• Ernie Ball
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Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience

SBMM:They look pretty sweet to me!

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agplate

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Jan 5, 2005
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I've ordered a Ray34 from my local store- should be in soon. Hopefully I can be among the first to post a review and pics. Will keep you posted.
 
bizmarckie

bizmarckie

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Brandt@TPB said:
They are really, really, really really good! I'm not ready to give up my SR5 but in the $700 range for the Ray35 there is nothing close.....nothing!
Click to expand...

So Brandt... since you've been able to compare a Ray35 alongside an SR5, any thoughts on differences (tone, feel, etc.)?
 
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boombox

boombox

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James has a video review in editing right now. I'll let you know when it hits the site.

...i don't want to say to much but, here are a few things i noticed...

1. If you nit pick you will fine small issues, but what is to be expected from instruments in this price range? (I must say that the fit and finish is the top notch in this range, period.)

2. The feel of these instruments is scary close to the “big brother” USA versions. If you own a Sterling and it would for some reason break you could buy an SB14 and gig on it that night, out the box and never miss a beat. (if you drank a few brews you may even thin it was your Sterling!)

3. Sterling by Music Man absolutely nailed the pre-amp! The feel of the knob turns, the taper of the EQ boost and the frequency change seams to be dead on compared to the USA version.

4.......and........the pickguard is the same size as a USA so..... I can see a Black SB14 with a shell guard in my future!
 
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agplate

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Is it fair to say or assume that the EBMM pickguard will fit the SBMM's?
 
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cybersnyder

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Was able to briefly play these today at GC. Very briefly as it was close to closing time and I was getting an amp. So I really can't give them a fair review, but I can say that I had no negative initial impressions. If you just look at them, they look like a bass that would cost a lot more. I didn't get to play one, but I heard someone playing the Stingray 4 version, whatever the model number. Didn't sound as deep and rich as the US model, but didn't sound bad either and I have no idea how he had the preamp set. I'll try to get some real play time on them soon and report back. For me right now at age 39 (ok, 40) I'm going to save the extra money and buy the US model. But earlier in life I would have loved the heck out of the import lineup. You get a lot of bass for the money. Not quite a US model, but not that far away either. Should sell a boatload of these. Well, I guess a lot of containers. ;)
 
spideyjg

spideyjg

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Jan 10, 2009
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I did notice a difference in the quality of the low end at NAMM but it was slight and could easily be blamed on the strings.

I'd be really surprised if they had anything but EB strings but I don't know what they are strung with.

Anyone????

Jim
 
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agplate

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Jan 5, 2005
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I believe I saw a hang tag on the SBMM's currently on ebay saying they are strung with EB Slinkys. I'm very excited to get my hands on this.
 
Davecg2

Davecg2

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my only gripe is the timing, if these were released like last november i would have a nicer looking and probably better sounding SB14 for a backup instead of my OLP MM22 (which i love, but from what ive been reading the new SBMM are going to be higher quality and they definitely look just like the originals) If i run into some extra money im sure ill end up getting one anyway.
 
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