Sterling (Red Head Stepchild Syndrome)

[SidNitzerglobin]

Sure, Ernie Ball perhaps should have just used a different name for the imports, but IMHO, they have done a superb job of providing budget instruments that genuinely fell and sound great.

Yeah, so far most of the Sterling by Music Man instruments I've tried have presented nice value (seem very similar in approach to the G&L Tributes to me), it just makes for a lot of confusion when you're trying to sell an EBMM Sterling to those who are only aware of the name as a budget alternative brand.

 

[rtslinger]

IMHO the OLP was the red headed step child

 

[fu22ba55]

Those are great basses as well. Not expensive. Sure there are a few compromises made to keep the price low, but they still play and sound really good.

Agreed 100%. Problem is, when I ask for a Sterling bass, (thinking a EBMM Sterling 4H) they invariably point me to a Sterling by Musicman Stingray. I want the 1.5" nut and smaller body, not a Classic Stingray. I don't think they make a Sterling by Music Man Sterling? Do they? That would multiply the confusion.
I love inexpensive instruments that are a great value. I just don't like P-Bass nut-widths.

 

[Snakeman1066]

IMHO the OLP was the red headed step child

nope...oldest and first born...lol

 

[Holdsg]

I always wanted to talk to Big Poppa and tell him to rename the Sterling model.
But since it was named after him, I don't think it was wise to do so.

 

[Holdsg]

For the record, I would name it Barracuda

 

[40Hz]

it (Sterling by MusicMan) is in fact, inferior.

Because?

 

[Artman]

Agreed 100%. Problem is, when I ask for a Sterling bass, (thinking a EBMM Sterling 4H) they invariably point me to a Sterling by Musicman Stingray. I want the 1.5" nut and smaller body, not a Classic Stingray. I don't think they make a Sterling by Music Man Sterling? Do they? That would multiply the confusion.
I love inexpensive instruments that are a great value. I just don't like P-Bass nut-widths.

The base model Ray 4/5 "Sub Series" are more Sterling than Sting Ray. They have the slim Sterling neck profile and a lighter body than the 25/35/classic etc. which are based on the StingRay dimensions.
Another naming goof up on their part.
I think they are all great basses, EBMM just need to be a little more specific and creative with naming their imports.

 

[Thundar]

I love Sterlings, and much prefer them over Stingrays. Honestly, most of the musicians I know would not have the first friggin clue what the difference is between them, nor would they know the difference by looking at them...especially drummers
None of the guitar players I know would know or care....they think Spectors are Schecters

 

[fu22ba55]

The base model Ray 4/5 "Sub Series" are more Sterling than Sting Ray. They have the slim Sterling neck profile and a lighter body than the 25/35/classic etc. which are based on the StingRay dimensions.

This is cool, I did not know this.

Another naming goof up on their part.
I think they are all great basses, EBMM just need to be a little more specific and creative with naming their imports.

I've pretty much checked out on trying to keep up. Between the "Warkick Rockbass" debacle and Fender's ever-changing "American-Player-Standard-Special-Edition-but Maybe-Made-in-Mexico-But-Made-in-America-Series" I think the only way to know what you're getting is to play it first. I've played MIM Fenders that sound and feel fantastic.

I'll play a $199 bass all year if it feels and sounds right.

 

[bassclef112]

I didn't care for the Stingrays I tried, never bought. I bought a new '94 Sterling instead not long after they came out. The outstanding neck (the shape is a duplicate of the '62 Jazz I had) and smaller body suited me very well.

The Stingray is an established icon, like P or J. There will always be gear snobs. So what. Play your stuff well and hard.

P.S. I eventually had to get away from the Sterling sound and dropped in a Lane Poor MM and an Aguilar OBP-3. I'm very pleased.

 

[selowitch]

I own the following EBMM basses:

1998 StingRay 5H (Black/maple)
2001 StingRay 5H (Honeyburst/maple)
2001 Sterling 4H (Blue pearl/maple)
2014 Caprice (Heritage tobacco/rosewood)​

... and I say who cares what a bunch of ill-informed strangers think of your bass? If you like it, play it and enjoy it.

 

[Artman]

For sure. It's just the same as people dissing other players' choice of amplifier or cabs just because it isn't what they would have purchased. It's childish on their part.

 

[swink]

Are Sterlings the Red headed step child of EBMM family?

Looking at the pedigree I would sooner say grandchild.
The Stingray5 was marketed as the 5 string version of the Primal Stingray, and people saw that it was good. Many saw the advantage of the thinner neck and the three-way switch, so it was quickly realized that a 4-string version of the Singray5 could be made, and the Sterling was born. The purists never accepted this development and still look down on what they see as its sick little brother. But the people who could appreciate the Sterling have accepted it lovingly into their family...

Later the Sterling5 was developed, whether the 4-string version of this will resemble the primal Stingray, I cannot say for sure, but the chance exists.

 

[Bassclef46]

Because?

Because by definition of the word

 

[A9X]

I'm not a fan or the EBMMs, but have never played a Sterling. Your description of the smaller body and neck has me curious to try one now, as I never knew the differences.

However, I play all sorts of unusual instruments and if someone makes a disparaging comment, they either get ignored (DILLIGAF) or get told what I think of their opinion; I've been told I can make a sailor blush.

 

[SidNitzerglobin]

Because obviously opinion = fact

 

[selowitch]

I bet a lot of the folks who look down on the Sterling have never tried one.

 

[40Hz]

Because by definition of the word

Ok. I’ll play your little game. How is it inferior?

Because your circular argument: “by definition of the word” doesn’t answer my question. All you’re saying is: Inferior things are inferior because …they're inferior!

So, how are you defining your term “inferior” in this instance.

Not too difficult question I’d say. I’m genuinely curious to hear your answer.

 

[Pings Bass]

At least it's not a Bongo ... jk

THAT is the red headed stepchild of EBMM

 

[swink]

well, it (Sterling by MusicMan) is in fact, inferior. there is nothing wrong with owning one. but it is inferior.

When you look at the quality you get, relative to its contenders in its price range, I don't think you can speak of inferiority.