First Impressions-Sterling S.U.B SB4

[cjl5150]

The Brown Truck guy just dropped this off about an hour ago. After unpacking, looking it over and playing it, I have some thoughts.
First of all-it looks great. The black Sterling body with a black pickguard and maple board is killer. Secondly, the satin finished neck feels eerily similar to my Axis Super Sport and I love that. It's comfortable, familiar and makes me want to play. The fret work is outstanding (not a single sharp edge) and the setup was really good out of the box (and it was in tune). I tweaked it a little to suit me, but it was fine the way it was. Thirdly-it sounds great. It gets pretty close to an EBMM. For $250 (I used a Musiciansfriend coupon and got it for $217) it is very very good. The 2 band eq does what it should. It's quiet, warm, fat and very much like a Sterling. The hardware is solid-doesn't look or feel flimsy or cheap.
I won't exaggerate and say it's EXACTLY like an EBMM Sterling. But, I got much more than I expected and I'm very happy. Actually, I think I got a crazy good deal. Although, I wish it had come with a gigbag. But, for $217 I won't hold it against anyone...

 

[five7]

What a deal! How is the balance, is it neck heavy at all.

 

[mtrejo]

That is a pretty tough looking bass. I'd hang on to that as I believe the headstock logo will be slightly updated after the first run.

 

[epitaph04]

K now someone buy one of the SUB ray 5ers and review it!

 

[fevitz]

Hey wow you really got me seriously thinking about a 5er , Im gonna look into it and for that price i cant go wrong if i decide a 5er is not my cup of tea !

 

[jlepre]

I would have bought one from MF with the special, but they only stock the black. I want the Walnut Stain.

 

[Krackula]

I'm buying the black one as soon as I get paid. Had a real deal EBMM Stingray 5, black w/maple like the Sub, that I had to sell when the economy crashed (thanks George, you @#$#!#!!) and I'm looking forward to see how the SUB compares. Sounds like they did a nice job with these. Kinda curious if this is leaning more Classic Vibe or Vintage Modified if you take my Squier reference - I have a CV 60's P that is just perfect, and I have a VM strat that is nice but the CVs are better. For the price I'm going to give it a chance & will let you know what I think.

 

[cjl5150]

It seems pretty balanced, not really neck heavy, five7. epitaph04 and fevitz-I really went back and forth-almost got the 5'er. But, they only had them with a rosewood board and that made my decision for me. Krackula, I've played a VM Jazz Bass but I really don't know the line well enough to give a good answer. I do know that I would definitely take the SUB over the VM. I'm telling you, this bass is really sweet and a ton of fun to play. One of these days I'll get another EBMM Sterling with a neck single coil. Until then, this will do just fine.

 

[fevitz]

Well guys ! ive just ordered the 5 string sterling sub today . It only comes in black with a maple satin polished neck . i would have prefered it in walnut stain . I ordered it from musos pro shop and it cost me $449 . I tried the OLP 5 string and it did not come close to the sound of the S, SUB . I compared it to my sr4 ltd and it doesnt sound much different . Im very happy with my decision to buy one as for the money its good quality . Ill keep you posted more clearly when i get it home and give it a good test drive . All i need do now is figure out how to use this extra string .

 

[OldManMusic]

I'd like to try the SUB SR5 in the Walnut Stain too. They don't seem to be available yet, just the black with maple.

 

[jlepre]

I found a dealer in California that had the 5er WS last week.

 

[five7]

walnut stain with rosewood would be my choice also.

 

[Alans0407]

Thank you for posting these pictures. I've been reading and watching some great reviews on these.
Now I'm 100% sure I'll be ordering mine.

 

[fevitz]

If i had some idea WS was coming available / and when ! i would be able to weigh it up as to wether to wait or not . Though it probably wont be available here for another 6 - 12 months down the track . rosewood neck is my choice also .

 

[cjl5150]

If I'm thinking of the same bass, Sterling SUB SR5, MF has them for $299...

 

[9M2E]

Does anyone have any more info on the color choices for the SB4 if any? I have 1 EBMMSR4, an olp 4 & 5, and am looking to add a sterling to my collection but my sting ray is already black sparkle.

 

[tunaman4u2]

I'd like to try the SUB SR5 in the Walnut Stain too. They don't seem to be available yet, just the black with maple.

This may just be my backup 5er to my Bongo HH5

 

[Holdsg]

Does anyone have any more info on the color choices for the SB4 if any? I have 1 EBMMSR4, an olp 4 & 5, and am looking to add a sterling to my collection but my sting ray is already black sparkle.

the Sterling By Musicman site will have as much current color information as there is:

Home - Welcome to the Sterling by Music Man Website

 

[9M2E]

Yeah I’ve been checking there daily, the site doesn’t acknowledge the existence or the Sterling S.U.B SB4 model so I thought I would give this a shot. Unless theres somthing I am missing, Thanks

 

[Holdsg]

understood, we used to have a great insider contact from the US Distributor on here (Pat Park) but he has since left and we don't have his replacement to ask these kind of questions to.