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Sterling (Red Head Stepchild Syndrome)

#63
I do think the EBMM Sterling suffers from guilt-by-association with the SBMM StingRay and that might be why some people assume the former is inferior to the EBMM StingRay. The truth is that the EBMM StingRay and EBMM Sterling are of similar quality and moreover, the SBMM StingRay is no slouch. Dollar for dollar, one could argue that you get more for your money with the SBMM StingRay.

As an aside, I find it interesting that the Bongo has apparently survived for quite a bit longer than Caprice and Cutlass, despite its controversial body shape. I certainly like my Caprice!
 
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#67
40Hz said:
Because?
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FWIW I have played EBMM and Sterling by MM, there is a difference in quality. Primarily the quality of the neck is better. It is hard to explain but when playing basses, there is a “solid feel” that the nicer necks have. Not heavier or thinner/thicker, nothing to do with string spacing or neck shape...it is just a feel of a well constructed neck. I dunno, maybe I’m weird. But the SBMMs I’ve tried didn’t contain this “quality” so-to-speak.
 
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#69
swink said:
I know you know, but does @Bassclef46 knows?
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Lol. Is it that important to prove someone wrong that you assume what someone knows and doesn’t know? This goes to the heart of the op original comment. People who judge and worry and care about what they think other people say and think and do. Why does anyone care what someone else thinks of their bass? In the same way that why does someone care about what they think someone else knows?

just play and be happy.

never the less. I have known since page 1.
 
#72
As a huge fan of the Stingray bass (i currently have a few of them), I would certainly not look down on anyone playing an EBMM Sterling (or any bass for that matter). Though I haven't had the chance to try a Sterling, I would really like to, however they just don't seem to make it here to Canada. Even our biggest retailer in Canada that sells EBMM basses doesn't seem to carry any Sterling models. For basses, it seems to be only Stingrays and Bongos.
 
#73
Snakeman1066 said:
so a couple years back i managed to snag a U.S.A. made Sterling HS-4 from a collector who basically didn't play them (he had two)

I for one like the smaller neck profile and the smaller body vs, the other models (which actually kept me from buying them for years)...but it seem to run into a lot of indifference or flat out hate for Sterlings vs. Stingrays....what gives?

Are Sterlings the Red headed step child of EBMM family?

but honestly i get a lot of nasty comments about my wanna-be Stingray


View attachment 4186385
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That's a nice bass. I love my Ray35. I used to get that as well. I think people confused them with S.U.B.s for some reason. :woot::woot::woot:
 
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#74
I've never had any hate on my EBMM Sterling but maybe some slight confusion. Usually I'm told, man I really dig your Stingray! I just say "Thanks!" but impulsively I have to say it's an US made EBMM Sterling and then go on about it. Honestly, I've only ran into a couple of bassist in over 10 years of playing this bass that even cared to notice it. Even then, those bassist already knew I was playing the good stuff or went on about how they always wanted to jam on one but never can find them.
 
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#75
carbonfold said:
I've never had any hate on my EBMM Sterling but maybe some slight confusion. Usually I'm told, man I really dig your Stingray! I just say "Thanks!" but impulsively I have to say it's an US made EBMM Sterling and then go on about it. Honestly, I've only ran into a couple of bassist in over 10 years of playing this bass that even cared to notice it. Even then, those bassist already knew I was playing the good stuff or went on about how they always wanted to jam on one but never can find them.
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Lol. Sometimes I play a FrankenBass no name on stage. If a bassists comes up and tries the snobbery thing I just ask them why they're in the crowd and not playing on stage. :thumbsup:
 
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#76
I'm glad you like your Sterling, but...I have stepkids, and resent people associating them with less than first rate or something. Maybe if one was red headed, I'd feel different, but they're good kids.

Sorry, back to the topic.
 
#78
All that I care about is that a bass is easy to play and has the right number of strings with the right sound that I need at the moment. I don't understand people who have to insult other people's gear or bag on them about it. I've had other players tell me that my Pedulla is an inferior instrument. I suppose nothing is good enough for some people. I feel sorry for the people who have to put up with them in everyday life.
"Why can't we be friends..why can't we be friends...."
 
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#79
Sterling basses are nice. Just be you and rock. Next time someone tells you it's not a good bass just smile and as they walk away check 'em with your size 12 boot.
Only people in the world who would know the difference between a Ray or a Sterling Ray are bassists. And bassists shouldn't be jerks to other bassists. Save that for the drummer!

Keep rocking that hatchet and don't worry about what someone says.
 
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