Which model?

[TheSteamLoller]

I have been planning to buy a new bass for a while, and I've pretty much decided on a Musicman, but I honestly have no idea whether to get a Stingray, Sterling, or Bongo. I mainly play rock (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, U2, Third Eye Blind, etc.) but I'm looking to get into jazz and funk. I just want your opinions on these models and on which of these basses you guys prefer.

Also, is the store down now, or is it just me?

 

[shakinbacon]

try as many as you can before you buy

you are the ultimate judge

was that helpful to you? probably not, but it is the best advice I can give. I'm not trying to be a smart alec

Any Musicman bass will serve you well. If you need a multitude of tones at your fingertips, I suggest you get a multipickup model

 

[Steamthief]

All three are versatile and would work for what you do. I play a SR4, as I prefer the single H sound and feel of the neck compared to the others. Play them all and discover which model moves you!

 

[phatduckk]

I love the Big AL and Sterling.
The classic rays are looking like theyre pretty awesome too...

youre gonna have to try a few and see what you think. tone, neck profile etc... at some point your hands and ears are gonna have to decide

 

[Aussie Mark]

I mainly play rock (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, U2, Third Eye Blind, etc.) but I'm looking to get into jazz and funk.

Sounds like you need the Swiss Army Knife of basses - the Big Al.

 

[oli@bass]

If you like the StingRay tone, but want more options, try a StingRay HH. To me, it's the rock bass.

 

[danny-79]

Try as many as you can would be my advice, any Stingray will take some beating to be fair.

 

[Moondog]

Think you should first consider comfort & figure out what size neck you prefer (and consider overall bass weight), then take it from there . . . they ALL sound gooooooood! Play as many as possible before buying.

Simple 4H StingRays have always been my thing but I can't put down my new Big AL 4H . . .

 

[MadMatt]

I mainly play rock (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, U2, Third Eye Blind, etc.) but I'm looking to get into jazz and funk.

Since I only own one MM I think you can figure out for yourself what my recomendation would be

If you happen to stumble on a Reflex or 25th that appeals to you then I would steer you towards the single H model. I have a HH and there is little room to dig in for popping (and Flea does a LOT of that), I'm not saying it is impossible to slap on the 25th HH but it takes some getting used too. Bear in mind that I am probably the worst slapper here on this board.

 

[zEch1]

Bear in mind that I am probably the worst slapper here on this board.

I claim that title too!

@topic: they all sound great, you can't go wrong with a Musicman!
I like to keep things pretty simple therefore the SR4H. This classy bass, one fat humbucker, the EQ and a few fingers still deliver a boat load of versatility. I can get any sound I need from warm and fat to growling mids and a killer slap tone just with a little EQ tweaking and movement of the 'plucking hand'.

Also have a Sterling 4 single H. Sounds awesome in it's own way, but I'm more the 'vintage' Alnico guy and prefer the chunkier SR neck.

Eighter way, guess you have to find out yourself what monster it will be, play as many as you can. Its realy hard to go wrong with any of them.

 

[bizmarckie]

Welcome to the forum! Definitely try as many different ones as you can, that way you can find which one feels best in your hands. The different models have different neck sizes, body shapes, weights, etc. If you can't find one of a certain model to try in person, I'm sure you can at least find a few sound samples around here on the boards Good luck, and enjoy the search!

 

[kylierider]

I claim that title too!

@topic: they all sound great, you can't go wrong with a Musicman!
I like to keep things pretty simple therefore the SR4H. This classy bass, one fat humbucker, the EQ and a few fingers still deliver a boat load of versatility. I can get any sound I need from warm and fat to growling mids and a killer slap tone just with a little EQ tweaking and movement of the 'plucking hand'.

Also have a Sterling 4 single H. Sounds awesome in it's own way, but I'm more the 'vintage' Alnico guy and prefer the chunkier SR neck.

Eighter way, guess you have to find out yourself what monster it will be, play as many as you can. Its realy hard to go wrong with any of them.

I couldn't have said it better myself. SR4 single H all the way.

 

[sitonmybass]

Seriously...any EBMM you choose should suit you even with versatility being your first priority.

 

[Lindseyp]

I recommend the Big Al just so you'd be different. I heard some clips of the Big Al, it's a nice bass.

 

[Manfloozy]

Welcome to the boards.

First question: Do you prefer skinny (jazz) necks or thicker necks?

Second question: Do you like elegance through simplicity, or a lot of options?

From these two questions we can narrow a short list down for you. This is NOT to negate the best advice of going out and trying them though.

Plus, keep in mind this will be your First Music Man but sure won't be your last!

 

[syciprider]

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, U2, Third Eye Blind

Big Al or if you prefer a Stingray/P bass like neck, then the Reflex. Both are good in the pocket (Adam) or in front (Flea and Chris)