Question How good (truthfully) are the Sterling Basses?

[Greg Suarez]

I'm looking for a solid bass to supplement for writing and recording. I don't gig. I just need something that sounds good, stays in tune well, and (most important) can provide a WIDE array of tones (pop to progressive metal). I'm primarily a 6-string electric player; like I said, this is for supplementary work only.

Even though I'm traditionally a "Fender Guy," I just bought a new MM JP6, which has absolutely blown me away. I've been perusing MM basses online, and I came across the Sterling line (not the super inexpensive SUB line, rather the Sterlings that have USA-made components).

Anyone have any experience with these? Are they worth the $800 or so that most shops are asking, or should I spend for for a full-on MM USA bass?

Thanks

 

[liverbird]

Why not go for a used US Sterling? This one was discussed in a recent thread - it's still on Ebay:

Ernie Ball MusicMan Sterling 4 String Bass w OHSC Amberburst | eBay

It's an early Sterling (1995, they started in 1993), nice weight at just under 9 lbs, Trans bridge (just before they became downsized), great looking sunburst finish. The neck with its 1.5" nut (narrower than a Stingray) will feel very comfy.

No affiliation.

 

[Greg Suarez]

Why not go for a used US Sterling? This one was discussed in a recent thread - it's still on Ebay:

Ernie Ball MusicMan Sterling 4 String Bass w OHSC Amberburst | eBay

It's an early Sterling (1995, they started in 1993), nice weight at just under 9 lbs, Trans bridge (just before they became downsized), great looking sunburst finish. The neck with its 1.5" nut (narrower than a Stingray) will feel very comfy.

No affiliation.

I have been nosing around eBay, and I found this:

USA Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo Bass Guitar 4 HH OHSC | eBay

But I'll bet that price skyrockets about 2 minutes before auction ends. I do have it "watched," though.

I always prefer new instruments. You just never know what you're going to get, sight unseen. I don't live in a massive metro area like L.A., New York or Vegas, so coming across a great used bargain is tough.

Oh, well. I'm in no hurry. I'll just wait in the shadows until the right deal presents itself.

 

[al1722]

Late arriving to this thread, but I have a Sterling SUB bought for $289 that I use in studio. I'm primarily a guitarist but lay down bass on every track I record. I have very high demands when it comes to recording bass. I want full spectrum of tonal performance from subby to slappy to the right in between tone. And I want to play nice and firm to get that tone, but without having unwanted rattle... definitely a technique element, but one that requires a proper set up and a solid build. The Sterling SUB completely meets all my needs. Active tone knobs offer huge tonal variety. Build is dead on. Playability is superb. Combined with a good recording preamp, this thing just rocks. I was pleased to find out that a friend of mine who is the son of a famous bassist bought the very same make and model and color I did. He keeps it at home as a beater. Music Man went into the asian factory market with care. It's clear they have obtained a very consistent build. Add their patented Pickups and electronics to that and it equals superb value. No nonsense, great tone, great build, great playability. Buy one and start cutting tracks. Hope this helps!

 

[Greg Suarez]

Thanks for the reply, but after doing a ton of research and consulting with bass players, I decided on a Fender with P/J pickup configuration. I found a 2012 American Deluxe Precision Bass for only $999 (new it's $1699) that was so pristine that it still had its pickguard plastic and info stickers on it. Even the hardshell case looks brand new. This will pretty much be the only bass guitar I need pretty much forever. It has an 18V active pre-amp. The P-bass pickup booms with authority, and the J-bass pickup snarls and pops. It is simply sublime.

 

[MrMusashi]

yet, it is no musicman bass

MrM

 

[Greg Suarez]

yet, it is no musicman bass

MrM

Well... I really wanted a Bongo, but I could not find a dual-humbucker pre-owned one in my price range (at least one that looked halfway decent). The Bongos hold their value extremely well, it seems.

That said, I am very happy with my Fender P-Bass. I have been a Fender guy since I started playing, so I definitely feel good about it.

 

[MrMusashi]

maybe this could be a good price for a bongo 4hh?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/msg/4410430404.html

MrM

 

[Greg Suarez]

maybe this could be a good price for a bongo 4hh?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/msg/4410430404.html

MrM

Looks pretty good. But... Craigslist.

I live in Ohio, so I it's not very reasonable to pop over to Chicago to check it out. And if I have it shipped and it has a problem, screwed = me.

I got my Fender P-Bass through Guitar Center, so I could return it immediately if I was not happy with it.

I appreciate the link, though.