Hey guys, what do you think about the 5 string basses by Sterling(Ernie ball)? I'm leaning towards going sterling because I don't want to spend so much money, I just can't afford a full fledged Stingray 5. Has anyone played or owned one? How would you compare the quality to a standard squier or fender(not American) 5 strings?
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Sterling by Ernie Ball opinions
- Thread starter SkinnyP411
- Start date
That's good to hear. I've been upgrading my MIM jbass, new pickups, looks, etc. I love it to death but I love that Stingray sound. I was saving up for new cabs but I don't have a second bass so I might just go for one of those! Plus, you gotta love a 5 string
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!i've been buying n selling basses for a year and a half now sinse i got into bass after years of guitar ....the Sterling Ray 4 string was my first ...i've had a SG 505, 500, Sterling Ray, Warwick Taranis, MIA Jazz, 2 SX ...
The Sterling was by far the heaviest, widest neck bass ...i regret trading the MIA jazz big time .....i now have the Warwick Taranis and the 2 SX p basses ...pretty happy ..but i need a 5er.
To your post...the Sterling sounded good and the quality was not in question at all ...cut some good tracks with it ....but it was the heaviest and hardest to play for me ...i'm 5'5 .....it's a big dude bass.
The only thing i can rebut about my own post is ....the Sterling was my first and maybe i just needed to get used to the size of bass in general...but i traded it in and upgraded to the MIA jazz and that felt like a big break for my hands and shoulder......i haven't had a Sterling on sinse i've become more experienced as a bass player.
The Sterling was by far the heaviest, widest neck bass ...i regret trading the MIA jazz big time .....i now have the Warwick Taranis and the 2 SX p basses ...pretty happy ..but i need a 5er.
To your post...the Sterling sounded good and the quality was not in question at all ...cut some good tracks with it ....but it was the heaviest and hardest to play for me ...i'm 5'5 .....it's a big dude bass.
The only thing i can rebut about my own post is ....the Sterling was my first and maybe i just needed to get used to the size of bass in general...but i traded it in and upgraded to the MIA jazz and that felt like a big break for my hands and shoulder......i haven't had a Sterling on sinse i've become more experienced as a bass player.
They're good, but imo no where near the same as a real EBMM. Maybe have a hunt around for a used EBMM SR5?
I have three US MM's and a Ray 35, I find the Ray 35 is surprisingly close to a US MM for less than half the price , I've had other brand US basses that cost much more than the Ray 35 that didn't come close to the B string of the Ray.
I also think the overall build quality is outstanding for it's price point. I'm hoping they come out with a Classic 5 banger at the NAMM show, I would buy one without hesitation. Highly recommended.
I also think the overall build quality is outstanding for it's price point. I'm hoping they come out with a Classic 5 banger at the NAMM show, I would buy one without hesitation. Highly recommended.
i'd agree ....more in the weight playabilty aspects ...i haven't spent enough time with either to opine on tone.
EBs are really easy to play and wear easy on the body as well!
- Dec 28, 2009
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I don't own one but have played quite a few and they are great basses. For the money, the really can't be beat. When my youngest son gets a little older, he has said he wants to learn bass just like his Dad so that will probably be the first bass that I buy him is a Sterling by Music Man.
Guys, both EBMM and SBMM basses are not known for their light weight. Before you jump on me, I will say I've seen a few lighter EBMM basses. but I'd say 10~11 lbs is pretty average for both lines.
As to playability, the dimensions (neck width, string spacing) are the same. Both 5-string lines have 17.5mm string spacing, which is tighter than a lot of other basses, including Fender and Lakland.
I have owned both EBMM and SBMM basses, I've got them listed in my profile. I like both and feel my Ray35 is a very high quality bass.
Finally, when comparing price, think new vs new, or used vs used. Either way, the SBMMs are about 1/2 the prices of the EBMMs.
Best of luck with your decision.
Bob
As to playability, the dimensions (neck width, string spacing) are the same. Both 5-string lines have 17.5mm string spacing, which is tighter than a lot of other basses, including Fender and Lakland.
I have owned both EBMM and SBMM basses, I've got them listed in my profile. I like both and feel my Ray35 is a very high quality bass.
Finally, when comparing price, think new vs new, or used vs used. Either way, the SBMMs are about 1/2 the prices of the EBMMs.
Best of luck with your decision.
Bob
- Nov 24, 2008
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Ok, so my uncle said he would sell me his ESP ltd. C-305. I think its beautiful, but what does it mean when it says it has active electronics and passive pickups. Also, which knobs do what??
It's the same as most active basses. It means it has a preamp (3-band in this case (treble, mid, bass adjustment)). And the pickups don't have a battery.
So you have a volume, pickup selector, bass, mid and treble controls.
The Ray35 has a 3-band preamp and one passive pickup, plus a 3-position series, mid boost, parallel selector.
Bob
So you have a volume, pickup selector, bass, mid and treble controls.
The Ray35 has a 3-band preamp and one passive pickup, plus a 3-position series, mid boost, parallel selector.
Bob
Sweet thanks! Now that I know which each one is I gotta say, I love having an eq on a bass!! I've never had that luxury before. I'm gonna play it at a better volume tomorrow and it needs new strings but it's a pretty solid bass. Great action, smooth satin finish, and not too heavy at all. Also, a low CLEAR B string. I'll be honest, I may purchase this if the next few days go this well!
