What's the difference?

[Bassplayerdude7]

Hey dudes. I was just checking out the Music Man Sterlings and Stingrays, and they look to me to be pretty similar.

I was wondering if there are any major differences between the two. And if I was going to buy one, which one is the better choice?

Thanks.

John

 

[oli@bass]

Both!


Welcome to the madness!

 

[Aussie Mark]

Sterling has a narrower neck at the nut and a smaller body. And different pickup and switching options.

 

[Brim]

If I had the choice between the two, I'd pick the Sterling. Just my preference. Thinner neck, a bit more aggressive voicing, smaller body.

 

[TNT]

No difference at all!!

In quality!

 

[phatduckk]

try a search and you'll find a TON of info....

but in a nutshell

sterling's smaller, thinner neck (kinda like a Jazz) and has a more aggressive, boosted mid tone. also has a 3 way toggle so the pup can go from parallel to series to single coil

the stingray's got more low end, has a "full sized" body, thicker neck than the sterling. also comes with a 2 band preamp for a more old school sound.

they may look the same but feel quite different. different pickups and preamp result in a different tone for each but they both have the characteristic Music Man "thing" going on.

 

[Duarte]

Just buy the first thing you see and you won't be dissapointed!

 

[GGK]

Options, Options, Option

I had looked and tried out a variety of products, but really liked the EBMM line. I tried/ played more SR's than Sterlings but opted for the Sterling because of its smaller more compact framing. As per some of the other replys the electronics are a little different, more so on the H models. The Sterling uses different PUPS from the original alnico's and does have a different overall tone. I am still struggling regarding my next selection HS or HH, but thats my problem. For me the Sterling is really the TOP TUNA of the Class, having said all that I banged around with a SR5 on Staurday night and now have another problem to contend with. As per one of the other chap's replies, you really can't go wrong with any decision here. If your still unsure buy one of each, you can always eat, pay your mortage/rent, car and spousal support next month...... Congrats either way

 

[Bassplayerdude7]

Alright guys, thanks

Well it looks like everyone is saying the same thing everywhere. I'm gonna have to go play both and listen to the tone, but I'm leaning towards the sterling because I'd much rather have a smaller instument.
Although tone matters more to me than size, so I'm gonna go down to the nearest music store and check em out.

Thanks guys.

John.