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Why have "Sterling" lo line EBMM?????

F

Factory Rage

Jul 3, 2009
6
0
St. Thomas, Ontario
#1
I feel sick...,,,, I have a beautiful EBMM Sterling from 2000 which is officially a piece of junk(in theory) now due to the 2010 EBMM "Sterling" series. A glorified piece of crap on the backs of the suckers(me) who paid big dollars for the real deal back in the day.

I know my EBMMS is a quality instrument but I just can't grasp the erosion of the USA made music instrument industry. I feel many serious bass players visit this site and should be wary --- the best is not necessarily the highest priced. I have played for 15 years and am just now getting some real information. Check Low Down Sound.com I live in and love Canada, but god bless the USA!!!!!

Jim Kelch
 
#3
I think everyone is pretty clear on the differences between these basses? And just for the record, I have an EBMM USA Sterling...and I have played one of the new Sterling By Musicman SB's, and it was a great bass I have to say...I understand your discontent, but its far from a crappy bass...if it'd had a maple fretboard I would've bought it
 
#4
It worked exactly the opposite way for G&L. A bunch of people tried Tributes because of the low price and now the prices on used USA G&Ls have been steadily climbing. Hopefully that will happen with MusicMan as well.
 
#5
I don't think my bass is a piece of junk. I just really dislike when a quality company choses "the bottom line" mentality after building a reputation for building the best. I don't mind paying for good gear!!!!!!! I feel it cheapens the Ernie Ball name to offer a low line model with the same name as the premium instruments it builds.
 
#7
Well, not to start an argument, but the Sterling by MusicMan line doesn't have the same instrument names. The bass that is similiar to an EBMM Sterling 4H is the SB14. The EBMM Stingray 4H is an Ray34 and the instrument like a Stingray 5H is the Ray35.

Also the SBMM instruments are comparable to Lakland's Skyline series, G&L's Tribute Series, Spector's Performer Series. The idea is to get instruments with pretty close to the same characteristics into as large a user community as possible to spread your brand.

Nothing has changed about EBMM instruments, but the Sterling line has allowed to get a Music Man-type instrument into more people's hands. Besides, they are definitely better than the old OLP basses.

Peace.
 
#8
Factory Rage said:
I don't think my bass is a piece of junk. I just really dislike when a quality company choses "the bottom line" mentality after building a reputation for building the best. I don't mind paying for good gear!!!!!!! I feel it cheapens the Ernie Ball name to offer a low line model with the same name as the premium instruments it builds.
Click to expand...

Perhaps you should visit the EB forums and do a little reading.

And if you have played the new sterling line, you would know that it in no way "cheapens" the ebmm name. It's an introductory line that is an incredible buy for the price. If anything, I would say that it shows EBMM's commitment to quality, even in an import.
 
#10
Factory Rage said:
I don't think my bass is a piece of junk. I just really dislike when a quality company choses "the bottom line" mentality after building a reputation for building the best. I don't mind paying for good gear!!!!!!! I feel it cheapens the Ernie Ball name to offer a low line model with the same name as the premium instruments it builds.
Click to expand...

Agreed...same thing that happened to Warwick in the late 90s with the "Rock" line...company totally downhill from there....or Taylor Guitars with 100 and 200 series...don't cloud your brand image.

Still love my EBMM SR5s though!
 
#11
Factory Rage said:
A glorified piece of crap on the backs of the suckers(me) who paid big dollars for the real deal back in the day.
Click to expand...


A piece of crap? not at all my friend. I have had my Sterling for ten years and I have never thought about selling or replacing it. The tone is killer and the neck is super fast. I could honestly care less what it says on the headstock, its all about the sound and the feel. The Sterling by Music Man basses are quality basses, but no near the fit and finish of the real thing. Who cares if people think your bass is cool or not, chances are it's really all about how you play it that matters.
 
#13
you're saying:

- you think your Musicman bass is now a 'piece of crap' because they have released a lower priced range of basses

- 'the best is not always the higher priced'

...i call troll :)

5/10. not coherent enough to be a real human's opinions, but some good button-pushing, well-aimed. You've obviously done your background research but you lack the reasoning skills to compile your findings into an effective 20-page flamefest. However you do show raw talent and workmanlike approach, and you may be one to watch further along the 2010 season.




;)
 
#15
This is just a terrible mentality to have, haha. If you like the bass, then play it. If you don't, then sell it. What the **** should it matter what the company is doing currently? Also, the fear that other people might not be aware of how expensive your bass is, just comes off as insecure. The SBMM line is a great buy for the money IMO.
 
#16
I own 2 Early Sterlings and i recently played the New Sterling too. I thought is was a good sounding bass for the money. I am sure Stuart Spector was ok with his NS2 usa and NS2a import version. Common folks like me who couldn't afford to dish out 2 grand could have a piece of the Spector name for a smaller price. just my thought.
 
#17
Look... It's clear that EBMM is risking devaluing their "Sterling" basses with these off-shored "Sterlings" - - which is why many folks have been scratching their heads over this very odd marketing decision...

But your EBMM Sterling is still a fine bass (I've had 2 - they're nice). If the perception of value is what you care about... well, maybe you need to spend more time focusing on practicing....
 

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