular Sterling, but I think the preamp is the same.

 

[Big Poppa]

first off welcome and kont let any of us knuckleheads scare you off!

the Sterling Sub is really a great instrument and that price seems good...maybe grind them down a bit

 

[Slingy]

I wouldn't hesitate at that price, I tried a used SUB Sterling at a local store and it was priced much higher. I like my SUB alot!

 

[JohnnyBoy]

I ended up buying some Bongos, but have tried a SUB in the past. For the money they are a very good buy.

SUB versions sit between the standard EBMM basses and OLP basses. IMO It's EBMMs attempt to give players the sound/feel but without the cost to buy barrier if you are on a limited budget. It's working Bass version (SU = Sports Utility).

I go with Poppa, for anything get the best price you can "doesn't ask doesn't get" so be bold and ask for a discount or a case to go with the guitar. Most likely you'll go on to get the Sterling - but I suspect you'll still keep your SUB!

PS. In the UK SUBs are still around in Danmark Street, 4 & 5 strings.

 

[TheAntMan]

Welcome KPB

I have a SR4H, a Bongo 4HH, and Bongo Fretless 4HHP but when I tried a SUB at my local store I was just LOVING the tone it had. When I went back to get it a couple of days later, it was gone. I would definitely get one. I would do as BP said and try to knock some off the price, never hurts to try

Another thought might be to try to get a "Stirling by MusicMan" bass. These are made by EBMM, check out the link below.

Sterling by MUSIC MAN - BASSES

All the Best.

-- Ant

 

[five7]

Welcome! IMO the subs are a bit heavy, but sound killer! They are worth double any mim fender.

 

[fly]

i have an SUB,not a Sterling one though............and it slays right up there with my actual Sterling

you won't be disappointed

 

[the unrepentant]

I have a SUB stingray and they're great basses, well worth the money and sound every bit like a real stingray. Not sure how that translates with the SUB sterling but it will be a killer instrument all the same. Go try it out and if you like it, take it. You don't see them all that often.

 

[kathrynplaybass]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the great advice. You are all very helpful.
I'm going to give this bass a test run tomorrow and hopefully I'll walk home with it.
And JohnnyBoy, it already comes with a hard case so I think I'm set for this one. =)
I'll let you all know if I end up getting it. I'm excited for my first Music Man!

 

[Big Poppa]

LEt me clarify the weight thing before internet legend takes over....there is no difference between the weight of a sub and normal production All instruments made of wood vary in weight...

 

[TheAntMan]

LEt me clarify the weight thing before internet legend takes over....there is no difference between the weight of a sub and normal production All instruments made of wood vary in weight...

Well, gosh!!! Now, that just makes too damn much sense. My head is hurting!!

-- Ant

 

[Slingy]

That shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, it is like at the lumberyard when one piece from the same pile is light as a feather and the next weighs a ton. I imagine after the drying process that they shouldn't be too different maybe a pound or two?

I would describe my Sub as feeling very stout and solid as a rock. The neck joint is so tight I think it would stay on without any bolts. Just a solid machine that is built to rock!

 

[bovinehost]

Go get that SUB Sterling, Kathryn!

I've had a million or so Stingrays and I'd put my SUB up against all but one of them.

And welcome to the forum!

Jack

 

[Manfloozy]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the great advice. You are all very helpful.
I'm going to give this bass a test run tomorrow and hopefully I'll walk home with it.
And JohnnyBoy, it already comes with a hard case so I think I'm set for this one. =)
I'll let you all know if I end up getting it. I'm excited for my first Music Man!

I hope it works out great for you! I've got my first EBMM on its way too and I couldn't be more thrilled. I don't think I'll ever play another Fender again, I have no excuse now , I've actually officially sold them all or sent them back!

Enjoy it!

 

[RobertB]

Go get that SUB Sterling, Kathryn!

I've had a million or so Stingrays and I'd put my SUB up against all but one of them.

Gee, I wonder which one that might be (not).

Welcome, young Kathryn! Grab that bass and send us pics, pronto!

 

[ekb16b]

I like Subs they look badass.

I've had a million or so Stingrays and I'd put my SUB up against all but one of them.

Which one would that be? Heinz? The 30th that you stupidly sold?

 

[tiffles]

how did you go kathryn?

you will love playing something that is so obviously a high quality instrument. i remember when i saved up for my bongo and took it to band rehearsal for the first time. EVERYONE will notice a difference in your sound!
my bongo made me a better player, i sounded better instantly (obviously it wasnt actually me). better tone than my beginner bass, easier to play than my beginner bass, and it looked a hell of a lot hotter than my begginer bass ha ha. there is alot to be said for getting the best bass you can while you are learning, it really encourages you to play more, to be better and better... im still trying to do my musicman justice lol.

cant wait to hear your news!

 

[Aussie Mark]

Nothing like a new female poster to generate a flurry of replies, huh?

 

[koogie2k]

Welcome to the Addiction!