mjet260 Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 (edited) I'm likely going to get my son a "starter" full-scale bass for Christmas. He's got the short-scale side of things covered with an Epiphone EB-0 and my old 70s Framus but he'd like to start on a 4-string 34" scale bass. I've been looking for second-hand Music Man Stingray-esque basses. I'm familiar with OLP but it seems that they are no longer being made, and Sterling SUBs are the replacement at that price point. Does anyone have experience playing both? Are there any significant qualities (or quality difference) with one over the other? Edited December 3, 2014 by mjet260 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyellowcar Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 The only reason I would pick an OLP over a new SUB bass would be the finish - the OLP's came in much cooler colours (metallic blue, silver). Otherwise my experience with the two is pretty similar. Decent build, decent tone, decent price! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 The walnut finish is really cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger2611 Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 I have been more impressed with the Sub's I have played over most of the more expensive Stirling Ray 34's I tried, he wont go far wrong with a Sub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 How old is your lad? I only ask as some of those subs are bloody heavy and if he is only small it may not suit him but apart from that they are both OK I would think I had a SUB it was an OK bass but I did not get on with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjet260 Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 [quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1417631613' post='2622488'] The walnut finish is really cool [/quote] Agreed! [quote name='Thunderbird' timestamp='1417634292' post='2622537'] How old is your lad? I only ask as some of those subs are bloody heavy and if he is only small it may not suit him but apart from that they are both OK I would think I had a SUB it was an OK bass but I did not get on with it. [/quote] He'll be 14 soon. He plays around on my '78 Pbass which, while not being one of the true boat anchors that Fender put out in that era, it's definitely heavier than most. I suspect he'll do lots of playing while seated (since he's just learning now) but having his own 34" scale around will let him get accustomed to that feel. Good point though - I'll definitely check out the weight issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin E Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 Checkout the Sterling SB14 if you see one S/H. This has a slightly downsized and lighter weight body and a nice slim jazz profile neck. All the same MM features but in a package that would be ideal for your lad I would have thought. I've been using one for a few years as my main gigging bass. Everything else seems heavy and cumbersome in comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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