Sterling 5 epiphany

[Basswave]

I have to say that I never felt comfortable on 5 string Stingray for some reason.
Not sure why, because I own other basses with basically the same spacing that are 5s and have no issue.

In fact I was actually digging the playability more on a Ray35 more (not sure why but I have) to Stingray 5s (I know the necks are probably the same but hey I'm being honest).

For giggles I tried a Stealth Sterling 5 and I have to say it was really pleasantly surprised. In general I prefer the sound of a Ray over a Sterling (in general), but I really dug this Sterling a lot (I added a little be a lows and it was killer) but the real kicker was the neck.

I'm not sure what is different in the Stingray 5 neck and the Sterling 5s neck but this was by far one of the easiest 5 strings I have ever played I had to go back the next day and pick it up. Now I cannot put it down. Looking forward to gigging this week.

Cheers

 

[Movielife]

Hi, sounds great!

I think, although not 100%, that the neck profiles are the same on the Ray and Sterling 5, so it might just be that this one 'worked' for you, either way, great

 

[Basswave]

Thanks Movielife

Its appears 'on paper' the specs are the same.
Not sure if the profiles are different or not. I have been a bit of MM kick the last year. (Now I'm curious on a Big Al 5...LOL )

Sterling 5
Neck Radius:
11" (27.9 cm)
Headstock Size:
Only 7-7/8" (20.0 cm) long
Frets:
22 - High profile, wide
Neck Width:
1-3/4" (44.5 mm) at nut 2-3/4"" (69.9 mm) at last fret


Stingray 5
Neck Radius:
11" (27.9 cm)
Headstock Size:
Only 9" (22.9 cm) long
Frets:
22 - High profile, wide
Neck Width:
1-3/4" (44.5 mm) at nut 2-3/4"" (69.9 mm) at last fret

 

[GGK]

Is the Sterling 5 possibly thinner?

 

[cellkirk74]

The body is smaller on the Sterling.

 

[Basswave]

Just picked up another

But in white.

I will night and day now in Sterling 5s.

 

[Movielife]

Nice!!

 

[five7]

I am loving my sterling 5 just as much. Very easy to dial in different tones and the neck is the sh!t. Like it better than even my bongo which has a great neck but feels a bit thicker than the sterling's does. Plus it doesn't feel as far to reach for that Low C. I like the tone of the sterling so much that I have been going back and forth between it and the bongo, trying to get the slap tones of the sterling on the bongo. All this going back and forth has finally helped me understand the bongo controls. There still is nothing like the Low B string on a bongo! I have had a few stingrays and I like the tone and neck much better on this sterling.

 

[Duarte]

Sterlings are where it's AT!

 

[Basswave]

My day to day gig I use the Sterling 5 latly so much I wanted another with a slight variation.

I have to say that I tried with the Bongo and it did not suit me (I really wanted it to and wanted the stealth in it). I do like Rays and Big Als. I find in most situations (at least lately) the Sterling comes out great since there is a lot of percussion.

I do this fushion-ish MMW project that has a very vintage vibe (posed organ, gretch kit ect...) I used to Js for that but in the past year I have been using a rays and digging it.

 

[Gamr23]

I just got my first Sterling 5 less than a week ago, love the playability and tone on the the E A D G, (great slap bass) but I really am concerned about the overall tone of the low B. I really tried tweaking it in as best as I can, but still I can say for some reason it sounds dull and flat to me, especially at the 3 and 5th frets, not sure why? Anybody else ever experienced this issue, and is this a characteritic of the Sterling 5 sounding weak on the low B? Thanks any advice or comments are welcome.

 

[syciprider]

I personally like Super Slinkies on my 5ers but maybe they don't work for you. You can perhaps try Regular Slinkies or Coated ones.
Back on topic: To me the SR5 neck seems flatter in profile.

 

[Basswave]

I just got my first Sterling 5 less than a week ago, love the playability and tone on the the E A D G, (great slap bass) but I really am concerned about the overall tone of the low B. I really tried tweaking it in as best as I can, but still I can say for some reason it sounds dull and flat to me, especially at the 3 and 5th frets, not sure why? Anybody else ever experienced this issue, and is this a characteritic of the Sterling 5 sounding weak on the low B? Thanks any advice or comments are welcome.

Wow...I do not hear that on mine. Sorry to hear that.
Mine sounds pretty close if not dead on to the one that Ed demos on youtube.

My first suggestion would be get the bass intonated but a high end tech and if there is still an issue then You might want to see if the pickups themselves....

 

[Basswave]

Back on topic: To me the SR5 neck seems flatter in profile.

You might be right...I'm not sure, it just feels easier or should I say 'more on the natural side' for Me.

 

[Assumer]

They so need to make these in a lefty. I would buy one in a second.

 

[oli@bass]

[...]it sounds dull and flat to me, especially at the 3 and 5th frets [...] sounding weak on the low B[...]

What now? Dull (not bright), flat (note too low, bad intonation) or weak (low volume)?!

Could you do a recording?



@Basswave: Congratulations! I love white basses!