Reviewer Todd Menard
Experience 7 1/2
Email spazimoto@msn.com
Review date June 17 2002
Manufacturer Ernie Ball (1998 model)
Model Sterling
Price 1075.00
Item owned for 2-5 years

Bass type 4 string fretted
Neck join Bolt-On
Neck construction maple
Fingerboard maple
Body Swamp Ash
Finish Sunburst w/ tortoise shell pickguard
Pickups Musicman Humbucking
Hardware chrome / schaller strap locks
Electronics Musicman phantom coil
I own this bass, yet I will try to keep this review as non-bias as possible. "Flexability" is the term I use to describe the Ernie Ball Sterling. After buying then selling seven previous basses (Fenders, Ibanezes, Spectors, Ovations), I finally have settled on this one. This is my primary bass. In fact, after owning this bass for three years, I purchased another one (see my review on it). This bass has a lot of tones that the modern bassist demand while adding EQ options for your "old-school" players. The neck has a real taper to it like a Jazz bass, so players with little fingers can enjoy Musicman Nirvana. The three EQ configurations (parallel, series, and single coil)allow for a great mix of different tones. My favorite feature about the controls, is the single volume knob. On stage I hate fumbling with multiple volume knobs. The sound is very focused and cuts through any live band situation. This bass sounds very clear and lacks a muddy tone. However some bassists may not like the somewhat weak bottom end. It's not a heavy (weight) bass, so your shoulder won't be dislocated. I love the inlayed chrome neck plate where the neck meets the body (nice touch). The finish really shines when rubbed down. The neck has a rather rough and natural feel. After a month's use, the neck is slightly darker from all of the sweat and oil in your hands. Also, the tuning keys and input jack plate become cloudy and course from frequent contact with the oil in your fingers. This is the lightsabre for the slapping jedi. This is a pricey bass, but worth the cost.

Construction 100%
(terrific job)
Appearance 90%
(Not super impressive, but nice and simple)
Playability 98%
(fun bass to play)
Sound 100%
(I've never had a bad tone )
Customer Service 75%
(They're all right.)
Value 95%
(they don't make them like they did in 98')
Overall 95%
(I will never sell this bass. It's my baby)
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