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Sterlings at MF

#41
I think the Stingray model looks great, and I will likely buy one as soon as I can unload a non-player or two. Being made overseas doesn't bother me. I have 3 MIJ Fenders, and they are great. I also have 2 MIMs and they easily surpass the crappy 70's Fender basses I owned and eveyone seems to want now. Back then, it was all about "pre-CBS" vs "post-CBS." Frankly, I think it is wise of Fender to blur the lines of origin and just make good instruments. As for these Sterlings, what's not to love here? My son can afford one on his own, and I can too. I may be old and comparatively well-off, but I cannot justify laying out $1400 for the USA made models.
 
#45
What a great economy comrpomise!

OLP's are inexpensive but just too low quality. SUB's are a funk machine under a G, but too costly to make due to Made in USA. So, EB goes for some overseas parts and keeps themselves in the 'under a G' market, but still a step ahead of the OLP (I mean 20 steps!). That is how you do business. And a sunburst Ray 34 looks mighty good!

I am highly thinking of trading in my '94 Made in Japan Sunburst Jazz (got it used for $400 7 years ago!) for a Sunburst Ray 34! I just want: 1. a second MM (got a SUB), and 2. something wider than a Jazz neck.
 
#46
TrooperFarva said:
Yes you are.

I'm surprised by the animosity in this thread.

The Sterling by Musicman line, besides the name, is exactly analogous to the Tribute line by G&L. I don't know if the Tribute line suffered the same animosity when it first came out, but it's very much praised now.
Click to expand...

I've said it before but if you notice G&L,Spector and Warwick have all in recent years made their budget line more similar to its more expensive models. This helps relieve some of the stigma of owning an "entry" level model. The average bassist will know the difference and some may not. EBMM is following more of the Fender/Squier and Gibson/Epiphone route of making a separate identity for its budget line. A complete reversal of the SUB line.
I don't think EBMM will ever change the direction of its marketing.
In fact if you ever follow the EBMM forums you will see that Sterling Ball is pretty adamant about the name on the headstock and the reasons behind it. He is the boss and he is entitled to that even though some of us may be scratching our heads. Im am going to wait it out and see of these basses are any good before jumping on the them.

ah what the heck Im gassing for a Ric so i probably WONT be buying one (atleast not yet)
 
#48
Now I can have a Stingray and a Sterling in the same instument! And why is the line (like the bass) named after Ernie Ball's son? Couldn't they come up with something else, or a super awesome nickname for one of his other sons? Just a thought.
 

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