EB MM classic question

[Rod Trussbroken]

Can someone confirm that the Sterling Classic has a parallel wired ceramic magnet pickup and the same 2-band preamp as the Stingray Classic? I've always assumed this, but wasn't sure. I believe some of the special Sterling Classic magic comes from the pickup being ceramic, vs the Stingray which is alnico. If it turns out that the Sterling Classic has the same alnico as the Stingray Classic, I will be stumped.

Either way, I don't believe you can get the same tones on a standard Sterling as a Sterling Classic...at least I can't. Good tones, but not the same tones. Of course the better you play, the less it matters IMO. Pertybass's 1995 Stingray (3-band eq) sounds amazing to me, but if I was playing it I wouldn't like the tones. But I do like the tone I get from my Stingray5 that now has a the East MMSR preamp.

Two of my favorite sounds examples of the Sterling Classic are on youtube, one by pertybass:
Pertybass Sterling Classic demo

And one by Gabriel Severn:
Gabriel Severn Sterling Classic demo

The "Classic Collection" Sterling Bass (made from 2010 to 2015) has a Ceramic pickup wired in series (not parallel). It has the same 2 Band preamp as both the "Classic Collection" Sting Ray 4 and Sting Ray 5 which both have Alnico pickups BUT wired in parallel (and not series). The 2 Bander is the same preamp used on the Sting Ray since Pre-EB 1978. The bodies are slab.

The regular Sterling 4H (still in production) also has a ceramic pickup with a three way lever switch for different pickup coil combinations. It has a 3 Band preamp. The Sterling 4HH is also Ceramic with a five way lever switch and 3 Band preamp. The bodies are contoured.

 

[Thany]

Ok, a wierd twist!!! I really like the sound of the cheap sterling sub ray 4 !!!! I understand it has some downfalls, any suggesting on buying it and upgrading? It is very wierd, idk why, I have listened to it many times (before listening to the classic and falling inlove with it) and I like its sound better than some more expensive basses.
Anyone can put a finger on what is it I like? Sorry for the strange question, but as a begginer, I cant tell why I like a certain sound... I just know I like it.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Just remember that the sound is more than just the bass. It's also the strings they use, their playing technique, how they have the EQ set, and the recording setup they are using.

You can greatly alter the sound by changing where and how the strings are played. In other words, even with the exact same equipment, it won't automatically get "that sound" you have heard.

Definitely not trying to discourage you, just adding some realism.

 

[Thany]

Just remember that the sound is more than just the bass. It's also the strings they use, their playing technique, how they have the EQ set, and the recording setup they are using.

You can greatly alter the sound by changing where and how the strings are played. In other words, even with the exact same equipment, it won't automatically get "that sound" you have heard.

Definitely not trying to discourage you, just adding some realism.

I know that very well, and take it into considuration. Its very weird, but I have listened to a lot of sub ray 4 (dmos, covers, from different sources) and I always like the sound (more bass, less treble optipn) I know everyone says go to the store yourself and try, but I cant, doesnt matter why. I do everythig through the net.

 

[Samoht]

The "Classic Collection" Sterling Bass (made from 2010 to 2015) has a Ceramic pickup wired in series (not parallel). It has the same 2 Band preamp as both the "Classic Collection" Sting Ray 4 and Sting Ray 5 which both have Alnico pickups BUT wired in parallel (and not series). The 2 Bander is the same preamp used on the Sting Ray since Pre-EB 1978. The bodies are slab.

The regular Sterling 4H (still in production) also has a ceramic pickup with a three way lever switch for different pickup coil combinations. It has a 3 Band preamp. The Sterling 4HH is also Ceramic with a five way lever switch and 3 Band preamp. The bodies are contoured.

Gav, this is awesome info! I'm been wondering this for a while, so glad you cleared this up.

I don't really consider the 2 and 3 band EQ to be better or worse, just "different". Also I'm sorry but I like having a center detent. There's no reason they can't put them on the 2 band EQs other than "well that's not how the originals were".

Anyway, I'd still say best bet would be a used Sterling 4H, unless you REALLY want the individual string mutes. With the regular sterling, you get the three way switch for more tonal options, AND you get the hand rubbed gunstock oil and wax finish on the neck. It's better than any other neck I've ever played. EVER.

I like having center detents on my SR5 with the East MMSR preamp, though there's no "flat" response point in the middle. I feel like my bass is the best of both worlds: I get the ergonomics/feel of the modern Stingray5 and the tone of the classic Stingray...with the added bonus of the Mid Frequency sweep that I can cut/boost any mid freq or take it completely out of the circuit. I just use the center detents for a reference midway the treble & bass pot travel to help me make on the fly adjustments live when I can't hear myself 100%. I would miss the detents terribly if I didn't have them.

I would agree about the neck finish 100%. It's the smoothest I've ever played (oil & wax).