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John Myung Bongo 4

SR4 vs. Sterling H

Freddels

Freddels

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 23, 2006
Messages
875
Location
Near Wistah
Just wondering if there are any clips that would show the tonal differences b/w the SR4 and the Sterling H?

Does the ability to toggle the pickup greatly enhance the versatility?

Since I tried the SR 30th Anniv yesterday, I cannot get out of my head the great sound that came from that bass. I have never owned a single pup bass before but I am really intrigued now.
 
I have a canned reply for SR or Sterling Qs @ Talkbass but I don't think it will sink in well in this forum ;)
 
From what i've been told (I don't have much experience with Sterlings), the Sterlings have a little more fire to them than the SR4. A more midrange punch to them. The SR4s just have that warm, phat tone (a personal favorite of mine). Both very versatile basses.
 
Big Poppa said:
Its not a fight...VS...its OR....
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Forgive me . . . I wasn't trying to start a fight. Just trying to understand. I liked the sound of the single H SR and was just wondering if the ability to split the coil added a great deal or just something subtle.
 
Freddels said:
Forgive me . . . I wasn't trying to start a fight. Just trying to understand. I liked the sound of the single H SR and was just wondering if the ability to split the coil added a great deal or just something subtle.
Click to expand...

No fight at all..most of you forumites know that I am trying to break the whole competitveness of VS when talking about Players, instruments and nasty redheads. IT all preference so I prefer "or"
 
Freddels said:
Forgive me . . . I wasn't trying to start a fight. Just trying to understand. I liked the sound of the single H SR and was just wondering if the ability to split the coil added a great deal or just something subtle.
Click to expand...

its unfortunately not that simple. the 2 basses are more different than meets the eye.

the sterling has a bit smaller body (could affect sound)
the sterling and sr pups are different (not the same thing with an added switch)

so its not the same bass with a pickup switch.

the sterling is more middy and "meaner" in my opinion that the sr4.

theyre both great. youd have to play em both to really appreciate the difference. apart from the electronics and body size the necks are different too and that would probably be something to consider (sterling neck's a bit smaller/slimmer)
 
I kinda like nasty redheads. Anyway, I was close-mindedly thinking that I would want/need either an HH or HS. Could not quite figure out why you always say that the single H Bongo (or whatever) is all you need. After playing the single H SR, I am starting to understand . . . slowly.
 
phatduckk said:
its unfortunately not that simple. the 2 basses are more different than meets the eye.
. . . theyre both great. youd have to play em both to really appreciate the difference. apart from the electronics and body size the necks are different too and that would probably be something to consider (sterling neck's a bit smaller/slimmer)
Click to expand...

I was also thinking that the SR neck would be huge but it's really not that big. I measured my Bongo at the nut and it's in b/w the Sterling and SR.

I played a Sterling HH about a month ago but was not able to do an A/B comparison with the SR at that time.

Oh what the heck, I'll just get one of each <G>
 
syciprider said:
I have a canned reply for SR or Sterling Qs @ Talkbass but I don't think it will sink in well in this forum ;)
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I think I found it on TB. At least I'm leaning the right way.
 
Well IMHO if you have a switch that changes even one pup you have 3 different things so the Sterling is going to do some sounds that SR4 doesn't.

Now what is your preference? That is what you should choose.

The SR4 is a standard just as strong as the P bass is. IMHO

tk
 
Freddels said:
Just wondering if there are any clips that would show the tonal differences b/w the SR4 and the Sterling H?

Does the ability to toggle the pickup greatly enhance the versatility?

Since I tried the SR 30th Anniv yesterday, I cannot get out of my head the great sound that came from that bass. I have never owned a single pup bass before but I am really intrigued now.
Click to expand...

It's like Having two kids, You Love them both with the same amount of Love but they both have diffrent personalities,
So i just gave up a long time ago and buy as many Rays as I do Sterlings these days.

Thank God I'm Not a 5 Player, a fellow could go broke.
 
I love Sterlings, do I love them more than SR's or Bongo's... I can't say, all EBMM basses are top notch, but lately, I've been reaching for the Sterlings more and more.

But I will say... again, I'll buy a two pickup Sterling the very minute they come in a lefty!:D
 
I have both. To my beginner's ears:

The Sterling is more mid-aggressive with a little less bass - cuts better and you can dial in the thump. Clearer sounding with a woody groan. I find the neck a bit easier and like the light weight too. The middle position on the switch is nice and raw.

The Stingray is thumpier and smoother (I have a 2 band EQ if that makes any difference). A little warmer. The neck forces me to be a little more careful with my fingers, but the buttery tones are nice. The woody groan is still there but more subdued.

Two different feeling and sounding basses. Both sound great in their own right. Have you tried a Bongo? They add a whole 'nother dimension again. The preamp is amazing and they sit more comfy standing up. Lighter like a Sterling too. I have a feeling the single H might turn your crank...
 
tkarter said:
And why is it you have don't love the 5 string goodness that is EB?

tk
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Out of all these Basses I own there's not one 5, from anybody, I only Play Ernie Ball Basses and Old Fender stuff.
Just not a 5 Player. If I ever master these fours maybe l'll consider a 5 one day but at 47 it hasn't happened yet, and I'm Playing all the time.
 
philthygeezer said:
I have both. To my beginner's ears:

The Sterling is more mid-aggressive with a little less bass - cuts better and you can dial in the thump. Clearer sounding with a woody groan. I find the neck a bit easier and like the light weight too. The middle position on the switch is nice and raw.

The Stingray is thumpier and smoother (I have a 2 band EQ if that makes any difference). A little warmer. The neck forces me to be a little more careful with my fingers, but the buttery tones are nice. The woody groan is still there but more subdued.

Two different feeling and sounding basses. Both sound great in their own right. Have you tried a Bongo? They add a whole 'nother dimension again. The preamp is amazing and they sit more comfy standing up. Lighter like a Sterling too. I have a feeling the single H might turn your crank...
Click to expand...

+1+ even when playing flats.

tk
 
Psycho Ward said:
I love Sterlings, do I love them more than SR's or Bongo's... I can't say, all EBMM basses are top notch, but lately, I've been reaching for the Sterlings more and more.

But I will say... again, I'll buy a two pickup Sterling the very minute they come in a lefty!:D
Click to expand...

Just got my first 2 Pickup Sterling yesterday, took me a while to find a light one but got it now, Sounds wonderful. Very Punchy and kicks butt.
 
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