Difference between Sterling 5 and SUB 5

[1954bassman]

Newbe here to Musicman. I bought a Sterling 5 BFR HS back in December, and I am having trouble with GAS. There is a SUB 5 on evilBay right now. Is the SUB series anything like the Sterling 5? I am also gassing for a Sterling 5 fretless, but I don't see them on the web anywhere.

Needless to say - my Sterling is true love.

Mark

 

[grumpyoldman]

Check out these webpages for information - the original S.U.B. series was discontinued...

MusicMan® Instruments - S.U.B.®

Ray35 Bass Series | Sterling By Music Man | Official Website

Sterling 5

I spent most of my time on the guitar portion of this forum, so those on this side will undoubtedly be able to provide a lot more information for you. To me, though, the S.U.B. 5 was most like a Stingray 5 H in a straight up comparison....

 

[laneline]

Have you checked out Bass Central MusicMan Basses StingRay 5 string Fretless Basses
for a Sterling Fretless ? They show some but you need to call for an accurate stock list.
Also there is a NOS Sub listed here Ernie Ball Bass Guitars | Martin Music I've bought from both stores, both top tier retailers from my experience. Never had a Sub so I'm not sure if the pup is Alnico or Ceramic, but it was basically a stripped down Stingray.

 

[1954bassman]

Thanks man. My bass is a Sterling 5, and I love the neck, which I believe to be on the 'thin' side. Very comfortable. I have large hands, but at 58, my finger joints enjoy the size of the Sterling neck. I see both have 11" radius, but I wonder if the SUB neck is "beefier" than the slim Sterling neck? Also, it looks like the back of the SUB neck is painted with high gloss, which would be a minus.

I will probably hold out for a Sterling 5 fretless anyway, but the SUB price is really low on eVilbay right now.

 

[five7]

I have owned both, the sub has a wider neck and a 2 band eq. The sterling is much better in my opinion. I did own a sub 5 fretless that was very nice, perfect neck and fretboard.

 

[laneline]

I have large hands, but at 58, my finger joints enjoy the size of the Sterling neck.

I hear you brother, I'm 63 and have OA, but still hangin' in,

 

[five7]

Since you like your sterling, give a bongo a try! Very comfortable neck for us old guys.

 

[Manfloozy]

Newbe here to Musicman. I bought a Sterling 5 BFR HS back in December, and I am having trouble with GAS. There is a SUB 5 on evilBay right now. Is the SUB series anything like the Sterling 5? I am also gassing for a Sterling 5 fretless, but I don't see them on the web anywhere.

Needless to say - my Sterling is true love.

Mark

Forum member fly uses a Sterling and Sub, so he may be able to share opinions on them. My opinion is that the fretless Sterling would go farther as far as different tones. SUBs are cool, but given the option I'd personally gnab a Sterling FL anyday. That's just my opinion though.... And opinions are like.... Well you know.

Check out:
Fretless but likely a 4
Ernie Ball Musicman Sterling fretless bass w/ piezo pickups - TalkBass Forums

Fretless 4 with lines
FS FT 2004 musicman sterling lined fretless 4 - TalkBass Forums

Fretted 5HH
FT/FS: Music Man Sterling 5 HH - TalkBass Forums

 

[fly]

actually........I have a Sterling 4 banger and my SUB is also a 4 banger.........

Sterling is the main player.......smooth,slimmer neck just works for me........more tones from the 3 band

SUB.....is right along with the SR.....little wider neck,but easy to play....

different animals all together but,that's the bonus of have different basses right?..........I say do it man.





*edit*......you may want to look into either active or passive pups too on the SUB....mine is active,and I have not played a passive SUB yet so.....can't help there.

 

[Bigpig]

I recently bought a S.U.B 5 string. One because I really liked the neck off of the rack. Nice and flat and seemed as thin as my SR 1205. Second, I've heard the Bongo's and Earnie Ball Musicman and such and I really liked the growl these active pick ups can deliver. Perfect for modern day country music down here in Austin.
I bought the SUB because I didn't want to commit to the 1,500 + dollars for the real deal at least not until I had played this one for a while. But honestly, I like this SUB so much especially after setting it up to my liking that I'm having a hard time justifying the big purchase. The only difference that I can tell is the tuners are not as smooth turning as maybe it's big brother and the absence of the 4 knob on eq. Otherwise, I'm totally thrilled with what I have now. Hope that helps.
Bigpig