• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Sterling by Musicmans on GC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Status
Not open for further replies.
#122
So much negativity, and most of it over a name. Seriously, who cares? It's only a name.

Personally, I don't care what MM call them - they could be called the Fetid Horse's Bottom by Music Man range. If they're good, they'll sell. If they're as good as they're supposed to be, I'll probably buy one.

The US-made instruments will remain aspirational, like US Fenders, US Laklands, etc. All EBMM are doing is using a tried-and-tested way of marketing their instruments to a wider demographic. It's worked for Fender, Lakland, Gibson... pretty much everyone, to be honest. Does the fact that Fender make a lower-cost instrument called the Jazz Bass make the US-made instrument also called the Jazz Bass any less aspirational? People who take the time to know this stuff will still want the better, fancier US-made one. People who are ignorant of these facts now just have another instrument in their price range, a price range that EBMM weren't competing in before and can now take advantage of.
 
#128
Rusty Chainsaw said:
So much negativity, and most of it over a name. Seriously, who cares? It's only a name.

Personally, I don't care what MM call them - they could be called the Fetid Horse's Bottom by Music Man range. If they're good, they'll sell. If they're as good as they're supposed to be, I'll probably buy one.

The US-made instruments will remain aspirational, like US Fenders, US Laklands, etc. All EBMM are doing is using a tried-and-tested way of marketing their instruments to a wider demographic. It's worked for Fender, Lakland, Gibson... pretty much everyone, to be honest. Does the fact that Fender make a lower-cost instrument called the Jazz Bass make the US-made instrument also called the Jazz Bass any less aspirational? People who take the time to know this stuff will still want the better, fancier US-made one. People who are ignorant of these facts now just have another instrument in their price range, a price range that EBMM weren't competing in before and can now take advantage of.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. :)
 
#129
It think the name is stupid but it's not the worst thing ever like everyone claims. It wouldn't stop me from getting one.

I am however disappointed in the non-optional matching headstock. I hate matching headstocks. I am also not a fan of the logo. I much prefer when the company name is more prominent. G&L did this originally on their Tribute line and then switched it.

I think it makes sense on the ultra budget lines such as Squier that wants to be separated a bit from the higher end lines but on mid level instruments I want the company name to show a little more.

That isn't a HUGE deal to me either but man do I hate matching headstocks. Especially on sunbursts.
 
#130
In all fairness MusicMan has done well in making a budget market for their players, but, either way, they are still pretty expensive. OLP's are alot cheaper.

I'd also like too point out the differences between the Sterling-Stingray and the Sterling-Sterling. The Stingray has a swamp ash body whereas the Sterling has basswood.

You've gotta remember guys the differences between a Stingray and a Sterling is like the differeces between a P-Bass and a J-bass. The Sterling MIA has has thinner neck (Which is what i always thought was a problem with the stingray) a hidden coil for abit more sound difference and hum cancellation. And the shape of the body.


MusicMan are putting themselves too shame. I Don't mind though. It won't be long before you see MIA MusicMan Sterling on ebay for cheap as chips prices, all because of this 'Sterling by Musicman' Stuff.......
 
#132
Joe Nerve said:
These threads always become more fun once jack jumps in. Thanks jack.
Click to expand...

You're welcome!

Oh, you mean Bovinehost . . . . . .nvm then. :D

I wonder how much 'Pre-Sterling Sterlings' will go for on ebay in a few years.

Anyway as stupid as think this name is, I still want a Bongo, a US made one. This new line hasn't changed that. On the other hand, my brother (who is 13 and delivers papers for a living) is very excited that he might soon be able to afford a 'proper' MM.

Stupid? Undoubtedly! But based on market research just conducted by me, 100% of current EBMM owners aren't put off by the name/new basses, and 100% of people in the 'would-love-an-EBMM-but-can't-afford-one' niche of the market are pleased and excited by the new line.
 
#133
pandathe3 said:
In all fairness MusicMan has done well in making a budget market for their players, but, either way, they are still pretty expensive. OLP's are alot cheaper.
Click to expand...
The OLPs were beginner's instruments at beginner's prices. Based on the few reviews I've read comparing them favorably to the Tribute line, the Sterling line is simply a better instruemnt overall. The comparisons to the OLPs will be made, but there's a gap that justifies the price increase.

MusicMan are putting themselves too shame. I Don't mind though. It won't be long before you see MIA MusicMan Sterling on ebay for cheap as chips prices, all because of this 'Sterling by Musicman' Stuff.......
Click to expand...
Not likely. This scenario has played out before and this new line will actually have the opposite effect.

When G&L released the Tribute series, they were priced at or near what the used USA's were going for (it's a smart move by the company to grab a price range that they market obviously approves of). As a result, the used market for the US line "tightened up" and they began selling for just a bit more that the imports. I expect you'll see the same thing happen with MusicMan.

Mike
 
#134
Prediction: In the next couple months, these name hater threads will magically turn into tb lovefest threads - once these basses actually get into a few people's hands.

I'd LOVE to have a StingRay5, but it would see little enough use that I can't see paying $900+ for a new or used one. One of these may open a door for me.
 
#136
Hey, have you read the description of the Invalid Link Removed?

...the Music Man Designed modern tremolo bridge and locking tuners let you dive bomb with fear of losing pitch.
Click to expand...

Shouldn't you dive bomb without fear of losing pitch? :smug:
 
#137
I think they are making a mistake by "downgrading" what used to be a top line. why not give these a different name? Lakland Skyline is a great example. Keep the quality US product and have a budget import that is still identifiable as part of the "better" line but at a more reasonable price.
 
#139
I have been playing musicman basses for years now and would likley never buy one of these but i have always wanted a musicman guitar but could never justify spending that money since i dont play guitar out live and i always thought olp's were total garbage so this might be a nice compromise as sterling by MM also is putting out some guitars, and that adds another question what the hell is happening to olp
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back