• Ernie Ball
  • MusicMan
  • Sterling by MusicMan

OldSchool Noob

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
224
Location
Minneapolis, MN
... and I like it like that! :D

Seriously, this is a real cool place. It's good to be in the company of folks who are enthusiastic and passionate about a product -- and representatives from the manuracturer are here to hear what they have to say -- and act on that input. Works for me!

Here is a suggestion from someone who is a relative neophyte to the MM bass world. It's not a criticism -- just a suggestion.

When I first found this forum, I read all of the "stickys" and FAQ's but I couldn't find a general overall "guide to EBMM basses." I mean, they are listed on the website but what I have in mind is something like this:


Stingray: (picture here)
Introduced: 19XX
Available configuration:4 & 5 String, Single and Double Pickup
Typical Sound: Bright, cuts through the mix.
You've heard it on: Lots of Louis Johnson's work, (insert other players, songs here)
They typically cost: $XXX - $X,XXX new, $XXX-$X,XXX used
Typical buyer: Someone who wants a mid-high/end bass that is high quality bass, yada, yada, yada

Repeat for the Sterling, Bongo, SUB, et al. Maybe even a listing for the D/C models (Sabre & Cutlass)

Again, I know that I'm new but hopefully my perspective is useful. For those who aren't totally familar with the EBMM line, a sticky like this would help.

Anyone have feedback?
 
Last edited:

strummer

Enormous Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2005
Messages
4,513
Location
Safe European Home, Stockholm, Sweden
OldSchool Noob said:
... and I like it like that! :D

Seriously, this is a real cool place. It's good to be in the company of folks who are enthusiastic and passionate about a product -- and the company is here to hear what they have to say.

Here is a suggestion from someone who is a relative neophyte to the MM bass world. It's not a criticism -- just a suggestion.

When I first found this forum, I read all of the "stickys" and FAQ's but I couldn't find a general overall "guide to EBMM basses." I mean, they are listed on the website but what I have in mind is something like this:


Stingray: (picture here)
Introduced: 19XX
Available configuration:4 & 5 String, Single and Double Pickup
Typical Sound: Bright, cuts through the mix.
You've heard it on: Lots of Louis Johnson's work, (insert other players, songs here)
They typically cost: $XXX - $X,XXX new, $XXX-$X,XXX used
Typical buyer: Someone who wants a mid-high/end bass that is high quality bass, yada, yada, yada

Repeat for the Sterling, Bongo, SUB, et al. Maybe even a listing for the D/C models (Sabre & Cutlass)

Again, I know that I'm new but hopefully my perspective is useful. For those who aren't totally familar with the EBMM line, a sticky like this would help.

Anyone have feedback?

But, but, you also think the secret hand shake should be in a sticky?

Seriously, that might be fun, if it wasn't for Rod Trussbrokens' web page about the serials. There you'll find all the info you thought of plus more, like when did they use this or that bridge, back plate etc.
 

OldSchool Noob

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
224
Location
Minneapolis, MN
strummer said:
But, but, you also think the secret hand shake should be in a sticky? Seriously, that might be fun, if it wasn't for Rod Trussbrokens' web page about the serials. There you'll find all the info you thought of plus more, like when did they use this or that bridge, back plate etc.
No - the knowledge of secret handshake has to be given only after being hazed for a while!

Seriously, Rod's page is a great repository of data and reference especially for people who already HAVE EB basses.

What I was thinking was something that gives a "Quick guide for the uninitiated." Just to help total noobs understand the differences between the various models and which one to consider for what.
 

strummer

Enormous Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2005
Messages
4,513
Location
Safe European Home, Stockholm, Sweden
Mahlon said:
Reminder. We're not supposed to TALk about the secret handshake.

Oh, bur we're all friends here, right:confused:

1 Firmly grab right hand.
2 Step over clasped hands with left leg, turning your back on the one you are shaking with.
3 Bend forward, shouting: "Let go of my balls!"
 

dlloyd

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 16, 2004
Messages
1,733
Location
Scotland
OldSchool Noob said:
Anyone have feedback?

Cost would be a tricky one. There's all sorts of reasons it varies. For instance, a run of the mill used Stingray in Europe can cost more than a new one in the US due to regional taxes, import duties, etc. Then you've got colour variations with different popularities etc. (compare translucent green with honeyburst for instance). I don't think it's really possible.

A general guide would be easier, but still a heck of a job...

Gav's website is an excellent resource, as is smallequestrian's colour guide.

As far as different models go, you've got...

Stingray (int 1976)
Sabre (int 1979, d.c. 1984)
Cutlass I (Stingray with graphite neck, int 1980, d.c. 1984)
Cutlass II (Sabre with graphite neck, int 1980, d.c. 1984)
Stingray 5 (int 1988)
Sterling (int 1993)
Bongo, 4 and 5; H, HS and HH; all with or without piezo (int 2003)
SUB (no frills Stingray) 4 and 5; passive and active 2 band (int 2003)
SUB Sterling (int 2004)
Stingray HS and HH (int 2005)
Sterling HS and HH (int 2005)
Stingray 5 HS and HH (int 2005)
Sterling 5 (int 2006)

Colours come and go, as do limited editions like the NAMM 100th anniversary, the Stingray 20th anniversary and the Stingray 30th anniversary. Then you've got bridge variations, pickup variations (eg. early SR5s had alnico pickups whereas current ones have ceramic pickups, newer basses have rounded polepieces, the new dual pickup models have Bongo style pickup covers), piezo pickups, logo variations, body contouring variations, neck finish variations, variations in neck plates and numbers of neck bolts...
 

Steve Dude Barr

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 3, 2005
Messages
5,173
Mr Light said:
Wow!

The Stingray 5 has been around since 1988???!!!

Why does it still seem like it is a new development?

Bob Birch has been using an SR5 since I had pimples (not to be confused with herpes) I think. Highly under rated SR5 player IMO!

bob.jpg
 
Last edited:
Top Bottom