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What's Up With The 10lb EBMM Sterlings?

A

Auctopus

Inactive
Jul 5, 2008
43
0
#1
Just saw a Sterling for sale in the TB Classifieds weighing 9lbs 7oz and it reminded me why I sold the three Sterlings I owned at different times.

If I wanted a 10lb Musicman I'd buy a Stingray.

Ok, I'm exaggerating a bit but I thought one of the selling points of the Sterling was a smaller body, thinner neck and weighing less than a Stingray.

I know the Sterlings vary in weight but the lightest I've seen was 8lbs 8oz.

I think the problem is the Ash body. Don't know if it is Swamp Ash or Northern Ash which is heavier that EBMM is using.

Also, Swamp Ash varies depending on what part of the tree it came from.

I would like to see EBMM use a different wood on the Sterling (Alder, Popular).

Just curious to see if anyone else thinks Sterlings should weigh less the the advertised "9lbs Varies" as seen on the Sterling's specs.

Let me hear your thoughts.
 
#3
My sterling 4 is a pig compared to the fretless sterling I have. I have never weighed them but the fretless is noticeably lighter which is good for my neck. I might consider switchiing the necks if possible. Seems like most of them are on the heavier side.
 
#7
Auctopus said:
Just saw a Sterling for sale in the TB Classifieds weighing 9lbs 7oz and it reminded me why I sold the three Sterlings I owned at different times.

If I wanted a 10lb Musicman I'd buy a Stingray.

Ok, I'm exaggerating a bit but I thought one of the selling points of the Sterling was a smaller body, thinner neck and weighing less than a Stingray.

I know the Sterlings vary in weight but the lightest I've seen was 8lbs 8oz.

I think the problem is the Ash body. Don't know if it is Swamp Ash or Northern Ash which is heavier that EBMM is using.

Also, Swamp Ash varies depending on what part of the tree it came from.

I would like to see EBMM use a different wood on the Sterling (Alder, Popular).

Just curious to see if anyone else thinks Sterlings should weigh less the the advertised "9lbs Varies" as seen on the Sterling's specs.

Let me hear your thoughts.
Click to expand...

I don't see a problem. They weigh exactly what EBMM says they will weigh. Why should they weigh less than what ernie ball says they'll weigh? The point of the sterling is the smaller body and neck, they never mention anything about weight as a selling point. Almost all single H models come in between 9-9.5lbs. I've owned Stingrays that tip 11lbs, so I would say the sterling is in fact a weight saver, even though it's not advertised as one. I find that the weight of the sterling is my comfort threshold. When you start getting past 9.5lbs my shoulder won't like it if it's not perfectly balanced.
 
#10
I see people talking about how the Sterling is "lighter" all the time; that's Internet Wisdom. Someone repeating something they heard from someone who knew someone who had a cousin who worked part-time at a 7-11 down the street from the Music Man Factory.

I have never found Sterlings to be any lighter in general than Stingrays.

But neither have I encountered a bunch of 10 lb plus Sterlings or Stingrays.

I mean, for whatever that's worth.
 
#11
bovinehost said:
I see people talking about how the Sterling is "lighter" all the time; that's Internet Wisdom. Someone repeating something they heard from someone who knew someone who had a cousin who worked part-time at a 7-11 down the street from the Music Man Factory.

I have never found Sterlings to be any lighter in general than Stingrays.

But neither have I encountered a bunch of 10 lb plus Sterlings or Stingrays.

I mean, for whatever that's worth.
Click to expand...

condescension aside, ernie ball advertises the sterling as being lighter. ive seen probably more 10 pound stingrays than 9 pound. totally bummed that the natural stingray classic that came in to the shop i work at is a 9 pounder. if it was heavy id be working my hours to pay off a stingray!
 
#14
narud said:
condescension aside, ernie ball advertises the sterling as being lighter.
Click to expand...

Here's the official instrument page:

http://www.music-man.com/instruments/basses/sterling.html

And I wasn't being condescending. I was pointing out in a humorous way that a lot of weird information gets passed around the internet because someone read it somewhere.

If you have an example of Music Man advertising the Sterling as "lighter" than a Stingray, I'd like to see it. Not saying it ain't out there.......just sayin'.
 
#15
bovinehost said:
Here's the official instrument page:

http://www.music-man.com/instruments/basses/sterling.html

And I wasn't being condescending. I was pointing out in a humorous way that a lot of weird information gets passed around the internet because someone read it somewhere.

If you have an example of Music Man advertising the Sterling as "lighter" than a Stingray, I'd like to see it. Not saying it ain't out there.......just sayin'.
Click to expand...

have you looked at the stingray page and read the weight?
 
#16
Hey,

Guys thanks for all the comments. I guess I'm just getting old and week and just like basses around the 8.5 lbs range or less. This is probably do to the fact that I started playing bass as a hobby at the late age of 44 (now 48) so I never had any experience of having a 10 to 11 pounder hanging from my shoulder for very long time.
 

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