Music Man Sterling Classic Love Thread

[Derry Murbles]

After hitting up the EB forums, I found this clarification from one of the mods:

"The "Classic Collection" Sterling Bass (made from 2010 to 2015) has a Ceramic pickup wired in series (not parallel). It has the same 2 Band preamp as both the "Classic Collection" Sting Ray 4 and Sting Ray 5 which both have Alnico pickups BUT wired in parallel (and not series). The 2 Bander is the same preamp used on the Sting Ray since Pre-EB 1978. The bodies are slab.”

 

[Derry Murbles]

The pre is the same as classic SR and similar to the pre EBMM preamps.

Thanks for sharing! Didn't see this before I posted the same from the EB forums.

 

[Mike Vee]

Thanks for sharing! Didn't see this before I posted the same from the EB forums.

IMO series sounds better than the Stingray's parallel wiring. I owned a Joe Dart and a Sterling Ray24, both are in Series and IMO both sound a little better than a Stingray IMO. It's warmer and burpier. It's very similar, though.

 

[Derry Murbles]

IMO series sounds better than the Stingray's parallel wiring. I owned a Joe Dart and a Sterling Ray24, both are in Series and IMO both sound a little better than a Stingray IMO. It's warmer and burpier. It's very similar, though.

I agree. I much prefer the series setting on my 2023 Sterling than the parallel setting.

 

[Derry Murbles]

Welp, much as I love the Birdseye maple on this bass, I'm about 99% sure I'm going to move this one along. I found an EBMM Caprice that I prefer the sound and feel/ergonomics of, so I'll be posting a classifieds ad for the Coral Red Sterling Classic shortly.

 

[LowEndLobster]

 

[dbackswinwest]

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I have a coral red with Birds Eye I’d potentially sell

I would definitely be interested if you still have it and are willing to sell

 

[Wolf711]

FYI, two Sterling Classics just got listed on Reverb. One black, one white.

 

[jazzyitalian]

I would love to get one of these. Maple Board with a darker colored body.

 

[Eneade]

Here is mine
I have had many MusicMans and this is one of the sweet ones. The combination of the 2 band preamp with the pickup wired in series is excellent. I wonder why this model was not more successful.

 

[wavemaker]

I had been looking for one of these for years before I found mine: In Europe, they are an even rarer find than in the States.

To me, these really are a perfect blend of vintage and modern - a reissue of a vintage bass that never was.

One piece body, beautiful birdseye neck, excellent hardware, and a great voice with tons of character.

What an abolute keeper of a bass.

 

[jazzyitalian]

I found one! I really enjoy the simplified nature of this model. Just a 2-band-eq. My brother will be using it quite a bit.
This one was completed in May of 2010. One of the earlier basses made.

 

[wavemaker]

Hey @LowEndLobster good to see you around! While we have you - I’ve been meaning to ask: Do you still own your Classic Sterling? I‘d love to see your take on it in a video!

 

[LowEndLobster]

Hey @LowEndLobster good to see you around! While we have you - I’ve been meaning to ask: Do you still own your Classic Sterling? I‘d love to see your take on it in a video!

Yes! That is a unicorn i will never let go of

 

[JPJ]

For those Classic owners, I'm curious as to what you feel is superior to the regular EBMM Sterling? In short, if I have a few early Sterlings and one of the things that I really like about them is the satin finish on the neck, why would I need a Classic, especially if the gloss neck is something that I would see as a potential downside? Interested to hear your thoughts...especially if you own both models or have owned them in the past.

 

[wavemaker]

For those Classic owners, I'm curious as to what you feel is superior to the regular EBMM Sterling? In short, if I have a few early Sterlings and one of the things that I really like about them is the satin finish on the neck, why would I need a Classic, especially if the gloss neck is something that I would see as a potential downside? Interested to hear your thoughts...especially if you own both models or have owned them in the past.

Late reply: I do like a nice satin finish as much as the next person, and EB‘s oil and wax is up there with the best of them. I was surprised, however, how much I enjoy the classic gloss necks.

What really swayed me towards the Classic Sterling was - aside from the vintage frets, larger radius board and, of course, that birdseye - the compact but slab body: To me, the slab gives such a vibe and makes me approach the whole instrument differently than my other basses - and I love getting that vibe in a smaller body and with considerably less weight than the Classic Stingrays.

Also, and I’m aware that is an entirely personal take: The right number of knobs on a bass is three, actually, please and thank you - so there‘s that

Btw, nbd about a month ago:

(Stay tuned for me swapping the necks with my natural Sterling above!)

 

[wavemaker]

Surgery was successful! (Weeks ago, actually, but only now did I have the time to take pictures in natural light.)

Slinkies on Tim, Cobalt Flats on Pino.

Love these basses.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Surgery was successful! (Weeks ago, actually, but only now did I have the time to take pictures in natural light.)
View attachment 7290491

View attachment 7290492

View attachment 7290493

Slinkies on Tim, Cobalt Flats on Pino.

Love these basses.

So much nicer after the swap.

 

[Bibby]

1 Natty / maple / black pg and 1 color / rosewood / tort. I can relate and like your style! (See avatar). The only thing better than 1 Sterling Classic is 2 Sterling Classics. We are spoiled!

 

[wavemaker]

So much nicer after the swap.

Thanks for the kind words! I had a strong suspicion this might work well but I do love it when a plan comes together in actuality.

1 Natty / maple / black pg and 1 color / rosewood / tort. I can relate and like your style! (See avatar). The only thing better than 1 Sterling Classic is 2 Sterling Classics. We are spoiled!

"Spoiled" seems to be the appropriate term, indeed … I consider myself very lucky.

I‘ve admired both of your Sterlings before, lovely basses! The light (sonic?) blue would have been my favorite could I have chosen from the whole palette.
When buying the Coral Red (online, from Denmark), I was originally planning on selling it after the swap. I’m still surprised that I absolutely adore that color now that it’s in my hands. Love it when I take a gamble and a bass surprises me, in one way or another!

Funny we even share matching white pickups on the solid colors!