I have a Sterling HS. I wasn't exactly happy with the tone of it. And I just changed the strings, and I just don't like it at all. I am debating on selling it and getting a Jaguar maybe.
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Am I stupid for wanting to do this?
- Thread starter John Deacon
- Start date
Sterling? Some people don't like EB. Some do. If it doesn't work, then off it. What kind of tone are you looking for?
Something less, hmm..., Sterlingy. I actually prefer the sound of my P bass over it. Something that can be really smooth, or can be a little growly.
If you're using the amp specified in your profile, before you start forming opinions on basses and how they sound....check your amp and try the bass through other amps.
I have, Im pretty set on selling it I think. And yeah, I am probably looking towards something with jazz pups. Or maybe another p bass.
sell it, buy an sx jazz, put a bartolini in the bridge, put a emg 35dc in the neck, replace all hardware, then keep the extra $500 
:edit: jk.
:edit: jk.
This is worth looking into.
The best bass in the world will sound not-so-great through a not-so-great amp.
In the end, do whatever rolls yer sock up and down.
I'd be careful on the Jaguar. Granted I am a Jazz fan, never cared much for the P, but I thought a Jaguar would be another variation on the Jazz. I really didn't care for it. I bought a Jag stock and bought one nicely upgraded and sold both soon thereafter. But whatever you do, don't just play one in a store or in your house alone and decide you like it. Ya' gotta' try out ANY bass within the context of your band. If you do, and you like it, go for it. IMO, I think the Jaguar is far inferior to a MusicMan, but to each his own.
What amp are you using this bass with now? Regardless of what it is, perhaps think of spending a bit of time in a music store with your bass and playing the other (decent/good) amps in the store to see if you like the sound of your bass through any of those amps.
At a certain point, if you've played your bass through a number of good amps and you still can't get a tone you like, it may be the bass.
It might be interesting to know what, exactly, don't you like about the tone. Or what is the tone you're going for?
Also remember technique can make a difference here. If you're hearing what is actually pickstyle playing and you want that sound, and you're not playing with a pick, you might not be able to get that sound or get close enough to it.
Needless (or perhaps not needless) to say, there are lots of variables here, and best to do some research and experiment before selling a bass that in fact is not disabling you from getting the tone you want.
Good luck with it.
I changed out the pickups in my Sterling with some Nordstrands, and it makes it sound more Stingray-ish. If that helps at all...
It sounds really ice picky almost. Its just, it doesn't sound right to my ear. The jaguar does though.
