Introducing Sterling by Music Man

[Big Poppa]

Guess what all you marketing experts we considered the name when we did it. it was right before we felol on our heads...dont you think saying Dumb is not really nice?

 

[RobertB]

wow cool, i always wanted an EBMM guitar, i guess this could really ease my way into one

Exactly what I was thinking.

Wow, you guys are rolling out some MAJOR product this year. Amazing!

 

[r goldsmith]

Yes, rude indeed, and besides just inaccurate to use such terms. I'm no marketing expert either, but I get it completely, and think it's a great strategy. Well done Mr Ball, I say.

 

[Beth]

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet... c'mon guys, get over it!

 

[T-bone]

Great - now my daughter will want a Sterling (along with my wife).

Bravo BP & Co. Bravo. You never cease to amaze us.

tbone

 

[GHWelles]

I like it:

Father: Ernie Ball/Music Man brand

Son: Sterling by Music Man brand

Nice symmetry.

Also, in the new line the STERLING is very large, and so clearly denotes a brand in itself.

And frankly it is the same company holding these brands, so they strengthen the company identity I think.

I think it is so great they have a 5 string bass in the series. And the Petrucci trem.

 

[Moose308]

Reading the thought process of the naming strategy, I can see how it makes sense.

While I don't agree with the name, I am sure it will all work out in the end.

I am very pleased to see you guys introduce this line. No bongo though. :-( I strongly suspect this will be a great addition to the MM line.

 

[RobertB]

I think it is so great they have a 5 string bass in the series...

Me too. I prefer 4's, but I do enjoy having a 5 around. So just as this new series makes it more likely now that I'll buy a guitar, it also makes it much more likely that I'll go ahead and snag a 5'er.

Have to ask: In addition to distinguishing it as a 5'er, does the "35" in "Ray 35" also mean this one has a 35" scale, or is it the standard 34?

 

[nicjimbass]

Being a fan of matching headstocks, the Ray34's got me all excited. Nice to see the Ray35 as well. They look very much like the higher-end stuff... I think BP and the gang are really on their game right now.

BP- I for one am extremely grateful that you take time out of your busy schedule to share all this stuff with us- the development of new instruments, the introduction of new lines, and the like. Thank you!

 

[bassmonkeee]

Me too. I prefer 4's, but I do enjoy having a 5 around. So just as this new series makes it more likely now that I'll buy a guitar, it also makes it much more likely that I'll go ahead and snag a 5'er.

Have to ask: In addition to distinguishing it as a 5'er, does the "35" in "Ray 35" also mean this one has a 35" scale, or is it the standard 34?

I doubt it. More likely it means 3 band EQ, 5 string. I can't imagine them developing a 35" scale specifically for the budget (for lack of a better word) line.

 

[cjoz]

Can't help myself ... i think it's a great name and as the Aussie distributor, I don't think we'll have ANY problem with the marketing of it.
As usual, Sterling ... well done - they'd BOTH be proud - shame they're not around to witness this

 

[Oldtoe]

I think this is great, and I'm really excited about this product line.

 

[Smakbass]

I think its a good name...I mean its Sterling By Musicman it seems clear to me that it would not be confused.

 

[BrandonS]

Oh, nice! Fretless option on the SB14???

 

[Big Poppa]

can we not keep the critique of the marketing...lets just try to be happy to know that their is a top quality entry to mid level mm avialable

 

[phat5]

Q: will the Ray 35, have the same neck size, radius and body contours as the SR5? I imagine the bridge & tuners, will be a better quality than the OLP shtuff. I'm looking forward to seeing these at the local GC!

 

[Randracula]

Very cool Sterling, what's the price point going to be on these? I'm looking for a guitar for my 11 year old son and
this just might be the ticket.

 

[Dr Stankface]

I personally wouldn't be questioning the marketing tactics of a company as successful as EB.

I think this is a phenomenal idea.

 

[lorino]

Sterling by MusicMan

20" Silo please - YES!

 

[RobertB]

I doubt it. More likely it means 3 band EQ, 5 string. I can't imagine them developing a 35" scale specifically for the budget (for lack of a better word) line.

On the contrary, most entry to mid-level 5 string basses implement a 35" scale as a "cheap" way to achieve decent tension and focus on the low B. Pulling it off on a 34" neck scale, and thereby preserving better playability (and tone, in the opinion of many), is a rare and admirable thing. It's a function of great design and manufacturing, and in my opinion it's one of the many things that makes the EBMM 5 string basses so special. It stands to reason that it might be difficult to do in a "budget" line (to use your word), hence, my question.

But you may be right.