Hi all! I currently own a Sandberg California PM4 (p-bass body) wich is a really great bass - high quality, great sounding and everything. But I find it a tad to big and heavy. I like the sound of Stingrays and Sterlings(the latest beeing said to be small framed and fairly light) - but unfortunatelly, no local store holds them where I live. If you compare a Sterling to a P-bass, is there a big difference in size? All help is highly appreciated!
AFAIK, I Sterling's body is around 20% smaller compared to the P Bass and it also has a skinnier, Jazz-like neck.
I'd say 15 - 20% smaller, plus the skinnier neck profile. Sterlings are definitely comfortable to hold and play.
I play Rics and P's and recently picked up a Sterling. The neck profile is very narrow, and while it isn't my favorite, (I prefer the 'tweeners like Rics) it is very comfortable and my short fat hands do not have to strain to get up and down the strings very quickly. As far as the body size, it is noticeably smaller, and the low notes are noticeably easier to reach, but that is nothing to complain about. It almost becomes an extension of your body after a while. Do not fear the Sterling!