Sterling Musicman Bass

[Daddy-R]

Bought one and am beginning to bond after over 20 years of Fender; Sterling solved the dead spots on the "G"., The Musicman says "Sterling" in two places on the headstock, would like to remove the smaller one at the end of the headstock to clean up the look; looks like it was aided as an afterthought, tacky - not going to slap on a :Fender" sticker ! Just want to leave one "Sterling" script on it. Any suggestion on removing the scripts, just an ink eraser maybe ? (Also, will it play with the battery removed or dead ?)

 

[Father Gino]

Assuming that they’re water slide decals, there’s a layer of clear varnish over them. So sanding or paint remover would be the only option.

It’s funny that you say that Sterling solved the dead spot issues. I never noticed dead spots on any bass for 50 years or so but now I’ve got a MM Sterling with a really annoying spot on the G string 7th fret. I had another Sterling years ago with no issues.

 

[Daddy-R]

Assuming that they’re water slide decals, there’s a layer of clear varnish over them. So sanding or paint remover would be the only option.

It’s funny that you say that Sterling solved the dead spot issues. I never noticed dead spots on any bass for 50 years or so but now I’ve got a MM Sterling with a really annoying spot on the G string 7th fret. I had another Sterling years ago with no issues.

The dead spot occurs around the 3d to 6th fret on my Fenders (And Squiers). The only one that didn't have if, or me, was a Mexi, Active Jazz whicj I foolishly sold, (don't sell anything !.)

 

[Father Gino]

My dead spot is D on the G string. I’m probably too insensitive to notice or care about such things usually, but this one is really bad. The decay of that note is about twice what it should be. Almost as if there’s a foam mute. I’m going to mess with weights and/or the neck joint to alleviate the problem. It’s a real drag to play as it is.

 

[Nebadon2000]

No it won't play without a Battery and will start sounding distorted when battery is low and about to go dead

The USA company EB Musicman has sold a Sterling named Bass for decades Smaller body and nut width than Stingray

This is SBMM version if you bought other versions that second label would say Stingray but still have Sterling by Music man label

Sterling by music man is manufacture and Sterling is name of that Bass in their lineup

PS yes it looks strange but they had to Idenify that Model as opposed to Stingray

 

[Nebadon2000]

Also if you don't already know if you have cable plugged into bass it will drain battery so leave unplugged when not playing at home

Not a problem at gigs with short breaks

 

[ghostdog93]

I thought the current SBMM Sterling (SB-14) was passive, not active.

 

[Nebadon2000]

I thought the current SBMM Sterling (SB-14) was passive, not active.

Yes also know Sterling SB-14 is passive but since OP mentioned battery thought his Bass may be New for 2026

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

My son has a 2009 SB14 active Sterling made in Indonesia.

It is a really solid bass with super quiet electronics.

 

[vvvmmm]

I have not played a real MM much but really like the two (1 and 2 pup) Sterlings that I have; I think they get the sound and are fun to play.

More relevant, my buddy who only plays Lakland and Musicman (unless he's here) likes 'em, also.

 

[Daddy-R]

My son has a 2009 SB14 active Sterling made in Indonesia.

It is a really solid bass with super quiet electronics.

Mine is too, quiet, nice balance and weight, SUB Series, neck is somewhat like P-Bass. I was looking at Sire, but landed on this after trying one at Guitar Center. Would like to erase the 2nd
Sterling" at he end of the headstoc;k looks cheesy, Like me I guess ! Attached a Pic in an earlier post.

 

[Daddy-R]

No it won't play without a Battery and will start sounding distorted when battery is low and about to go dead

The USA company EB Musicman has sold a Sterling named Bass for decades Smaller body and nut width than Stingray

This is SBMM version if you bought other versions that second label would say Stingray but still have Sterling by Music man label

Sterling by music man is manufacture and Sterling is name of that Bass in their lineup

PS yes it looks strange but they had to Idenify that Model as opposed to Stingray

Yep, I want to keep the "Sterling by Music Man" script and get rid of the "Sterling" logo at the end of the headstock. Had a black label Squier P-Bass and got it off with a typewriter (remember those !) eraser.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

Mine is too, quiet, nice balance and weight, SUB Series, neck is somewhat like P-Bass. I was looking at Sire, but landed on this after trying one at Guitar Center. Would like to erase the 2nd
Sterling" at he end of the headstoc;k looks cheesy, Like me I guess ! Attached a Pic in an earlier post.

Nice.

My sons is a jazz width, otherwise I’d be playing it.

 

[tindrum]

Mine is too, quiet, nice balance and weight, SUB Series, neck is somewhat like P-Bass. I was looking at Sire, but landed on this after trying one at Guitar Center. Would like to erase the 2nd
Sterling" at he end of the headstoc;k looks cheesy, Like me I guess ! Attached a Pic in an earlier post.

I bet a light buff with 0000 steel wool would make quick work with the decal. I’ve done it with a few guitars and it was quick and easy.

 

[Lo_Basserson]

I may have missed it, but did we point out that second “Sterling” is there because it’s the model name (as opposed to Stingray.)

Yeah Sterling sterling sounds dumb … but that’s what it is.

 

[Chuck M]

I own three Sterling basses. Two were bought new as Musician's Friend Stupid Deal of the Day. I first bought a used Sterling Stingray 5 that looks like a Classic Stingray as it has the chrome control plate, one PU and a two band EQ. I was blown away by the quality of this bass. It plays and sounds great and I love the look....the usual plastic pickguard mounted controls on the Stingray 5 is one of the things that has always looked odd to me. The chrome control plate looks better to me.

Then I got a Sterling Sterling in blue. It is a little on the heavy side but sounds and plays wonderfully. It is a great bass. The last Sterling I bought is a Sub Series Ray 4 HH. I am not crazy about the black satin finish on the body but the bass plays well and sounds great.

I have owned Squier, G&L Tribute and now the Steriling basses made in indonesia and the quality of the Sterling basses seems to be the best. That last Ray 4 HH did need some help when it arrived. It arrived with a dead battery so I did some investigating and discovered the bass was wired so that the preamp was on even when the bass had no instrument cable plugged in. I moved the ground wire for the battery to the correct terminal on the output jack and now it works as it should.

These are great basses for the money IMO.

 

[Daddy-R]

I bet a light buff with 0000 steel wool would make quick work with the decal. I’ve done it with a few guitars and it was quick and easy.

 

[Trouztrouz]

Yeah Sterling sterling sounds dumb … but that’s what it is.

I've always wanted to get one of these and replace all the hardware with parts made of 0.925 silver. Then it will be my sterling sterling sterling.

 

[Daddy-R]

I may have missed it, but did we point out that second “Sterling” is there because it’s the model name (as opposed to Stingray.)

Yeah Sterling sterling sounds dumb … but that’s what it is.

I am now understanding this. I have a "56 Ford hotrod, so It's a Ford, Ford, Ford, Ford Ranch Wagon Ranch Wagon according to Sterling nomenclature. ("Ford" on Hood, Two "Ford"s on each side, 2 Ranch Wagon"s on each side and One "Ford" on the tailgate !)

 

[Daddy-R]

Yes also know Sterling SB-14 is passive but since OP mentioned battery thought his Bass may be New for 2026

Mine's not a SB-14; but I'm sure confused what it is. I just go by what the invoice said, the CC ad, and the headstock (says "SUB Series) It has a 9V battery in in the compartment, and thenbass plays real well for me.