Music Man Sterling 4H - The Incredibly Neglected Stingray Alternative - LowEndLobster Review

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2016 Sterling 4H vs. 2017 Stingray 4H: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b52Yo2xsgaeJqJo
Hey everyone! Today we're putting the Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4H through its paces in this in depth full review! First released in the early 90's, the Music Man Sterling was the modern counterpart to the classic Stingray of the time. Featuring a ceramic pickup with 3 way parallel/single coil/series switching and a 3 band preamp, is the Sterling a viable alternative to the ever popular Stingray? Let's find out!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at www.mjcironworks.com
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6W9lZiMbLOarJI
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Twitter: @LowEndLobster
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[@leesbassment6393]

Agreed, both with the "stingray 5 isn't a stingray" thing, and the "they shot themselves in the foot when they named their import line Sterling" thing.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Lee!

[@markgatland977]

My 1996 MM Sterling is probably my most recorded bass. Engineers love it, and it always sits in a track

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! What color/spec do you have?

[@markgatland977]

@@LowEndLobster It's pretty much identical to what Colin Greenwood from Radiohead was using around The Bends era..honey sunburst, black plate, Rosewood fingerboard.

[@crocholiday]

Same here. I got a LOT of comments on my tone using mine.

[@scrappytuff1413]

Hey. I have a 1998 Sterling that is my favorite bass. I'm trying to replace the battery box and can't figure out how to get the electronics out of the back. My battery box sits right on top of the electronics, not to the side like the orange Sterling in this video. Is your 1996 the same way? It seems like the input jack is blocking the electronics from easily coming out. Are you familiar with removing the electronics, or doing any work on the electronics?

[@shugemery]

Just got myself one of these today. Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4H Burnt Apple with matching headstock. 2002 model. I nabbed it up. Oh Lobsterman...Never knew about the Sterlings until watching your 2 videos on it. Thanks and glad you shared this one with us. Whoooooo Buddy))) Meow~~~

[@st-vo7xv]

Great video! I was gigging with Stingrays for the better part of a decade. Then I picked up a 2007 USA Sterling in 2020 (stimulus check GAS) and never looked back. I have been gigging for 2 years now with my Sterling and receive more “awesome tone dude…” comments from the crowd then ever. I don’t use any pedals other than a Cali ‘76 compressor, and have finally achieved the tone I have been searching for. It sits nice in the mix, has lots of tonal character, and can bark effortlessly and punch through whenever needed. With my Sterling in series mode I never worry about getting lost in the mix, and I can cut through for my fills and melodic lines without overpowering the rest of the band. Just pure magic no joke. For those Stingray players out there who have never tried a Sterling… I recommend not trying one unless you plan to sell you all your Stingrays. Because you won’t want to go back. They really are that good.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

My 2001 Sterling is my favorite bass ever, and once I find a decent deal on a used Joe Dart bass (which is really just a passive, parallel-only Sterling), I suspect it’ll take that honor. I don’t think money can buy a better-made production bass, and they’re WAY more versatile than they seem. Incredibly comfortable and playable, and the EQ is very powerful. Stingrays are cool, but for me the Sterling destroys it in every possible way. It’s criminal how little people care about the Sterling. I’ve been hoping since I learned about the new Stingray Special that the Sterling would get a similar modernization soon, but I’m not holding my breath.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jim! I feel the same way. I LOVE my Sterling, and it's weird for me because sometimes I have to rate basses not solely on my love for them but on other factors as well. I wonder if they're even going to do any new finishes for the Sterling in 2021, it's still the (listed as discontinued) red and blue colors only!

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

@@LowEndLobster I just can’t understand why they get so little love. It’s like the Jazz to the Stingray’s Precision, equally useful but sleeker, faster, more versatile. Not to mention it doesn’t weigh 15 pounds like Stingrays historically (I know not so much anymore) have. It’s a mystery to me.

[@JohnDLensgraf]

@@LowEndLobsterIt is 2024 and STILL the (listed as discontinued) red and blue colors only :-) I just bought a 2008 USA Sterling in that dark blue color. Super excited for it to arrive.

[@chriswenkle2635]

Thanks Lobster. I always appreciate your pulling-no-punches reviews. As a side note, I haven't bought a new bass in decades. There are too many really fine used instruments out there to choose from - including 'Stingray' and 'Sterling' basses. One of my favorites are the Music Man SUB basses that were made in the US back in the early 2000's. 2nd tier quality woods, but all the first line hardware, etc. Cheers for now!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Chris! Oh man, I'd love to check out one of those old USA SUBs in good shape. I know Dr. Cheese/BelowAverageJoe has one of the USA SUB Sterlings! Quite intrigued.

[@Insoma]

Another great review by the "greatest bass beard who is not Leland Sklar" of all time. I always wonder if the marketing section of Ernie Ball contains of mentally ill criminals. Who in the world thought it would be a great idea to name the asian made tier bass company Sterling, give them two production lines. If I had a Euro for every conversation like this: "Oh man...your thoughts on a Sterling?" "The 400$ Sterling StingRay or the 1000$ Sterling StingRay or the American made MusicMan Sterling?" I always wonder when a Sterling by MusicMan Sterling will hit the market! Also in a 400$ and a 1000$ variant. So it will get "What are your thoughts about a Sterling?" "Oh the 400$ Sterling StingRay, the 1000$ Sterling StingRay, the american made MusicMan Sterling, the 400$ Sterling Sterling or the 1000$ Sterling Sterling?"

[@russellzauner]

Dudes name is Sterling lol he's literally Ernie's *son*

[@LowEndLobster]

"Hey Sterling! Can you pass me that Sterling Sterling over there please?" ;P

[@Insoma]

@@LowEndLobster I had another idea: How about Fender changing the name from "Squier" to "Jazz Bass by Fender"? Than you can buy a Jazz Bass by Fender Precision Bass. That's how I feel about the brand Name Sterling...altough the mid tier Sterlings are very good!

[@russellzauner]

@@Insoma make sure it's fretless so you don't miss the extra mileage of irony from it being a precision bass

[@Insoma]

@@russellzauner Gnihihi Yes!! 🙂🙃

[@ForestWoods-f1u]

Much appreciate the deep dive on these. There aren't many quality videos on YT dedicated to the EBMM Sterling, and this one helped solidify my purchase of two Sterlings from EBMM recently. Great stuff!

[@LowEndLobster]

I just got a unicorn of a Sterling, the Sterling Classic! Incredible instrument. I have a little bit of Sterling GAS again lol

[@jdmarino]

The selector switch is is a great feature. And I love the color. I also really like the segment where you play continuously with the drums and just note the settings in the corner. Moar music!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks John!

[@smeagle3295]

Thank you for your always stellar videos (especially the ones of the Music Man variety). I just ordered a Sub 34 for a disabled friend, and a granite DarkRay for myself (in no small part because of your videos). Keep it up!

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Thank you and congratulations!

[@Andrew-qq8fb]

@LowEndLobster I bought one of those Squier Paranormal basses (white blonde finish) based on your review. It absolutely slaps, and sounds/plays/looks great. It's very loud, acoustically, and resonates for days. Definitely a hidden gem, and I may have to hunt down the Butterscotch finish version to complete the duo. Totally in love with this bass!

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Great to hear, Andrew :).

[@marciosouza8656]

Nice playing Lobster, great review and content. I have a Sterling and really love the sound, feel and look. Thanks for one more great video.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Marcio :)

[@PhullyNo1]

Thanks for finally getting this one out! Been waiting to see the deep dive for awhile. Sounds awesome!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I feel the same way. Really liked the tones I heard during editing.

[@PhullyNo1]

@@LowEndLobster I have the old five string that has this setup but I’d love to my hands on a four string. But you’re 100 percent correct, MM needs to put some love into this model.

[@nation5478]

absolutely adore my ‘99 millennium edition, didn’t even think to buy another bass for 12 years. natural finish, quilted maple neck with matching fretboard, white pick guard. 4 string perfection.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hell yeah! That sounds awesome :)

[@nation5478]

@@LowEndLobster it’s killer. love the channel lobster! a steal of a carvin sb5000 got me back into getting gear last year.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@nation5478 love those Carvins! Killer loadout dude

[@nation5478]

@@LowEndLobster those gospel bassists know a thing or two lol. i’ve been very lucky. i try to rarely ask anything of the gear gods, but i had been needing a j for a while. cheers man!

[@rolltidereece]

Excited about your SB4 video whenever that comes out! Bought one by accident when looking to get a RAY4 as my first bass. It’s been hard finding content on the SB4! It comes in on Tuesday and I can’t wait!

[@jonsidell3338]

She’s a beaute! I used to own a Natural 5 HS, a classic 4, and an American S.U.B. All great Basses! I miss the classic the most. No switching, 2 band eq, the most flamed maple neck, and mutes. Traded for a walnut ric just like yours. I make poor decisions sometimes.

[@LowEndLobster]

Dude I lust for a Sterling Classic. There were some great examples of Reverb that look to have sold :(

[@jonsidell3338]

@@LowEndLobster Yeah, I am not proud of myself.

[@keithpasculli7465]

Ernie Ball just knows how to do it right. I remember when this bass was released and at the time I didn't really see the point of it since it was so similar aesthetically to the Stingray but I get the changes and it is a killer bass. Totally agree about the branding issue; major marketing faux pax in my opinion

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Keith!

[@rowbocaster]

Nice review. I just got one of these. I think it's the best recording bass I've owned. I'm playing it live this Tuesday. I've recorded numerous American basses and A Mexican Precision that I modded to a PJ with Victor Wooten EMGs. Here's the list (special thanks to Tim at The Guitar Man store here in MD.) Fender: American Jazz (2 different ones each around 1800 bucks). G&L USA, Music Man Smoothie, Brubaker 2006 US. These were all fantastic basses I have to say up front. That includes the MIM Frankenstein. The EMGs made that very recordable. That brings us to the present...Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling, USA, so were not confused here. It's a white sparkle (not sure of the real name for the color) 2002, making it 20 years old. All of these basses were unique. None of them burped like this one. It's not a one trick pony either. I can get some seriously deep bass also, and everything in between. The proof is on the recordings for me. I'm curious to see what a nice set of flatwounds would sound like. It's smaller and lighter which is nice on this 63 old body. The Jazz sized neck is really easy on the hands, can't beat it as far as I'm concerned.

[@LowEndLobster]

Dude that's KILLER! That white sparkle finish from the early 2000's is beautiful! Enjoy it! :)

[@frederickdoyon]

I wish they would do a modern version of the sterling. I prefer that body shape over the stingray.

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes! The US Sterling needs love! Instead of making a Stingray in every flavor, I'd love to see them take the Sterling in a new direction

[@jasonhendon4109]

I really like my 96 with the mutes. its a great bass, that just does its job. Like always great review brother.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jason! Mute bridge is still my favorite bridge!

[@MJTbreww]

My favourite bass to play currently. Saw one for sale and without thinking bought it right away. Plus it was a natural finish model so you know... Joe Dart but active, and with knobs

[@LowEndLobster]

I looooooove natural MMs, and the Sterling is no exception. NICE!

[@tkotmk]

Thanks for he video! I was just considering picking up a 2013 model for a pretty low price..... I think I'm going to pull the trigger, thanks to this video!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Congrats and you won't be disappointed. Great instruments especially paired with a deal!

[@ChefZak]

The Sterling is a wonderful thing, the "4 string Stingray 5". My 1993 is beat to hell but it plays and sound so nice. I would love to see them get some more love.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Batrimons! Always glad to hear about a bass getting played!

[@robertgray8320]

Just picked up a '94 EBMM Sterling 4H w/a Flea bridge and I'm absolutely blown away. I have a EBMM Stingray 5H and I'm looking to sell it to get a Sterling 5. Not sure why these aren't more popular.

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats! I agree. The Sterling needs more love

[@alexzuccaro6579]

I have both. Sterling and ray. The ray feels nice and all but man is the sterling diverse and feels great to play. Works in ALL scenarios

[@EndyHawk]

Just bouht a used Sterling Fretless from the early 2000's, with the piezo pickup as well. Got that major Pino Palladino energy.

[@LowEndLobster]

Killer score Endy! Enjoy it! Congrats :)

[@michaelkeefer4293]

A Friend of mine had one of those Sterling basses back in the 90s, it was the teal color. I didn't know much about Music Man at the time but my friend's bass sounded so freakin' good that it got me looking at them, and eventually pining for and then acquiring an SR 5 when the finances (and wife) allowed. At some point Music Man did change the Stingray 5 to an alnico pickup, my 2008 SR 5 HH has alnico pickups. Unfortunately my aging back just can't take the weight of that bass anymore so I'm only playing it at home and the occasional studio now.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Michael! Yes, they changed back to Alnico at some point but for a while the SR5 and Sterling were both rocking ceramics. Bummer about your back, but happy to hear the SR5HH is still getting some love :)

[@THAvidinc]

I think one of the best things about it is the lack of the semicircle control plate. Ive always thought the 4 string stingray looks weird with the two different curves of the plate and the pickguard crammed against each other

[@dupajas4671]

I am elated that you have done this review, because it is really the only one around that actually shows what the Sterling sounds like in more than 2 minutes of slapping…. In my opinion, not that it matters at all, the Sterling really doesn’t need the “new lightweight hardware” as no one ever complained that the Sterling is heavy…like they did that the Stingray is heavy (not me, though…I was fine with my 10 lb Stingray…). I don’t think the Sterling needs any type of “makeover”; the Stingray Special was made to be more ergonomic - like the Sterling has been for almost 3 decades already. The fact that since EB has more or less stopped using Ash for bodies in favor of lighter-weight woods like Poplar and Basswood across all models, I believe you’ll see 7lb Sterlings with the standard hardware (which is superior to the new Aluminum stuff anyway). But if I were back in the market for an EBMM bass, it would be a Sterling over a Stingray….a Sterling 5 actually. That’s the biz… All EBMM has to do is actually update their site and maybe start offering those “new colors” outside of Red and Blue…as they’ve posted for the last 6 months now…

[@Slydeil]

My gigging bass is a mid 90s Sterling with a rosewood neck and it's perfect for me. Total quality, versatile and lightweight and I picked it up 2nd hand for £700 😎 I completely agree about the unfortunate "confusion" due to the "Sterling by Music Man" range. I always struggle to describe my bass without saying its the US original model.

[@adammadtin8451]

Hi Lobsey. I have been playing Warwick for many years and just picked up my first Ray 34 and really impressed by the sound and slap tone. I'm now converted but this things weighs 11.3 lbs. I have some back issues so comfort is priority these days. What are the lighter weight options in the sterling range. I know of the classic, is that the same as the ray24. I was hoping for one with the Mids control.

[@longdongbongchong]

I've always preferred the tone of the Sterling over the Stingray, and you can get a jazz style thinner neck with a SLO Sterling!

[@anderszidane973]

Hey Lobster, I'd love to see that SB4 video in the future :) Im thinking of picking up one.

[@Bass.Player]

I have always liked the smaller bodied Sterling. The naming nomenclature is confusing at best...

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks BP!

[@deangomes6280]

I love these basses. I have a black one with a matching headstock and a piezo bridge. Great instruments.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Dean! Man I really want to try any of the piezo models - rare birds those are!

[@deangomes6280]

@@LowEndLobster yeah I was surprised it popped up so I impulsively had to snag it. Lol. I’ve been eyeballing a HS Sterling model. Due to my bass lust I’m letting some go too. I just put up my reflex anniversary HSS on reverb.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@deangomes6280 Yours is the orange one!? How come you're selling?

[@deangomes6280]

@@LowEndLobster it’s red quilted maple top. I’m starting to amass a large collection. If it doesn’t sell I’d be ok with it. I think it’s super cool. If someone out there would love it and record with it that’d be great. At this time I’m just a hobbyist and collector. I’d like to be more but that’s all I can be for now. I may regret selling it since I’ve never seen another in the wild. Lol.

[@BenD_Bass]

Lobster! That new SB14 that came out at NAMM is looking kinda nice. It's like a budget Joe Dart bass with a pickguard

[@Abeuss]

I bought a stingray special 5 and I’m loving it.. until recently I thought Roger from Less Than Jake played a stingray but I was wrong; he plays a Sterling because they are lighter and he likes running around on stage.

[@bassclefconnoisseur]

Ummm...I'm still confused and I'm not a novice. I agree with everything you said in this video. Great stuff as always, Lobster!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks BCC!

[@barssound]

I have a very early serial number 1994 USA one of these in sunburst. Incredibly solid bass.

[@philbosher6959]

Love all your bass collection Lobster how many do you have ? Great video 👍

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Phil! The number is always fluctuating. I buy and sell many basses for the channel, and usually have an inventory of around 50 or so

[@tagsdm]

Nice video, and great playing! I have one of the EBMM Sterling H-S models, an '08 bought new and have never regretted it. Unlike most guitar players (myself included), I've never felt the need to get anything else, either. Curse corporate for the idiot naming issue.

[@frankortega4280]

My favorite Music Man Bass. I also own a Sterling Classic model which I love.

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm jealous of your Sterling Classic!

[@frankortega4280]

@@LowEndLobster I have looked to pick up another one but seems like folks are holding onto them. Great instrument that I wish Ernie Ball would reissue.

[@implayingsomebass4753]

Nice review! These are super nice basses. I had one years ago that I loved playing but it wasn't the right sound for me at the time.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! What finish combo did you have?

[@implayingsomebass4753]

@@LowEndLobster it was blue with a black pickguard and rosewood fretboard. I liked these better than the Stingrays at the time, but ended up switching to Warwicks for many years!

[@luigi.zanini]

parallel / single / series mode comparison 12:04 amazing! my future MM 4 strings bass!

[@samcockrell]

Where do you get your subs from 5 screw neck ? Love that metallic orange I love that sterling body style over the sting ray

[@Belman5]

I love that Sterling. Beautiful.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Belman!

[@paulmullen2620]

I love these basses, but can never find them (especially not in that sweet orange!) I get tons of Sterling by Musicmans when I search though.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Paul! Dude you've illustrated one of the most painful parts of searching for one of these. Popping in 'Music Man Sterling' will often yield a sea of SBMM basses, and not all sites have robust filtering options (Reverb is pretty solid and I can get the SBMM ones out of the way)

[@dorssberube]

Lobster, MusicMan guru! 🦞

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Dorss :)

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

I recently scored a Sterling by Music Man SB14 (aka a Sterling Sterling, lol) for $375 and it is BY FAR the best import (Asian or otherwise) bass I’ve owned. IMO it has the best neck for my tastes, and I’ve owned other “best neck” contenders such as the Fender Road Worn 50s P, Squier Matt Freeman P, and a 70s reissue Jazz Bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Those things are absolutely hidden gems. Hoping to snag one at some point to compare to the USA

[@jcsk8]

Wow. Do you have a video on that fretless? Looks KILLER.

[@KapnKregg]

$1300 is a GREAT price on one of these in 2022 dollars. They are selling used for closer to 2 grand now. In my opinion, this bass and the Bongo are the best instruments EBMM have ever made. I love the preamp on this, but do agree they should swap out the hardware at least.

[@crocholiday]

I have one of these that I got back in 05 ish. This bass through my Ampeg SVT head and 4-10HLF cab was da bomb! I regret selling that rig but dang... Lugging that 110 lb cab around started to get old. Or maybe I did lol.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Croc! I hear that. My first big boy rig had the same 410HLF! Many (not-so) fond memories of hauling that thing into the back seat of my VW Cabrio that I had in highschool (had to take the top down to put the cab in the car hahaha). I'm much happier with my 30-ish lb Accugroove Tri112L

[@crocholiday]

@@LowEndLobster I roll either a MarkBass LM Tube and 2-10 cab or a Blackstar U500 combo (surprisingly good for the $$ if you haven't heard them) depending on what I'm doing. The MB cab is 35# and the Blackstar combo is maybe 45ish. I like that a LOT better. Maybe I'll get another Ampeg 4-10 when I have a crew to carry it lol. I did love the tone it got.

[@etpslick100]

I always love the stingray bass; but I like the ‘versatility’ of the Sterling.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Me too

[@Musikleidenschaft]

Why did you get rid of this Sterling?

[@michaelblaney4461]

So Lobster , I noticed that the pickguard is a asymmetrical oval compared to the stingrays pickguard . I really like the one pickup Music Man basses over the two pickup basses. by your description it has sort of a Jazz bass style neck

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Michael! Yes indeed, the neck on this is much more 'jazz' like vs the 'middle ground between J and P' stingray profile.

[@benoit.lafitte]

good video! but at 0,47 , is it a black sterling sub sb4? because i wan't to buy this! is it for sale? i'm french thanks

[@mattfoley6082]

I lusted for a Stingray. Saw a used EBMM 1996 Sterling in Sam Ash and tried it out...SOLD! Same Stingray tone* (close enough for most ears), smaller body, thinner neck, plus 2 other tones. What's not to love? *I've found that cutting the mid knob a bit and boosting bass and treble knobs helps it sound more like a 2EQ Stingray, at least to my ears.

[@mattfoley6082]

I also have a 5 string OLP bass. If you crave the Stingray tone but don't want to spend much the OLP is your bass. It's passive but don't let that fool you, sounds like the real thing. Demos on youtube, see for yourself.

[@samcockrell]

Hey lobster I can’t seem to find a sub anywhere(Indonesia) with rear control cavity and sterling body I live in Chicago and only found one @ guitar center do you know what model has what I need. All the subs I see are stingray body types and the colors do you know what are all the colors they offer ? the last to stingray subs I purchased were cream and mint green and metallic blue /2 pickups keep making these great videos I’ve learned a lot

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Sam! They're much more rare and not made anymore, but they're called the SB4 (SUB) and SB14. The SB4 is often mislabeled as a Ray4 SUB. Keep your eyes peeled!

[@fisnikbalan5253]

Man I love the Sterling Bass. I own a StingRay and I love it too but the neck is so wide and I have small hands. I really want to buy a Sterling

[@Bruinstu]

What type of stingray have you got? I’ve got a Sterling 4H 2004 I’m trying to sell

[@fisnikbalan5253]

@@Bruinstu It’s a Graphite Pearl MusicMan StingRay 4 H 2003. It’s a sweet bass, plays so nice but my hands are so small, but it’s still comfy but i’m not really that fast

[@fisnikbalan5253]

@@Bruinstu add me on my instagram: _pistaq

[@Bruinstu]

@@fisnikbalan5253 ah nice I had a translucent green stingray I sold years ago that I instantly regretted. Want another stingray so bad, if only we could swap! 😆

[@fisnikbalan5253]

@@Bruinstu maybe we can, give me a dm on instagram

[@xdoctorblindx]

How many claws would you give a used one? I love mine more than either my Stingray or my Stingray Special!

[@dincorcelles]

I hope you can compare the Sterling with a SBMM SB14.

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

My SB14 is an absolute monster. All I needed to do was install DR Pure Blues strings and it growls like a hungry bear.

[@dincorcelles]

@@jaxonvictoria4345 I also have an SB14. Amazing bass👍

[@LowEndLobster]

I'll try. I only have the SB4, but I'll try and get an SB14 at some point :)

[@iceman0124]

That's the one!!!! If I could have any MM right now, that's the one!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Iceman! Sterlings rule!

[@iceman0124]

@@LowEndLobster ever messed around with one of these? reverb.com/item/41496493-music-man-usa-reflex-4-hss-bass-tp-tangerine-pearl-rw

[@LowEndLobster]

@@iceman0124 I have not but they look cool. Similar electronics setup to my Big Al 5

[@skepticsinister]

Thank you fellow crustacean, excellent review, got two, first one back in ‘98 with San Luis Obispo, and a stealth 2018 with California Heritage, thought it interesting that MM changed back-headstock logo Love this instrument because ergonomically it is comfortable.

[@MarcusSantos37]

Hi Lobster i'm still curious about the sterling sb4 version of the bass i hope we could see a review of that soon

[@jettsom]

Killer bass, hugely underestimated.

[@samcockrell]

I prefer the sterling and I’ve had the early stingrays Louis johnson was playing sterling feels better in my hands I love that orange

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Sam!

[@samcockrell]

@@LowEndLobster you’re welcome but I was hoping you could address a few of my questions about the sub model with the rear control cavity so many model numbers for the subs it’s confusing I only want the rear cavity models. Thank you lobster😎🌈👍

[@LowEndLobster]

@@samcockrell they often get mislabeled, but the models are the SB4 SUB and SB14.

[@LaFritePerreGoat]

its feel its becoming musciman best kept secret after sbmm went to market. i saw more peoples talking about it like 10 years ago. Awesome basses if you like the jazzbass neck more. I use it most of the time in the parallel mode with smiley eq as it sound more like the stingray they have definitely more mids flat. i use single mode most for low volume practice, which is less aggressive when you are bit tired. Series is best used with a pick for a rick like tone, which I don't use much.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you MrFrenchfriesmonster! They're really such a hidden gem. So many great finish options on the second hand market, I LOVE the color I got.

[@aLottaLiam]

I've always preferred the sound of the sterling pickups vs the stingray. I've just never found one I like for sale, I've had plenty of rays but never a proper sterling :(

[@greyfoxzero]

In my hands the Sterling always reminded me of a Jazz bass more than a Stingray. Maybe the neck profile?

[@LowEndLobster]

I see that. Neck profile and the offset shape definitely have jazz influence

[@pwokaren]

I feel that if I bought a Music Man Sterling I would constantly be explaining to people that it’s not a Sterling by Music Man. Just poor marketing really. Having said that. I love the Bass. The sound and dimensions and versatility are awesome.b

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

Honestly. I own the import counterpart, and all I gotta do is say I have a Sterling SB14 and be done. Haha

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Pwo!

[@ianchisholm9260]

I have the same problem ., I have the MM Sterling , and everyone thinks it’s the cheaper Indonesian Models ( which are actually pretty good ) ..I’ve also owned a couple of MM SUB Basses ( also pretty good ) and most people know that it’s also Indonesian made .. MM need to change the name of their lesser “ Sterling “ brand to something else.

[@jonathansmith2710]

@@ianchisholm9260 At this point I think MM is better off keeping the Sterling name for their licensed Indonesian brand since that brand name has better association with the cheaper line. The smaller, lighter USA model should be renamed from Sterling to something like MantaRay bass so it is unique but also has some association to the USA made Stingray bass.

[@sixwholepesos]

any update on that sterling sb4 video? really wanna pick one up and mod it for a grindcore project. they pop up from time to time for like $199-280

[@howardperlin3016]

Beautiful and sounds awesome

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Howard!

[@StingrayMM20]

I've been looking for a used Sterling on the internet for quite a while now and it drives me nuts that 99% of the time it comes up with Sterling by Music Man instruments exclusively. I may finally have found one by now, so that's great. But it was quite a hassle. 😅

[@charlieburns1385]

I have a 2002 sterling, American Can you tell me please what the ohm readings are with the 3 way switch between all 3 positions ,volume full Thanks

[@al76groovekeeper]

I LOVE THE STERLING

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Albert :)

[@dback139]

Honestly have always wanted an EBMM Sterling but after grabbing a Stingray Special SLO Special 4HH, I feel like I'm essentially playing a better version of one.

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! I've always wanted to check out the SLO. Enjoy!

[@mattfoley6082]

How to tell the difference: 1. This is the "Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling" as it says on the headstock. Also "Made in San Luis Obispo". The cheaper models are not "Ernie Ball Music Man", e.g., they are "Sterling by Music Man" or "Sterling SUB" or "Sterling RAY" and are not made in San Luis Obispo. 2. The EBMM Sterling has the asymetrical pickguard, the cheaper models have the symmetrical egg shape (like on the Stingray).

[@Brotesque89]

Killer solo my man!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Mitchell!

[@Brotesque89]

@@LowEndLobster The new Darkray looks awesome! Are you planning on reviewing one soon?

[@LowEndLobster]

@@Brotesque89 we plan on doing something ;P that's all I'll say hahaha

[@Brotesque89]

@@LowEndLobster Looking forward to seeing what yall have in store

[@oskarus3]

Wow, I always thought that all Stingrays pre-2018 were Alnico V, both 4 and 5 string. Now I'm curious how much differently 4 string Ray sounds compared to 5 string from roughly the same era.

[@LaFritePerreGoat]

yes before the stingray special 5 time you had to have a classic 5 stingray if you wanted the og tone. As lobster said the stingray 5 was always is own beast more like a sterling as a stingray.

[@oskarus3]

@@LaFritePerreGoat well, that's a little bummer. You have to either search for Stingray 5 Classic or choose the SBMM Ray35, which have Alnico pickup, as I found out

[@LowEndLobster]

They went back to Alnico in the early 2010s from what I remember before going neo in the specials.

[@LaFritePerreGoat]

@@LowEndLobster 2008 according to wiki I forgot about that! They did a Sterling 5 at the same time wich retained ceramic. In March 2008, Ernie Ball switched back to AlNiCo pickups for their StingRay 5, after having used ceramic pickups for this model since 1991. The AlNiCo pickups, which are also found in their four-string counterparts, give the instrument a sound more like a StingRay 4. The phantom-coil was also removed (except for the HS model) and the Single-Coil Mode replaced by an Enhanced Parallel setting. This model is replaced by the StingRay 5 Special as of July 2018.

[@bbt9458]

Yeah does look like a marketing blunder on there part. And some of us slightly older fellers need our street cred too hehe.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Bryan!

[@jeanguycaissie3085]

I got a ernie ball sterling with humbucker and single coil love it but i never seen another one ??!!!

[@ChipsA17]

I want this exact model but can't find it anywhere. The orange and black would match my Subaru

[@steveschenker1380]

I can't afford the MusicMan Sterling, so I will hold out for the Sterling by MusicMan MusicMan Sterling.

[@LowEndLobster]

LOL Well played

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Any chance of a stingray/sterling/sabre comparison video?

[@LowEndLobster]

There is an increasingly greater chance now that you've mentioned it. Great suggestion! How do you think we should frame it for the Sabre, bridge pickup only?

[@jamesmarkham7489]

@@LowEndLobster yeah with perhaps a caveat that the other models do sometimes have the 2 pup available?

[@srirachaseahawk]

Is the nut width on the USA Sterling like what you find on the Sterling Ray4/24?

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

Yes. 1.5”.

[@LowEndLobster]

Bingo!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I like how they offer the 3 way toggle on the 4h I think that should be standard on the 4H

[@9unslin9er]

This sounds so much better than a Stingray.

[@jamesmagana4303]

What color is the one hanging on the wall that looks like a dark pink looks like a cinnamon or shell pink or something

[@klaymeister]

I have a sterling by music ray man sterling ray 24567

[@LowEndLobster]

Yo dawg I heard you like music man sterling by music man sterlings so I put a sterling by music man sterling in a music man sterling by music man so now you can sterling by music man sterling by music man sterling while you sterling.... USA! USA!

[@klaymeister]

@@LowEndLobster not lying that made me laugh out loud.

[@ramshaar2597]

Good looking bass i love this colours sounds real good espiacly in slap .🙂👍

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ram!

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

For 🤨me,..the Sterling Ray 34 is a better choice for my needs & tastes from a “MusicMan”‼️👍🏾🎸✨(the price too for what ‘ya get!!) Got a Bongo Bass as you know from prior comments on other vids you’ve uploaded. It’s great and well received when I’m jammin’ live! But, the 34 ‘Ray dished out the tone I’m looking for in a Sting Ray and the weight it carries works for me especially due to that’s a factor in the distinct ’70s MusicMan Tone we know & love!! No Issue with the production/assembly done outside the US either‼️ You ‘member I 🇺🇸reside in 🇯🇵right! b(‘_

[@nigellacey559]

Bet thats a fantastic bass. More compact than a stingray .

[@MegaBassfunk]

Lobster, I have to be honest with you. I must respectfully disagree with your seemingly paltry three star rating. I think the Sterling compares extremely favorably with any and all EBMM instruments . It’s every bit as powerful as , and more versatile than, a stingray. This bass does things that a stingray cannot. I think that in regards to build quality, tone, versatility and feel, we are easily looking at a 4 (maybe more) star instrument. I don’t think that factors such as branding confusion should affect the overall impression of the bass . As you can safely assume, I’m a big fan of the sterling. I simply feel that it should be rated for what it is, rather than what the stingray special is, or what brand name the import models carry.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks lhaley! No worries! I don't think the three star rating is paltry, but moreso an average value as a 'brand new' instrument. That's the sticker here which I definitely stand by is the 'brand new' thing. In a vacuum, these are incredible basses. I just wouldn't recommend buying a 'brand new' Sterling at this point when the finish options are fairly limited, the instrument hasn't really been updated much (making for amazing second hand values though!), and we do have to take into consideration both the price (and other instruments at that price point) as well as brand and bass recognition. I think the SBMM brand issue definitely is important to mention as I don't think there's any other instrument out there that suffers from the same issue to the extent the EBMM Sterling does. However, I do think the brand recognition issue has a somewhat positive effect on the second hand market making these instrument an incredible second hand value.... but we also have the effect of a lower number 'brand new' sales relative to its Stingray counterpart.

[@MegaBassfunk]

@@LowEndLobster the price of a new sterling is close to (but still a bit less than) a stingray “special” . ($50 less) wonder what the cost of a special might be if it had all the switching options available as the base model sterling? My guess (pure speculation) is that the prices between the two instruments would be noticeably greater. (More speculation) could the lack of other updates on the sterling be for this very reason? (To keep the price from exceeding the flagship model) ? Or maybe they have lots of stock on old style hardware and want to use up the old bridges and tuners before going” full on special” with the sterling? Who knows? Sterling Ball knows, and he ain’t talkin Edit: I forgot to take into consideration the new pickups and 18v pre on the special...😕

[@MegaBassfunk]

Regardless, I’m glad they didn’t discontinue the sterling a la Caprice,Cutlass,Big Al

[@al76groovekeeper]

It’s my main ask but I wish it had less electronics I don’t need a bunch of knobs maybe one TONE like a P base thought of modifieING IT W ON BOARD DISTORTION

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Albert! We have just the mod project for you coming up very soon ;) a DIY Darkray using off the shelf parts

[@bassplayer2011ify]

Almost bought one of these about decade and half ago and I've kicked myself for not buying ever since because this back when new MMs could be had for around 1000-1500 bucks.

[@derekbell5333]

I’m confused. Sterling is a model and a company like Squire??

[@LowEndLobster]

Welcome to the Music Man Confusion Party 2022! To answer your question simply - Yes. There's the Music Man Sterling USA bass, which is a model from music man. That's what's featured in this video. THEN there's the Sterling by Music Man basses, which are a brand that is the 'import' line of the Music Man USA stuff. They make Stingrays essentially, though they did make a 'Sterling USA' shaped Sterling by Music Man bass briefly (the SB4 and SB14).

[@derekbell5333]

@@LowEndLobster Ahhhhh! Thank you so much Lobster dude!!! I really appreciate the explanation. I'm getting ready to buy my first bass and your vids have been crucial!! Thanks for all your hard work!

[@ЖанДюжарден-э3п]

Where is your video about that SB4 sub bass?

[@LowEndLobster]

Haven't made it yet lol

[@rijudasgupta2643]

What's your favorite MM bass to play?

[@chriscuthbertson]

I want them to make a Sterling by Sterling by Music Man. ;)

[@LowEndLobster]

Hahaha, they did briefly! The SB4 and SB14. I think there was an SB24 prototype or something too

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I agree that updated hardware on the Sterling would be great but don’t touch the preamp. The Sterling needs to be distinctive. Let the Stingray Special have it’s own lane, and rather than share it with the Sterling. Personally, I own the old, 2004 USA SUB Sterling which has the small body, skinny neck, extra fret, three band eq, but no coil switch. I love it, and the fact it was $500 used (swapped a Sire V7 and $50 for it,) makes me love it even more.😎

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Great comment! I love your USA SUB Sterling, man. That's truly a sweet gem you got there!