Sterling vs Musicman, popcorn please.

[pappabass]

Guys, I have the latest version of a Sterling Ray4 I bought new. This one is made pretty well, frets finished well. Stays in tune. Neck grain is north/south. Finish is complete but cheap. Actually sounds good. Get compliments on sound frequently. Play it at all my gigs now.
I have been GAS'ing for a real Musicman. Other than the finish, will I be disappointed? Can't expect the MM to be 8 times better. I need to spend some time with a MM. Our music stores here don't carry many $2000+ basses. Same for used ones. Thoughts please...

 

[PotsdamBass8]

There are diminishing returns with instruments. There are certainly noticeable differences. Whether they justify the cost, is up to you. I will also say that the more experience you have, the more you can notice those differences BUT that doesn’t mean that they will necessarily be justifiable to you.

 

[pappabass]

There are diminishing returns with instruments. There are certainly noticeable differences. Whether they justify the cost, is up to you. I will also say that the more experience you have, the more you can notice those differences BUT that doesn’t mean that they will necessarily be justifiable to you.

That is a tough one, I have played for many years, played basses from $50 to $6000 (did not own the $6k! bass!) I have a old school pro bass friend. He plays a beautiful Fodera along with others, Then one night he shows up with a Sterling Ray34. Sounded a little different, that is all. He does not use a pedal.

 

[PotsdamBass8]

That is a tough one, I have played for many years, played basses from $50 to $6000 (did not own the $6k! bass!) I have a old school pro bass friend. He plays a beautiful Fodera along with others, Then one night he shows up with a Sterling Ray34. Sounded a little different, that is all. He does not use a pedal.

I also believe that the biggest differences in the quality of a bass are noticed by the player, not the audience. Even things like pickups, I notice a difference, but I believe most people listening, even bass players, probably won’t.
But USA EBMM basses are very nice, and worth what they charge, in case there was any confusion!

 

[pappabass]

I also believe that the biggest differences in the quality of a bass are noticed by the player, not the audience. Even things like pickups, I notice a difference, but I believe most people listening, even bass players, probably won’t.
But USA EBMM basses are very nice, and worth what they charge, in case there was any confusion!

I believe it, that is why I want one!

 

[Eon Sky]

I own both a four and five string Stingray Special, as well as an Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling (gotta love having to spell it all out to make it clear). 3 for 3, they are the best playing, most comfortable mass production necks I've ever played. That alone makes it worth the price of admission for me. In addition both Stingray Specials are lighter than the EBMM Sterling. Yes, even the five string is lighter. They're remarkable instruments.

If the weight is less of a consideration for you, I found a fair number of EBMM Stingrays that were older when I was shopping on Reverb ranging around $900 - $1,400. The deals are out there for sure.

 

[Stevorebob]

SBMMs are very good instruments. Especially for their price point. They are really nice basses, licensed products based on EBMM designs. But let’s be real: They are not on par with EBMMs. There is a notable difference in components and build. And EBMM does pack in more of the mojos. Whether the difference is important to you or whether it is worthy of the price differential, that is something only you can answer. For me, it matters. YMMV.

 

[ItsmeSantiago]

Depending on what you want to accomplish, but there's a distinct difference between the Sterling and handmade stuff. If you're a local pro, which I would consider anyone who files a 1099, and you need reliability and a durable instrument, I'd pony up the money for the EBMM. If you play occasionally or strictly as a hobby, I'd go with a more practical instrument for that scenario.

I've owned many EBMM and they're all fantastic. I've noodled on a bunch of Sterlings and they're nice for what they are, but I wouldn't want to play a four hour set on any of them.

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

In short, it's completely worth it to me. USA Music Man instruments (along with US G&L, US Lakland, German Warwick, higher-end Japanese Yamaha/Ibanez, and some others) are the most consistently well-made, reliable instruments out there.

The finishes are beautiful and flawless, they have far and away the best mass-produced bolt-on maple necks anywhere, the fretwork is perfect, the tolerances are crazy tight, the construction absolutely rock-solid, and the electronics perfect, neatly-wired, and amazing sounding for many years with no problems.

The import Sterlings get you surprisingly far for the money, but there's really no comparison at all. If you think you'd appreciate a US Music Man and enjoy your Sterling, I can promise you'll not be disappointed by the real thing if you buy one. They're amazing instruments, and if you keep your eye out you can find used ones for absurdly good prices.

I have three currently, a 2003 Sterling (USA bass model, not import line) 4 H, 2012 Sterling 4 HS, and a 1998 USA SUB Sterling (even more confusion), and the three of them are the best I've ever owned by a lot, and the best quality mass-produced basses I've ever handled.

 

[pappabass]

In short, it's completely worth it to me. USA Music Man instruments (along with US G&L, US Lakland, German Warwick, higher-end Japanese Yamaha/Ibanez, and some others) are the most consistently well-made, reliable instruments out there.

The finishes are beautiful and flawless, they have far and away the best mass-produced bolt-on maple necks anywhere, the fretwork is perfect, the tolerances are crazy tight, the construction absolutely rock-solid, and the electronics perfect, neatly-wired, and amazing sounding for many years with no problems.

The import Sterlings get you surprisingly far for the money, but there's really no comparison at all. If you think you'd appreciate a US Music Man and enjoy your Sterling, I can promise you'll not be disappointed by the real thing if you buy one. They're amazing instruments, and if you keep your eye out you can find used ones for absurdly good prices.

I have three currently, a 2003 Sterling (USA bass model, not import line) 4 H, 2012 Sterling 4 HS, and a 1998 USA SUB Sterling (even more confusion), and the three of them are the best I've ever owned by a lot, and the best quality mass-produced basses I've ever handled.

Thanks, do you own a 2 pickup model!

 

[JakobT]

I once saw an interview with Marcus Miller where he talked about the quality of instruments, where he said that a musician needed a reliable instrument that was comfortable to play and stayed in tune, but «the rest is for you», i. e. that anything beyond that is very much a question of what you want - it’s unlikely to make a huge difference to your audience.

With that in mind, you should think about what the difference is worth to you. EBMM instruments are unquestionably much nicer, in fact they’re among the best mass-production instruments available, but they have a price tag to match, and only you can decide whether it’s worth it to you.

 

[stuntbass77]

Having owned a stingray, ray34, and now a SB14 I can tell you that the audience will not notice but you will. I think the ray34 really comes close too the real thing in time. EBMM is some of the best production basses ever made. They are worth the money but if you are not going to use one as a main player I would just stick with a ray34. I like having my SB14 ( import version of a sterling ) around for recoding certain songs but it’s not my first choice. So in my case not having the real deal makes sense. Just something to think about. If you do drop the coin on a EBMM stingray you will be happy with the craftsmanship for sure ! I’d find a light one however.

 

[Thegrandwazoo]

Thanks, do you own a 2 pickup model!

Yep. A 2012 Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling HS. A great, GREAT bass, which turned out to not really be for me due largely to a lack of a bridge coils in parallel (the classic Stingray sound, and the position I use far and away the most on my single-pickup Sterling. I also rewired my SUB Sterling in parallel instead of the default series) switch position. It was my first Music Man and I'll never get rid of it, but I am going to convert it to a passive single-H setup not unlike the Joe Dart signature bass but with a series/single/parallel switch and a tone control.

Again, fantastic bass, just didn't have exactly 'my' sound in it (I should've made sure I better understood its electronics or tried it more extensively before I bought it).

 

[leonard]

Nothing wrong with the Sterling but you know you want the real 'Ray so go ahead and buy it.

 

[LowRick]

A lot can be said about this... but we have more pressing matters:

Popcorn: Sweet or salted?

 

[mcnach]

Guys, I have the latest version of a Sterling Ray4 I bought new. This one is made pretty well, frets finished well. Stays in tune. Neck grain is north/south. Finish is complete but cheap. Actually sounds good. Get compliments on sound frequently. Play it at all my gigs now.
I have been GAS'ing for a real Musicman. Other than the finish, will I be disappointed? Can't expect the MM to be 8 times better. I need to spend some time with a MM. Our music stores here don't carry many $2000+ basses. Same for used ones. Thoughts please...

If you're happy with what you've got... don't go poking the GAS bear

 

[Firewraith]

I agree with what most everyone above has said, i.e. USA made EBMM Stingrays are some of the best made production instruments available, with a price to match. SBMM Ray4s and Ray34s are good, but not at the same level. Only you can decide if it is worth the upcharge.

I owned my SBMM Ray34 1st. I paid $300 for it used, plus tax, at a Guitar Center. It had flats on it at the time of purchase. After new strings and a setup I fell in love with that bass but eventually wanted "the real thing".

Fast forward a few years and I picked up a EBMM Stringray Special HH at 8.3 lbs new from Sweetwater. For my costs the Stingray was amost exactly $2,000 more expensive. I can tell you that I am still thoroughly impressed with the Stingray and (for me) I think it was worth every penny.

I still own both basses, I still play (and enjoy) both basses. They feel different, they weigh different, they sound different. It depends on the circumstances which one I play, i.e. song/genre, venue I am playing at, mood, etc. But I do not hesitate to pick up the Ray34. The biggest reason for me not to is the extra weight, not "quality."

In terms of fit/finish, all around quality construction, and feel my EBMM Stingray Special is MUCH better than my Fender Elite Precision and Very Very close to my Sadowsky 5 Sting. Also know that my EBMM is my #1 gigging bass (back when I had gigs before the pandemic).

I wish you the best on your choice/selection. It really comes down to individual personal preference.

 

[Kaarenonstad]

A really interesting question. 40 years of playing has seen a lot of basses. The last 6 years only Stingray types, as they check all boxes. My Ray34 is a very good bass. My EBMM Stealth has a better neck and preamp. However, as soon as I got my EBMM, I had to change the pickup, because the original was flimsy crap (weak G, not potted, stacked poles). The Pu in the Ray34 was better (but ceramic, so not quite the sound). Both now have Haussel, so Perfect. I also had a Ray34 classic that was indistinguisable from my brothers 1981 MM Stingray in both tone and playability.

There are a lot of very different Stingrays and Rays out there, so You have to try them side by side to decide. As others have said, noone else but You will know, but the bass that makes You feel best, is the best bass for You. (Ray34 now has a Status graphite lined fretless neck. Both have Harry Haussel MM pickups).

 

[beaglesandbass]

Guys, I have the latest version of a Sterling Ray4 I bought new. This one is made pretty well, frets finished well. Stays in tune. Neck grain is north/south. Finish is complete but cheap. Actually sounds good. Get compliments on sound frequently. Play it at all my gigs now.
I have been GAS'ing for a real Musicman. Other than the finish, will I be disappointed? Can't expect the MM to be 8 times better. I need to spend some time with a MM. Our music stores here don't carry many $2000+ basses. Same for used ones. Thoughts please...

Tough question that only you can answer. I think there will be definite differences between the two, and you as the player will notice them. A used EBMM can be found for less than $1000, so I would be searching for that first. I’ve never owned a SBMM so I can’t speak to whether the upgrade was worth it. I own two EBMM though, and I absolutely love them.

 

[Maxdusty]

I've owned several Sterling Ray SUBs (now Ray4), a Sterling Ray 34 and a US EBMM SUB Ray (essentially a true Musicman).

The big difference I'm finding is in the feel between a Musicman and either of the two Sterlings, yes there's also a difference in sound and overall quality, but the most noticeable when you switch between them is definitely with how it feels in your hands. It's a little like the difference between a $100 pair of Nike sneakers and a $20 pair you buy at Walmart. They're both shoes, they're both your size, and you can run in both of them. In some cases and for some people, the difference is less of an issue or obvious unless you really give it a thought, but the difference in quality is there.

There is far less of a difference between the Sterling models, other than the Ray34 maybe sounding a little better, better bridge but both feel pretty much the same in your hands (the Ray4 neck will be a little slimmer and is a 2 band EQ as opposed to 3).