SUB name

scottbaiowulf

Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2017
Messages
6
Location
Houston
Is there a particular reason the SUB name was reused from the American line for the entry-level SBMM? It seems to have caused a bit of confusion online. I also wonder if that’s kept down the prices for the used EBMM SUBs.
 
For extra TB insanity sterling was also shared.
 
For extra TB insanity sterling was also shared.

And I've got the ultimate subspecies [accidental pun ... honest !] if
you relish all the name confusion ....

I've got an EBMM USA S.U.B., Sterling model rather than SR model,
altho it's bassically the SR model [alnico, no 3-way switch] but with
the 3 band EQ. Mebbe has the extra fret [not sure, I never play up
there anywho]. Does have the asymmetric Sterling style of PG and
has no chrome banana [rear routed].

And is she a keeper ? Acoarst, for life ! We share the same birthday.
Her exact s/n is in the database, listed by some previous owner :-)

When she came home to Daddy I got her a new sooper cool PG and
black control knobs. Click pic to make big [3 clicks to see full size]:

MM Sterling SUB full small.jpg
 
Last edited:
Didn’t even think or know until reading this that there was USA SUB STERLING version in existence. WoW!
I know the Stingray 5 version is still very sought after, partly because of it being styled the same as the 4 version
(Pretty sure there is on on eBay atm if anyone is interested)
 
And I've got the ultimate subspecies [accidental pun ... honest !] if
you relish all the name confusion ....

I've got an EBMM USA S.U.B., Sterling model rather than SR model,
altho it's bassically the SR model [alnico, no 3-way switch] but with
the 3 band EQ. Mebbe has the extra fret [not sure, I never play up
there anywho]. Does have the asymmetric Sterling style of PG and
has no chrome banana [rear routed].

And is she a keeper ? Acoarst, for life ! We share the same birthday.
Her exact s/n is in the database, listed by some previous owner :-)

When she came home to Daddy I got her a new sooper cool PG and
black control knobs. Click pic to make big [3 clicks to see full size]:

View attachment 33500

You're not alone, I'm the original owner of a 2004 SUB Sterling in black. Now that I see yours with the upgraded pickguard, I think mine needs a facelift. Will a regular Sterling guard fit?
 
Since were on the topic...
I own a Bongo 5 HH, I love it. But, I've been thinking of getting a 4 string bass. I was actually looking at the older MIA SUB basses. I have a line on a really nice kept one selling for around 400-500. How is the quality of these basses and is it worth 400 if its in mint condition.

As much as i'd love to spring another 1600+ to get a Stingray, if the MIA SUBs are really good quality, it might suffice.

brash
 
I have owned 16 of them and they were all great basses. $400 is fair price
 
Also, how do they compare to say a new ray 34, ray 34qm, ray 34 koa?

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 
Those sound great too but the neck on a sub feels better to me plus better tuners and that wonderful sticker that says USA on it.
 
I never minded the finish other than it wears easily.

I have to say that the SUBs were great. In a way they were a bit early. BP's goal in introducing the line was to show that EBMM could make a quality bass in the USA for under $1K. But back then a Stingray 4 string wasn't $2K!

I am not complaining about the cost of a Stingray. But I am saying that now would be a great time to reintroduce a no-frills SR to get players hooked who might not be able to afford the flagship. That is what the USA SUB did for many I am sure.

Personally, I have a few SUBs and a few MusicMan SRs and Sterlings. I love them all. The SUBs always struck me as a little bit mellower than the SR and man do I love the SUB 5 strings!
 
..........
I love them all. The SUBs always struck me
as a little bit mellower than the SR and man
do I love the SUB 5 strings!

Poplar bodies :-)

Just guessing, mebbe the heavy finish also
contributes to the mellowing effect of poplar.

Poplar is almost never used for a "natural"
finish, cuz it's sorta uglee, but grows pretty
fast and so it's a very affordable tone wood,
the perfect candidate for the affordable SUB
series and it's thick opaque finish ... a finish
some of us reeeeally love !
 
Last edited:
Back
Top