MusicRadar

• Review
• Manufacturer's Description

When you make something that immediately catches the eye and ear of the discerning bass playing populous, the temptation to follow that up with a second instrument is just too great to resist. Such is the case with the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass, which follows hot on the heels of their original Sting Ray-inspired model.

The Sterling is every bit as impressive as that original. However, in reality, this new model has a lot more in common with a three-band EQ Sting Ray than it has with the full-priced Sterling bass. So what changes have been made to bring it in line with the SUB presentation?

Cost cutting

Well, this highly attractive retail price is made possible by the tried and tested method of imaginative cost cutting in terms of circuitry and materials used, as well as on general production. As part of this process, the unique three-way lever switch that is used to alter the pickup configuration on the full-priced Music Man Sterling bass is missing from the

SUB. Not only was this one of the main visual features of the regular instrument, it was a fundamental feature that offered some outstanding tonal qualities, with series or parallel mode options and the ability for the pickup to operate as a single coil.

This much more basic layout simply offers controls for volume, bass, middle and treble. But it’s not such bad news in reality, because there is a wide range of super tones still to be found and it all has that definitive Music Man delivery - a plus by anyone’s standards!

There are some other real individual qualities to heighten appeal too. For example, the general look is stylish and bursting with that ‘street cred’ element that we liked so much about the first SUB (Sports Utility Bass). That’s mainly down to the somewhat industrial appearance that comes from the textured body finish and a diamond cut aluminium scratchplate - elements that contrast brilliantly with the sleekness of the black neck and headstock. And it’s these same key elements that are employed to keep the price in check.

Turning cost-cutting production methods into desirable appeal is a neat trick, and it’s never been used to better effect than here. The body is extremely comfortable and, if you’re experiencing weight problems with your regular bass, this would be worth checking out as it really does feel light on the shoulder.

As we’ve come to expect from Ernie Ball/Music Man, the overall build quality is high. The usual six-bolt neck plate firmly secures the neck to the body. The neck is slender in width with a well-used feel about it, in spite of the painted finish, and is fitted with 22 beefy frets along the lines of its design inspiration. These are well dressed and, along with the rolled edge of the dark rosewood fingerboard, add comfort when playing.

The headstock is undoubtedly one of the neatest designs to be found on any bass regardless of price, but better still it has those classic ‘elephant ear’ tuners featuring ultra short shanks. Compact, efficient and traditional - just the job!