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  • Sterling by MusicMan

bovinehost

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Jan 16, 2003
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My tuning key arrived today and - much to my surprise - the replacement surgery was easy and without incident. So now I have one really nice shiny tuning key and the others looked like they've been immersed in some sort of ammonia/tar combination for a few years, but they all work, which is the main thing for now.

I can string the thing up and play it, but what strings do I have? Hmmm, nothing up my sleeve. No flats. Wait! I do believe I have some Super Slinkys! Yes, way back at Open House, when I was asked what strings I wanted, I said, "Um, Super Slinkys, I guess."

On they go. I've never even tried these before, but they're in good shape and why not? Having loosened the truss rod during the cleaning/disinfectant process, the action is not so happy, but that's mostly easily fixed with a small screwdriver and the truss wheel. (Still not exactly right, but close enough and it will get there.)

A new battery? Sure, why not. The old one is a "Hi-Watt". I tell you, this boy spared all expense on this bass. The battery actually had a dent in it, like it had been in some kind of low-speed accident. WTF? Anyway, it's gone now.

Tune it up and retire to the studio to plug it in to the newly restored Sunn and Ampeg cabs. Some fiddling again with the action and then play for a while even though I should let it sit and settle in. I'm impatient, okay?

I'm afraid Steve's prediction of two weeks or two months or whatever it was is going to fall way short, people of the earth. It's been a long time since I had a Sterling and now I don't have any idea why, other than lack of funds on my part.

(Well, and a serious Bongo addiction.)

Whew, these strings are INTERESTING for a diehard flats addict like me. I kind of like them! (Don't tell BP.) Ray Duke is going to dig these strings, and he reminds me a lot of BP, style-wise.

Anyway, even with the action not quite where I like it, this is a good one. That has little to do with anything I've done to the thing and much to do with how bulletproof these instruments are.

I'm going to have to replace the jack. Dammit! I hate it when you move around and you get the big CRACKLE. Other than that, though........

...the bass sounds great. Growl? You want growl? Oh, we've got your growl.

And the neck - so sleek and fast. Brothers, when I feel fast on a bass, I can guarantee you it has a lot to do with the instrument and little to do with my skills.

Plus, let's face it, the bass is all blue and sparkly.

Thumbs up.

Jack
 

RockinRayDuke

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Aug 4, 2003
Messages
474
Location
DFW, Texas
Well, when you catch me when I'm drunk I buy just about anything from you.

Not drunk, teenyboppers, just taking my medicine. Getting along in years now ya know.
 

bovinehost

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Messages
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Location
Dall-Ass, TX
Steve Dude Barr said:
I stand by my prediction.

As well you should. But you'll be proven wrong. Think about it - what do I need? Because that's always what it comes down to, or at least: what do I want?

I have the baddest sumbitch of a Bongo ever built in the black sapphire 5HH.

I have the Dargin-approved Blue Pearl 5HS.

I have Heinz, the Wonder Bass.

I have the Flaming Biff, the greenest, flamiest 4HH on earth.

I can reach right out and grab the Big Poppa Bongo, the most popular and ass-kicking 4H to ever escape the Open House.

The Red Menace, the Bongo 5H is right over there, too.

In my lap, a sparkly blue Sterling which has rekindled my love for all things named Sterling (hey baby).

There ain't much I lust for, at least as far as basses go.

Place your bets. I think I'm right.

I may have to buy that one too.

You're welcome to fondle, but once you do, I think you'll agree that it isn't likely to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Jack
 

Steve Dude Barr

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Joined
Aug 3, 2005
Messages
5,173
Well, when you catch me when I'm drunk I buy just about anything from you.

Yeah, well, the problem is that you generally catch me when I'm drunk and you get me on some sort of F'd up trade deal.
 

Steve Dude Barr

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Joined
Aug 3, 2005
Messages
5,173
tiffles said:
you do have every bass a girl could ever want. cant wait to play the sparkly thing.


Oh, I cry foul!!! Now he won't sell it until after November!! Can I get a ruling on this???
 
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