Sterling SB14 or Lakland 44-01?

[Theguydude]

Which would you want, what sounds better, and which gives you more sounds? Thanks

[Lakland55]

Lakland 44-01 - the Lakland has better tonal clarity and the stock mk-1 Barts have plenty of sounds to play with plus EQ.

[Budder84]

+1 for the Lakland, just an unbeatable bass for the price. The barts kill. Unbelievable versatility.

[rappa29]

They are different animals (1pup vs 2pup), so it's not quite an apples to apples comparison.

If I wanted the 'Musicman sound' I'd go for the SB14 or Ray34 b\c it's essentially the 'poormans Musicman'. If I wanted a multitool bass, I'd get the 44-01, but even then isn't super versatile with the stock MK1 rig in it. You'll find many people mod their Lakland 44-01, 55-01 with aftermarket pickups\pre.

I've owned an SBMM Ray35 and a 55-01. Between them, I preferred the Ray35, because I come from EBMM land (Stingrays). However, I've owned a 44-02 which had the sweet Lakland neck and the Bart system (which I didn't care for much).

YMMV.

[Bobster]

Both are well made instruments. Both do have a range of sound. The SB-14s coil selector makes it more than a one-trick-pony. I'd say play both and see if you prefer one to the other. The SB-14 is a bit more compact/jazz bass-like ergonomically.

I don't think you'd be wrong with either.