Upgrade Sterling to Sterling HS?

[drgroovenstein]

Is it possible to "upgrade" a sterling to the newer spec HS model? I suppose you'd have to be able to get ahold of a switch + SC pickup. Are these sold?

 

[phatduckk]

i think the switch wont be too hard to get but I'm pretty sure EB does not sell PUPs. I dont know if the preamp is different since im not all electronics educated, but id venture to say that the board or something might be different on the 2 PUP basses and that you probably wont be able to get that either.

might wanna call customer service for the "final word" on this since. I just got a Sterling HS and its amazing.

good luck

 

[drgroovenstein]

I don't own one, just trying to decide if I should snap up a used or discounted Sterling from GC. I played the HS version and I was very impressed. Makin' me consider actually buying a 4 string (I usually play 5, never really owned a 4 before).

 

[Dr. Nick]

As the proud owner of a single H sterling, I , too have pondered the idea of the H/S, but only in a theoretical way, because once I pick up the single H'er and plug in, I think "upgrade what, exactly?..."

I'm sure the H/H and H/S Sterling are only more of a great thing, but I am a simple man (or so I have been told...)

In any event, I wouldn't be too anxious to be cuttin' and solderin' on mine to put in a second pickup! (plus what phatty said about the pre-amp makes alot of sense)

 

[phatduckk]

i can vouch for the HS Sterling kicking my ass. i love the damn thing. the 2 PUP EB's really are something. definately worth a trip to the local store so you can try one out.

 

[drgroovenstein]

What about slap-ability of the 2 pickup models? I found it tough to play double-thumb or even double-pop on the HS model. Though, I must admit my technique is crude at best.

 

[phatduckk]

What about slap-ability of the 2 pickup models? I found it tough to play double-thumb or even double-pop on the HS model. Though, I must admit my technique is crude at best.

well, this is a very personal thing cuz it 100% depends on your technique and your ability to adapt. but here's my experience for what its worth:

i have an HH Ray and just got the HS Sterling yesterday ...

I found the adjustment period on an HH Ray to be QUICK. After a couple hours it was no issue AT ALL. Even my first time playing an HH Ray (at a GC) i was surprised that it wasn't as big of a deal as I assumed it would be.

Personally, my first impression on popping on the HS Sterling was "hmm, this is harder than the HH Ray for sure". With that said, after maybe 45 minutes or so I started getting the hand of it.

PUP height can be change pretty easily ... but that obviously changes the tone, so its up to you if you wanna take that route.

Its really not a big deal. I'm no funk master and I was able to get started getting used to it a lot quicker than I thought (literally a couple hours).

Depending on where you dig your fingers in your milage will vary but its definately NOT an impossible thing and, in my experience, its not as big a deal as you think it will be.

The way I see it is that you gain so much versatility with the 2 PUPers that having to spend a bit of time adjusting to the new PUP being around is well worth the effort.

 

[drgroovenstein]

Perhaps I should just suck it up, try harder, pick up an SR5 HH and be done with it.

 

[Figjam]

I think you should leave your bass as it is, and save up for a double pup model.

 

[strummer]

Perhaps I should just suck it up and try harder, and just pick up an SR5 HH and be done with it.

Wise words

Do just that!

 

[Dr. Nick]

i can vouch for the HS Sterling kicking my ass. i love the damn thing. the 2 PUP EB's really are something. definately worth a trip to the local store so you can try one out.

Oh, no doubt...I'm all about kickin' the tires, and I will take your word that the H/S is kickass, (I really wouldn't expect less) but, honestly, I can get so much low end out my Sterling as is that I wonder if a neck position pu would just cause the roof to cave in on me...

 

[BigStrings]

Gotta be honest, I thought my single H Sterling had pretty good bottom until I got my HH Bongo. You won't really understand until you A/B them side by side. Not sure that the dual pickup Sterlings and Rays will have the same bottom end or something close to the dual H Bongos. Actually, I'm thinking about selling my Sterling in favor of a 2 pickup model and I know that's the influence of my Bongo.
Believe me, the roof will not cave in (unless you want it to), that's why they put knobs/controls on those things.