Well, if the pickup/electronics are inferior to the real thing (which was what they used for the original SUB line), I'm out. That's the main attraction in my book.
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SBMM SUBs..yes, it's about to become even more confusing
- Thread starter SubSectorSucker
- Start date
Well, if the pickup/electronics are inferior to the real thing (which was what they used for the original SUB line), I'm out. That's the main attraction in my book.
electracoyote said:
Heh, I see why you call them improvements, and true, I prefer a contoured rather than slab body, hated the metallic pickguard, etc... but I suggest you try the original SUB before you knock it.
No other "Stingray copy" can touch it. The standard SBMM Ray34 is nice, but the SUB feels and sounds more "solid", and I prefer it for sure.
If this new Sub is a cheaper version of the SBMM... it does not look like it can compare to the original SUB. Although it can still be a nice bass.
- Feb 16, 2008
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- John K Custom Basses
to me, i'm most interested in what 'solid hardwood body' means. IMO, if it's lightweight 'hardwood' that would be great. if it's heavy, i'd pass.
NicJimBass
Flossin'? I thought your name was Munson!
From everything I can gather online, the SUB by SBMM is a line that is below the SBMM line, which is itself below the EBMM line of instruments. Just because they used the name SUB again, doesn't mean they're like the SUB's of old... these look to be in line with the old OLP line of instruments, which were decent for the price. Looking at the bridges and pickups on the new SUBs, they look identical to what they used on the OLPs, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are exactly what they used on them. These SUBs are meant to be entry-level instruments, the SBMM line is mid-range and EBMM is top of the line... not sure why there is all this confusion.
Not knocking it, mate. And I've owned three. Here's the keeper.
I don't have a problem with slab bodies and painted necks, though I obviously thought the finish and corrogated metal PG could be improved upon. My "improvements" comment was more a reflection of the substantial number of people here on TB and elsewhere who have knocked the original SUB for the slab body and painted neck. More than a few have sanded the paint off and a couple have even taken a sander to the body.
To each his own.
Didn't the SUB just use the standard Ernie Ball 2-band preamp?
Edited to add: I am an idiot...I see what you were saying. And yes, all of the sterling line uses foreign made preamps and pickups (ie not the real thing)
My RAY34 sounds better than the 5 SUB's I have owned. I think the made in USA sticker is throwing off some perception. I had a 2005 Buttercream Ray and the RAY34 sounds almost exactly like it. The heavy finish on the SUB neck and body does affect the sound. The SUB's are SOLID basses, but they don't sound as good as the RAY34's or a regular Stingray.
I'm not familiar with the OLP line, other than it was a low price-point look-alike made with inferior materials.
Like I said, the main attraction for me with both the old and new SUB line is the electronics. If they are using some inferior look-alike electronics, I'm no longer interested. The magic with the original SUB was the electronics were identical, and you basically got a Stingray for much less coin.
If they are using the knock-off humbucker in the new SUB, it's not going to even come close to sounding like a 'Ray.
Looks ok to me, but I just hope they don't drop the ball on the original SBMM line, I mean... it was bad enough the fact that you can't get an SB14 anymore
Yeah, that was my impression.
Posters to this thread seem pretty certain the electronics in the new SUB line are somehow inferior to what you found in the old SUB line and Stingrays--is this a guess, or has it been confirmed?
Since these basses are licensed by Music Man to a company called Praxis then made to spec in an offshore factory I am willing to bet money these preamps and pickups are built to spec in said factory, and not US made electronics. To answer your question, the electronics are not "inferior" in the RAY34. Made in America, no. Inferior, no. They sound great.
The "new" SUB's look to use a simple 2 band where the RAY34 uses a 3 band (unless you get the Classic model).
The "new" SUB's look to use a simple 2 band where the RAY34 uses a 3 band (unless you get the Classic model).
Right. I'm hoping for the new SUB to have electronics like you describe for the Ray34, not necessarily USA made, but still made to similar high standards that allow you to get that great 'Ray sound we buy these basses for.
If the new SUB has something like that in it, I'm in. Otherwise, I'll pass. Cheap humbucker MM clone pickups sound like dookie IME, and I'm in the market for a modding project.
fenderhutz said:
One thing to bear in mind is that the original SUB often had the pickup wired in series. Don't know why. While a Stingray is wired in parallel. THAT affects the sound... I doubt you heard differences because of the finish...
I say often, because at least my SUB5 is wired in parallel, and I have not heard of a 4string SUB wired in parallel from factory, but it may exist, I don't know.
If Made In Indonesia, I think those will be very good, maybe need some fretboard work but that's what you get for any bass guitars below $600. If Made in China, then I would double-check them before ordering any online. Hit and miss.
People buy those and swear by them because "they sound like a Ray". Honestly I don't think they do. They have a distinct sound, almost a mid drop effect. They are great basses, but not a substitute if you want a Stingray sound. MY RAY34 gets it 95% of the time, the 5% drop is sometimes it doesn't seem as "throaty" as a real Stingray but that varies bass to bass anyway.
Oh and the other thing with the maple necks is to check the hardness/softness, Indonesian maple is somewhat softer. Nothing bad and actually sometimes a little bit softer maple is nicer to play but it gets more dings and maybe slappers prefer more hard maple finish.
I disagree with most of the above - although *maybe* your SUB5 was passive, I don't know... I currently have a SUB5, and a SUB Sterling, and they are both better basses than any of the newer imports I've played - in build quality, sound, and playability...
- georgestrings
fenderhutz said:
People say a lot of things.
Some people don't even think there is much difference between a G&L L2000 and a Stingray...
Who cares?
As long as it feels and sounds good to you...
I don't share your perception about the SUB or the RAY34, and by extension probably the Stingray...
But whatever works
