timmchale2009 Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 I am curious... I know there is a difference but if someone could explain the difference that'd be magic! If then anyone could recommend any upgrades suitable for a sterling such as preamp or pickup mods that would also be mega appreciated! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolo Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 Try the MusicMan f.a.q. http://www.music-man.com/faq/music-man-basses/what-are-the-differences-between-the-stingray-and-the-sterling.html Don't fix it if it isn't broken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 Is this between USA sterlings and USA stingrays or stingrays and the cheaper Sterling version? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliwailer Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 (edited) As far as I'm aware, the pickup is the big difference as it is ceramic on a Sterling and alnico on a Stingray. That makes a huge difference to the tone, the Sterling's sound a bit harder to my ear. A preamp bypass could be nice, I like MM basses in passive mode EDIT: I see Pete has arrived as I was writing my post - there lies your answers! Edited August 22, 2014 by Chiliwailer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drTStingray Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 The US Sterling also has single coil and series/parallel switching. The Stingray has Alnico pick up/pick ups (the SR5 from circa 1992-2008 has ceramic with the same switching as the sterling - which started in 1994 IIRC). If you're talking about the sub SBMM then not sure what fits as the dimensions are slightly different from a Stingray but there are several aftermarket pick ups and EQs available. The regular SBMM has electronics much more comparable with the US version. They mostly have cheaper hardware etc (the tuners being a major difference). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmchale2009 Posted August 22, 2014 Author Share Posted August 22, 2014 Ok I've bought a Sterling SB14 the Sterling Model. Basically I get that the electronics and hardware won't be of US standard but I was toying with the Idea of upgrading preamp and pickup (bartolini, bass lines etc) just to get the most as possible out of the bass. As it's a sterling format rather than stingray I would be seeking out recommendations to make it a real MM killer on a budget basically Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 Ah you have a Sterling Sterling then, lol. If you want a stingray tone then a basslines or similar will work (didn't flea use them in something?) And a John east preamp for certain, check out his site! A used genuine USA Sterling pickup would be good if you can find one on Ebay or a Bartolini version maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerster135 Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 Nordstrand MM4.4 pickup would be pretty good for that I reckon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmchale2009 Posted August 23, 2014 Author Share Posted August 23, 2014 So outlay wise what am I looking to spend on a nordstrand etc?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger2611 Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 (edited) I have just put a John East preamp and Delano Alnico pickup in my Sterling Sterling, it has totally transformed the bass, lots of growl and bite that was lacking from all of my previous Stingrays .....highly recommended it cost me £200 (the pickup was second hand off this fine site) If the OP is ever in the Northampton area you are welcome to come and give it a blast, I promise you will be impressed Edited August 23, 2014 by Roger2611 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 John is the man, such a clever bloke, have you seen his circuit that fits in a p bass with no need for a battery and charges through the jack socket, simple yet genius! Did you go one or two band Roger, I have the 2 eq in my classic as it was missing something with the ebmm one or maybe even a faulty preamp as I got it in a trade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmchale2009 Posted August 24, 2014 Author Share Posted August 24, 2014 Getting an east without question now... Still humming and hahing over pickups but Nordstrand seems to be the way forward... Thanks for the advice fellas really appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted August 24, 2014 Share Posted August 24, 2014 You could message john and ask him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmchale2009 Posted August 24, 2014 Author Share Posted August 24, 2014 Is he on here or do you mean via his website?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassTractor Posted August 24, 2014 Share Posted August 24, 2014 Website. He's on here, but not often. The answer he would give you though is this: the stuff works well with a lot of different pickups. I knoooow, alright? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted August 24, 2014 Share Posted August 24, 2014 It should sound good with any nice pickup imo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger2611 Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 [quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1408823833' post='2533886'] John is the man, such a clever bloke, have you seen his circuit that fits in a p bass with no need for a battery and charges through the jack socket, simple yet genius! Did you go one or two band Roger, I have the 2 eq in my classic as it was missing something with the ebmm one or maybe even a faulty preamp as I got it in a trade. [/quote] 3 band with the swept mid eq Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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