Question Sterling/SUB Sterling???

[ratfart]

Fella's, I've got it bad for a Sterling and I'm going nuts trying to figure out which way to go.
I saw a SUB Sterling over at The Perfect Bass website for $775 shipped and it is a really sweet looking bass, but I don't know what the real differences are between the SUB and the standard Sterling. I see the SUB doesn't have the 3 way switch.
Can someone educate me on the difference?
I played a natural Sterling in the HS config at a Guitar Center recently and I fell in love with the feel. I'm looking for an H, in hopes that it will sound and tweak similarly to my SR5's electronics, is that a reasonable assumption or am I off bass.....ooops....off base!

Thanks in advance.
John

 

[Duarte]

The SUB sterling certainly feels a lot different to the standard sterling. Mainly because of the painted neck and (actually I can't remember if it had the contours or not? Was a while ago). The finish is that funky textured thing which gives a totally different vibe - so basically the feel is different. I have not A/B'ed the sound, so someone will need to chime in about pickups/preamps.

Also, I do remember the SUB being considerably lighter, but that could have been just the differences to the one and only sterling I've played.

 

[dandegeit]

Sub sterling is great! Not as much as the standart Sterling but a very close copy.

It does not have a 2 way switch. Meaning its 3 band only. No choice on parallel or series. That makes a huge sonic difference. The sub sounds alot to me like a standard Stingray. Painted all around and no body contours. Neck is painted too. I beleve that the wood is different too but with the textured finish some would say its not as resonant. The one I have has frets that are flat on top, never seen that before.

Personally I love sterlings, but if you cant swing one now then the sub is a great alternative. Not the same sound or feel but similar looks.

Hope this helps

DANO

 

[ratfart]

Dano and Zak,
Thanks fo the input.
That's the kind of info I need, I am not really concerned about the price diff, especially if I were to buy a used Sterling and I have seen a few on here I'd love to have.
Dano, do you have any experience with the SR5? Does the Sterling have similar tone qualities?
John

 

[AtomicPunk]

I've seen Sterlings getting blown out at my local GC for $800 and change. Too bad it was a 4 or I would have been taking it home. For the price of the SUB, (nothing against the SUB, I want one bad, but in a 5) you could probably swing a Sterling if you look hard enough. Just sayin...

 

[Duarte]

Mmmm that HS sterling is tasty!

 

[dandegeit]

I dont have any personal info on a SR5 but my memory serves me right they are wired the same as a single H on a sterling. Might be a different magnet type in a 5er not really sure.

you could always do a search on here.

sorry cant be anymore help

DANO

 

[ratfart]

You've all been very helpful. I think I'll try to pick up a used Sterling. I had one bought locally (so I thought, but the deal fell through). I am watching several on the bay and I was looking very hard at a couple in the classifieds here.
Thanks for the info on the difference.
John

 

[Songerd]

Changing to Passive

I would love to change My Sterlings to passive electronics, has anyone done that and if so how? Thanks.

 

[dandegeit]

Why mess with perfection? I wouldnt get into that sort of thing personally. I am sure you can find a way. Shouldnt be too hard.

I dont mean to be unhelpful, I wouldnt want you to go by what I said and mess it up. Voided warranties suck

DANO

 

[trunkshope6]

soooooo does the 3 band sub sterling essentially sound like stingray,or is it wired differently to give it that low mid growl like a sterling

 

[fly]

oh man........go for the Sterling,killer freakin' basses........

don't get me wrong either......SUB's are very good for the price too but,the real deal will win you over i'm sure.