EBMM Sterling 4 H build variations over time?

[srenkin]

Hoping you can shed some light on some of the design changes for the EBMM Sterling 4-string bass since the 90's. I had a 1995 Sterling (honeyburst, maple neck) that I should never have sold, but I was on hiatus from live music and didn't really need a pro instrument. I started playing again last year, and bought a Sterling by MM SB14 - nice product, but not quite the same as the real deal. I'm now looking to get back in the game and as I explore new and used Sterlings I find some interesting variations in the placement of the battery, the control cavity coverplate shape, and the neck plate. Specifically:

Battery compartment: on my 95 Sterling, the battery was under a chrome cover next to the control cavity. Obviously, now they use the "pop up" variety, but when did they move the battery compartment to the lower horn?

Control cavity: My 95 Sterling had a cavity that was a shallow "half moon" shape. When did the cavity become larger (there's a "bump" on the side facing the center of the bass)?

Neck plate: My 95 Sterling was routed so the neck plate fit flush against the wood of the bass. When did they stop doing this, and mounting the plate on top of the wood?

 

[WillyD]

Hey Srenkin, welcome to the forum!

We still offer the chrome covered battery compartment on the Classic Sterling model.

We changed to a new battery box with slightly different geometry July 2012 which required it to be moved.

Control cavities are designed to accommodate the preamps which changed on that model. Unsure what you mean by "bump'

Recessed neck plates were discontinued on all models January 2000

 

[srenkin]

I've attached a photo of a "modern" Sterling that has a control cavity cover with a bump.

 

[WillyD]

Thanks for the image, this is normal for the current model, slight difference in control cavity shape to accommodate the newer preamp.