Question EBMM SUB or stearling by MM?

[Renatobass]

Hey guys, my name is renato and im new at the forum. I own a EBMM SUB 5 and i just viewed these new basses stearling by musicman. what's your opinion are these basses (like the ray35) better than the SUB's? thanks for your answers!

 

[TheBassGuy]

The SUB is an USA made guitar, while the Sterling's are made in Indonesia I believe. Quality-wise, I think the SUB would be better, but that doesn't mean the Sterling's are bad...

Welcome to the forums btw!

-Ben

 

[drTStingray]

The Sterling by MM basses have a good reputation and quite a few people here like them. Ed Friedland has posted some soundclips of his reviews of these basses which you could find by using the search function.

However a key difference with the 5 string Sterling by MM is that it has the coil tap switch and a three band EQ, and a swamp ash body, and is based on the 5 string StingRay, rather than the Sub 5, which is basically a 2 band EQ, 5 string version of the 4 string Stingray - poplar body I think. So the Sterling by MM 5 string will sound quite different and should have more versatile tone variation.

They sound great value for money to me, and from the previews we've seen, may be introducing some cool new colours at NAMM.

 

[the unrepentant]

i think the SBMM basses may be better, in terms of value, they're not made in the USa, but they, arguably, have better finishes and more tonal options etc. Very nice basses for the price, from what i've heard.

 

[five7]

You can buy an american made instrument for half of an Indonesian instrument.

 

[the unrepentant]

You can buy an american made instrument for half of an Indonesian instrument.

aren't the SBMM's about $600 new? Soon enough they'll start showing up used more frequently anyway.

 

[five7]

aren't the SBMM's about $600 new? Soon enough they'll start showing up used more frequently anyway.

True and I will probably try one out when they are the price of a used olp. Until then I don't think you can buy a better american made bass under $400 than a sub.

 

[Renatobass]

thanks a lot for your answers!!

 

[sitonmybass]

I was VERY impressed with the quality of a Sterling by MM when I tried one out at Guitar Center.

 

[Powman]

I was VERY impressed with the quality of a Sterling by MM when I tried one out at Guitar Center.

I agree. Although my Real McCoy MIA Sterling weighs significantly less than the off-shore version, the sound was pretty much the same.

Still, I trust the real Music Man much more...you can really tell there is a pride in workmanship at the California plant. The consistency in quality of the Music Man products is remarkable. I have yet to pick one up that exhibits flaws. I already have seen flaws in the off-shore versions. I saw one Sterling By MM already marked down due to a painting flaw.

 

[rappa29]

I had an SBMM Ray35. For all intents and purposes it pretty much it cops the SR5H sound, feel and vibe. In a mix, live or recorded, the average ear couldn't tell the difference.

The only reason I returned it is because I couldn't justify having 2 fivers, considering I'm primary a four string player and own an EBMM SR4H. My current Indonesian fiver wasn't going anywhere so the Ray35 was the odd man out.

One glaring issue that was purely cosmetic is the rosewood on the fretboard was off color. It was nice, dark and rich from the neck pocket to the 5th fret. But from the 5th fret to the nut, it was faded. I'd never seen that before on any bass I've owned made in USA, China, Indo, Mexico, etc.

Overall, I was happy with the fit, finish, ergos and tone it produced both live and recorded. I might pick one up again next year if they come out with some new finishes and I'm able to move some other gear.

 

[bovinehost]

One glaring issue that was purely cosmetic is the rosewood on the fretboard was off color. It was nice, dark and rich from the neck pocket to the 5th fret. But from the 5th fret to the nut, it was faded. I'd never seen that.

I have a couple of rosewood boards with interesting streaks and lighter spots in them. I like it.

 

[sitonmybass]

I had an SBMM Ray35. For all intents and purposes it pretty much it cops the SR5H sound, feel and vibe. In a mix, live or recorded, the average ear couldn't tell the difference.

The only reason I returned it is because I couldn't justify having 2 fivers, considering I'm primary a four string player and own an EBMM SR4H. My current Indonesian fiver wasn't going anywhere so the Ray35 was the odd man out.

One glaring issue that was purely cosmetic is the rosewood on the fretboard was off color. It was nice, dark and rich from the neck pocket to the 5th fret. But from the 5th fret to the nut, it was faded. I'd never seen that before on any bass I've owned made in USA, China, Indo, Mexico, etc.

Overall, I was happy with the fit, finish, ergos and tone it produced both live and recorded. I might pick one up again next year if they come out with some new finishes and I'm able to move some other gear.

Hey, rappa29!
I noticed that you and I both live in the Tampa Bay Area and I was wondering if we've met. I play full-time here with Stormbringer. Check our calendar on our web-site and try to come to a gig and introduce yourself.

 

[rappa29]

Small world. We haven't met, but I'll definitely try to check you guys out sometime and introduce myself. I've been around the bay area probably as long as Stormbringer has been around!

I remember the band name from as far back as the 80's, when I started playing in bands in high school.

 

[the unrepentant]

I have a couple of rosewood boards with interesting streaks and lighter spots in them. I like it.

yep, just woodgrain, the two EBMM's i've owned both had STUNNING fretboards!

 

[sitonmybass]

Small world. We haven't met, but I'll definitely try to check you guys out sometime and introduce myself. I've been around the bay area probably as long as Stormbringer has been around!

I remember the band name from as far back as the 80's, when I started playing in bands in high school.

I heard somebody say that someday the only thing left in the world would be cockroaches and Stormbringer. The band was initially formed in the 80's!

 

[bovinehost]

I heard somebody say that someday the only thing left in the world would be cockroaches and Stormbringer.

After the nuclear holocaust? Only cockroaches and Peavey amps.

 

[sitonmybass]

After the nuclear holocaust? Only cockroaches and Peavey amps.

Peavey amps; you just can't kill 'em and I'm sure a lot of us have tried.
Maybe my guitarist and I should switch to Peavey. At least we'd have something to play through after everything else has been nuked.