NBD - SBMM SB-14, BLUE!!!

[RyanJD]

This beauty just came in today. Haven't had a chance to plug it in yet, but the playability is definitely there. And I'm loving the aesthetics.
Also, am I right in assuming this is birdseye in the maple neck? It sure looks like it.
I'll report back when I can run it through its paces. I've never owned a Music Man or a Sterling instrument, so I'm excited to see what it can do. In the mean time, have some more photos:

 

[RyanJD]

The best part? I got it for the price of a SUB Ray4... No idea how, since it literally says SB14 in bold on the headstock...
The confusing lineage and nomenclature of Sterling instruments worked in my favor I guess.

One thing I particularly like is the nut width. I alternate between 5 strings and a 4 string P bass normally. And I don't own a Fender J any more, so it's nice to play on a skinny 1.5" nut again. Make me think I need to swap my P for a PJ. (Or maybe just the neck...)

 

[Treb]

Nice bass! Would love to try one sometime and see how it would compare to the Sterling 4H.

 

[RyanJD]

Nice bass! Would love to try one sometime and see how it would compare to the Sterling 4H.

Thanks man. I've got no first-hand experience on how it would fare in comparison, but I did a lot of reading and the general consensus seems to be that it gets 90% of the way to the USA Sterling model, in terms of sound/fit and finish, at something like 40% of the price. (Or whatever it actually was when comparing new prices. $1600 vs $600?)
The only problem is that they're discontinued. But you can pick one up cheap with some patience.

 

[RyanJD]

Can anyone confirm that I've got bird's eye figuring in the neck?

 

[ZenGuitarist]

Wow, that's a beauty! Congrats!

 

[garp]

Nice find. Congrats. Pre-owned SB14s in good shape are almost as rare as U.S.-made SUBs lately.

 

[58kites]

Can anyone confirm that I've got bird's eye figuring in the neck?

If it looks like birds eyes in the figuring then it is, that is all it takes to determine it, you get to be the official judge.

 

[EagleMoon]

Definitely looks like you've got some birdseye figuring in the neck. Nice score! Beautiful color.

 

[FingerDub]

Man, this is the nicest SBMM color combo I've ever seen. And there is defiantely Birdseye in the neck. Also, looks like the fretboard is a little dry.

 

[pudgychef]

Gorgeous! How do you like it plugged in? I find EBMM/SBMM sit great in the mix - those SB14s are quite highly regarded.