My thoughts: Sterling vs Ernie Ball musicman discussion and demo

[@ctrig3088]

This might be a slightly long response, but you're addressing something that's been on my mind lately. I recently went to Guitar Center in Hollywood and had an interesting experience. I was able to play a 1964 Fender Jazz in Candy Apple Red valued at $14k and a 1967 Jazz in Sunburst valued just under $6k. What I loved the most was the historical significance of the basses but wasn't blown away by the tone or playability. The bass that really blew me away was a used 40th Anniversary Stingray "Old Smoothie" . It had fat tone, smooth neck, great spacing, and man did it feel like it was made for my hands. It felt like the kind of bass that makes you play more confidently and play and sound better to a certain extent. I'm a five string guy myself and can't justify dropping the money on the Ray but I've been feeling like my MIM Fender Jazz Deluxe 5 was missing a certain punch in passive mode so I started looking into pickups to drop in there. I decided on the Aguilar AG-5J HOT that I ordered yesterday after watching Aguilar's jazz pickup comparison with Jonathan Maron multiple times. I love the feel of my bass and fortunately the sound is something you can upgrade. Thank you for posting these kinds of videos, they help show people that the price tag isn't what matters and that ultimately each player decides based on their tastes, wants, and needs.

[@klaymeister]

Sterling by musicman Ray35 is a good compromise

[@stevem-h3562]

well, II watched your review and bought the Sterling Stingray 5 in black. Very very happy with it. I had a USA SUB ten years ago, a 5 in teal and I wasnt ready for it, either just having that Stingray sound and nothing else or a 5 and as a result, I traded it in and got a Lakland. Well, now I feel like I am ready for both a Stingray and a 5 and I looked around at some of the contenders and as much as I'd have loved a Ray35, I cant justify it. Not for what I do, which is just writing and home production of my own stuff. I dont play live any more, so why spend more than 400 bucks on a perfectly good 5 string Stingray that sounds like I need it to? Already its settling in well and I'm very happy with it.

[@Solelova67]

They have a $900 version with the roasted maple neck and H or HH but I understand the price point of $329 and then add upgrades

[@BullyThaKidd]

Thats where i'm at

[@gutbucket260]

Just picked up and older USA Sterling 4 H bass and love it. Nice light bass and the neck is one of the best feeling on any bass I ever played. Strung it with Super Slinky Cobalt flatwounds and it sounds killer.

[@spencernation7847]

I have played many basses over the years.... and the USA Sterlings have the single most comfortable necks I have ever played. They're almost too good... and what I mean by that is they almost spoil other bass necks for you because they're so good. Might sound silly, but I actually decided on a Stingray after A-B'ing them because I wanted a fuller neck that made me work a little. I have never felt a more seamless body-neck joint on a bolt-on instrument than on those Sterlings, even better than a number of neckthru's. There's a reason all the Stingrays have the 5-bolt+heel contour now... Hope you enjoy that Sterling for a lifetime.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I just bought a Sterling Stingray short-scale bass. (been comparing basses for past 3 months). The fit, finish, sound & playability is incredible for an instrument costing $549.00. The neck & fret-work, is (not-to-far-off) from my Suhr Strat or my Taylor Acoustic. oNe LovE from NYC

[@stewartclough4866]

Great video I bought a Sire V7 and borrowed it my brother for a couple of weeks. Yesterday he ordered a first gen Sira P7. He has also been watching your excellent videos. Keep up the good work Allen.

[@wendyreillo138]

Bro loved this video! My thoughts exactly. The only thing I’ve heard in regards to the 2nd gen sires is that if you gigging for long periods of time is that it’s pretty heavy. Keep these videos coming bro!

[@cgoebbert]

Seems like you have your priorities straight, which is actually refreshing to see. That said, you know the old phrase, “Buy once, cry once.” Get the one you want and it will pay you back in pure joy. I mean, I’ve never bought a guitar thinking how am I going to make this money back? Once I pay for a guitar, I know that money is gone but I expect that it will pay me back in pure, unadulterated, playing joy. That’s my payback. If I make money playing live or recording, it’s just a bonus. And I own MusicMan and Sterling by MM guitars (and an MM USA made Sterling bass) so I know the quality difference. And just my thoughts, buy the one you want and don’t be worried about it getting stolen, knocked over, etc. Shit’s gonna happen. If we all lived our lives in fear we’d never leave the house. Just get insurance be it buyer’s or renter’s, list all your gear and make sure it’s covered, then go play your heart out…but keep an eye on your gear, that’s it. Invest in a Hydra stand w/ 6 legs that can’t possibly be knocked over and you’re set. Best of luck in your musical journey! 🙏

[@kongandbasses8732]

Oh, l have three SR 5, one from 1995 with ceramic magnets and one from about 2005 with neodym magnets, and a SR 5 Classic from 2012, also with neodymium magnets in the PU. The loudest one with the highest output is the old one from 1995 with ceramic magnets. I also have a SR 4, also with neodymium magnets, which also has not as much output as my first one. During the time I had the opportunity to play some other StingRays, and I owned two Bongo 5 and a BigAl 5 SSS, which l all sold. I noticed that I am a StingRay and Precision Bass guy. Over the time I noticed, that the output of MusicMan basses differ, and it has nothing to do with the magnets of the pickups. I found out for myself, that it maybe have to do something with different specs of parts used in the preamp. As I said before, l own a SR 4 as well. I compared the bass with two Instruments from my local music shop. The one of the Shop (in "Dargies Delight" - green) had not as much output as mine, and the other (I was lusting for back in days, black with maple fingerboard) had so much output that the Amp I played my Bass (Honeyburst with all maple neck) and the green one before started to distort the preamp. I had to cut the gain massive. I changed the 9V battery, because the preamps start to distort before the battery dies completely, but it changed nothing. With the volume knob rolled off at the black SR 4 everything was fine. So I think I can say that this well known difference in output/volume comes from the onboard preamp. Maybe in laboratory conditions a ceramic magnets PU does have not as much output as a PU with neodymium magnets. But in everydays use it feels like the preamps are not built 100% consistent, every bass having a different output rate. To be clear, l am talking about the old model with the 9V preamp. But my old SR 5 (natural finish, rosewood fingerboard, ceramic magnets) outperformed even the two Bongo 5 HH with 18V preamp I had for two years. So even the voltage has nothing to do with the output volume.

[@falconismbot9370]

That rickenbacker is my dream too man. I've played a few and I swear they just make you play better. Awesome stuff man.

[@georgewhite9299]

LAY-A-WAY😯😊🤔. I just turned 70 and this has worked for me for a long time or just wait til it crosses your path down the road. I put my 2000 SR5, Piezo on and got it out a bit later and I still have it now, (Jan. 2021). It's still seasoning and sounding better and I have that fear of theft too. I stopped doing clubs a while ago and do Church, Cabarets, Barbecues, Special event type things.

[@molonlabe1033]

I just ordered the sterling stingray 5 it has upgraded Seymour Duncan musicman pickups and preamp and has the same colors as the $2100 version . OH and it's a double buck I hope I'll be happy with it.

[@MC-qe5qb]

Great video, very reasonable assessment that I relate to and helps me decide

[@Bass.Player]

I had an SR5 MM but now I have the Ray5 (sub) and love it...after a setup it's really nice...

[@kard2565]

Had the same issue, and that’s why I have a ray34 coming monday

[@jamesb2894]

You mentioned the Sire Gen 2 and I looked at it.... I think I found my next bass purchase. I was actually thinking about picking up the Sterling 5 string myself... getting the Sire instead.

[@BullyThaKidd]

yeahhhh its hard to pass up the sire as far as bang for the buck goes...

[@Tedroy]

V3 5 and V7 4 fretless. Not looking back.

[@bassworship50]

Hey, what's up A.B. I own a Sterling Sting Ray 35 and last night I purchased a Sterling Ray 34 ca. I can't wait to get it and to do a review on it. Your opinion will be greatly appreciated. Thanks always my brother for all you provide for us here on KZbin. Peace and Blessings.

[@Draigar22]

Love these videos. Great review!

[@gerryk9]

Great advice. Thanks

[@Bassic778]

The Ray 35 is a Stingray 5 for a whole lot less!!!

[@Orangepep]

Sterling is releasing both 4 & 5 string stingrays with HH configurations and an all roasted maple neck. I’m planning on checking those out soon, they might be close enough to US stingray.

[@BullyThaKidd]

If that's true for me that might be the answer im looking for

[@pjsshearer]

I decided I couldn't justify spending the money fro the Ernie Ball 5 string, so I bought the Sterling instead. Recently, I upgraded the pickup to the Seymour Duncan SMB-5A with Alnico magnets and it is now one impressive Bass!!

[@MrClassicmetal]

That's a great example of using logic and common sense! 👍🏼

[@michael_caz_nyc]

You can install the exact pickup, preamp upgrade the knobs, switches (over time) and still Save a Ton of Money. Trust me. (as long as the feel & playability is right) - before you start the Mods.

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@michael_caz_nyc Yeah, that's what I've done a few times. Order a cheaper instrument as a base, along with my favourite pickups, hardware, flat wound strings, and electronics. And when the package arrives I pull the bass apart and put in the other stuff without even playing it first...😁

[@danfango1333]

My holy grail bass was a Stingray, but in the UK now you're looking at the £3000 mark for a new Ernie Ball one. No way was I gonna spend this. I got a top spec (Ray34) Sterling instead for £1000. Looks, feels and sounds like a real quality instrument. I'm very happy with my choice!

[@pjsshearer]

Same here!

[@bassworship50]

Hey what's up Alan. 3 weeks ago I just got my first Music Man which is a sterling by musicman Stingray 5. It's actually the sub-series and it sounds absolutely incredible. My problem I have is that I've played Fender Jazz basses for so long and I have a deluxe 5 with that wide flat neck and that's what I like and the music man has a narrow neck. I want to get rid of it but I cannot deny that Music Man growl. I'm thinking about buying the upgraded version but not that super expensive one. I too cannot justify dropping 2 grand on a bass. I did it once in my 41 years of playing bass and I vowed I'll never do it again. I've also been buying Squires and upgrading the electronics and they have stood the test on stage 4 about 10 years now. I'm really thinking about this upgrade Sterling because the one I have is a 2 Band EQ and the one I might buy is a 3-band EQ with the switch. Thanks for doing this video my friend and always "keep your tone low".

[@BullyThaKidd]

I feel the same way... at some point im going to do a review video on it and then do an upgrade video where i put in a pickup and then put in a preamp. both seymore duncan... (i just need to buy the pickup)

[@bassworship50]

@@BullyThaKidd my brother I did it yesterday. I upgraded to the next model and I got it for my price. That one that's like $700 a guy was selling he is 499 plus $20 shipping with the musicman hard shell case. I sent him a message and gave him a price I told him I would buy it right now if you came down to my price. Make me in the middle of his price at my price so I bought it. To have that 3-band EQ Plus the three position switch fluffy original hard shell musicman case. I feel like I hit the jackpot. I will do a video comparing the two for others to see and hear

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

Someone told me the other day we will spend $1000 on a phone that in two years is worthless then turn right around and do it again.

[@gary9816]

Does the EBMM have better playability/feel than the Sterling? I played a Sterling at store and it felt great, looked solid too, just wonder if the EBMM feels even better. Thanks.

[@BullyThaKidd]

it does just not 2000 dollars more worth of feel and playability

[@gary9816]

@@BullyThaKidd thanks man

[@Stewr306]

You can get a used EBMM Stingray 5 for $800-900

[@rhoodj]

Same concept with the Lakland 55-94 vs 55-02 or 55-01

[@farisfuad1150]

The low B on the MM sweet as hell

[@faustinogarciabassplayer3174]

I have the Sterling 5 Sub Series and I'm happy with it. The preamp is not that good and I have that rolled all the way down but I still get the tone I want.

[@BullyThaKidd]

You are saying you like it or no

[@faustinogarciabassplayer3174]

@@BullyThaKidd I am happy with it. It's comfortable for me but I am going to swap out the pickup eventually. I'm running it through the Fender Rumble 500, EQ all flat with the Contour activated with the Fender Rumble V3 cab. Gives me that nice "Quacky" sound. If I need a little more bass I'll dial up the bass control on the bass a tad. I got the Rumble based on your vids by the way. First comment was a typo, sorry about that.

[@BullyThaKidd]

@@faustinogarciabassplayer3174 alright cool if u do swap the pickup which one do u think u will go with

[@BullyThaKidd]

@@faustinogarciabassplayer3174 I read the aguilar 5 pickup doesnt line up.

[@faustinogarciabassplayer3174]

@@BullyThaKidd I was gonna go with a Duncan or a Nordstrand but I need to check the dimensions and make sure I pick the right one. Gonna ride it stock for the next month so I'll have time before I make a decisions. But overall, I dig it! Also keeps the weight down cause the LTD B206 6 string i was using, started to give me back problems.

[@Infectedbyevil]

Hi. What about the B string ? With one sounds better deeper and powerful. I have the stingray 5 HH Alinco pickups. He's B string is ok. But Not strong enough like on my Warwick vampyre sn 5 with has the same 34" scale

[@BullyThaKidd]

Could be eqing. Either way im jelly u own one of my grail basses. I will say tho the real deal sounds better but It could have just been the pickups. All the same I might get the cheaper one for christmas or something

[@jmford45]

For my personal playing the stingray will get the job done and is very affordable. As for the real music man I share your same concerns like at a gig it gets knocked over, stolen or something like that . But Yolo if u wanna treat yourself too.😁🎶

[@markminor70]

G&L ship their American pickups to Indonesia to put in their tribute series. Cool bass player fact.

[@blue.5058]

Sterling basses are a great value for the money. For the price of one EBMM bass, you could get a buttload of Sterlings instead. And yes- there’s less fear of losing a Sterling compared to an EBMM bass too. I’ve got a 4-string SUB Series bass (Valentine’s Day gift from the wife) and it gets the job done even with the “cheaper” electronics, which were more than adequate for my needs in my church band. But yeah- spending over two grand for a bass is not really worth it, especially with the poor resale value if you were to sell it (depreciation drops like a rock). If anything, I’d recommend finding a used EBMM if you were adamant about going that route, as you’ll get a better deal.

[@fredgonzalez6619]

Yeah y'all. Just get a damn Ray34, SUB etc..whichever bass you want that's not above $1,000 and then upgrade the pickup(s) to alnico versions of the pickup(s). If you wanna go all out, even upgrade the preamp too. And BAM!!! You have yourself a Stingray, or if not, something that sounds even better/smoother to the ears. You don't even have to get alnico pickups. You can still keep it ceramic but just upgrade too. You might like that sound better than alnico. Shoot. You never know. Let YOUR ears do the judging!!! Aite? Aite.

[@kevykev388]

I just bought a MM knock off by Harley Benton. Best $160 I've ever spent on a brand new bass. Its passive and I love it. I'm thinking about swapping the pickup in it but that's totally personal preference. I can literally take this thing to a gig and drop jaws with it....as long as their ain't a legit sterling or MM there to compare it with lol

[@Tegamal]

Great video! I recently played one of the Sterling Ray5 basses, and I'm seriously considering getting it. As someone that plays mainly small bars and outdoor shows, I also can't justify playing a $2000+ bass in those conditions. Plus, like you said, swapping the pickup is always an option! Would you agree?

[@vennroc6845]

I've been interested in the musicman myself, and I agree with you in another video where you said you get that sound from your Sire M2. So I'm chilled on pursuing the Musicman. But I am interested in the Sire P7 or a PJ from Fender. What are your thoughts?

[@BullyThaKidd]

I'd go p7

[@BullyThaKidd]

bang for the buck man... sire all the way... at least in my mind

[@marshalloliver1837]

The Ernie ball music man has an 18v which produces that high output clean sound and the sterling does not. Still thumps though 🎸🎶

[@TheFriendlyPsychopath]

I have a $2,400 Earnie Ball Music Man Stingray Classic4 that I never play because I don't like the neck, I bought it online without trying it out in the store.

[@bassstudent4life]

Too narrow?

[@austinstaab1205]

I feel like Sterlings have better color options

[@db23345]

Question: Would you buy a bass playability over how it sounds? Thanks

[@BullyThaKidd]

Hmmmmm.... yes and sometimes vice versa... I only say kinda because if it doesn't feel good I won't grab it to play

[@db23345]

Thanks for responding, I own a couple basses and my MM 5 feels like butter but sometimes I just don’t like how it sounds. I guess the jazz or pj basses have what I want. Be blessed!!!!!

[@samcockrell]

I’ve been playing music man for years the tone coming off KZbin wasn’t that great the cheaper model is a better buy with new pickups and preamp

[@reubenahsam9325]

Depends on what you really want it’s all personal. But for me instead of putting money into a bunch of lower end instruments put your money into into maybe two or three really good ones that have the sound that you want. I always see people invest money in a bunch of guitars that are almost what they are looking for because they feel they are saving money but if they invested all that money into what they really want you save money and storage space and are really happy. Just saying cause I was like that and now instead of having a bunch of lower end OK’S I have three OH YEAHS!!!!!

[@BullyThaKidd]

if it works for u great... im not u... im good

[@reubenahsam9325]

Bully Thakidd just saying brother cause in reality if I could I would get it all but I’m guitarded 😂🤙🏽

[@myklallen7184]

The first bass you played was not the Ernie Ball but the Sterling... You did more adjusting on the Ernie Ball than the Sterling... Wasn't a fair comparison. You spent more time playing and adjusting the Ernie Ball than the Sterling 😢... Bully, you need to go back and reevaluate. I have the Sterling short scale Stingray with Neodymium pickup and it is a MONSTER ❤

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

My feelings are you could by thousands of cheap basses but with all the upgrades and new pickups your still spending a bunch of money. If it’s your dream bass and you really want it then buy it. It’s gonna hold value and sometimes they are worth more many years later. I’m tired of buying cheap. I would rather save and get a really good one that I’m gonna call my main squeeze. 😂 Too each his own! I’m not a collector. I just want one that I really enjoy. The rest can be played and tested then sent back.

[@BullyThaKidd]

If it works for u then go ahead... That doesn't work for me

[@bassimprovjams3772]

You go on reverb and save a lot of money bro

[@rasmillion]

Seems like you played better on the sterling,

[@Jason-ck6ki]

Studio Bass only 😂

[@BullyThaKidd]

I don't have thousands of dollars to chance on a 75 dollar gig lol

[@melvinhunt8420]

Awesome bass bro my brother has that bass the m2 the second generation

[@BullyThaKidd]

What did he think about it

[@CNick75]

An instrument is not an investment. The real EBMM is light years ahead of the SBMM. If you have the means then you need to get the real thing

[@dbass9767]

It all comes down to affordability, if you cannot afford it, you can't afford it, people justify or put down stuff when they can't and look for alternatives I saved and I have a New Stingray 5HH, and I absolutely love it, and will never sell, it is Iconic and a classic I have a Sire P7 as well and I never worry about bad things happening to my guitars, I bought them to play them no worries its like buying new Benz or Jag but you're afraid to drive it, Lol, then why buy it?

[@BullyThaKidd]

Who said I can't buy one... I just can't justify spending that much for one tone.

[@dbass9767]

@@BullyThaKidd You can't justify, I never said you personally, I used the word You in general, I wanted the best guitar and I got it, I can justify getting an Iconic guitar that others guitars makers try to emulate, if I want a Fender for whatever my reasons were, Ill save or get it , not saying Squires are cheap but its not what I wanted period, IMO..

[@mplsmark222]

You really have to give Ernie Ball credit for allowing the Sterlings to be produced and marketed. In some ways they are supporting competition with themselves. I know Fender has instruments to fit dozens of price points, and by doing so hope to build brand loyalty. Guess that is what all the major brands do now. I have a couple Sterlings now and really like them. The first a S.U.B. Ray4 has some very nice detail work on it, and some things were just sloppy. Mostly the final assembly, easy enough to correct. I am a luthier so it was not a big deal, but most people would have to spend extra to have this work done. The Ray34 I picked up was better, but the neck angle was so low, the bridge saddles were bottomed out and the strings were still too high. It has a great flamed roasted neck that I just love. Specs say the Ray34 has a mahogany body, when I took the neck off to adjust, the body wood looks so white, it must be basswood. That is disappointing.