My money would go to this bass. The 1993 Music Man Sterling. First year released. Named after Sterling Ball son of Ernie ball. It’s the faster narrower jazz profile neck, beautiful Birdseye Maple. Super special, arguably the best pickup Music Man produce. It’s Series/ Phantom(noiseless single coil)/ Parallel. in a smaller and more slim body with carved neck pocket.
It came with Flea bridge (serial number on the bridge not the neck) and integrated mute kit, super comfortable to play. I own 4 on these, one in Fretless and one in 5 string. 2 are '93. I’m a Music Man guy and every time I see one at good price, I’d want one, well to be fair I have the same feeling with all good basses,
It’s not to be confused with the Sterling by Music Man imports. It’s a Music Man thing as they have several models, series, and lines that share the same name. It seems like there’s a guy in the company who thinks sh!t up, that or they just have no imagination when it comes to naming their models.
Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I am going to shop for a used fretless to give that a try. Trying to find a place where I can try out some Dingwall, EBMM and Reverend. I do have a significant discount on a new Yamaha BB734A also that looks pretty appealing. Thanks again!
I’d jump on that 734 tbh. It is without a doubt my favorite bass (err, it would be my favorite if it wasn’t for another super rare BB from the same lineup that I got really lucky with). Even over my Reverend, that I paid more than double for.
Yeah. It’s arguably the best bass you can buy under $1000, full stop. At minimum it’s a contender.
Some Sires and some Sterling can likely match it for quality, but won’t beat it, and at that point it really comes down more to individual preference and feel.
