Steve Dude Barr
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- Joined
- Aug 3, 2005
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ps: I now know where you live. 
- Thread starter LisaIs
- Start date
Comfortable Weight Sterling
After playing many expensive competitive basses, I found the Sterling to have the perfect combination of body size, neck feel, sound and quality of construction. So I bought a Buttercream H Sterling because I liked the finish. It was supposed to be between 8.5-9lbs but came in at about 9.5 lbs. Turns out, it just feels uncomfortable to hold and the extra weight is always noticeable. Of course, it sounds great, looks beautiful and the neck plays like a dream. But I am always aware I'm holding a bass thats a bit too heavy (to me).
After talking with a couple of Musicman dealers, I found the Sterlings' weight can range from the low 8s to 10.5lbs! BassCentral weighed several basses for me and found a natural HS Sterling that was 8.5lbs-and this turned out to be just perfect. By the way, you wouldn't think a pound would matter that much-but it really can. At 8.5lbs, it balances perfectly, the weight does not call attention to itself and the HS combination sounds incredible. (As an aside, I think the HS is an order of magnitude more evolved sonically than the standard Sterling model.)
Why settle for a heavy bass (to you) and use a wide strap? You'll still notice the extra weight sitting down playing and it may detract from your experience. With a little extra effort you can find a lighter Sterling that can give you what you want and you'll probably be happier in the long term.
After playing many expensive competitive basses, I found the Sterling to have the perfect combination of body size, neck feel, sound and quality of construction. So I bought a Buttercream H Sterling because I liked the finish. It was supposed to be between 8.5-9lbs but came in at about 9.5 lbs. Turns out, it just feels uncomfortable to hold and the extra weight is always noticeable. Of course, it sounds great, looks beautiful and the neck plays like a dream. But I am always aware I'm holding a bass thats a bit too heavy (to me).
After talking with a couple of Musicman dealers, I found the Sterlings' weight can range from the low 8s to 10.5lbs! BassCentral weighed several basses for me and found a natural HS Sterling that was 8.5lbs-and this turned out to be just perfect. By the way, you wouldn't think a pound would matter that much-but it really can. At 8.5lbs, it balances perfectly, the weight does not call attention to itself and the HS combination sounds incredible. (As an aside, I think the HS is an order of magnitude more evolved sonically than the standard Sterling model.)
Why settle for a heavy bass (to you) and use a wide strap? You'll still notice the extra weight sitting down playing and it may detract from your experience. With a little extra effort you can find a lighter Sterling that can give you what you want and you'll probably be happier in the long term.
tommyindelaware
Well-known member
if i found a 15lb one & a 7lb one.......& the 15lb one sounded better ...thats the one i would play........
Aussie Mark
Well-known member
KenM said:
I've been playing bass for 30 years, and have never played a gig sitting down.
Mobay45
Well-known member
Aussie Mark said:
I've been playing for 25+ and I used to play in a jazz trio that I played the whole gig sitting. I started sitting down while playing with that group for asthetics more than anything else. The trio was harp, bass and drums. (Heres a link but Mike's a much better bassist than I'll ever be: http://www.cindyhorstman.com/) Cindy was sitting, the drummer was sitting, so I just thought it looked better if I joined them. Gave a real relaxed look that matched the music.
That being said, I've never weighed a bass. I don't really care how much it weighs. If it feels heavy, I just work with it long enough that it doesn't bother me anymore. The band I'm in now plays at least 3 one hour sets at every gig with a 20-30 minute break each hour. I don't even notice the weight.
Steve Dude Barr said:
Oh, Steeevie -
How 'bout a gurl whos' over 40 with a bad neck???
Seriously - my wide strap doesn't always do it, even though my Bongo is the lightest bass I've ever had (haven't weighed it). I'm very interested in one of those straps. $49, you said?
Lisa - if you haven't yet, try the Bongo - It's been a huge improvement for me, even with 3 - 3.5 hour gigs. I have 2 bad discs in my neck, and I'm 5'7", 128 lbs - so the smaller frame issues affect me, as well. The lighter weight/bigger sound combo has been huge.
Figjam
Well-known member
My ,now ex,girlfriend needs a new strap. You can just send it to my address to make it easier
Steve Dude Barr
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SharonG said:
Check your PMs Sharon.
Figjam
Well-known member
Sigh,I know. Was worth a shot.LisaIs said:Nice try but Stevie baby doesn't mail to dudes.
Big Poppa
Well-known member
why are you suggesting that Sharon suffers from PMS?Steve Dude Barr said:Check your PMs Sharon.
maddog
Well-known member
You are a very silly owner of a very exceptional bass manufacturing company.
Steve Dude Barr
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2005
- Messages
- 5,173
Big Poppa said:
No, I'm suggesting she's getting a few free straps and a T-shirt.
tiffles
Well-known member
Big Poppa said:
wow well theres a whole thread about your pms....
