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  • Sterling by MusicMan

MCBTunes

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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.
 

Figjam

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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.

Hard to compare really, both are amazing.
 

MCBTunes

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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.
 

Lazybite

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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)...
 

Samingo

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MCBTunes said:
so you'd say the sterling has a little more lows and the ray is more pronounced in the mids(generally)?


My experience has been about the opposite.

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.
 

MCBTunes

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interesting, and honestly... it would be even mroe interesting to throw the second pickup into the mix....

Is there any consensus at all that they sound similar?
 
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