Possibly the best SR5 I've ever seen. It wouldn't be a difficult decision for me. Keep the SR5 and if you really want the sterling after playing, go play a few more till you find one that feels right. But you should have both ")
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1989 EB MusicMan Stingray5 VS EB MusicMan Sterling5
- Thread starter MauroScaparro
- Start date
I found the EBMM Sterling 5's I have tried to be too aggressive to be useful. paly rock, classic rock, blues and funk and both times I have owned one I could not dial down the aggressiveness to a serviceable level..
Do not get rid of that thing man you will hate yourself for it later
I think I am mistaken here. The 4 strings had differing neck widths, with the Sterling more like a Jazz. Someone else mentioned that the 5s are the same. My memory may be from the 4s.
As much as I like Sterling’s, the SR is the Business.
If you trade it, that will mean Instant Regret, without a doubt. Do not trade, do not sell that SR5!!!!
If you trade it, that will mean Instant Regret, without a doubt. Do not trade, do not sell that SR5!!!!
I have owned both but my SR was a 91 and it's just a different animal. Despite having similar pick-ups it seemed to be voiced different compared to my sterling 5. I would definitely keep the 89 SR5
If you let the StingRay go, you will regret it.
I had a tough time deciding, but I voted to keep the Stingray.
You’ve apparently owned it for a while and by now it’s seeped into your soul. Find a strap that supports it well and helps it balanced well, perhaps a neoprene such as a NeoTech. It’s worth keeping a bass you connect with that well.
The reason I had a tough time deciding is because I own a 2007 Stingray 5HH in Honeyburst. I love it, I think it’s the prettiest finish Musicman did and I lamented it being discontinued. Also that bass is from the era where the SR5’s had the preamp and the ceramic pickups from the Sterling 5. It’s not a classic Stingray sound so it’s a different beast, basically a Sterling in a Stingray body. I happen to love it and it has worked well in every playing situation I’ve played it in (classic rock, blues, blues rock, British Invasion). But it isn’t a classic Stingray. If you love yours, stick with it.
You’ve apparently owned it for a while and by now it’s seeped into your soul. Find a strap that supports it well and helps it balanced well, perhaps a neoprene such as a NeoTech. It’s worth keeping a bass you connect with that well.
The reason I had a tough time deciding is because I own a 2007 Stingray 5HH in Honeyburst. I love it, I think it’s the prettiest finish Musicman did and I lamented it being discontinued. Also that bass is from the era where the SR5’s had the preamp and the ceramic pickups from the Sterling 5. It’s not a classic Stingray sound so it’s a different beast, basically a Sterling in a Stingray body. I happen to love it and it has worked well in every playing situation I’ve played it in (classic rock, blues, blues rock, British Invasion). But it isn’t a classic Stingray. If you love yours, stick with it.
I don't usually get sentimental about gear, but that Stingray is seriously cool. Not sure I'd ever get rid of that one.
I A/B'd two similar basses before buying my alnico pick-up Stingray 5HH - I think you nailed the tonal difference. Sure the Sterling is lighter, smaller, etc., but for me the tone was just not to my liking.
PS. Mine is pretty heavy too, but a good wide strap and some shoulder shrugs will take care of that. I'm not kidding - by the time you work up to 45 pounds in each hand, you won't even notice it anymore - doesn't take long, either
PS. Mine is pretty heavy too, but a good wide strap and some shoulder shrugs will take care of that. I'm not kidding - by the time you work up to 45 pounds in each hand, you won't even notice it anymore - doesn't take long, either
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Nothing compares to that killer tone. I agree a little working out is well worth it!
I play mostly 4 string Stingrays/Sterling/Sabre’s but have never been a fan of the 5 string stingray looks. Ummmm. Your 89 looks super rad and I would never let that cool of a bass go… if it sounds anything like my 80’s Ray you’re going to have a hard time getting that tone from the Sterling. Just get a padded stretchy strap. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate stuff getting lighter but some of that old heavy stuff will never be able to be replicated as far as tone. Now at the end of the day your the one that’s going to be playing it so I would try both out and if you really want that Sterling than swap but make sure it’s what you want and not just the idea of a new fun thing to play with.
One thing to remember is that what the bass sounds like in the mix either live or recorded is going to be different than what you hear just trying the bass out.
Thank you all for your opinions, very helpful.
We tried the basses head to head. The sterling really sounds like a dream and it is really light, super comfortable. But i was not sure because i have a bond to my 89 ray. I told him i was going to pass on the sterling.
But the owner of the sterling told me that i could take his bass to a gig and try it live, and i could return it if i wasnt happy.
So I took it to the gig last night.
It was wonderful, the weight issue obviously dissappeared and the tone is gorgeous. Is a very hot output bass but i can get used to it.
The only thing that i dont like about the sterling is the fact that the g string is too close to the edge of the fingerboard and sometimes it falls out when im playing. That is a pain.
So now i have it at home and im still thinking about it, i think i will keep my ray for now..
We tried the basses head to head. The sterling really sounds like a dream and it is really light, super comfortable. But i was not sure because i have a bond to my 89 ray. I told him i was going to pass on the sterling.
But the owner of the sterling told me that i could take his bass to a gig and try it live, and i could return it if i wasnt happy.
So I took it to the gig last night.
It was wonderful, the weight issue obviously dissappeared and the tone is gorgeous. Is a very hot output bass but i can get used to it.
The only thing that i dont like about the sterling is the fact that the g string is too close to the edge of the fingerboard and sometimes it falls out when im playing. That is a pain.
So now i have it at home and im still thinking about it, i think i will keep my ray for now..
Don’t do the trade!! Keep your bass!!! Your bass is worth more sentimentally and it’s considered a very desirable vintage bass by StingRay 5 lovers.
Maybe save up for a lighter bass or make payments or buy his outright. Just don’t sell or trade yours.
Maybe save up for a lighter bass or make payments or buy his outright. Just don’t sell or trade yours.