Musicman20 Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 Hey guys Im looking around at 5 string basses at the moment, and something struck me when I watched the Ernie Ball demos on youtube...the Sterling/Stingray is a really nice 5 string! Has anyone tried comparing the two? The Sterling is the more aggressive of the two, with in-series pickups, and different pickguard. Also, slightly lighter? I think thats the main difference. I already have two Stingrays...so I think Sterling might be a nice option. I still want to test some Lakland 5's though (DJ and JO). Any views on these two instruments as a 5 string option? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martthebass Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 The only comment I can make is to be sure to try out a lakky 5 first. I found the neck width and 35" scale a bit much. In comparison the tighter string spacing and slimmer neck on the Ray 5 were much more comfortable for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budget bassist Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 i hear the stingray is more aggressive sounding than the sterling. Also the sterling has a smaller body, thinner neck etc, my kind of ergonomics. I'm afraid i can't contribute much more than that though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted August 1, 2009 Author Share Posted August 1, 2009 [quote name='budget bassist' post='558194' date='Aug 2 2009, 12:35 AM']i hear the stingray is more aggressive sounding than the sterling. Also the sterling has a smaller body, thinner neck etc, my kind of ergonomics. I'm afraid i can't contribute much more than that though![/quote] Smaller body sounds good to me.... The B on these basses sounds amazing through the vids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD1 Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 I'm surprised there's not been more Sterling 5's over here by now - does anyone know if there are any shops stocking them? I'd really like to try one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obbm Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 I did quite a bit of research on the Sterling 5. It is effectively the same neck as the SR5, it's the body that is smaller. I contacted Strings and Things asking who had one in stock in the UK that I could try. They had one which they said they could send to my local dealer, Andertons, should I wish to try it. They also sent me a list of basses which were ex-factory and which could be shipped over if I ordered one in one month rather than the normal 3-4 months for a new build. Having looked at the demos I came to the conclusion that I wanted an HS. I was on the point of ordering one and then it dawned on me that for the price I could get a fully custom bass built here in the UK by a superb luthier with HS pick-ups, so that's what I've ordered. The only down-side is that I now I have to wait 10 months but it'll be worth it. I would certainly be interested in trying a Sterling HS but they are about as common as hen's teeth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monz Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 [quote name='Musicman20' post='558117' date='Aug 1 2009, 10:35 PM']Hey guys Im looking around at 5 string basses at the moment, and something struck me when I watched the Ernie Ball demos on youtube...the Sterling/Stingray is a really nice 5 string! Has anyone tried comparing the two? The Sterling is the more aggressive of the two, with in-series pickups, and different pickguard. Also, slightly lighter? I think thats the main difference. I already have two Stingrays...so I think Sterling might be a nice option. I still want to test some Lakland 5's though (DJ and JO). Any views on these two instruments as a 5 string option? Thanks[/quote] Before you make a decision go and try a Bongo first, yes I know the looks aren't to everyones liking (I love em) but they are gorgeous to play and they can do all the different tones... It's right up there near the top of my shopping list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted August 2, 2009 Author Share Posted August 2, 2009 [quote name='obbm' post='558246' date='Aug 2 2009, 07:53 AM']I did quite a bit of research on the Sterling 5. It is effectively the same neck as the SR5, it's the body that is smaller. I contacted Strings and Things asking who had one in stock in the UK that I could try. They had one which they said they could send to my local dealer, Andertons, should I wish to try it. They also sent me a list of basses which were ex-factory and which could be shipped over if I ordered one in one month rather than the normal 3-4 months for a new build. Having looked at the demos I came to the conclusion that I wanted an HS. I was on the point of ordering one and then it dawned on me that for the price I could get a fully custom bass built here in the UK by a superb luthier with HS pick-ups, so that's what I've ordered. The only down-side is that I now I have to wait 10 months but it'll be worth it. I would certainly be interested in trying a Sterling HS but they are about as common as hen's teeth.[/quote] Yes, the price is pretty damn high. I'd love to test the Sterling 5. It might be worth me looking into custom builders if they are a similar ish price. There is something about the EB basses though....such immaculate finishes, and the sound of those pickups! [quote name='Monz' post='558366' date='Aug 2 2009, 11:29 AM']Before you make a decision go and try a Bongo first, yes I know the looks aren't to everyones liking (I love em) but they are gorgeous to play and they can do all the different tones... It's right up there near the top of my shopping list[/quote] I watched a few Bongo demo vids, and I had a look at one in Bass Merchant. To be fair, I actually quite like the fact they look so different...they wouldnt suit me....but thats the point I guess. Ill have to have more time with one...but I still think my tone preference is with the Stingray/Sterlings. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 My Stingray has the best B string ive ever played..way better than my old Sadowsky..IMO Its a very focused instrument...depending on strings of course.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martthebass Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 [quote name='bubinga5' post='558570' date='Aug 2 2009, 04:27 PM']My Stingray has the best B string ive ever played..way better than my old Sadowsky..IMO Its a very focused instrument...depending on strings of course..[/quote] Stop teasing me like that Andrew......I still regret selling this one Still, my neckdoesn't hurt as much on long gigs with the Status. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted August 2, 2009 Author Share Posted August 2, 2009 EB basses seem to have really good B's. Interesting that in the recent Paul Turner interview, he stated he prefers 4 string basses, but if he goes 5, the Stringray is his favourite because not only does it do a nice B, it also has a very nice evn tone throughout the register. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 All I'll say is, don't take the B for granted.. Some prefer neck-thru, some prefer bolt-on... You have got to hear them.. Bubinga5..interesting that you mention the Sadowsky B... they always tout bolt-on as the way to go.. but I think neck-thru works ....but then that is just another thing you take a chance on when you commsion a 5.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veils Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Why is it that all the SR5's I have played felt absolute garbage??? Low B felt and sounded incredibly sloppy! And this is probably on 4 seperate basses..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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