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SOLD EBMM Sterling 4 USA - 1996 model w/maple fretboard

Discussion in 'For Sale: Bass Guitars' started by VTbassplayer, Jul 22, 2021.

  1. Jul 22, 2021 #1
    VTbassplayer

    VTbassplayer Supporting Member

    Jan 26, 2008
    Massachusetts
    Price:
    1450
    Strings:
    4
    Location:
    Massachusetts
    Country:
    United States
    1996 Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling

    I've had this bass a long time and I absolutely love it... There's something about these early Sterling models. I bought this one from the original owner, who had maintained it meticulously. It's in excellent shape showing light use. This is a REALLY great Sterling!

    Please note the following:
    • Mega birdseye on this maple neck... both on the front and back
    • Still has the plastic on the cavity cover on the back
    • I've had it setup once per year by my luthier... sounds/plays amazing
    • Several minor nicks/scratches in the headstock, as shown
    • Currently strung with newer D'Addario 45-100 rounds
    • Serial # is 49278, made in June of 1996
    • Older version bridge that was used on Sterlings until mid-96 (basically when this one was made). The mutes are not original to the bass, but I have the bolts that are original.
    • Original hardshell case in good shape, but showing signs of use
    PRICE: Was $1650... then $1575... then $1500... NOW $1450 shipped to the lower 48, but add $50 if you're west of the Mississippi. We recently relocated from WI to MA and shipping prices have been bonkers.

    Don't hesitate to let me know of any questions. Thanks all!

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    Last edited: Aug 1, 2021
    TJH3113, 68Goldfish, G RICH 5 and 10 others like this.
  2. Jul 22, 2021 #2
    labeledbass

    labeledbass Supporting Member

    May 24, 2015
    Awesome bass, I had a blue 96, best time for Sterlings IMHO. I have a Stingray Special now and they are tonally totally different, in a good way. GLWS!

    I had to edit: for years I had a 96 Sterling bass and didn't understand why it sounded so much bigger than the newer ones, after a few emails with EB, one of the main contributors was the massive bridge. I didn't realize what I had at the time, and if this posted up only a few weeks earlier I'd be a Sterling owner again..
     
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2021
    VTbassplayer likes this.
  3. Jul 22, 2021 #3
    Holdsg

    Holdsg Father of Pugs Gold Supporting Member

    Sep 10, 2009
    Alta Loma, CA
    awesome bass, love the color, GLWTS
     
  4. Jul 23, 2021 #4
    barginkov

    barginkov

    Feb 1, 2012
    L.I. New York
    Have to ask ,weight?
     
  5. Jul 23, 2021 #5
    VTbassplayer

    VTbassplayer Supporting Member

    Jan 26, 2008
    Massachusetts
    About 10 lbs according to the bathroom scale
     
  6. Jul 25, 2021 #6
    ComeHomeShane

    ComeHomeShane

    Dec 28, 2016
    Southern California
    oh my gosh...
     
    VTbassplayer likes this.
  7. Jul 25, 2021 #7
    TallManChef

    TallManChef

    Jan 20, 2014
    Chicagoland
    I have a 99’ and it’s my one I would never sell. Best slap tone I’ve ever gotten on a bass. I don’t even like slapping other basses. GLWS
     
    Jonny Reese and VTbassplayer like this.
  8. Jul 25, 2021 #8
    ComeHomeShane

    ComeHomeShane

    Dec 28, 2016
    Southern California
    I'm pretty sure this is the same finish/set up the Colin Greenwood used for Radiohead's The Bends and you have me gassing SO hard rn.
     
    VTbassplayer likes this.
  9. Jul 27, 2021 #9
    VTbassplayer

    VTbassplayer Supporting Member

    Jan 26, 2008
    Massachusetts
    PRICE LOWERED TO $1575 SHIPPED (+$50 if west of Mississippi River)

    Thanks for all the comments, this is an awesome bass!
     
  10. Jul 28, 2021 #10
    VTbassplayer

    VTbassplayer Supporting Member

    Jan 26, 2008
    Massachusetts
    PRICE LOWERED AGAIN TO $1500 SHIPPED (+$50 if west of Mississippi River)

    Gotta admit... I’m a bit surprised I still have this one
     
  11. Jul 30, 2021 #11
    tubatodd

    tubatodd

    Oct 31, 2004
    Birmingham, AL
    Beautiful instrument. I want it but can't justify the purchase. :(
     
    VTbassplayer likes this.
  12. Jul 30, 2021 #12
    Jerry J

    Jerry J Supporting Member

    Mar 27, 2000
    P-town, OR
    I'm a very big fan of EB's cherry bursts and this one is just beautiful.
     
    VTbassplayer likes this.
  13. Jul 30, 2021 #13
    G RICH 5

    G RICH 5 Supporting Member

    Dec 19, 2006
    Detroit
    I have the big brother
     
  14. Jul 30, 2021 #14
    G RICH 5

    G RICH 5 Supporting Member

    Dec 19, 2006
    Detroit
    IMG_2149.JPG IMG_2149.JPG
     
    VTbassplayer and Steve59 like this.
  15. Jul 31, 2021 #15
    VTbassplayer

    VTbassplayer Supporting Member

    Jan 26, 2008
    Massachusetts
    PRICE LOWERED AGAIN TO $1450 SHIPPED (+$50 if west of Mississippi River)

    Again, thanks for the comments!
     
    Flaky Tuna likes this.
  16. Aug 2, 2021 #16
    Flaky Tuna

    Flaky Tuna

    Aug 15, 2009
    I can vouch for VTbassplayer
    I got to try his Sterling, recently. It's as described.
    Beautiful to play and hear, and it's in amazing condition.

    If you know you like Sterlings, I would recommend buying sight unseen, even.
     
    VTbassplayer and Jerry J like this.
  17. Aug 2, 2021 #17
    Jonny Reese

    Jonny Reese

    Jun 27, 2020
    Boston, MA
    Someone buy this. A '96 Sterling has been my #1 since I bought it in '97. Incredibly easy to play, all the bite you need for hard digging fingerstyle, perfect slap tone, and lots more with the coil selector and 3-band EQ. It is a perfect bass.
     
    VTbassplayer likes this.
  18. Aug 3, 2021 #18
    Jerry J

    Jerry J Supporting Member

    Mar 27, 2000
    P-town, OR
    I believe I made a mistake referring to the color of this Sterling as "cherry burst". I seem to recall that EB called this color "honey burst". Whatever EB calls it it's a beautiful finish.
     
    labeledbass likes this.
  19. Aug 5, 2021 #19
    VTbassplayer

    VTbassplayer Supporting Member

    Jan 26, 2008
    Massachusetts
    SOLD locally
     
    TJH3113 and Jonny Reese like this.