Which Ernie Ball to keep?

[metron]

I’ve been lucky enough to acquire 4 nice Ernie Balls recently. All great basses, but unfortunately one has to go and I can’t decide so here’s a thread with a poll!

I have two Stingray Specials 5H and 5HH as well as two Sterlings 4H and 4HH. The choice here is between the Stingray 5HH and the Sterling 4HH.

Here are some of my thoughts:

Sound - I like the new eq on the Specials a little better. It’s more “musical” I guess, but I like the more aggressive tone of the Sterling. The Stingray can be eq’d to be more aggressive but it’s native voice is more smooth. The Sterling always sounds aggressive which I do like. Stingray is probably more versatile across different genres.

Feel - The smaller neck of the Sterling is a bit easier to play, but the Stingray roasted neck is great. Both balance perfect on a strap. Kind of a toss up here.

Cosmetics - I definitely prefer the looks of the Sterling red burst. The special black and maple is fine but with the roasted neck, it’s really just black and brown.

Weight - Both are under 9 lbs. I think the Sterling is a few ounces heavier.

5 vs 4 - Another toss up. I have 3 5s and 3 4s. No preference for one over the other.

So which would you keep and why?

 

[Epitaph04]

Whichever one you like most.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

If it were me, I would keep the Sterling because I love the thin neck and little body.

 

[silence.speaks]

Dang, as someone in your area, I'd be tempted to take either of those home. I'll have to keep an eye out for what you decide.

 

[flannel cat]

considering you just got them id just play the hell outta them ,and see which one chooses you.. the fingers will do the vote.

 

[Hundred proof]

I’d have to keep that Sterling, I love mine that body and neck combination are perfect for me … and there are rumblings that it may be discontinued (probably to end the EBMM vs SBMM confusion)

 

[metron]

If it were me, I would keep the Sterling because I love the thin neck and little body.

I’d have to keep that Sterling, I love mine that body and neck combination are perfect for me … and there are rumblings that it may be discontinued (probably to end the EBMM vs SBMM confusion)

View attachment 4595109

Yep the ergos of the Sterling are ideal for me. Not that the Ray is uncomfortable, but the 4 fits like a glove as they say.

 

[metron]

considering you just got them id just play the hell outta them ,and see which one chooses you.. the fingers will do the vote.

The trouble is they are all winners and I would keep them all, but one has to be converted into cashiola.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

5 strings and smoother tone of specials would be a keeper for me.

 

[Lesfunk]

If I were you I would probably try to sell the sterling to me!
That’s actually one of my old basses

 

[Marc DLarosa]

Sell the Stingray 5, and get a Sterling 4HS (IF You can find one), in order to complete your Sterling collection...

 

[Grooveline]

I'd have to ask myself what these two basses bring that the other two not up for sale (Stingray 5H Special, and Sterling 5HH) don't. Depending on the answer I might see them both go.

Just a toss up between those two, i'd keep the Stingray 5HH Special cause it can get the smooth which I personally prefer with Stingrays. I own a 4H Classic.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I’d say let the Stingray go and throw a Detuner on the Sterling, I got a detuner on mine and I really like it!
Also, may be interested if that Stingray ends up in the classifieds! But that doesn’t bias my opinion! I swear!

 

[Ricky Rioli]

Keep the 5HH.

Starting from the 4H, both the 5H and the 4HH add one degree of versatility. The 5HH adds both. One of the in-betweeners should be the one to go, and since you've decided to keep the 5H, bye bye to the 4HH.

 

[flannel cat]

The trouble is they are all winners and I would keep them all, but one has to be converted into cashiola.

damn! thats too bad. i think if i was to sell one id sell the black one, the other one is the keeper if i had to decide.

 

[flannel cat]

I went back and stared at the two of them again,,,if you need the cash id sell your sofa or maybe a nice end table and keep em both.... disregard my above post,,,i cannot choose..

 

[Sub-hoo-fer]

Does not look like the poll is helping. The Sterling is up by only 2 votes 42 votes in. I voted for the Sterling based on string spacing but @Ricky Rioli has great logic as well.

 

[CallMeAl]

The trouble is they are all winners and I would keep them all, but one has to be converted into cashiola.

you seem to be set otherwise in the bass dept, and you are pretty even on these two. I was thinking personally- If I needed cash I’d sell the one that got me the most of it. If not, sell the cheaper one.

 

[Bass4LifeRS]

Hide both basses for 2 weeks, see which you miss the most.

 

[TerenceE]

Stingrays are a dime a dozen. Keep the Sterling HH!