Choosing between H and HH

[stjohn1299]

Hi guys. I currently own a Sterling 4H, and am saving up for a Sterling 5. I'm having a hard time deciding between an H and an HH. The main reason is, if I'm playing thru an envelope filter, and playing both basses in a set, will the filter need adjusting to match band mix levels between the 4H and a 5HH? If I got an H, there shouldn't be a difference, but if I have to twiddle knobs after switching basses to get the same relative mix...well, I'd rather not have to do that on a gig, ya know? Hope this makes sense, and I appreciate any input from those in a similar situation.

 

[strummer]

Hi
I don't think you'll automatically get the same output on a Sterling 4H and 5H. But without sounding like a complete a-hole, it's just about the easiest thing in the world to back off the volume some more on the louder bass, you know?
So get the bass you fancy the most, and if you then have issues with levels or something (and don't like the idea of using the volume knob on one bass) jou can just get a radial BassBones which will let you set volumes independendently for two instruments.
cheers

 

[stjohn1299]

Yeah, I know what you mean...that did cross my mind. To me, the 4H sounds better with the bass volume wide open, and the level adjusted at the amp. It may just come down to who has what in stock in about 2 or 3 months! I'm the kind of player that I just don't like any tweaking once the shows start, ya know? If it weren't for a specific sound needed on a tune, I wouldn't have pedals, because I don't like doing the tap dance up on stage! I know it's really slicing hairs on the H vs HH, I was just wondering if anyone had had a similar situation.

 

[drTStingray]

The HH basses generally have v noticeable tone differences between the 5 way switch settings, although with the bridge PU only selected they are more or less exactly like an H. The tone difference sounds like a volume change but is actually more of a change in the tone (eg more bass added in when the neck pick up comes into play).

I use an EBS Bass IQ and sometimes need to change the settings on it or the bass EQ to get the filter to do the same based on single bridge H setting or HH with both pick ups selected - the H setting has the strongest and most cutting sound of the 5. The HH with both PUs selected in humbucker mode needs more mid dialled in to achieve this - it's basically far smoother than the single H with flattish settings.

The upside of the HH is you get 5 very usable tones at the flick of a switch so vastly more flexibility, and it's still possible to slap if that's what you want to do. There's a thread set up by Oli with tone samples of HH v H but not Sterlings (well there weren't last time I looked!) - they'll give you a flavour of the tone differences.

I'd go HH for the variation available (and you get the H as well in that package) - not sure if you get series and parallel though.

 

[sitonmybass]

I love my Sterling 5 single H! If you love your Sterling 4 single H, you'll love the Sterling 5 single H, too.

 

[stjohn1299]

Thanks guys...then again, there's the classic SR5...<sigh>...decisions, decisions!

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I wouldn't buy a bass based on its compatibility with an envelope filter because that can easily be changed. As mentioned above, you can adjust the settings so that switching between basses won't affect too much.

The HH model gives you more options, which include single H operation. It you want or need more variety, I'd go with the HH. If all you want is a single H, then that'll work too. I am kind-of partial to the Stingray 5 myself.

 

[Basscake]

One other thing you should take into account:

Of course has a HH Sterling with its 5w-switch more sound options than a single H with its 3w-switch. 5 vs. 3. Simple maths.

But I find it always worth mentioning, that the Single H features two coil combinations that the HH simply doesn't offer.

Of course you can flick to the switch towards the bridge on a HH and get seriall tone out of the Bridge PU, but there is no way, to switch that bridge PU parallel or a singlecoil like on the SingleH.

In my opinion that makes the two instruments more different than they may appear.

So if you're using parallel and singlecoil sounds a lot on your Sterling4H and you don't miss the chunky tones of a Neck PU you should go for the Single H.

Just my 2ct...

Greets Basscake

 

[five7]

bongo HH

 

[EBMM7181]

Single H is the business

 

[bradfordws]

Sterling 5HH! I had a 5H, but it didn't get out much because I like the HH a lot better - many more tones available, as you already know - and if you want the H sound = position #1.

 

[shakinbacon]

Sterling 5HH! I had a 5H, but it didn't get out much because I like the HH a lot better - many more tones available, as you already know - and if you want the H sound = position #1.

Sterling 5HHs look so friggin' cool. That one is HOT

 

[Basscake]

many more tones available, as you already know - and if you want the H sound = position #1.

One out of the three H-Sounds, I might emphasise.

 

[brockusher]

I'm going to back up everyone here. Go for the HH because you can just roll back the volume or use position one, but for when you're not giging or changing your sound or just playing around you have a lot more versitility.

 

[Chuck B]

I had some twin pups basses with lots of sounds, but I don't need lots of sounds...

 

[spencer]

He speaketh the trutheth,

along with all the single h's I have had I owned a bongo hh sterling hs and a big al SSS.

Always come back to the single h.

 

[backagain1]

I love the tone of my SR5 H.

 

[Thornton Davis]

I've owned a Sterling5 H and a Sterling5 HH. I didn't like the tone I was getting out of the H, so I sold it and bought the HH, no regrets.

TD

 

[spencer]

If you don't like the single h sound, you don't like mesuic man.

If you feel the single h can't give you every tone you are correct.

There's a reason they don't sell just a neck pickup bass

 

[Chuck B]

If you don't like the single h sound, you don't like mesuic man.

sounds like being true.