Anybody ever try to overhaul Sterling/SB14 electronics?

[P Cheen]

Just curious how successful people have been trying to completely swap out the electronics + pickup on an EBMM Sterling or the SBMM SB14. I guess it wouldn’t make much sense on the USA model compared to the import version.

I have a Sterling SB14 that I’ve been tempted to completely overhaul, I’m thinking a John East preamp and a Nordstrand humbucker. My only hesitation is the ‘uniqueness’ of the entire electronics setup (at this price point too) and of course the difficulty of trying to assemble a new, similar one.

 

[stuntbass77]

I can tell you that you will have to route the body to fit a Musicman ( brand or aftermarket ) as the SB 14 pickup is shaped differently. Not trying to talk you out of it but you would need to do that. StewMac sells nice top ride bearing router bits. I am thinking about adding jazz bass pup’s in front and behind the existing pickup ( so in the 60’s position ). This way I can have the typical musicman sound as well as a jazz bass tone. I would like to wire the jazz bass pups separately to a separate jack. I don’t plan to sell this bass so I do t really care if it lowers the value. Right now it’s more about deciding if I want to do this project. If I do I will post pic’s. I personally like the tone from the stock pickup and preamp as it gives me 80 percent of the sterling tone and for me that’s good enough. Hope things work out for you !

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Just curious how successful people have been trying to completely swap out the electronics + pickup on an EBMM Sterling or the SBMM SB14. I guess it wouldn’t make much sense on the USA model compared to the import version.

I have a Sterling SB14 that I’ve been tempted to completely overhaul, I’m thinking a John East preamp and a Nordstrand humbucker. My only hesitation is the ‘uniqueness’ of the entire electronics setup (at this price point too) and of course the difficulty of trying to assemble a new, similar one.

I have a 4 string nordy big blademan and a nordy 2 band/3 knob preamp if you want it. I'll cut you a killer deal. Pm me

I actually have a box of nordy pickups that are going on the classifieds as soon as my subscription payment clears. I paid it yesterday, but it hasn't updated my status yet, for some reason.

 

[P Cheen]

I can tell you that you will have to route the body to fit a Musicman ( brand or aftermarket ) as the SB 14 pickup is shaped differently. Not trying to talk you out of it but you would need to do that.

What do you mean by shaped differently? Aren’t most (if not all) OEM or aftermarket MM humbuckers sized the same? Or are you talking about the lack of the 2 “ears” on this Sterling SB14?

 

[P Cheen]

I have a 4 string nordy big blademan and a nordy 2 band/3 knob preamp if you want it. I'll cut you a killer deal. Pm me
View attachment 4343121 View attachment 4343120 View attachment 4343122 View attachment 4343123

I actually have a box of nordy pickups that are going on the classifieds as soon as my subscription payment clears. I paid it yesterday, but it hasn't updated my status yet, for some reason.View attachment 4343125 View attachment 4343124

Hey Jeezy sorry man, I just saw this reply. What do you still have available now?

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Hey Jeezy sorry man, I just saw this reply. What do you still have available now?

Ehh, I sold it bro. Someone on here got me. I'm gonna have some fralins up for sale soon though. Either J set or p w/ split j set. I'm trying some new ones out.

But, that whole box is gone bro. Went Hella quick too.

 

[Hundred proof]

You asked why would a anyone swap out the electronics on a USA Sterling … I did totally
The bass was an electronic basket case when I got, so out everything came. It now has a Nordstrand quad coil wired as to separate pickups each half feeds its own Audere Classic pre amp (yes dual preamps)

 

[P Cheen]

You asked why would a anyone swap out the electronics on a USA Sterling … I did totally
The bass was an electronic basket case when I got, so out everything came. It now has a Nordstrand quad coil wired as to separate pickups each half feeds its own Audere Classic pre amp (yes dual preamps) View attachment 4373064

I’m a BIG fan of this! Thanks for inspiring me even more. I’m going with John East on mine, 3-band 4-knob. Maybe a Delano or a Nordy humbucker on mine too.
I like that your Nordy has the white block logo!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

You asked why would a anyone swap out the electronics on a USA Sterling … I did totally
The bass was an electronic basket case when I got, so out everything came. It now has a Nordstrand quad coil wired as to separate pickups each half feeds its own Audere Classic pre amp (yes dual preamps) View attachment 4373064

I love that idea! Not too fond of how many options you got there, but amazing idea about having seperate pre amps for each coil. So many possibilities bro. It's like having an endless supply of different pickups, that swap with the turn of a knob. Amazing. I would just spend far too much time turning knobs, instead of playing. Know what I mean?

 

[Hundred proof]

I love that idea! Not too fond of how many options you got there, but amazing idea about having seperate pre amps for each coil. So many possibilities bro. It's like having an endless supply of different pickups, that swap with the turn of a knob. Amazing. I would just spend far too much time turning knobs, instead of playing. Know what I mean?

Actually, how I use it it’s pretty much set and forget. Preset the tone you want and use the 3 way switch to do what you need on the fly, it is a very easy and very intuitive setup.