Question Differences of Sterling to StingRay?

[ZiggyDude]

I know this was discussed long ago - but I can't find it. But what are the main differences between a 4 string Sterling HH and a 4 string StingRay HH? I know there is a very slight differences in the length of the horns on the body. But that is all that jumped out at me.

 

[DaddyFlip]

Official FAQ here:

what-are-the-differences-between-the-stingray-and-the-sterling | music-man-basses | faq

Also, you can look at the individual instruments and compare specs here:

Ernie Ball Music Man Instruments

Happy hunting.

 

[five7]

Body and neck are smaller on the sterling and are the most noticable differences.

 

[Manfloozy]

In short, ceramic mags in the pups and a skinnier neck and smaller body.

Most say it has a more aggressive cutting tone.

Also think "jazz" neck.

 

[keko]

Body and neck are smaller on the sterling and are the most noticable differences.

... and Stingrays are equipped with alnico pickups, Sterlings with ceramic pickups and some different switch positions (depends of model).

...Stingray have preamp mounted on the front metal plate (4 strings) or on PG (5 strings), Sterling have preamp mounted backside with back plastic cover, and pot holes a drilled through the wood (4 & 5 strings).

...Stingrays necks have 6 screws bolt on, Sterlings have 5 screws bolt on...etc.

 

[ZiggyDude]

I went down to the local GC and tried both the StingRay and the Sterling. All were 4 strings. I like the width at the nut position of the StingRay a lot better. More room to work with and not so cluttered. GC had a bunch of MM basses on clearance. Too bad none were a Dargie HH (Like that would ever happen).

GC really needs to check the set up. The strings were so high it was almost like playing an upright. On the East Coast this time of season expect the necks to shift some.

Hmm - too bad they don't put that 5 way switch into a Bongo.......

 

[bovinehost]

Hmm - too bad they don't put that 5 way switch into a Bongo.......

Blasphemy!

 

[ZiggyDude]

Oh Geeze - now I am in for it.

Blasphemy to Bongo or the Ray?

OK - I would not want to give up the 4 way EQ. Does that help?

 

[Duarte]

That does not help. It is a 4 knob EQ that goes 8 ways.

Or something.

 

[projectapollo]

I just picked up an older Sterling. This thing is quite light, compact and easy to handle. More Bongo-ish in the playability area than a Stingray, imo.

 

[oli@bass]

Indeed, the Sterling is quite petite and handy.

 

[Mogee]

I love my Sterling.

 

[bovinehost]

I love my Sterling.

I haven't had a "regular" Sterling for a few years, but I've just today received a rather handsome Sterling 5. Can't wait for the family to go to bed so that I might thoroughly investigate what it will do!

 

[phatduckk]

body size (sterling has downsized body), neck profile (sterling has thinner neck), different preamps, different pickups (sr4 alnico, sterling ceramic) & number of frets (check http://music-man.com for details)

wiring-wise on the HH sterling 2 coils are always in series whereas on an sr4 HH 2 coils are always in parallel

 

[fly]

I love my Sterling.

me too.........best damn bass out there.


but the damn bongoloids will try and tell you otherwise.

 

[ZiggyDude]

me too.........best damn bass out there.


but the damn bongoloids will try and tell you otherwise.

You do realize that us Bongo Bass Gods relish being the disdain of the EBMM world? After all - how not to excell if not different?

I will run for cover now.................