How do the sterling/stingray compare contrast tonally. I know they are different,I've played both... been awhile since I've played a sterling but still. Problem is I'll likely not be able to A/B them.
Well the sterling has the 3 way switch.. which IMO makes it more electronically versatile, although you can do more with your fingers than you can with a switch.
In my favorite setting (series) the sterling has a really punchy, tight, full, round sound.
The stingray, IMO, has a really gritty punchy growly tone.
so you'd say the sterling has a little more lows and the ray is more pronounced in the mids(generally)? I know there are different pickup magnets and they arent the same instrument in different bodies yadda yadda just looking for an idea.
the other thing is (and correct me if I am wrong) but it seems that there are more stingrays than sterlings out in the wild.... which makes it a little easier to stand out (tonally)...
As far as I can tell the Ceramic P'ups in the Sterling are hotter than the Alnico's in the 'Ray, and so I always felt there was much more defined mids in the Sterling, in all three switch positions.
On the other hand the Ray is a bit quieter and I found had a more regular* bassy bottom end, this is comparing both without any EQing. Of course, YMMV, I'm not an expert, and all those other dealies, this is just my experience.
*Regular by Music Man terms, meaning much more aggressive and ass kicking and nuclear than most, to call MM tone 'regular' would certainly be misleading IMO.