For Sterling Fretless Players

[Eggman]

I am thinking of my next MM bass - and am considering a Sterling fretless. My only fretless basses in the past have been a F*ender Jazz (1963) and a L*kland JO. Both great basses - but now I have the MM bug...

So - how do you describe the tone of a Sterling fretless? What pickup configuration would be best on a new one?

Do you think I should order one as a DD (knowing that I have a DD Sterling HH on order)?

Thanks for your input.

Eggman

 

[adouglas]

Don't own a Sterling, but I will say this:

Whatever magnetic pickup config you choose, get a piezo to go with it. Piezos rule on fretless, and that's a fact. Ask MingusBASS. And adelucia. Even Steebo says so.

I'm so confident in that statement that I don't even think anyone will throw monkey poo at me for opening my trap.

(I like what piezos do on fretted basses too, but that's more open to debate.)

 

[Psycho Ward]

Here's mine, no piezo, just the standard pickup and sounds great!

 

[bassmonkeee]

Don't own a Sterling, but I will say this:

Whatever magnetic pickup config you choose, get a piezo to go with it. Piezos rule on fretless, and that's a fact. Ask MingusBASS. And adelucia. Even Steebo says so.

I'm so confident in that statement that I don't even think anyone will throw monkey poo at me for opening my trap.

(I like what piezos do on fretted basses too, but that's more open to debate.)

Unless he's getting a Bongo, the only config he can get piezos with on either a Sterling or a Stingray is single H.

I also like piezos on fretted basses, but only with flatwound strings.

 

[Figjam]

Go with single H and piezo.

 

[adouglas]

Thanks for straightening me out. I haven't been paying close enough attention!

 

[Psychicpet]

I am thinking of my next MM bass - and am considering a Sterling fretless. My only fretless basses in the past have been a F*ender Jazz (1963) and a L*kland JO. Both great basses - but now I have the MM bug...

So - how do you describe the tone of a Sterling fretless? What pickup configuration would be best on a new one?

Do you think I should order one as a DD (knowing that I have a DD Sterling HH on order)?

Thanks for your input.

Eggman

yes and yes

Seeings that you really dig JBasses, i do believe you'll love the Sterling neck. It's soooooo quick and comfy. And I do really dig my HH for allof the coil tapping so I can get it like a JBass w/both p/us full up.

 

[Eggman]

Unless he's getting a Bongo, the only config he can get piezos with on either a Sterling or a Stingray is single H.

I also like piezos on fretted basses, but only with flatwound strings.

OK - so now weigh in on this - fretless Sterling vs fretless Bongo (and if Bongo - what pickup config)?

And should the new bass be a DD? Or do I add a different color to the herd?

Thanks

 

[Eggman]

Here's mine, no piezo, just the standard pickup and sounds great!

I like that one!!! But isn't that picture backwards?????????

(like you haven't heard that before!)

 

[smallequestrian]

Fretless Bongos are fun. So is the Hp combo.

 

[bassmonkeee]

OK - so now weigh in on this - fretless Sterling vs fretless Bongo (and if Bongo - what pickup config)?

And should the new bass be a DD? Or do I add a different color to the herd?

Thanks

Well, I think my 5 string HSp Bongo is just about the most versatile bass on the planet. Sterlings are great basses, but they aren't for me. I prefer Bongo.


But, you know--some people like cupcakes better. I, for one, care less for them.

 

[MingusBASS]

+1 for the HSp Bongo5(Buttercream here) being the most versatile bass on the planet. Just sick, sick I tell you.

 

[tiffles]

medallion gold sterling HP unlined. do it.

 

[bassmonkeee]

medallion gold sterling HP unlined. do it.

Well, hell--who can argue with that?

 

[tkarter]

I am having a little trouble reading your charts Chuck. Could you move that bass outta the way a bit?

tk

 

[phatduckk]

id say play a sterling and a bongo and get whichever has the neck that suits you better. they're both great bassses and you cant go wrong with either.

personally i LOVE the Sterling HS - but mine is fretted.

 

[Nitrix]

Sterling fretless

I have had the pleasure of owning a Sterling fretless for the last 2 years. Gorgeous natural finish with an unlined fingerboard.

The first time I played it through my old Ampeg V4, I thought it was too "midrangey". Then I recorded it DI'd through a Universal Audio LA-610 and WOW! The clarity was simply stunning. Lots of deep low end, smooth high's - but it is that midrange that is indescribable. It just seems to sit perfectly in the mix. I then jammed with a guitarist who has a thick distorted sound and the clarity of that bass was just amazing. Typical EBMM I guess (that is a GOOD thing). I don't have the piezo option, so I can't comment on how that adds to the sound.

The one thing it doesn't do, IMHO, is that super scooped "hi-fi" sound. I used to think I liked that sound when I played a Yamaha and Larivee fretless, but it was always a hideous experience recording this and actually being able to hear the bass in the mix. I was an instant convert as soon as I played the Sterlng fretless in a mix, be that mix recorded or live.

I hope this helps. Enjoy whichever version you decide on.

Nitrix

 

[Eggman]

Thanks for all the input. Here is what I decided:

A DD Bongo 5 HSP - lined fretless.

Solves two issues - a back-up 5er and a fretless all rolled into one!!!

Soon my family will be:

Sterling HS
Sterling DD HH
SR5 HS
Bongo 5 DD HSP - lined fretless

Not too bad for a MM newbie.

 

[tkarter]

It will allow you to bring quite the variety to the show. Good choice.

tk