All user reviews for the Music Man Classic Sterling 4 HH

(Originally written by chevaliernoir/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Made in the USA, maple neck (with rosewood fingerboard on some versions).

Two pickups: one humbucker, one single coil

If we consider the Musicman family the senior member would be the famous Stingray.

But it's very heavy and not versatile at all because of its single pickup and very particular sound.

The Sterling is lighter (but has the same sound and the same sustain) and has a balance control for serial, parallel and single coil pickup modes.

The dual pickup Sterling is available with two humbuckers (Sterling HH) or with a humbucker and a single coil (Sterling HS). I will write about the HS model in this review.

This dual pickup Sterling is an improved version of the standard Sterling: it produces a wider sound range and has a thumb rest.

All other components are 100% identical to a standard Sterling. In other words it's like a Stingray but better!

UTILIZATION

The Sterling and Stingray neck is great.

The second pickup allows you to rest your thumb. That's very important for me.

The balance switch allows you to use the humbucker in serial, parallel or single coil mode. It also allows you to link it with the second pickup or to use the second pickup alone.

The switch is easy to use and it's readily accessible so you don't have to worry about moving it by mistake while playing.

The bass is much lighter than a Stingray (according to the specs it's only 7 oz lighter but it feels much more lighter).

10/10

SOUNDS

When it comes to sound, if you use only the humbucker you get exactly the Stingray sound.

The second pickup increases the sound possibilities... and it's very good but it cannot be compared to a Fender Jazz Bass pickup.

The sound is typical rock: percussive and with a big low-end, but it's also great for reggae, punk, fusion, ska, hard rock, pop...

OVERALL OPINION

As I said before, the dual pickup Sterling is better than a Sterling, which is better than a Stingray.

I don't understand why it doesn't have a better reputation, especially considering it's quite rare.

If I ever sell mine it will not be cheap. (it's new)