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I paid $2500 for my Stingray Special 4H in 2023 and have been around long enough to 'Know' I got something Special not just 'Think' it
The interesting thing is that this already happened in the mid 2000s with the USA-made SUB line. The entry-level USA line started cannibalizing from the upper tier line in some respects. I also think they lost money on them so they stopped making them. But that was when a USA SUB 2 band active was $700 or so, and a 'standard' USA 'Ray was a tick over $1k. Times have changed.
That's more than I paid for a USA Stingray 10 years ago lol.
For the price, they should follow Lakland's lead of putting the USA electronics in the import line, since they are the 'deluxe', 'studio' import line it seems. That said, I could see that encroaching on the USA models' appeal and territory for sure, at least for some buyers.
There was a video I watched (I actually think it may have been the one from Premier Guitar on this thread) that mentioned that they're sourcing the electronics from the same manufacturer of the models of the 90's and 2000's. So, I guess take that for what you will. I'm not sure if that implies that they're using US electronics in them, or if they use import electronics in their US models. I'm assuming it's probably the latter. Regardless, I hope that means that they'll at least be good quality.
Yeah, and unfortunately a new USA Stingray is pushing $3k these days.
Neck shape, pickups, hardware, tone, woods… all completely different.
I hear amazing things about them and in videos/live shows.
Well I can't say about the Sterling Bongo or even compare it to a EBMM Bongo as it's been over a decade since I've played one, but the Sterling branded StingRay neck is chunkier (but same width) than its EBMM StingRay Special counterpart. Is that good or bad? You'd have to decide that for yourself.I hear amazing things about them and in videos/live shows.
Sometimes I feel like a more value-oriented line (Epiphone, Squier, etc.) will offer a quality instrument that makes you want to stay in their brand, but move up to a Gibson, Fender, etc. when the time is right. I haven't gotten that with the non EBMM versions of basses I've tried by them. I really feel like this isn't the typical case, as I read about many enjoying their Sterlings and non-EBMM variants. I've enjoyed the tones people get with them too.
That isn't to say I don't still want to try a proper EBMM, or that I won't enjoy the Sterling Bongo I have now. I have my gripes, but I've since set the bass up for Drop C tuning. It's honestly doing pretty well there, and I'm excited to try some MEC passives in it. I feel ok "modding" this bass, but likely wouldn't with a true EBMM
For the neck shape, what would you say is different? I've read a bit about the differences in pickups and hardware, but haven't looked into the neck yet. I watched a video about John Myung's signature bass and how it's a 6 string with a 5 string nut. I prefer a less-wide nut/tight-string spacing with a thick neck. If I ever do a custom bass build, I'm either going to make the builder uncomfortable or excited about the ridiculous neck dimensions I want on a 4 string bass.
How to say you can't afford the US brand without saying you can't afford the US brand….
How to say you can't afford the US brand without saying you can't afford the US brand….
Or, more likely, EBMM recognizes that there are people who want an instrument that meets somewhere in the middle between SBMM offerings and EBMM USA offerings - which in all honesty are approaching entry level boutique prices at this point. Perhaps they recognize that the price gap between the two is missing out on a segment of the market that they want to capture. Instead of judging others for considering this new line, think about it from a business point of view. Sadowsky MetroExpress and even Lakland Skyline basses are solidly in this price point, so it's a market that EBMM isn't servicing at present.How to say you can't afford the US brand without saying you can't afford the US brand….
