STERLING SB14 BY MUSIC MAN - ENDORSEMENT

[Joe Milstein]

Hey folks,

Thought I'd share with anyone interested.
I was about to plop down about $1700 for a new EBMM Sterling 4 in Pearl Blue (An extra $150 for matching Head Stock). But someone recommended the imported (Indonesian) Sterling by Music Man SB14 - also avail in Pearl Blue and comes already with the matching Head Stock. This one is just under $600.

I just got it in the mail.

I rarely endorse a product. But, (even though I admit I am not the greatest expert), I challenge anyone to tell me the real discernable difference between the two. I am pretty sure that if I blind-folded any bass player and handed them these 2 instruments, it would almost impossible to tell the difference in terms of feel, sound, size, weight. Even the looks are almost identical.

Unless you are dead-set on a made in USA (which is understandable) Sterling Bass, I recommend the SB14, big time. As mentioned, they even look almost identical...and I got the matching Head Stock I wanted. At $600, this seems to be a bargain.

Glad I didn't hit 'send' on ordering the $1,700 EBMM Sterling.

Hopefully, this is a keeper.

Sterling SB14 by Music Man


EBMM Sterling 4

[phillipkregg]

I have to agree here.

Few weeks ago I went into GC (not a typical occurrence) and happened to see a few new Sterling HS's hanging on the wall. I picked a couple up and played them through a Markbass combo and they sounded like I expected - good.

But, I looked over and saw a red Sterling SB14 and I plugged it into the same amp, just to see what the difference was. I was blown away!

I couldn't put that bass down. The action was low with no buzzing and the neck felt great. The sound was pure Music Man fat, growly, goodness with the EQ set on flat. I just kept looking at this bass and looking around at the others thinking, "The best bass in the whole store costs 600 bucks."

I mainly play Lakland 5's, but I need a good 4 stringer and plan on picking one of these babies up in the near future.

[IotaNet]

Joe -

There ARE some finely discernable differences but based on your situation, I think the SB14 is a great choice. Nice score -- play it in good health!

[Bobster]

I'm thinking the SB14's basswood body would help with the typical heavy EBMM issues.

I love my Ray35's.

Bob

[rappa29]

I had a RAY35 and was pretty happy with it.

[ERIC31]

That's a gorgeous blue! Sweet!!

[JMac4strngr]

After a good string swap and set-up my Ray34 is one sweet bass....... I sometimes wish it were a 2 band instead of a 3, but oh well...... Still an awesome bass.

[Bobster]

JMac4strngr,

Have you ever thought about getting one of the 2-band pres they are building over in the electronics section? - Stingray aftermarket 2 band pre

Hmmmmm......

Bob

[JMac4strngr]

Originally Posted by Bobster

JMac4strngr,

Have you ever thought about getting one of the 2-band pres they are building over in the electronics section? - Stingray aftermarket 2 band pre

Hmmmmm......

Bob

Yes, that thought has crossed my mind. I have two other 2 band rays which I love, so I keep talking myself out of converting the ray34 to a 2 band just for leaving it as a different tone flavor.

[Joe Milstein]

Originally Posted by IotaNet

Joe -

There ARE some finely discernable differences but based on your situation, I think the SB14 is a great choice. Nice score -- play it in good health!

Thanks Bud. Appreciate all of YOUR help these past weeks. I think the SB14 is a keeper. Agree, perfect for me. Your assistance in describing the differences of all the EBMM/Sterling family basses was great.

Hopefully, will enjoy. I'm normally a Fender guy. This is new territory.
Tks.
JM

[dwm74]

Regarding the SBMM line of Sterlings and Rays...

I'll second the OP's sentiments. My Ray34 is just about impeccable in every way I can imagine. In my humble opinion, you won't find a higher quality instrument in that $600-$700 price range.