Sterling by Musicman SUB bass HH

[thebrig]

I've mostly played P basses with a Jazz neck fitted because I prefer the narrower nut, but I'm now thinking of getting myself a Sterling by Musicman SUB bass HH to give myself something a bit different.

 

The specs state that the nut is 38mm, so if anyone owns one, I was wondering if you could give me your thoughts on how the neck plays, are they similar to a Jazz neck in both feel and playability?

 

Thanks.

[horrorshowbass]

Rest assured mate, I'm a jazzer and the neck profile is lovely and playable. I have a full fat US stingray and I love the tone but not the neck so much (41mm) Had the sub ray4 too, lovely neck. You'll not be dissapointed

Edited December 2, 2021 by horrorshowbass

[thebrig]

1 hour ago, horrorshowbass said:

Rest assured mate, I'm a jazzer and the neck profile is lovely and playable. I have a full fat US stingray and I love the tone but not the neck so much (41mm) Had the sub ray4 too, lovely neck. You'll not be dissapointed

👍 Thanks for heads up, I might just treat myself to an early Xmas present. 🎄

[Machines]

I'd have bought one of these already, if it weren't for the giant bridge plate. There seems to be a significant lack of aftermarket replacements also (I know Retrovibe did some, but are long gone).

[horrorshowbass]

1 hour ago, Machines said:

I'd have bought one of these already, if it weren't for the giant bridge plate. There seems to be a significant lack of aftermarket replacements also (I know Retrovibe did some, but are long gone).

How often are you really going to look at the big plate? Put a Ray34 preamp in it and you're golden 

[songofthewind]

Try AliExpress for the replacement bridge. Beware of the string spacing. You will need to use the old saddles from the big plate bridge.

[BassAdder60]

Many say the HH version isn’t as nice as the H single pickup variant 

Not sure why perhaps pickup location 

[Machines]

12 hours ago, horrorshowbass said:

How often are you really going to look at the big plate? 

 

That's a bit like saying you should buy an ugly car because you'll be sat in it and can't see the outside.

[ped]

You could probably install the old fashioned mutes on that bridge which would look pretty cool

[ped]

https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/accessories-c2/string-muters-c63/musicman-stingray-4-string-mute-set-includes-springs-thumb-screws-m05502-p13442

[thebrig]

14 hours ago, Machines said:

I'd have bought one of these already, if it weren't for the giant bridge plate. There seems to be a significant lack of aftermarket replacements also (I know Retrovibe did some, but are long gone).

To be honest, I never even noticed the bridge plate, it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, and if I was to replace it with a smaller plate, there is always the chance that the outline of the larger plate would be pressed into the paintwork.

[Machines]

27 minutes ago, ped said:

https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/accessories-c2/string-muters-c63/musicman-stingray-4-string-mute-set-includes-springs-thumb-screws-m05502-p13442

 

 

Looks good - will require drilling though I think ?

[thebrig]

Do any of you know if replacement pick guards are available anywhere for the Sterling HH version? I've done a few searches and haven't found any yet, or would the Ernie Ball guards fit?

[ped]

44 minutes ago, Machines said:

 

Looks good - will require drilling though I think ?

 

Yeah I think so, I remember seeing someone else doing it

[Machines]

45 minutes ago, thebrig said:

Do any of you know if replacement pick guards are available anywhere for the Sterling HH version? I've done a few searches and haven't found any yet, or would the Ernie Ball guards fit?

 

I would guess they don't fit (on purpose) - the 5 string definitely doesn't as pickup shape and lower section is different.

[thebrig]

5 minutes ago, Machines said:

 

I would guess they don't fit (on purpose) - the 5 string definitely doesn't as pickup shape and lower section is different.

I could use the guard it comes with as a template and have one made I guess 🤔

[horrorshowbass]

2 hours ago, Machines said:

 

That's a bit like saying you should buy an ugly car because you'll be sat in it and can't see the outside.

Probably more like saying you wouldn't buy a car with an ugly exhaust. Not a deal breaker for me but each to his own.

[funkle]

On 03/12/2021 at 10:21, ped said:

 

Yeah I think so, I remember seeing someone else doing it

That was me.