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Sterling vs. Stingray

Which is better?

  • Total voters
    290
T

ToneFreak11

Apr 7, 2011
100
1
Porto, Portugal
#1
Having started a Jazz vs. Precision poll a few months ago, which had lots of success, I decided to do another one. I don't know if this has been done before, but it's a Sterling vs. Stingray poll, certainly basses that need no introduction. These are Ernie Ball Music Man's top basses, being perfect for any kind of music, mostly common in hard rock, post-grunge and funk.
Personally, I prefer the Sterling. Even prefering the P neck to the Jazz neck, the Sterling neck is pretty smooth and solid, thin as the Jazz neck, if not more. The option of series mode is great, and the preamp is way better than the one on the Stingray. But the main motive of my choice is the use of ceramic magnets on the Sterling. They sound way better than the Stinray's Alnico pickups. Also, it looks way cooler!
Having voted for the Jazz in the other poll, but then changed my mind, I'm confident that that isn't gonna happen this time. The Sterling is a killer bass.
 
#2
P VS J has been done a million times, and so has this... BUT!!!

I could see the merit in doing a poll for both again seeing how the Fenders have changed dramatically since 2008 (American Standards ROCK!), and Music Man basses have also arguably changed a lot in the last 5 years.

The pickup configs have changed and the 5 strings now include the Sterling as well. I personally love Stingray 5's a lot, but since we are talking 4 strings here I'd opt for the Sterling. The Stingray 5 and Sterling 4 used to have the exact same electronics. Both I previously owned and would again in a heartbeat. The Sterling's thinner neck and more variations in tone win every time for me. Which is why I'd pick the Jazz over the Precision also.
 
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#13
Love the feel and tones of the Sterling, took a few mins to adjust to the smaller feel, but instantly loved it. Prefer Stingray 5's over the 4's. Had a 96 Stingray 5 which I sold, so recently purchased a MM Sterling Ray5, made in Indo bass, which I like and will be gigging with it tomorrow night. Set up was great straight out of box. Good cheap 5 string IMO
 
#15
Sterling. A Sterling with Rotosounds gives you the most growly pi$$ed off bass in the history of bassdom. Every time I break that combo out I get great comments on my tone. In my case I play a Sterling HS and play it in position 4. Deep. Angry. In your face. Yum. Stingrays are great too but they are more grounded and refined. Give me the snarling dog.
 

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