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Music Man basses: Why so expensive?

#42
Chipsonfire said:
What makes Music Man basses so expensive? The electronics? The wood? The craftsmanship? The brand name? Don't get me wrong, I do love them. I played a Bongo once and it felt and sounded wonderful, just not $1000+ wonderful. I'd love to get a nice HH model of anything, but they are just too pricey for this poor college student :(
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In the USA, a tank of gas for a large car can cost $100. In that context, $1,500 for a quality bass is not unreasonable. That said, you can get some comparably nice basses for much less if you look.
 
#43
I think they're less expensive for what you get - a very high quality USA made instrument. I was looking for a USA made bass and overpaid a bit ($900) for my used Stingray 4 (single pickup, 3 band preamp) but it was less than comparable quality Fenders in my area, and new ones go for about the same as a Lakland Skyline, so for me it was a no brainer.
 
#45
OK, so now I have a new question, and since the question has been exhaustively answered and since it was my thread originally, I don't feel bad derailing it :p What is the difference between a StingRay and a Sterling? I've never been able to tell the difference, though I've never really tried. Any input?
 
#46
I used to think $1000 was a ton of money for a guitar, but when you compare them to more traditional instruments (brass, woodwinds, orchestral stringed instrument) you really just get a beginner or "student" instrument of rather poor quality for $1k..
 
#47
Chipsonfire said:
OK, so now I have a new question, and since the question has been exhaustively answered and since it was my thread originally, I don't feel bad derailing it :p What is the difference between a StingRay and a Sterling? I've never been able to tell the difference, though I've never really tried. Any input?
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The Sterling has a smaller, lighter, body and neck. The four string also has a different pickup from the Stingray also.
 
#50
1. question ....sorry but 1k ain't bad. You should be able to find a Used SUB for 600 or so. which is US made, If that is still more than you can afford at the moment MM licensed Olp to make a similar product overseas I would start with the Tony Levin Sig


2. They are different in spec and sound although they both maintain a unmistakable MM sound. try them out
 
#51
Chipsonfire said:
OK, so now I have a new question, and since the question has been exhaustively answered and since it was my thread originally, I don't feel bad derailing it :p What is the difference between a StingRay and a Sterling? I've never been able to tell the difference, though I've never really tried. Any input?
Click to expand...

Regarding the pickup, the Sterling has coil selection switch. The Stringray does not.

Hate to be 'that guy' but there are threads about Stingray\Sterling via search. :)
 

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