NBD: Sterling by Musicman SB14, scratch and dent - radiator replacement

[goonieman]

Hi All,

This originally came in the form of towel rail/ radiator from the courier.

They have since fixed this problem (see previous thread last week).

Well...well...well. I have had time to tinker: have done the standard fret job and polish, new bone nut cut and polished, oiled fretboard, new strings and associated de-muckification. Scratches and bumps on it - makes me relax as I don't have to baby it.

Now with most previous traces of DNA removed, I can say that this is definitely an excellent approximation of the USA Sterling I had!

In fact, I swear the EQ is a touch more user friendly. The highs don't fly over the top into a zingy zippiness like on the USA (i'm using the same strings as I used on the USA, for sake of comparison). Very solid electronics. The body-neck pocket fit is tight as a duck's behind. I'm really impressed.

Ok, the rosewood isn't QUITE as unblemished and greasy smooth, and then there is no gun oil finish (some 2000 grit sandpaper fixes this close enough). Also, they don't come in glitter finishes. But hey... they're a lot cheaper too!

These are now discontinued. Such a darn shame. What is the general population thinking? These should be selling. They're are going to get more and more sought after now I think.

Shame that a new mint pickguard is going to set me back 40 quid!!! (Anyone got one lying around?!)


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[Treb]

Nice bass dude! BTW do pass the A and D strings under the retainer. WRT its discontinuation, when it comes to MusicMan basses it's as if there's only the StingRay. Shops usually only have StingRays in stock. Dunno if there's hardly to no demand for Sterlings and Sabres (discontinued, again) or if they're just underexposed. Some shops don't even stock EBMM basses but only the SBMM range...

[goonieman]

Yeah, regarding the retainer - spotted that this afternoon!

Such a shame about the Stingray being the only game in town. I think under-exposure is a good point - but as discussed recently on this forum, there is something about big names not using Sterling bass's as their 'go to' or 'flagship' bass which has implications too...