Question Please help me re: Newer EBMM vs. Older

[Datta]

I have a burning question. I want to trade my Sterling H up to a Sterling HP, but first I must determine:

Are the currently made EBMM basses (specifically the Sterling) as good as the ones made 8-10 years ago?

Thanks for your response!

 

[the unrepentant]

In a word, yes.
I believe the only difference between the current sterling and the very first sterlings is the removal of the bridge mutes. Aside from that, exactly the same i believe and quality control is just as good. Are you in the market for a new one?

 

[Sting]

Also... don't all the new MM basses have the new compensated nut?

 

[bdgotoh]

Absolutely. The HH is better than they made 10 years ago, in fact.

 

[Duarte]

You can't go wrong with ANY Music Man.

Unless you're looking for a Warwick.

 

[the unrepentant]

Absolutely. The HH is better than they made 10 years ago, in fact.

well when you say things like that sure...

 

[Datta]

Are you in the market for a new one?

Yes, I want to change my Sterling H into a Sterling HP.

 

[the unrepentant]

ah good choice, i would say they are just as good if not better, as they now have the compensated nut (arguably an upgrade, i really couldn't care one way or the other) and now with the new pickup options, you certainly can't go wrong

 

[bovinehost]

Yes, I want to change my Sterling H into a Sterling HP.

Nothing much has changed over the last ten years; a few updates, such as the compensated nut, but the BIG change is that you can now get a Sterling with two humbuckers or a humbucker/single coil electronics package. Just something you might want to consider!

I have owned EBMM basses throughout the decades, and the quality has remained superior!

Jack

 

[fidooda]

i have a ten year old sterling. it's great. i love its mojo.

have fun shopping for a newer one and keep your old one too!

 

[Datta]

Unless you're looking for a Warwick.

The only way I'd be looking for a Warwick would be if it was one of two basses left on earth, and the other one was a Squire.

 

[Datta]

. . . you can now get a Sterling with two humbuckers or a humbucker/single coil electronics package. Just something you might want to consider!
Jack

I've tried a lot of the HS & HH. I love the open real estate of the H, plus I like it's sound. I almost traded it up for a Bongo HSP - but as versatile as the Bongo is (with FAR more sounds than the Sterling), I still like the Sterling's sound best. One day when I'm rich like most of you guys, I'll have both.

 

[Musicman Nut]

Ernie Ball Music Man Basses

Big Poppa would not and does not Allow any instruments to leave the factory that doesn't come up to his own standards, been to the factory many times and the standards are very high, plus I have some from every year Ernie Ball took over in 1984/85 and these are all Built like a custom instrument from day 1.
Ernie's Name was on them and It was gonna be done right.

Which as you know, One of the Few Companies in the world that has Made the Basses Better than the original, Most destroy the product.

 

[keko]

I voted for: Currently made EBMM Sterling basses are a little better

According the wood and final handcrafted work there's not much you can really improve, but pickups and preamp are another story!

I'll give you example from my point of view:

First of all I wanted Sterling 5 with piezo, but wasn't available?

Compromise was HS which I own right now!

I tried a few older Sterling 4 bangers and think that mine have better pickups and preamp, maybe 'cause 5 stringer pups are better anyway? (however, plastic covers of pickups are different, better for thumb position!)

I must write this: I still miss full gloss neck finish!

What I would like on the next Sterlings:

1. Don't change nothing according the wood matter!

2. Finish necks with transparent satin/gloss (I don't know) finish! (or add in offer both versions!)

3. Built in Bongo's preamp, and 25th switch system (all coils combination + series/parallel mode)!

4. Don't change pickups, ceramic rules!

5. Add Sterling 5 piezo option!

Evolution must go on, but slow and decent!

P.S. ...hope my opinion will help to improve EBMM offer!

 

[oli@bass]

AFAIK, the new ones don't have the recessed neck plate and recessed control cavity cover anymore. But I could be wrong.

 

[drTStingray]

They are all great - there are differences but from what I've seen, they are all v high quality.

If you're lucky, a late 80s/90s EBMM bass may have a figured birds eye maple neck which adds beauty to a great instrument. That said, the later gunstock oil/wax finish necks age to a lovely colour - my 2003 SR5 has changed to quite a dark wood and looks great.

From a sound angle, the later basses have more flexibility in multi pick up variants.

As several people (outside of this forum) have said to me over the years, you can't go wrong with a Musicman -from my experience I believe that to be totally true. Everyone here will say they're great but we're all addicted anyway!!

 

[Musicman Nut]

I voted for: Currently made EBMM Sterling basses are a little better

According the wood and final handcrafted work there's not much you can really improve, but pickups and preamp are another story!

I'll give you example from my point of view:

First of all I wanted Sterling 5 with piezo, but wasn't available?

Compromise was HS which I own right now!

I tried a few older Sterling 4 bangers and think that mine have better pickups and preamp, maybe 'cause 5 stringer pups are better anyway? (however, plastic covers of pickups are different, better for thumb position!)

I must write this: I still miss full gloss neck finish!

What I would like on the next Sterlings:

1. Don't change nothing according the wood matter!

2. Finish necks with transparent satin/gloss (I don't know) finish! (or add in offer both versions!)

3. Built in Bongo's preamp, and 25th switch system (all coils combination + series/parallel mode)!

4. Don't change pickups, ceramic rules!

5. Add Sterling 5 piezo option!

Evolution must go on, but slow and decent!

P.S. ...hope my opinion will help to improve EBMM offer!

See this sounds like personal preferences over quality, with all the ones I own the quality is 100%, now do i prefer some changes over others, well again that's a Personal Preference, has nothing to do with how the Basses are Made, it's just what I like better.

Still the best Basses Made Period.

 

[keko]

See this sounds like personal preferences over quality, with all the ones I own the quality is 100%, now do i prefer some changes over others, well again that's a Personal Preference, has nothing to do with how the Basses are Made, it's just what I like better.

Still the best Basses Made Period.

I agree!

That's why I wrote "my point of view", remember?

We all must admit there are no two equal persons in the world, right?
The whole life is one big compromise, but this fact do not disturb EBMM basses 100% top quality at all!

 

[JessRobinson]

I own a '95 Sterling - natural velvet finish, lots of birdseye maple on the neck. It's a fantastic instrument with a very aggressive tone and tremendous playability.

Unfortunately I can't make a true comparison to newer Sterlings because I've only had the pleasure of playing them at the local GC, certainly not a true test since I can't crank the suckers up through my SWR rig under normal playing conditions. However I do have to say that they sure felt good in my hands and the workmanship appeared to be top-notch.

BTW I love the natural velvet finish ... nicer than the current glossy natural IMHO... that's one thing that separates old Sterlings from new. The old natural velvet with a black PG reminds me of a butterscotch blonde Telecaster.

In any case, there's no doubt in my mind that EBMM is the best manufacturer in the game.

 

[syciprider]

Today's Sterling 5s are far superior to the Sterling 5s from 10 years ago. FACT!