Sterling HS vs HH - Specific TONE differences?

[beatrizkho]

Tonal is the right word but yeah, it wouldnt make much of an impact if read as a topic. haha!

I'm still confused. I've read a lot of reviews, forums and watched a lot of videos. I personally loved the tone of the HS more. But I think its due to the genre preferences and skills of the HH players I've watched so Im not so sure.

Yes, Im aware that they are both very versatile basses but to what extent?

What is the specialty and weakness of each?

What can the HS do that the HH cannot and vice versa?

Tones/Styles I'm interested in: OLDIES. Traditional Jazz, Vintage Jazz Bass (Jaco tone), Soul , Bossa Nova, Funk (Fingerstyle - Rocco prestia tone) , Blues, ballad and even Broadway. Generally warm/classic but I crave the strong punchy tone once in a while too however not to the extreme.

Not really interested in: Rock/Heavy/Muddy tones and very bright slap tones. I am also annoyed by a noticeable "hum".

I'm neither a slapper nor a picker. I prefer fingerstyle almost all of the time.

SADLY, there is absolutely no way of me personally trying these basses for im having them shipped. Your words would really help.

PS: other than basscentral.com , is there any other online resource that sells brand new Sterling 4 HS basses (Specifically in maple) ? Theyre all selling H's and HH's. Thanks.

*i've made a new thread because I cant find my old one and I think this topic is more specific and therefore appropriate for a new post

[Berger912]

http://www.basscentral.com/musicman/...etted.shtml#HS

that is a link to Sterling HS basses. Bass Central is top notch.
also let me know are you really interested in buying my Sterling?

[Hippos Melas]

That's something you're going to need to listen to yourself. Shameless self video post, but I did a demo of the coil tap on the Sterling HH here, and there's another guy who demos the Sterling 5 HS here.

Bottom line is, an active single coil is going to sound different from an active humbucker, which is essentially the difference. Listen to those two videos and decide what sound you prefer. Good tone vs. bad tone is pretty subjective.

EDIT: Specifically, IMO, the weakness to the multi pickup models is that when you single out the rear humbucker (a la typical Musicman basses), it still runs the dummy coils under the humbuckers. This DEFINITELY affects the tone and it really doesn't sound 100% like a single H Sterling. But you would really only be notice this if you had an H Sterling and an HH/HS Sterling and A/B'd them right then and there or knew what to listen for.

[RCCollins]

tbh it sounds to me like a sterling is a bit "modern" for the styles you want to play. Of the two, I think an HS would give you the most flexibility and vintage-type sound, but it could be that your ideal bass would be a Fender... or maybe G&L

[JimS]

Not about tone but playability: I found the neck H pup got in the way of slap and pop technique more than the neck S pup. I assume one get used to it but definitely try first.

[dje31]

IIRC, I believe Big Poppa's favorite version of the Sterling is the HS...if that sort of thing matters to you. He should be one of the experts in the matter, but of course, it comes down to personal preference.

[spufman]

My Sterlings are all H, but of the 2-pickup versions I much prefer the HS when auditioned in the shop. To me, it just sounds thicker. I also don't like the neck H's physical presence.

[Musicman20]

I have a HS Ray 5 and ive got a Sterling 5 HS on order....the HS is great. Best of both worlds and they are the only versions (apart from Sterling 4 H and 5 H) that allow a single coil Jaco style at the bridge. Obviously you get a LOT more as well.

[beatrizkho]

Thanks man, it was really helpful. And from the videos, I really really prefer the HS tone.

Originally Posted by Hippos Melas

That's something you're going to need to listen to yourself. Shameless self video post, but I did a demo of the coil tap on the Sterling HH here, and there's another guy who demos the Sterling 5 HS here.

Bottom line is, an active single coil is going to sound different from an active humbucker, which is essentially the difference. Listen to those two videos and decide what sound you prefer. Good tone vs. bad tone is pretty subjective.

EDIT: Specifically, IMO, the weakness to the multi pickup models is that when you single out the rear humbucker (a la typical Musicman basses), it still runs the dummy coils under the humbuckers. This DEFINITELY affects the tone and it really doesn't sound 100% like a single H Sterling. But you would really only be notice this if you had an H Sterling and an HH/HS Sterling and A/B'd them right then and there or knew what to listen for.

[Musicman20]

If you ask me, what's cool is having such a warm round vintage tone from the single coil, then the huge punch with H, and all the tones in-between. Plus, the build quality will be outstanding!

[beatrizkho]

Originally Posted by RCCollins

tbh it sounds to me like a sterling is a bit "modern" for the styles you want to play. Of the two, I think an HS would give you the most flexibility and vintage-type sound, but it could be that your ideal bass would be a Fender... or maybe G&L

Haha, you're not the first person to say that. Thing is, I like the extra punch once in a while. Apparently the HS is perfect.

[Joe Nerve]

I have an HS Stingray 4 and think it's more versatile than the HH. To put it into words would be tough, but I had an HS Bongo, traded it in for an HH, and regretted it. Bought an HS Stingray and love it. Just feel it goes from A-Z whereas the HH seems to go from A-V.

My girl is buying me a wedding gift. She just put in an order for a Sterling 5 HS. Pearl white w/ a white pearloid PG. I'm stoked. Can't wait.

Oh, something nobody mentioned. The HS looks way cooler IMO than the HH too. Especially on the Sterling.