Bitten - Please help - SR5 - HH or HS

[Eggman]

As I feared after getting my Sterling HS - I have been bitten by the EBMM bug and am gassing for an SR5. I played an SR5H at Guitar Center - and of course it was barely playable - but playable enough to give a sense of its feel and basic sound. Since I like the two pickup design and I have not seen or heard an SR5 HH or SR5HS, I would like the input of all you experienced EBMMers.

Which do you prefer and why?

Probably should ask the rosewood vs. maple fretboard question too. My Sterling has a rosewood board.

(I know I could have probably done a search - but if you would be willing to share fresh opinions - I would appreciate it).

Many thanks,

Eggman

 

[Dr Stankface]

I haven't played an HS SR5 yet but the HH SR5 is an absolute tone monster! (Precisely why I have one on order that should be done in a week )

But if you would like having that jazzy tone then I could see why you would want a HS.

You can't go wrong with maple or rosewood. Maple tends to have a slightly brigther sound to it. My SR5 has maple but my HH is rosewood. Both are great.

 

[syciprider]

I guess it will all depend on whether you like the tone of a single coil at the neck or a beefier bucker tone.

See if you can spend more time with the SR5. IMO, there is more to it than 20% more Stingray. IME the tone is more "hi-fi" and delicate compared to the SR4.

 

[phatduckk]

i have the Sterling HS and the Sterling HH so I have some experience here ...

Here's the deal. Besides the fact that you get a bucker in the neck you have a switchign difference between the HH and the HS.

on the HS: Position 2 = coil 1
on the HH: Position 2 = coils 1,4

more info at: http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8760

Now, to me, this is a bigger difference than position 5 (the neck pup solo'ed - HH or S depending on which model). a lot of people here have commented on LOVING position 2 on the HH and I'm with them. Its a great J tone. Better than any J could wish to be. You have experience w/ position 2 on your HS so that's what you'd be giving up for this sweet sounding J config. its all up to u which one you like better.... but to me thats the biggest HH vs HS tradeoff.

 

[prickly_pete]

Flip a coin Really, they both are tone monsters. The SR5 and the Sterling have basically the same pickups and electronics, so they will sound pretty similar. Ed Friedland did a review of the Sterling Hs for Bassplayer, complete with soundclips. I really like the p-bass vibe from the S soled. Therefore, my vote is for the Hs.

http://www.guitarworld.com/archives/2006/06/bass_guitar_-_b.html

 

[phatduckk]

really like the p-bass vibe from the S soled. Therefore, my vote is for the Hs.

+1

i love the S solo'ed

 

[prickly_pete]

+1

i love the S solo'ed

I actually kinda like the look of the Hs better too. I am really wanting a Hs Sterling myself

 

[tkarter]

My single H SR5 and Bongo 5 H has kicked butt in two states each. Double pups just might be like having two wives. IMHO Sooner or later it is your butt getting kicked.

I know I didn't help

tk

 

[phatduckk]

I actually kinda like the look of the Hs better too. I am really wanting a Hs Sterling myself

you should get one. theyre really awesome!

 

[mrpackerguy]

My three MM basses (SR5, SR, and Sabre) never get to experience life beyond the bridge pup. For me it's the sound. The 3 band Ray gives me the extra mid punch through that fits our covers. The DD SR5 I'm ordering will be single pup. Just never "warmed up" to the neck pup. Ever. Cheers.

 

[PzoLover]

Game Over - Give Up

A quick peek into my Crystal 'Ball' shows me a new SR5 HH in your life
now for clr, fb,& pg
stop fighting it ... resistance is futile
hehehe

 

[Dr Stankface]

A quick peek into my Crystal 'Ball' shows me a new SR5 HH in your life
now for clr, fb,& pg
stop fighting it ... resistance is futile
hehehe

I like this guy.

 

[MingusBASS]

I like guys.

I think that is what you really wanted to say.

 

[PzoLover]

Peek-A-Boo

I think that is what (I'm hoping) you really wanted to say.

Another quick peek in my Crystal 'Ball' and I see another bass player;
one who is 'happy' and takes 'Pride' in his work.
hmmmmmmm

 

[MingusBASS]

I think your Crystal Ball is faulty. "Not that there's anything wrong with that..."

 

[prickly_pete]

I think your Crystal Ball is faulty. "Not that there's anything wrong with that..."

...of course not.

 

[drgroovenstein]

H/H of course!

 

[Eggman]

Maybe my question is more like - will an HS SR5 be too similar to my HS Sterling in sound or will an HH add a whole lot more tonal variety?

I lean towards the look of HS over HH, FWIW.

 

[prickly_pete]

Maybe my question is more like - will an HS SR5 be too similar to my HS Sterling in sound or will an HH add a whole lot more tonal variety?

I lean towards the look of HS over HH, FWIW.

The SR5 HH would certainly add a different tonal color that your Sterling Hs does not have. However, you could change the tonal color with strings too. Just get the SR5 model that you like better and try some different types of strings, or get a SR5 Hs AND a SR5 HH!

 

[Dr Stankface]

The SR5 HH would certainly add a different tonal color that your Sterling Hs does not have. However, you could change the tonal color with strings too. Just get the SR5 model that you like better and try some different types of strings, or get a SR5 Hs AND a SR5 HH!

That's the ticket!!!