STERLING Fingerstyle: parallel 10:33 single 11:25 series 12:19 Slap: parallel 13:14 single: 13:37 series 13:56 STINGRAY Fingerstyle: parallel 10:58 single 11:52 series 12:45 The Stingray has more high ends and you can hear the “zing” sound but you don't know if it's because of the different preamps and/or the different pickups (and the strings are different as well...) But I think the Sterling narrowed neck nut is priceless!
I own both basses, they are truly incredible instruments. While they are both bright, punchy, aggressive basses, I find the Sterling has a bit more of a low-mid 'smoothness' to it. The Stingray just has more of an in-your-face 'je ne sais quoi', especially when digging in. I'd play the Sterling at a wedding and the Stingray at a bar. The biggest difference is the nut width by far, my Ray feels like the fat end of a baseball bat relative to the Sterling. In the mix they are both distinctly Music Man basses, but by themselves side by side, the unique character of both basses really shines. I completely agree that the EBMM Sterling/SBMM branding nomenclature was a very poor decision and a huge oversight. The Sterling is equal to the Stingray in build/part quality but it's devalued simply because of perception and name association of the Indonesian imports. Good content on this channel by the way.
Agreed. The SB14 goes through a rigorous process when it arrives in the states. It's checked for quality control, intonation, and set-up are checked for accuracy.
Same here, he had an older dark blue version with the maple fretboard going through an all-tube SVT Pro way back in the day & it was an amazing pairing. Of course that was before he got into P bass's and lost alotta punch live :-( I honestly think his tone was way better with the Sterling, too bad he got away from those after recording/ touring a bunch for the Adrenaline album. Man if I could go back in time...
@@sethnicholls7861 check out Chi’s bass tone during the Waldrock 2000 performance, the one where Chino’s smashed out of his mind. I think it’s during Feiticeira, but Chi’s tone is unreal! I’d love an all tube Ampeg through a 15 inch cab, but it’s just too pricey. I’ve got my eye on an old SVT-II PRO though.
Thanks for this video! I've never known the difference until I saw this. My friend was given a prototype Music Man that he thought was a Stingray. Because of this video, I was able to pin it down as a Sterling- and after some research, I think it might be literally be the first Sterling ever made. Great work as always.
You're quickly becoming one of my to-go bass channels. It seems that whenever I want to know something about a bass, preamp or pickups your channel always pops up and delivers an answer/comparison for me to decide.
I used to own an amazing '77 Stingray and fell in love with the classic 2-band sound, but I've always preferred a Jazz bass/Sterling sized neck. Had a Sterling briefly years ago, but never grew to like the sound of that pickup/EQ combo. I have a Ray 34 that I recently threw a MojoTone 2-band EQ into and thought about doing something similar with a Sterling by swapping out the pickup and electronics to keep that Sterling feel, but get a sound much closer to my Stingray.
Had my Sterling since 93 got it when they first came out, Love my 96 Stingray too... but the Sterling is much superior in everyway cannot beat that look and Jazz style neck :) Also I've notice now they are making the Stingray more like the Sterling now...Smaller body, 5 bolt neck with that curve, more frets etc The first position on the pickup select when doing things like tapping sounds really strong and fluid which you don't get from a Stingray. I'm amazed how so many don't really know that much about the Sterling.
I've owned a 2002 and a 2010 4 and 5 StingRay.covid hit and sold both of them but as clubs started opening back up I picked up an Sterling that needed alot of electronic work and other issues at a pawnshop for 200.Thank you sir for doing your videos.its been quite enlightening on what I really have.I will be playing some shows with it soon and we'll see if I keep it or just spend the money on another Ernie Ball 5 string.Shalom
ive owned multiple sterlings and stingray basses and kept my tangerine sterling similar to yours. They do have a a more mid present tone kind of like a p bass but more focused. While the stingray sounds more scooped naturally and gets a better sizzle on the top end kind of like a an active jazz. The sterling can get that stingray sound when it has newer strings on it but once they start dulling out the mids come out again. The sterling is definitely a more versatile bass but I am still wanting a stingray again ,unfortunately they got really expensive even second hand.
Can't wait to see full review. For me it has the "thing" of a Stingray but in different flavour, just like Ray Special. And it has more tonal possibilities.
Glad you made this video detailing the two. A 94' model year sterling with the larger bridge has been my main stay for a few years now and a go to when recording. Cheers!
Hah, my cat started rubbing against my leg right when your cat first started meowing at you in the video! Cats like bass! Really cool comparison of these two. Seems to me that the StingRay cuts more than the Sterling. So which sounds better depends on what setting you are in.
I have a 1997 rosewood neck Sterling, bought from the London Bass Centre in Wapping. I used it on many TV sessions and a major West End theatre show. And great for slapping.
The Sterling is really under-appreciated and you can hardly find a video about them. Thank you! Branding is confusing though with their less expensive lineup under the same name.
Always loved the Sterling, and this one is the perfect spec. And I always told myself I wouldn’t consider a Sterling unless I already had a Stingray...well now I have a Stingray (Special) so I GUESS IT’S THAT TIME
Awesome video. I'm picking up a SBMM today! I've been wanting an music man for a long time now. I've been playing on a couple Ibanez basses for years now. Wanted to switch it up a bit.
Thanks for another great video. It is instructive as to the subtle differences between these two basses, small sample size notwithstanding. As always, you leave me laughing. Thanks again, Lobster.
Is it just me or the Sterling sounds warmer? And even in single coil mode it doesn't sound weak like when soloing a jazz bass bridge single coil for example. Very interesting instrument. Thanks for the video!
Call me crazy but there's something about the Sterling that just sounds better if you understand the preamp and how to dial in exactly what you want. It's kind of like the Sterling can do what the Stingray does tonality wise, but the Stingray can't sound quite like a Sterling lol.
Hey low end lobster will the Mike pope flexcore preamp fit into the sterling back cavity? and when I’m looking for the colors it comes in do I check the Indonesian site? by the way what is it? I’m looking for an all black sterling /not stingray THANK YOU nice groove😎🌈🎸
Hey Sam! I don't see why not, depending on the config you get (number of knobs), you may need to drill or modify the body. The Indonesian site is "Sterling by Music Man", the brand. Not to be confused with The "Music Man Sterling" which is a USA model featured in this video. They did make some Indonesian models of the USA Sterling, but they are no longer in production.
I have one of the original. US made Sterlings .. mine has the roasted maple neck with rosewood fingerboard.. love it’s ease of playability, the thinner nut width and the smaller and lighter body ..
Hello, With the Seymour Duncan Pickup SMB-4A-3C, i think is possible to replace the ceramic pickup on a Sterling Musicman US 4 H to this alnico Seymour Duncan pickup. Thank's to confirm that if possible ? Thanks and nice vidéo :-
Heyo! You can replace the ceramic pickup but the Sterling uses a TRIPLE coil (phantom coil for single coil mode). SD and others make an appropriate replacement for use with the Sterling's 3 way switch. A regular Stingray pickup will work, but you'll get no noise cancelling in single coil mode.
Thanks for that great video ! I really think that the US Sterling (damn that confusing brand name) is a really underrated instrument. The neck is so easy to play and the 3 ways selector gaves a interesting versatility to the instrument. It.s my main instrument for 14 years now and it would be nearly impossible for me to change it !
Thanks Rom! These basses are indeed very underrated. It's a shame EBMM hasn't given them more love over the years, I wish they got the 'special' treatment (even if just hardware only!) like the Stingrays. The Sterlings are such great values on the used markets, however the lack of changes to the model line over the years makes a brand new example a hard sell IMO.
@@LowEndLobster you’re absolutely right. One thing to mention is the price. I bought it second hand for 1300€ (1500 usd), which is a regular price. It’s really interesting !
@Hey Lobster, here's a question. If I bought a Sterling Sub is it worth upgrading the pickup in it to the standard Musicman pickup or the preamp or any of the hardware? I'm on a budget and doubt i'll ever be able to afford a new American made Stingray unless i buy a used one, and can't decide what the best value to do. I have a 28 year old Westfield that I learned on which still plays remarkably well, and I want to upgrade to mid priced instrument. I never invested in my Bass gear once i started playing guitars and i spent most of money and time on regular acoustic and electric guitar. I want to get back into playing bass again. I don't see the point in buying the expensive Sterling models around a grand, because I could get a used Musicman for a little bit more money. So basically if i bought a Sterling what would you upgrade on it to make it as close to a Musicman as possible, or is this not a financially worthwhile venture.
I’m a mad Stingray fan and have always just looked past the Music Man Sterling as I’ve always confused with the name with the Indonesian made “Sterling by Music Man”. The Music Man Sterling however seems to be such a different great Bass in its own right. I’m another one who kept looking at the t-shirt btw.
Great video! The first "nice bass" I ever got was an Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling. I haven't played it in years but I still have it back in the U.S.! You're spot on that they are completely different basses. I love the Stingray tone, but the feel of the Sterling was always to my liking (exactly the same as the Jazz and Precision bass). Best thing in life is to just own both 😁
Well i can say the Sterlings electronics was much quieter than the Stingray..probably due to that 3rd small coil UNDER the p/u....AND the strings i believe was also a factor in the sound difference ....but we will HEAR in the next video!!!!!!!...killer vid as always!!!!
I have a Stingray 5 and I have always wanted an EBMM Sterling as well as an EBMM Sabre. All three basses may look similar, as you pointed out with the Sterling, but they have unique and distinctive tones.
Cool comparison. both basses sound good. to my ears, the music man sterling sounds warmer compared to the regular stingray, but on the count of the pickup selector, it sounds like it has a variety of sounds. the regular music man stingray seems to sound a little brighter in comparison, but still has that classic stringray sound. I think a friend of mine had a music man sterling in a blue finish. it looked pretty cool. other than that, they both sounded pretty good. and I don't think you can go wrong with either one of these basses.
@@LowEndLobster Thanks...I've tried out my friend's sterling bass long time ago, but I don't remember if I liked it or not. so about a year ago, I've tried out a sterling sub ray 5 and as it turns out, I do like sting ray basses. I have been thinking about getting one sometime in the future. or any other bass that has a musicman styled pickup like the schecter stiletto stealth.
There's something of a mystic around the Sterling, especially bc the old Sterling's sound insanely good and kinda hard to find/usually expensive. I prefer the nut width on the Sterling, and although I do miss the control plate on the front I think the body shape and ergonomics kinda make the stingray feel bulky after playing the Sterling for a bit. Still, the skinnier nut with I feel like is the biggest difference I like best, whether it's on a Sterling or some Stingray versions. It's pretty perfect IMHO. Cool comparison!!!!
Your excellent breakdowns are slowly but surely warming me up to these Music Men. I’ve not been a fan historically, but you do such a good job of modeling their flexibility and quality. Greatly enjoyable as always, Lobster. Q: are you familiar with Serek basses? Would love to hear your thoughts on them, if you can get your hands on one.
I'm currently agonizing between a Stingray 5 and Sterling 5. I have a Sterling and I love it. I don't realize how small the nut is until I play something else but that was something that really sold me on it in the first place. Great bass. You should give a set of D'Adario Chrome's a go on one of them. I have a set on my Sterling at the moment. I've been gigging with that plus a Jazz 5er with chromes as well. After our last show our sound guy said "dude, your tone is great but when you pick up that orange bass (the Sterling)... That thing cuts through the mix and sounds so killer. Then he asked me what I did to it. Just added a set of Chromes lol. Btw... Love the videos and your collection... Had to get a new keyboard due to drool damage lol.
Anyone know what happened to the Sterling by Music Man SB14 line (low end Sterling it seems)? They co-existed with the Ray 34/35 and then seemed to drop off the face of the earth. Not even included on the website as far as I can see and hard to come by. Why?
@@LowEndLobster Any idea what the prefix SB’14’ and ray’34’ mean? 14 and 34 what? 😂 BTW I have an SB14 loaded with a Seymour Duncan and East preamp coming this Friday. Should be a formidable beast.
I just got that 2024 Sterling SB14 a couple days ago. I took the pickguard off, and it looks exactly like the Joe Dart bass, AND it's passive! I also got the last one on the whole internet lol
I have a Sterling SUB SB4. Im assuming it has the same pickup as the SUB sr4, without the phantom coil. Cant see a $250 bass having a phantom coil. Lobster, would I be correct?
Thank you for yet another great video LowEndLobster! I have a Stingray (with Lane Poor pups) and a 2005 Sterling on its way in a few days time. So.... Any news on the review of the Sterling? :-)
Hey Eirik! Awesome, congrats on your new (to you) bass! Sterling review will be down the line, I'm going be focusing on some other basses for little but will still be doing MM content here and there.
Awesome video and thank you for all of the fantastic content. Out of curiosity, do you prefer maple fretboards with Ernie Ball instruments, or is it a coincidence you happen to have more of them that way?
Thanks so much for the video! Because of the pandemic I am not able to go store-hopping to play these. I am saving up for an Ernie Ball but am really on the fence about which one to get when the time comes. This was really helpful since I can't yet go play them myself. Do you have any idea when that full review on the Sterling will be coming out?
Hey Charles! I don't have an exact date, I use a lot of my non-review videos to gauge interest on a particular instrument and this one is definitely popular. I'd say late winter/early spring will probably be the target for :)
I love USA Sterlings, I own a 1999 4H & a 2007 4HH. I've owned a few Stingrays & other Sterlings over the years. Imo, the Sterling (especially the 4HH) is a beast compared to Stingrays. I also like the slim, faster neck & lighter weight body vs a beefier neck & a back breaker.
Hi Bricks! I have only played the Squier mustang, so I can't really comment on the Fender. They look cool though, and I like that they're using standard sized pickups.
I'm a happy 5H Black Sterling owner. I had a 5HS before but let it go due to the lack of a parallel humbucker setting. I also have an old, ceramic pickup Stingray5 (back when EBMM didn't offer a Sterling 5) which obviously has a comparable sound to the Sterling. While once in a while I wish my bass had the same "zing" and clarity Alnico Rays yield, I wouldn't swap this slim reaper with a ridiculously comfortable neck away for its bigger, chunkier brother for all the gold in the world. Well, maybe for a Honeyburst Sterling 5H, actually :)
LOVE both of my 90s model USA Sterlings!!!!...the smaller size is GREAT ..and my more narrow neck is SAAAWEEET!!!....and my 3 band preamp with the 3 way switch is THE TICKET!!!!!!
I Love your Vids Brother, Keep Up the Good Work, Maybe one day I'll get the guts to do one at 60 Years Old, I Might do a Vid on 70's Funk Bass, a "Thump and Pluck" Special LOL!. @LowEndLobster
How come everyone is saying that Sterling sounds more aggressive? I think the ceramic pickup gives it a more P bass like warm sound and the SR definitely sounds more aggressive to my ears.
I have a 2001 Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4H in Blue Pearl with a maple fingerboard. I bought it the summer before last. It’s a terrific instrument and I absolutely love it. Thanks for the cool video, Lobster! Nice job.
So, uhhh.......you feel like dropping the beginner tutorial for lobster claw style bass or nah? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Are we going for a kore aggressive tone? How does slap and pop work for lobster claw style? These are questions that need answers!!!!! Thanks again for the video. I haven't checked out musicman basses fully yet, and i didn't know the diferences. Much appreciated for the guide.
Wait, I just saw the end of this vid, it is a EBMM sterling, and a EBMM stingray? Not the sterling by EBMM? Wow, they realy need to work on those names, like bad.
The Sterling is a Stingray on steroids. It can however be made more docile through the use of its EQ. I have a 2010 Sterling H in vintage sunburst with a rosewood fretboard, lovely bass.
Thanks for yet another great video about Music man basses! Would make sense to replace the Sterling pickup with an alnico one to get a more classic MM sound in a more comfortable instrument? Is it even possible?
Thank you Eduardo! Great question. I would not buy a Sterling with the hopes of having it be a Stingray. For that, there's the SBMM Ray24 and the EBMM Stingray SLO. You'd need to buy a "triple coil" to achieve the same Sterling functionality with a more Stingray-ish sound, otherwise you'll get some hum in single coil mode (but series/parallel will be fine).
@@LowEndLobster Hello, it's possible i think with the Seymour Duncan Pickup SMB-4A-3C to replace the ceramic pickup on a Sterling Musicman US 4 H to this alnico Seymour Duncan pickup. Thank's to confirm that if possible ? Thanks and nice vidéo :-))
Awesome! No, it's about .4 lbs heavier but IMO the lighter stingray hardware would bring it under the Ray Special weight threshold. My sterling is 8.6 lbs, 8.2 for the special, and 9.4 for the regular Ray. They're close though!
That's a great question! I'm more partial to the Stingray shape and neck, but that's just me. The Sterling is more akin to a Jazz bass in terms of neck feel and body shape.
I'm confused. I have SUB series Stirling and it's not like your Stirling. It's about 10 years old and looks more like the Stingray but only has a volume, treble and bass controls and a larger bridge. It is active and it has a huge, powerful sound. I'm in Australian and I'm wondering if we got a different model imported here. It's a fantastic bass and really well made. The only problem I've ever had is that the electronics are starting to play up after 10 years.
Hi Ian! So you are thinking of the Sterling By Music Man SUB, which is a completely different instrument to the USA Music Man Sterling. The SUB is a budget stingray, the USA Sterling is another animal entirely.
Thanks Belman! It'd be interesting to mod a ray with an aftermarket triple coil and 3 way toggle (probably go with a small toggle vs the slider). Perhaps a future project :)
Why in the world would they release a super awesome bass called a Sterling and later come out with Sterling by Music Man? I can’t imagine how much confusion it’s caused.
The talkbass US Sterling megathread, the ever growing monument to this confusion. So many folks post their SUBs and then other folks chime in 'wrong thread bucko!'
@@rhoodj “Sterling by Music Man” is the budget import brand made in Indonesia. Kind of like Fender’s cheaper Squire or Gibson’s Epiphone. BUT years prior Music Man came out with a higher end USA model called The Sterling.
I'm surprised they didn't upgrade the Sterling in the same way with the new bridge and lighter tuners. New sterlings get stainless frets and a roasted neck, but that's it.
I had a sterling for a couple of months. Ended up selling it but enjoyed the tones and build quality while I had it. Coming from and going back to a Lakland 5502 I missed having a neck pickup to blend in or just anchor my thumb on
@@LowEndLobster listening to your demo is making me wish I’d tried harder with the sterling. The Lakland is good but like most companies put the MM pickup in a jazz bridge position which has always puzzled me. I guess the same is true of Musicman, the neck pickup isn’t in the classic Fender neck position
I have a Fender American Deluxe Dimension Bass IV HH. This is Fender's version of a Stingray. It had a lot of the newer Stingray features first. 18 volt, contoured heal, unfinished neck (not roasted), light weight tuners, the bass is overall light in weight. It would be great if you can get a hold of one and compare it to the Stingray.
I get the feeling you kinda like ‘Stingray’ type basses. I may be wrong... BTW - I’m a sucker for an orange bass! I had a lovely orange J Bass that I sold a few years back, and have been trying to persuade the new owner to sell back!!
LOL Thanks Rev! Dude, my daily for years was a Frankenjazz with a lamborghini orange body! www.talkbass.com/threads/the-jazzborghini-and-the-story-behind-it.778777/
@@LowEndLobster - Loving it!! Especially those large pole J pickups!! I keep looking at the Fender J Bass in Capri Orange - but I can’t justify the price. Maybe I’ll get a cheap kit and see how much the local paint shop will charge to do the honours. I quite fancy trying the Entwistle neodymium pickups.
It's already shot and soon to be scheduled, I'd say in about 5 weeks :). No joke we've got weeks of content already shot, uploaded and scheduled hahaha
You like your Stingrays I take it? Can't say I blame you. That pink champagne one you've got is the prettiest bass I've ever seen.......I will get my hands on one. Some day soon.
No, the SBMM Ray series has a body shape pretty much identical to the '17 Stingray. However, they did make an SUB SB4 and SB14 which were essential SBMM Sterlings briefly. I just got one of the SUB SB4 models in as well :)
STERLING
Fingerstyle:
parallel 10:33
single 11:25
series 12:19
Slap:
parallel 13:14
single: 13:37
series 13:56
STINGRAY
Fingerstyle:
parallel 10:58
single 11:52
series 12:45
The Stingray has more high ends and you can hear the “zing” sound but you don't know if it's because of the different preamps and/or the different pickups (and the strings are different as well...)
But I think the Sterling narrowed neck nut is priceless!
I own both basses, they are truly incredible instruments. While they are both bright, punchy, aggressive basses, I find the Sterling has a bit more of a low-mid 'smoothness' to it. The Stingray just has more of an in-your-face 'je ne sais quoi', especially when digging in. I'd play the Sterling at a wedding and the Stingray at a bar. The biggest difference is the nut width by far, my Ray feels like the fat end of a baseball bat relative to the Sterling. In the mix they are both distinctly Music Man basses, but by themselves side by side, the unique character of both basses really shines.
I completely agree that the EBMM Sterling/SBMM branding nomenclature was a very poor decision and a huge oversight. The Sterling is equal to the Stingray in build/part quality but it's devalued simply because of perception and name association of the Indonesian imports. Good content on this channel by the way.
Agreed. The SB14 goes through a rigorous process when it arrives in the states. It's checked for quality control, intonation, and set-up are checked for accuracy.
Have you played a passive Stingray? I just got the new swamp ash Sterling SB14 and it's passive. I'm just curious how similar they sound.
@BenD_Bass i haven't had the opportunity bud, I'm curious too
If vsauce had family it would be this guy
The Sterling was a lot less nasally than the Stingray.
I find the branding confusing. Good thing you kept it straight.
Thanks John!
i’d always take a Sterling, i saw Chi Cheng use one in the very early days of Deftones and that sold me immediately
Same here, he had an older dark blue version with the maple fretboard going through an all-tube SVT Pro way back in the day & it was an amazing pairing.
Of course that was before he got into P bass's and lost alotta punch live :-(
I honestly think his tone was way better with the Sterling, too bad he got away from those after recording/ touring a bunch for the Adrenaline album.
Man if I could go back in time...
@@sethnicholls7861 check out Chi’s bass tone during the Waldrock 2000 performance, the one where Chino’s smashed out of his mind. I think it’s during Feiticeira, but Chi’s tone is unreal!
I’d love an all tube Ampeg through a 15 inch cab, but it’s just too pricey. I’ve got my eye on an old SVT-II PRO though.
Thanks! :)
The old sterling is a different guitar.
Thanks for this video! I've never known the difference until I saw this. My friend was given a prototype Music Man that he thought was a Stingray. Because of this video, I was able to pin it down as a Sterling- and after some research, I think it might be literally be the first Sterling ever made. Great work as always.
Glad I could help! That sounds VERY interesting. Would love to hear more about it!
You're quickly becoming one of my to-go bass channels. It seems that whenever I want to know something about a bass, preamp or pickups your channel always pops up and delivers an answer/comparison for me to decide.
I used to own an amazing '77 Stingray and fell in love with the classic 2-band sound, but I've always preferred a Jazz bass/Sterling sized neck. Had a Sterling briefly years ago, but never grew to like the sound of that pickup/EQ combo. I have a Ray 34 that I recently threw a MojoTone 2-band EQ into and thought about doing something similar with a Sterling by swapping out the pickup and electronics to keep that Sterling feel, but get a sound much closer to my Stingray.
Thank you lobster. Everytime im looking for a certain compare video yours come up. Thank you.
Thanks for watching Ross :)
LowEndLobster does it again! Nice comparison. I'm also glad to see you are teaching your cat how to play the bass.
Hahaha thanks Chris!
I love that t-shirt! Also your cat grooming you around the 6min. mark was very cute! Great video again! Cheers.
Thanks Shannen!
Had my Sterling since 93 got it when they first came out, Love my 96 Stingray too... but the Sterling is much superior in everyway cannot beat that look and Jazz style neck :) Also I've notice now they are making the Stingray more like the Sterling now...Smaller body, 5 bolt neck with that curve, more frets etc The first position on the pickup select when doing things like tapping sounds really strong and fluid which you don't get from a Stingray. I'm amazed how so many don't really know that much about the Sterling.
Great comment Marshall! Thank you for sharing
The old USA SUB Sterling was an interesting variation because it had three band eq, but coil splitter. It actually is a petite Stingray.
Thanks! Indeed, so many recycled names haha
I've owned a 2002 and a 2010 4 and 5 StingRay.covid hit and sold both of them but as clubs started opening back up I picked up an Sterling that needed alot of electronic work and other issues at a pawnshop for 200.Thank you sir for doing your videos.its been quite enlightening on what I really have.I will be playing some shows with it soon and we'll see if I keep it or just spend the money on another Ernie Ball 5 string.Shalom
It's always a pleasure to login again on TH-cam and watching your videos: you're near to 5.000 subscribers man! :D
Cheers,
Joe
Thanks Joe! I know, it's so excited and almost overwhelming how much things are growing. It's such a joy
ive owned multiple sterlings and stingray basses and kept my tangerine sterling similar to yours. They do have a a more mid present tone kind of like a p bass but more focused. While the stingray sounds more scooped naturally and gets a better sizzle on the top end kind of like a an active jazz. The sterling can get that stingray sound when it has newer strings on it but once they start dulling out the mids come out again. The sterling is definitely a more versatile bass but I am still wanting a stingray again ,unfortunately they got really expensive even second hand.
Can't wait to see full review. For me it has the "thing" of a Stingray but in different flavour, just like Ray Special. And it has more tonal possibilities.
Thanks! That's a great way of describing it.
Just received my Sterling5 HH, rosewood fb in blue powder with matching head, it's really a beautiful axe. Looks, plays and sounds like a dream.
Glad you made this video detailing the two. A 94' model year sterling with the larger bridge has been my main stay for a few years now and a go to when recording. Cheers!
Thanks Brendan! I love that bridge style and think it looks great on the Sterlings
that sterling sounds fantastic bro!
Thanks Robert!
@@LowEndLobster What is the difference: Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 HH vs Sterling stingray35HH
Never seen a Sterling in person so it was great to hear a demo. Any interest in trying to get a big al? They seem wacky but awesome
Thanks James! I was literally just talking about the Big Al with my buddy not 10 minutes ago ahahaha
Hah, my cat started rubbing against my leg right when your cat first started meowing at you in the video! Cats like bass!
Really cool comparison of these two. Seems to me that the StingRay cuts more than the Sterling. So which sounds better depends on what setting you are in.
Thanks Rod! Give your cat a pet for me :)
When I thought I couldn’t enjoy this video any more, a cat comes in! 😍 Brilliant comparison sir.
Thank you Ritchie!
LowEndLobster Merry Christmas lovely man.
I have a 1997 rosewood neck Sterling, bought from the London Bass Centre in Wapping. I used it on many TV sessions and a major West End theatre show. And great for slapping.
Thanks Paul! They really are excellent instruments
The Sterling is really under-appreciated and you can hardly find a video about them. Thank you! Branding is confusing though with their less expensive lineup under the same name.
Thanks Jeff! The branding is indeed confusing!
The branding is almost moronic.
Your black kitty looks like mine :) Thanks for this comparison. I recently ordered a Stingray Special 4H and can't wait to get it :)
Awesome! Congrats Retta :) Give your black kitty a pet for me
Always loved the Sterling, and this one is the perfect spec.
And I always told myself I wouldn’t consider a Sterling unless I already had a Stingray...well now I have a Stingray (Special) so I GUESS IT’S THAT TIME
Thanks Goose! The time is now ;P
Man very accurate video thank you for all the time you spent on this
Thank you Mio! Glad you enjoyed this :)
Awesome video. I'm picking up a SBMM today! I've been wanting an music man for a long time now. I've been playing on a couple Ibanez basses for years now. Wanted to switch it up a bit.
Thanks for another great video. It is instructive as to the subtle differences between these two basses, small sample size notwithstanding. As always, you leave me laughing. Thanks again, Lobster.
Thanks Philip!
Is it just me or the Sterling sounds warmer? And even in single coil mode it doesn't sound weak like when soloing a jazz bass bridge single coil for example. Very interesting instrument. Thanks for the video!
It does! A bit more low mids voicing overall. Strings are likely a factor in feeling a bit less "bright", too.
Call me crazy but there's something about the Sterling that just sounds better if you understand the preamp and how to dial in exactly what you want.
It's kind of like the Sterling can do what the Stingray does tonality wise, but the Stingray can't sound quite like a Sterling lol.
I absolutely love my '05 Sterling. Strange, but you almost never see Sterlings in stores for whatever reason.
@@sethnicholls7861 Sterling is definitely a much more versatile instrument than the Stringray. It's a richer sonic palette overall, IMO.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the vid :)
Hey low end lobster will the Mike pope flexcore preamp fit into the sterling back cavity? and when I’m looking for the colors it comes in do I check the Indonesian site? by the way what is it? I’m looking for an all black sterling /not stingray THANK YOU nice groove😎🌈🎸
Hey Sam! I don't see why not, depending on the config you get (number of knobs), you may need to drill or modify the body. The Indonesian site is "Sterling by Music Man", the brand. Not to be confused with The "Music Man Sterling" which is a USA model featured in this video. They did make some Indonesian models of the USA Sterling, but they are no longer in production.
I have one of the original. US made Sterlings .. mine has the roasted maple neck with rosewood fingerboard.. love it’s ease of playability, the thinner nut width and the smaller and lighter body ..
Hello,
With the Seymour Duncan Pickup SMB-4A-3C, i think is possible to replace the ceramic pickup on a Sterling Musicman US 4 H to this alnico Seymour Duncan pickup.
Thank's to confirm that if possible ?
Thanks and nice vidéo :-
Heyo! You can replace the ceramic pickup but the Sterling uses a TRIPLE coil (phantom coil for single coil mode). SD and others make an appropriate replacement for use with the Sterling's 3 way switch. A regular Stingray pickup will work, but you'll get no noise cancelling in single coil mode.
Thanks for that great video !
I really think that the US Sterling (damn that confusing brand name) is a really underrated instrument. The neck is so easy to play and the 3 ways selector gaves a interesting versatility to the instrument. It.s my main instrument for 14 years now and it would be nearly impossible for me to change it !
Thanks Rom! These basses are indeed very underrated. It's a shame EBMM hasn't given them more love over the years, I wish they got the 'special' treatment (even if just hardware only!) like the Stingrays. The Sterlings are such great values on the used markets, however the lack of changes to the model line over the years makes a brand new example a hard sell IMO.
@@LowEndLobster you’re absolutely right. One thing to mention is the price. I bought it second hand for 1300€ (1500 usd), which is a regular price. It’s really interesting !
@Hey Lobster, here's a question. If I bought a Sterling Sub is it worth upgrading the pickup in it to the standard Musicman pickup or the preamp or any of the hardware? I'm on a budget and doubt i'll ever be able to afford a new American made Stingray unless i buy a used one, and can't decide what the best value to do. I have a 28 year old Westfield that I learned on which still plays remarkably well, and I want to upgrade to mid priced instrument. I never invested in my Bass gear once i started playing guitars and i spent most of money and time on regular acoustic and electric guitar. I want to get back into playing bass again. I don't see the point in buying the expensive Sterling models around a grand, because I could get a used Musicman for a little bit more money. So basically if i bought a Sterling what would you upgrade on it to make it as close to a Musicman as possible, or is this not a financially worthwhile venture.
I’m a mad Stingray fan and have always just looked past the Music Man Sterling as I’ve always confused with the name with the Indonesian made “Sterling by Music Man”. The Music Man Sterling however seems to be such a different great Bass in its own right. I’m another one who kept looking at the t-shirt btw.
Thanks Pwo! Yeah the branding is definitely confusing as all hell hahaha. Glad you liked the shirt :)
Now I’m confused. There’s 3 of them???? I do really like the cat assistant. Do they prefer short scale ?
Great video! The first "nice bass" I ever got was an Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling. I haven't played it in years but I still have it back in the U.S.! You're spot on that they are completely different basses. I love the Stingray tone, but the feel of the Sterling was always to my liking (exactly the same as the Jazz and Precision bass). Best thing in life is to just own both 😁
Thank you Taconeko :)
Well i can say the Sterlings electronics was much quieter than the Stingray..probably due to that 3rd small coil UNDER the p/u....AND the strings i believe was also a factor in the sound difference ....but we will HEAR in the next video!!!!!!!...killer vid as always!!!!
Thanks dude!
I have a Stingray 5 and I have always wanted an EBMM Sterling as well as an EBMM Sabre. All three basses may look similar, as you pointed out with the Sterling, but they have unique and distinctive tones.
Thanks Kevin! Yeah man, the Sterling is basically a four string Stingray 5 and it's awesome :)
Cool comparison. both basses sound good. to my ears, the music man sterling sounds warmer compared to the regular stingray, but on the count of the pickup selector, it sounds like it has a variety of sounds. the regular music man stingray seems to sound a little brighter in comparison, but still has that classic stringray sound. I think a friend of mine had a music man sterling in a blue finish. it looked pretty cool. other than that, they both sounded pretty good. and I don't think you can go wrong with either one of these basses.
Thanks Alex! Great comment :)
@@LowEndLobster Thanks...I've tried out my friend's sterling bass long time ago, but I don't remember if I liked it or not. so about a year ago, I've tried out a sterling sub ray 5 and as it turns out, I do like sting ray basses. I have been thinking about getting one sometime in the future. or any other bass that has a musicman styled pickup like the schecter stiletto stealth.
There's something of a mystic around the Sterling, especially bc the old Sterling's sound insanely good and kinda hard to find/usually expensive. I prefer the nut width on the Sterling, and although I do miss the control plate on the front I think the body shape and ergonomics kinda make the stingray feel bulky after playing the Sterling for a bit.
Still, the skinnier nut with I feel like is the biggest difference I like best, whether it's on a Sterling or some Stingray versions. It's pretty perfect IMHO.
Cool comparison!!!!
Thanks Seth :)
Your excellent breakdowns are slowly but surely warming me up to these Music Men. I’ve not been a fan historically, but you do such a good job of modeling their flexibility and quality. Greatly enjoyable as always, Lobster.
Q: are you familiar with Serek basses? Would love to hear your thoughts on them, if you can get your hands on one.
Thank you Alexander! I am! Stay tuned hehehe ;)
LOVE that orange color on yours !!!!..i would say...it would look KILLER with a deep charcoal grey metal flake pick guard!!!!!
.... That's a great idea!
@@LowEndLobster i can do it !!!..I already have a template...hahahaha!!!...or a DEEP Purple LARGE flake on that orange. Whew weeee!!!!!
This is why I like you ;P
I'm currently agonizing between a Stingray 5 and Sterling 5. I have a Sterling and I love it. I don't realize how small the nut is until I play something else but that was something that really sold me on it in the first place. Great bass.
You should give a set of D'Adario Chrome's a go on one of them. I have a set on my Sterling at the moment. I've been gigging with that plus a Jazz 5er with chromes as well. After our last show our sound guy said "dude, your tone is great but when you pick up that orange bass (the Sterling)... That thing cuts through the mix and sounds so killer. Then he asked me what I did to it. Just added a set of Chromes lol.
Btw... Love the videos and your collection... Had to get a new keyboard due to drool damage lol.
Thanks Croc! Chromes are my go-to short scale flat most of the time. Have em on my Gibson and looove em!
Hey, sweet video! Is your Sterling deep dive out yet? Couldn't find it on your channel. Thanks : )
Not yet, buck it's on deck for filming :)
Anyone know what happened to the Sterling by Music Man SB14 line (low end Sterling it seems)? They co-existed with the Ray 34/35 and then seemed to drop off the face of the earth. Not even included on the website as far as I can see and hard to come by. Why?
Those were discontinued along with the SUB SB4 (I got one of those here). I think there was also a very limited SB24 as well.
@@LowEndLobster Any idea what the prefix SB’14’ and ray’34’ mean? 14 and 34 what? 😂 BTW I have an SB14 loaded with a Seymour Duncan and East preamp coming this Friday. Should be a formidable beast.
@@christopherryan4904 my guess is Sterling Body. I think they planned on having four tiers, the 4, 14, 24, and 34 for the lineup but trimmed it down
Cool video, good comparison, as much apples to apples as can be.
Thank you Metalbass :)
I just got that 2024 Sterling SB14 a couple days ago. I took the pickguard off, and it looks exactly like the Joe Dart bass, AND it's passive! I also got the last one on the whole internet lol
I have a Sterling SUB SB4. Im assuming it has the same pickup as the SUB sr4, without the phantom coil. Cant see a $250 bass having a phantom coil. Lobster, would I be correct?
Correct! I have an SB4 as well that I have some fun plans for. They are essentially a SUB in the shape of a US Sterling.
@@LowEndLobster Aguilar pickup in on its way. Thinking of the John East preamp.
@@gabedirmeyer692 Great choices on both accounts. I loooooove John East preamps. They're one of my favorites. They're pricey but IMO worth it.
Thank you for yet another great video LowEndLobster! I have a Stingray (with Lane Poor pups) and a 2005 Sterling on its way in a few days time. So.... Any news on the review of the Sterling? :-)
Hey Eirik! Awesome, congrats on your new (to you) bass! Sterling review will be down the line, I'm going be focusing on some other basses for little but will still be doing MM content here and there.
Awesome video and thank you for all of the fantastic content. Out of curiosity, do you prefer maple fretboards with Ernie Ball instruments, or is it a coincidence you happen to have more of them that way?
Thanks Chris! I do prefer maple, more of an aesthetics thing.
Ditto Lobster.
I love the red/black/maple combo on the sterling. I wish they offered the ray4 with a maple neck on the red version
Thanks Kerodean!
Thanks so much for the video! Because of the pandemic I am not able to go store-hopping to play these. I am saving up for an Ernie Ball but am really on the fence about which one to get when the time comes. This was really helpful since I can't yet go play them myself. Do you have any idea when that full review on the Sterling will be coming out?
Hey Charles! I don't have an exact date, I use a lot of my non-review videos to gauge interest on a particular instrument and this one is definitely popular. I'd say late winter/early spring will probably be the target for :)
We can tell you love to play :-D sounding good my man
I love USA Sterlings, I own a 1999 4H & a 2007 4HH. I've owned a few Stingrays & other Sterlings over the years. Imo, the Sterling (especially the 4HH) is a beast compared to Stingrays. I also like the slim, faster neck & lighter weight body vs a beefier neck & a back breaker.
Thanks Jesse! Love me some Sterlings too! I just snagged a SUB SB4 (sterling body SUB), going to be a fun little mod project :)
Hey lobster, what do you think about the fender mustang PJ bass, tide pool blue from Sweetwater.
Hi Bricks! I have only played the Squier mustang, so I can't really comment on the Fender. They look cool though, and I like that they're using standard sized pickups.
I'm a happy 5H Black Sterling owner. I had a 5HS before but let it go due to the lack of a parallel humbucker setting. I also have an old, ceramic pickup Stingray5 (back when EBMM didn't offer a Sterling 5) which obviously has a comparable sound to the Sterling. While once in a while I wish my bass had the same "zing" and clarity Alnico Rays yield, I wouldn't swap this slim reaper with a ridiculously comfortable neck away for its bigger, chunkier brother for all the gold in the world. Well, maybe for a Honeyburst Sterling 5H, actually :)
Nice! I love the look of the Sterling 5
MEOW, MEOW!!! Your video is fantastic, though it's difficult to track what your saying while you get a proper elbow licking by the kitty hahahaha.
you did a good job, thank you so much for this great video
LOVE both of my 90s model USA Sterlings!!!!...the smaller size is GREAT ..and my more narrow neck is SAAAWEEET!!!....and my 3 band preamp with the 3 way switch is THE TICKET!!!!!!
You know it! Thanks man!
I Love your Vids Brother, Keep Up the Good Work, Maybe one day I'll get the guts to do one at 60 Years Old, I Might do a Vid on 70's Funk Bass, a "Thump and Pluck" Special LOL!. @LowEndLobster
Thank you George! :)
Your demo lick is now stuck in my head like an earworm.
Oops ;P
@@LowEndLobster At least it's not the fart sounds.
Seriously, it's been stuck in my head. I'm like is that a Scofield lick or something?
4:54
6:40
Groove 2 10:30
Slappage
13:13
Refreshing to have a gear review with more playing than yacking.
OR fast noises.
@@LowEndLobster tabs?
Yeah, this got me playing a while.
They both sound great. I like the fuller sound of the Stingray better.
Thanks Tracy!
@@LowEndLobster You're welcome.
I had a musicman sterling, but had to sell it to complete my personal luthier bass. I really miss that sterling to this day, what a great bass :C
Hopefully another one finds its way to you :)
@@LowEndLobster the price skyrocketed a bit from back then, but I'm saving for one :')
How come everyone is saying that Sterling sounds more aggressive? I think the ceramic pickup gives it a more P bass like warm sound and the SR definitely sounds more aggressive to my ears.
I think the Seires mode is where it sounds more aggressive IMO
I have a 2001 Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4H in Blue Pearl with a maple fingerboard. I bought it the summer before last. It’s a terrific instrument and I absolutely love it. Thanks for the cool video, Lobster! Nice job.
Thanks Sam!
@@LowEndLobster Any time there’s Ernie Ball Music Man content, I am likely to be interested.
I think I'm a musicman fanboy, I love all of their basses. Except for the Bongo, which I find horrendous (but sounds great).
Thanks Thiago :)
Same! Bongo looks like a toilet seat
@@kurstone8511 haha! totally!
I would be more than happy with either of those 👍🏆.
So, uhhh.......you feel like dropping the beginner tutorial for lobster claw style bass or nah? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Are we going for a kore aggressive tone? How does slap and pop work for lobster claw style? These are questions that need answers!!!!!
Thanks again for the video. I haven't checked out musicman basses fully yet, and i didn't know the diferences. Much appreciated for the guide.
With the sterling can you tell me what the pickup ohms read with the toggle switch between the 3 positions
Thanks
Ok, im in on the sterling, witch one was this one? The 300 or 500? I can't keep track! There are so many!
Wait, I just saw the end of this vid, it is a EBMM sterling, and a EBMM stingray? Not the sterling by EBMM? Wow, they realy need to work on those names, like bad.
YUP! EBMM Sterling, The SBMM Sterling models (briefly made) were the SB4 SUB (Just got one ;P) and SB14. It's confusing ahahaha.
The Sterling is a Stingray on steroids. It can however be made more docile through the use of its EQ. I have a 2010 Sterling H in vintage sunburst with a rosewood fretboard, lovely bass.
Awesome! :)
Thanks for yet another great video about Music man basses! Would make sense to replace the Sterling pickup with an alnico one to get a more classic MM sound in a more comfortable instrument? Is it even possible?
Thank you Eduardo! Great question. I would not buy a Sterling with the hopes of having it be a Stingray. For that, there's the SBMM Ray24 and the EBMM Stingray SLO. You'd need to buy a "triple coil" to achieve the same Sterling functionality with a more Stingray-ish sound, otherwise you'll get some hum in single coil mode (but series/parallel will be fine).
@@LowEndLobster Hello,
it's possible i think with the Seymour Duncan Pickup SMB-4A-3C to replace the ceramic pickup on a Sterling Musicman US 4 H to this alnico Seymour Duncan pickup.
Thank's to confirm that if possible ?
Thanks and nice vidéo :-))
I wish I didn't sell my SB14, that bass was awesome. One pickup, 3 different tones. Very flexible.
Ok I was on the fence about the Sterling until I saw your cat enter the video and give you kisses.
Now I'm buying a black Sterling 4 string!
Love my Sterling. Would you say it is lighter than the Stingray Special?
Awesome! No, it's about .4 lbs heavier but IMO the lighter stingray hardware would bring it under the Ray Special weight threshold. My sterling is 8.6 lbs, 8.2 for the special, and 9.4 for the regular Ray. They're close though!
@@LowEndLobster I have a Sterling HH and I think it's pretty fantastic. GASing for the Special too. Do you think I need it?
@@rijudasgupta2643 Need?.... well yes ;P
Both finishes are superb
Thanks froge! I dig them too. They definitely pop
Is there a significant difference in the string spacing at the bridge?
No, both are 19mm
Hey Lobster. Which bass feels more comfortable in your hands?
That's a great question! I'm more partial to the Stingray shape and neck, but that's just me. The Sterling is more akin to a Jazz bass in terms of neck feel and body shape.
@@LowEndLobster Thanks
I'm confused. I have SUB series Stirling and it's not like your Stirling. It's about 10 years old and looks more like the Stingray but only has a volume, treble and bass controls and a larger bridge. It is active and it has a huge, powerful sound. I'm in Australian and I'm wondering if we got a different model imported here. It's a fantastic bass and really well made. The only problem I've ever had is that the electronics are starting to play up after 10 years.
Hi Ian! So you are thinking of the Sterling By Music Man SUB, which is a completely different instrument to the USA Music Man Sterling. The SUB is a budget stingray, the USA Sterling is another animal entirely.
I have to have that bass the orange 2015 Ernie ball music man sterling is it for sale
Nice!
I have always preferred the sound of the Sterling, but prefer the look of the Stingray. Aaahhh the Stingray special :-)
Thanks Belman! It'd be interesting to mod a ray with an aftermarket triple coil and 3 way toggle (probably go with a small toggle vs the slider). Perhaps a future project :)
Why in the world would they release a super awesome bass called a Sterling and later come out with Sterling by Music Man? I can’t imagine how much confusion it’s caused.
The talkbass US Sterling megathread, the ever growing monument to this confusion. So many folks post their SUBs and then other folks chime in 'wrong thread bucko!'
I am confused too. What is the difference: Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 HH vs Sterling stingray35HH?
@@rhoodj “Sterling by Music Man” is the budget import brand made in Indonesia. Kind of like Fender’s cheaper Squire or Gibson’s Epiphone.
BUT years prior Music Man came out with a higher end USA model called The Sterling.
Now this is a bass I need. But.... What about a Sterling Special? That would be overkill!
I'm surprised they didn't upgrade the Sterling in the same way with the new bridge and lighter tuners. New sterlings get stainless frets and a roasted neck, but that's it.
@@LowEndLobster We need a Sterling with the neodymium pickup and a 18v preamp too!
.....or an HH version, with a switch for each pickup 😯
I had a sterling for a couple of months. Ended up selling it but enjoyed the tones and build quality while I had it.
Coming from and going back to a Lakland 5502 I missed having a neck pickup to blend in or just anchor my thumb on
Thanks David! Different animals for sure, definitely need to get another Lakland as I let go of mine way too soon haha
@@LowEndLobster listening to your demo is making me wish I’d tried harder with the sterling.
The Lakland is good but like most companies put the MM pickup in a jazz bridge position which has always puzzled me. I guess the same is true of Musicman, the neck pickup isn’t in the classic Fender neck position
Sterling in series is the way.
to me :
Special > Sterling > original Stingray
Thanks klay :)
I have a Fender American Deluxe Dimension Bass IV HH. This is Fender's version of a Stingray. It had a lot of the newer Stingray features first. 18 volt, contoured heal, unfinished neck (not roasted), light weight tuners, the bass is overall light in weight. It would be great if you can get a hold of one and compare it to the Stingray.
LowEndLobster= Bass Ambassador #1.
Other than my Michael Kelly jazz bass, best feeling neck on the Sterling that I've ever played.
:D
It seems you’re a bit obsessed with Stingrays. That OK though because my next bass is going to be a Sterling Ray34 HH in Stealth Black.
Just a wee bit ;P
I get the feeling you kinda like ‘Stingray’ type basses. I may be wrong...
BTW - I’m a sucker for an orange bass! I had a lovely orange J Bass that I sold a few years back, and have been trying to persuade the new owner to sell back!!
LOL Thanks Rev! Dude, my daily for years was a Frankenjazz with a lamborghini orange body! www.talkbass.com/threads/the-jazzborghini-and-the-story-behind-it.778777/
@@LowEndLobster - Loving it!! Especially those large pole J pickups!! I keep looking at the Fender J Bass in Capri Orange - but I can’t justify the price. Maybe I’ll get a cheap kit and see how much the local paint shop will charge to do the honours. I quite fancy trying the Entwistle neodymium pickups.
Is the Stingray better in sonic tone?
Still would love to see the Sterling 4H deep dive. I'm trying to decide whether I need one to go with my Sterling 4HS.
It's already shot and soon to be scheduled, I'd say in about 5 weeks :). No joke we've got weeks of content already shot, uploaded and scheduled hahaha
its a mixture between Git-Video and Sweetcat-Video. Great idea. I love your cats please make a video with them only.
Phantom coil: this will be my next band name
haha that's actually a sick name
You like your Stingrays I take it? Can't say I blame you. That pink champagne one you've got is the prettiest bass I've ever seen.......I will get my hands on one. Some day soon.
I do! Thanks Paul :)
Great video, I have a 20th Anniversary Stingray. ;)
Does this Sterling have the same size body as the Ray series?
No, the SBMM Ray series has a body shape pretty much identical to the '17 Stingray. However, they did make an SUB SB4 and SB14 which were essential SBMM Sterlings briefly. I just got one of the SUB SB4 models in as well :)
@@LowEndLobster I remember seeing one of those, it had what looked like diamond plate pick guard
Man that orange 🍊 color is beautiful
Thanks! I just restrung this the other day and was admiring the color.