Question thinking about a Sterling

[NC Bassman]

Hi Folks, another newbie in the forum here, and looking for some good advice. Currently play a Fender Urge 2 bass, but getting up in years and considering switching to something a bit smaller, lighter, and easier to play (also have fairly small hands). I've read that Sterling basses fit my desired description above, but have yet to actually play one (which I will at some point).

My 2 main concerns are that a Sterling Bass would be a better fit for me and what I'm looking for, AND it would have a good tone for the Blues and Blues rock music and band I play in. Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[73jbass]

The Sterling will do whatever you want it to. My personal preference is the HS ( I own 4) or the HH. Having 5 different coil combinations at the flip of a switch is a truly beautiful thing. Comfy neck for folks like me with small hands. You can't go wrong.

 

[steevo]

This is my sterling 5 hh (and sub5).
These are just incredible basses, easily the best ive ever played and so versatile, id recommend them to anybody.
The best advice i can give you is to go and play one through a good amp, youll fall in love with them like i did.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

 

[Golem]

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+1 about the HS PUs.

 

[SugarMaple]

+2 on the HS pickups. But HH and H are good too. They all have something going for them.

The neck on a 4-string EBMM Sterling is heaven if you like thin and fast. They have a 1.5" nut, and are thinner front-to-back than the Fender Jazz basses I've played. Plus, if you get a normal EBMM Sterling (not a Classic or special model), the back of the neck is finished with an oiled/wax finish that is super comfortable to play on. The neck on the Sterling is really the thing that has locked it in as my #1 bass. If you are looking for a thin, fast, comfortable neck with a flawless oiled finish, look no further.

I use my HS in a band that does Classic Rock and Modern Country covers. I have to go to drop-D tuning to get down low enough for the new Country stuff a lot, but otherwise it's perfect for all the songs.

Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[nurnay]

I highly recommend the Sterling and agree that the HS or HH config would give you more options. That said, the single H has a 3 position switch that gives you options as well. Last thing, you could always look into a Stingray SLO Special - Stingray tone with the Sterling neck profile. Very nice!

 

[NC Bassman]

The Sterling will do whatever you want it to. My personal preference is the HS ( I own 4) or the HH. Having 5 different coil combinations at the flip of a switch is a truly beautiful thing. Comfy neck for folks like me with small hands. You can't go wrong.

Thanks for the positive review!

 

[sanderhermans]

The sterling is an awesomme bass. However, you should know that it sounds more modern, agressive and more "in your face" than a stingray. At least in my opinion.

If you are looking for a more vintage/smoother tone, a sr4 with 2 band eq might be more to your taste. Or a 3 band eq with HH or HS pickups. The alnico magnets on the stingray do sound a bit more in ballance to me. And with the addition of the slo special neck (at no extra cost) you will get a stingray with a sterling/jb neck. Perfect option if the sterling is a bit too aggressive for your taste or if the stingray look is just more appealing to you.
You could also look for a 2nd hand big al bass. This one also has the sterling neck profile and it is verry versatille. The sss can do almost annything you want it to.

 

[five7]

or you could put a set of flats on it