Two basses- can only get one..

[Lesfunk]

Two basses.
I Can buy only one
1. New old stock USA Sterling SUB
2. used EBMM Caprice for $400 more

which path to take?

I think I know the answer but interested in what the others think.

 

[tangentmusic]

Do a side by side and see which one suits you best

Your question can only be answered by you.

 

[Lesfunk]

Do a side by side and see which one suits you best

Your question can only be answered by you.

Of course that’s the right answer but....
Nope. I can’t play either one in person.
I’ve got to purchase and have them shipped before I can find out.

I’m very familiar with music man products so I do have a point of reference.

 

[tangentmusic]

Nope. I can’t play either one in person.
I’ve got to purchase and have them shipped before I can find out.

Looks like the Walmart parking lot then

 

[lfmn16]

I had a Caprice it was very "meh" so I'd vote for the SUB. I've heard really good things about the made in US SUBS. I've had several Stingrays and they've ranged from great to not so great, so make sure there is a return policy.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

This is tough if you like both since they two discontinued models. I say get the NOS SUB Sterling because a USA SUB in new shape has got to be very rare, plus it is cheaper too.

 

[Inara]

Two basses.
I Can buy only one
1. New old stock USA Sterling SUB
2. used EBMM Caprice for $400 more

which path to take?

I think I know the answer but interested in what the others think.

The Caprice I owned was the finest fretted bass I've ever played. For me, it would be the Caprice. The only reason mine is gone is that I just don't play fretted bass much at all and got in a financial bind where something had to be sold. But I miss it to this day.

That said, if I already had a great PJ in my arsenal and didn't have the Stingray vibe covered, that could change my mind ...

 

[Lesfunk]

The Caprice I owned was the finest fretted bass I've ever played. For me, it would be the Caprice. The only reason mine is gone is that I just don't play fretted bass much at all and got in a financial bind where something had to be sold. But I miss it to this day.

That said, if I already had a great PJ in my arsenal and didn't have the Stingray vibe covered, that could change my mind ...

I’ve got stingrays, a four string SLO ( 2band) and a Classic 5. What I don’t have is a passive fenderish bass.
The SUB holds interest simply because of its rarity

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I’ve got stingrays, a four string SLO and a Classic 5. What I don’t have is a passive fenderish bass.
The SUB holds interest simply because of its rarity

Since you put it that way, get the Caprice. I own a SUB Sterling that I absolutely love, but it is not a financially valuable bass.

 

[Lesfunk]

Since you put it that way, get the Caprice. I own a SUB Sterling that I absolutely love, but it is not a financially valuable bass.

not to mention that they’re asking pretty much top dollar for it

 

[Dr. Cheese]

not to mention that they’re asking pretty much top dollar for it

I will share that you mentioned the price to me in a PM, and I agree it is a high price although dirt cheap compared to a new Sterling. That said, a new Sterling would be a much prettier bass with a coil splitter and a contoured body.

 

[micguy]

You can make a clone Caprice out of any PJ, with a couple of pickups from Delano - a relatively easy thing to replicate sonically, should you decide later that that is what you really wanted.

The Sterling is a bit harder to clone - special pickups and electronics. Since that's the more "unique"/less replicable one, I'd lean that way.

 

[Killing Floor]

The right answer is whichever one fits your fretting hand better. But Caprice.

 

[five7]

I have owned two USA sterling subs. Both outstanding. Paid 185 for one and 300 for the other. Owned a caprice also. Nice but would pick the sterling over it, mainly because of the bridge.

 

[Lesfunk]

I have owned two USA sterling subs. Both outstanding. Paid 185 for one and 300 for the other. Owned a caprice also. Nice but would pick the sterling over it, mainly because of the bridge.

They’re asking way more than what you paid. Lol
What about the bridge on the caprice? Looks to me like a stingray special bridge

 

[Lesfunk]

I shouldn’t have made the P bass with flats an option to vote on. Cuz that ... never gonna happen

 

[51PRI]

I shouldn’t have made the P bass with flats an option to vote on. Cuz that ... never gonna happen

Why? Cause THAT'S the best choice of the 3. (You know you can change the strings, right?)

 

[five7]

They’re asking way more than what you paid. Lol
What about the bridge on the caprice? Looks to me like a stingray special bridge

I imagine prices have went up. Could not get the action as low as I like even with factory neck shims and shorter grub screws. Plus it was neck heavy.

 

[Shlabotnik]

Played a Caprice at a shop one day and *loved* it. Almost bought it. Bought something else instead (not one of your options). Doesn't mean I didn't love that Caprice! I bet you will too... Played like a dream.

 

[51PRI]

I imagine prices have went up. Could not get the action as low as I like even with factory neck shims and shorter grub screws. Plus it was neck heavy.

Grub screws?