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Will there ever be a Sterling 5 string?

4metta

4metta

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 8, 2004
Messages
258
Location
Miami, FL
The smaller body shape would be very appealing. Especially for short chicks like myself. I just bought a Sterling Sub as my first bass but am really wanting to change it for a 5 string to have more versatility and am disappointed to find out that the Sterlings don't come as 5 strings in either the Sub or the top of the line version.

I know the most important thing is the sound but I gotta ask: Are the Stingray5s much heavier than the already heavy Sterlings? My back and shoulder already hurt with my 4 string Sterling Sub.


edit:typos
 
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Actually, I believe the StingRay5 is based upon the Sterling, although the body is different the neck shape and the coil tap option on the pick-up is from the Sterling idea. So I'm not sure if they're going to do a downsized 5 string... sorry :o but one thing I've seen done is guys that have converted their P-Basses into 5 strings so you could in essence take a Sting Ray (wider neck than the Sterling) and convert it into a 5 string but that'd take alot of monkeying around.
 
Psychicpet said:
Actually, I believe the StingRay5 is based upon the Sterling,
Click to expand...

Other way round.

The Sterling came after the Stingray 5 and uses its string spacing and electronics.
 
Do play a Stingray 5 when you can. I think you will find it comfortable and maybe not as heavy on the shoulder as the SUB. The necks are fast and sweet on them too.



tk
 
Thanks for the replies guys! I'll go try out the 5 string SUB tomorrow. Just about $100 dollar price difference and my current SUB is in mint condition. I'll also try the 5 string Bongo since I remember the neck on the 4 string feeling absolutely incredible when I tried it at the shop. Not that I can afford one right now. But in any case I may then go the route of hanging on to the Sterling SUB and just jump up to a Stingray or Bongo 5 string when I have some cash saved up. Just don't want to wait. Decisions, decisions.
 
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Yes, it is hard to wait on a Bongo or Stingray. Still if you have a SUB you have a good enough bass to get you by until you can get the Stingray or Bongo of your dreams.


tk
 
Just a couple of comments after passing by a shop today. No SUB5 in stock so I played the Stingray 5 and the BONGO 5. I confused the necks between the two. I like the unfinished neck of the Stingray the most, not the BONGO.

HOWEVER...I can't get over the sounds that come out of the BONGO!! WOW!!! :eek: Too bad that neck humbucker gets in the way of slapping and popping. But man...that sound sure makes you feel more willing of dealing with that inconvenience. I have to admit I thought the BONGO was ugly the first time I saw it but the sound made me forget that and it's grown on me.

Anyhow...I was surprised that the five strings really didn't bother my small hands that much. I actually like the more narrow string spacing. I may trade in my SUB Sterling for that SUB5. But my SUB Sterling feels so darn good in my hands that I'm going to have a hard time parting with it! Now I see why people have both 4 and 5 string versions of the same kind of bass! Lord, my wallet's going to suffer. We'll see.


EDIT: I just realized there are single pup BONGOS out there. Oh my goodness! That is just too tempting.
 
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Get a wide strap

If you get a wide strap your shoulder won't hurt as much & it will be more comfortable. Get one that's at least 3 inches wide or bigger. My Geddy Lee sig bass is like a log & bothered my shoulder until I got a nice wide strap for it.
 
Those padded Fender straps were created for a reason. Man do they feel good on the SR 5.

tk
 
Try one of these:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_id/39965

367504.jpg


I've been using one for about 6 months - huge difference!!
 
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