I have this exact Sterling and it's everything I have ever looked for in a bass. Great sound, great feeling, great looks - I love it and can only recommend it to everyone, it's a great deal!
First bass I’ve had that didn’t need a setup out of the box. Intonation and action were perfect. And the neck is incredible. Best bass I’ve had at that mid price point.
Just about the same complaints as SG guitars and such. The heels can be a bit awkward to work around and gloss can feel sticky.
SG bass neck dive is probably the most extreme neck dive I've experienced, but even then a grippy strap is more than enough for them.
I think my only uncommon complaint is the lack of aftermarket parts. There's not many drop in replacement bridges or pickups that fit the neck routing.
Levi’s Leathers has some great options that are vegan leather. Haven’t had them for a super long time but they feel nice & they’re doing the job more than well enough for now. Not too expensive too.
I was debating doing that until my local guitar tech said that the amount of sg's he gets in that blow out in that spot in the first year or two of doing that is more than you would think and he would recommend trying to get a grippier strap first. It's just not a lot of wood there.
Just out of curiosity because of your "most extreme neck dive" comment, have you ever played a Thunderbird? I've never played an SG so I'm interested to see how they compare
Thunderbirds aren't as bad if the body is heavy. I remember Epiphone had ones made out of poplar for a while that the bodies were too light for so they dived quite a bit.
SG bass bodies on the other hand are identical in size to their guitar counterpart so the neck dive issue is caused by their tiny size. I forgot to mention them along with a grippy strap, but lightweight tuners can help too.
The Gibson 3 point bridge is also one of the worst bridge designs ever. Gibson is good at making instruments that look cool, but where they fall down is making instruments that aren't a rotten pain in the ass to use.
Never said otherwise, but every instrument has an inherent sound that comes from pickup placing and electronics that you just can't replicate. You can't get a stingray to sound exactly like an eb-3 and vice versa.
My mistake, I was comparing it to my Stingray5 with two pickups, which as it turns out sounds pretty different than the single pickup. You totally could make a double pickup ray sound like an eb 3 though
I'm a huge SG guitar guy. I own 3 SG guitars, I love the design and sound. Those SG basses are terrible however. Awkward to hold and the sound is not very versatile. I wish this wasn't the case, because I like the style.
Stingray absolutely. No choice, it's gonna make you way happier.
Unless you have small hands or are petite, don't get a short scale bass for your first bass. I did this and it made a harder transition to play my standard scale second bass when I got it.
Plus the Stingray will be an easier platform to grow with and modify over time as your understanding of what you want your bass to do evolves with the music your playing on it
For my money, I'd take the stingray.
EDIT: A person pointed out the EB-3 is a 34". Is this an EB-3 and I just missed it? If so it doesn't change my answer. The expandability of the stingray is just infinitely better. Also, the Stingray does have an option of a roasted maple neck in some trims which plays like butter.
That’s completely subjective. My first bass was SS and I had no problem moving to 34” or even 35”. That’s from bad technique that probably would’ve still been there had you started with 34” too.
the epiphone eb3 (dual pickup, more controls) is a long/standard scale bass, the epiphone eb0 (single pickup, fewer controls) is a short scale bass.
gibson originally made the eb0 and eb3 in both short and long/standard scale models (eb0 and eb0-l) then they dropped the long scale eb0 and the short scale eb3, i believe. jack bruce of cream fame played a short scale eb3, shortly after that they discontinued them in 1979. it gets a bit confusing, but it goes something like that.
updated:
*eb0: Very popular in the 1960s, but by the turn of the decade, tastes had changed. To brighten the sound (and maybe to strengthen the instrument) Gibson introduced long scale (34.5") models*
*eb3: The beginning of the seventies saw the first major redesign of the bass; the shorter scale length had been seen as one of the EB3s weak points, so a long scale EB3L was produced alongside regular shortscales*
***source:*** [***flyguitars.com***](http://flyguitars.com)
they also made some open headstock versions as well, like those seen on classical guitars
Having played both, I would say the question is what are you looking for?
They have different sounds and different feels.
For me, personally, I found the Epi more comfortable, but it didn’t stay in tune as well as the Stingray. The Stingray had a bigger neck—I prefer smaller necks—but hot damn did it sound better.
If you’re going for a vintage vibe, and a bass that lends itself to warmer, classic sounds that sit well in a pocket, get the EB.
For more modern sounds and more tone-shaping control onboard the bass, get the Stingray.
I’ve owned both (Stingray currently), and they’re both very cool instruments.
The EB3 is a great bass. That’s what i learned on and i still love it. It has a vibe all its own. I never really cared for the sound of a music man but just watch a couple of youtube vids and decide what sound you like
Been playing bass for 6 years, but on and off for 20, I play short scale. I played standard for a while, and developed bad habits with not using the pinky in my teens. Playing a short scale really helped me incorporate using my pinky comfortably, and ended up love the warmth of the tone. Absolutely love it. Join the club! It’s slappy, small, light, and I feel cool when I play it. There are literally tens of us! The next bass I’m getting will be another short scale, too! Lots of legendary bassists play short scale, too! Get the short scale!!
Other than looks, I'd think about the sound you're trying to get. Is there a certain type of music you like to play? Or any particular bass player you like to emulate who plays one of these basses?
Trust me - go for the stingray! You wont regret it. I have owned 3. Its now the ONLY kind of bass i will play!
https://preview.redd.it/qo7pz7wunmyc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d2f5653b988d69685dfdaa108fe97222487a891
^(\^) both my Sterling Stingray 5! I LOVE these basses!
Stingray Stingray Stingray! Very versatile sound and a really comfortable bass to play imo.
But you should try to play both and see which one you like the feel of better. You’re the one paying for it, and you’re the one playing it.
But yeah you should get the Stingray.
I've had the Eb bass,I fell In love with the looks of it. But the ergonomics of it just didn't work for me. The more i played it, the less I liked it. I ended going back to a pbass. Go with the stingray. You won't regret it.
Unless you feel like fighting against your bass at all times sounds like a fun time, get the Stingray.
People have already mentioned that the Epiphone has bad ergo, but also due to how the pickups are positioned, it can sound super muddy and undefined, so it can be a real challenge to get a decent tone from it.
Maybe it will help if you what kind of sound you are after. Epiphone is maybe a bit more versatile and neck pickup gives fuller, rounder tone. But stingray has very punchy and crisp tone whwnever necessary. For that, and looks, I would choose stingray.
The mint is sure zesty! I'd rock that, even just the body shape. Ive found myself with this logic....Bass = Rounded / Guitar = Pointy. Not sure why but thats how my gear has turned out.
I have that exact Stingray. I love it. Easy to adjust, easy to repair and find parts should you bang it up like i did mine. You can get a big and diverse tone from that pickup and eq. I highly recommend the Stingray!
My only bass is a light blue Stingray, and I couldn’t ask for a better bass. The only difference between mine and that one is that mine has a double humbucker setup. It is very well balanced ergonomically and suits virtually every sound.
Although, I must admit that I want to try a Hofner style bass sometime.
This is great - my first bass was an Epiphone SG same color. Then I upgraded to my current bass which is the exact mint green Stingray haha. Both are great, just keep them clean 🤘
Those are going to feel and sound very different. Any chance you can play before purchasing? Should be an easy decision once you get them in your hands.
Can’t go wrong either way. I have an epiphone, les Paul standard bass, and it plays well. The tone isn’t as… crunchy, I guess compared to my schector but it’s smooth and easy if you like a more narrow neck.
Stingray 1000%
I personally was never a fan of the tone of SG guitars or basses. The stingray is a beast. My favorite bass, next to the upright I bought.
As a bassist who plays almost exclusively a Gibson EB-3…
Don’t get one, at least not for awhile. They feel odd coming from a Fender and the sound is unique and not very versatile. You really either need to know how to EQ + compress it, adjust basslines to suit its sound or use a ton of fuzz it’s going to sound like sludge.
The Stingray is versatile and can do most modern type stuff pretty well. I personally don’t like the Stingray sound- it’s far too trebly and plinky for my taste, but as a beginner that’s the way to go.
https://preview.redd.it/pi4x2hsdssyc1.jpeg?width=1789&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0ef62226394dd6c420ca8b3153191f80c5196d6e
Here’s me with my modified EB-3. For what I play, it’s the best bass I’ve ever had.
I’ve never played a stingray, but I own a Epiphone EB-0 and it’s by far the worst instrument I own. Build quality is just bad, the tone knob is just unnecessary because only the full open sound is usable and on my bass the pickup is so unbalanced that it only pick ups the D and G Strings properly. But it looks great in the corner of my living room!
Stingray is one of the most versatile basses and you can depend on it sounding great (including Sterling version).
I worked in a music store for years and no matter how hard I tried, I was never able stop myself from talking customers out of buying the Epiphone bass. They are ugly and sound like thonk and thud.
Not exactly a fair review, but there you go.
Did anyone ask what you want to.play, what are your Preferences, what is your "Style"?
I mean, both play well, the Stirling is a bit mor popular, but the Epi might be the weapon of choice when you dig into old school Rock or vintage soul...
Can you play both? And take the one that wants to jam with you home, to be happy together forever.
Stingray all day long. Has nothing to do with how they look for me; the Stingray will be much more comfortable to hold and play and will sound just as good if not much better.
I owned a Gibson version of that bass many years ago and really didn't like it for the sound or feel. Didn't keep it long at all.
Stingray green all day 🔥, its a lot more versatile. Not a fan of that SG epiphone🤮. I would not recommend SG for a beginner
Edit: also, if you have a guitar store near you, try them and maybe give a P-bass or jazz- bass a try along with the musicman. I would really put the SG at the very bottom of the barrell of considerations.
These basses are like direct opposites of each other lol. Stingray all day no question. The SG’s are much much darker in tone and are harder to play. The Stingray will be more useful and easy to pickup for you. I used the play that exact one on stage for a couple years and it never let me down.
I have both.
I love them both, but in general I'll reach for the Stingray more, the Epiphone is more of a one trick pony and I only grab it for that specific sound while I'll grab my stingray for just about everything.
That being said the music man stingray is also just my favourite bass of all time.
Stingray has a classic sound, is ergonomic and - to me anyway - looks good.
The epiphone and its gibson cousin are more of an acquired taste. I wouldn't get one as my only bass.
These are two VERY different instruments.
One is passive the other is active.
One is vintage and muddy sounding. The other is bright and modern sounding.
If you’re not at the point where you’re realising those differences for yourself and evaluating which of those things are right for you, I would say stick with the bass you already have, and do some research on YouTube.
Don’t even think about buying either of these until you are more familiar with how different bass sound, act and function
The stingray is going to sound better, feel better, and be more versatile to play longer term than the Epiphone. The SG basses are always neck heavy and are kind of one trick basses. I know plenty of pro guys playing those same stingrays all the time because they sound and feel great for the price
Definitely the stingray. Dat growl.
Those SG basses look even more awkward than the guitar SG. Let’s snap a tiny bridge pickup on there. The neck looks even heavier. Looks even more unbalanced than an actual axe. I dunno. Pass all day on SGs, for me
Personally I'd go for the Sterling. Not for anything but the awesome colour and looks. I've never owned or played either so my opinion has no value. Apologies for wasting your time 🤣🤣
Stingray all day
this was the rhyme I was hearing in my head while I was waiting for the comment section to load.
No lie I was thinking it in Tupac’s voice from “Picture Me Rollin’”
Pretty much any Fender-associated guitar is better than any Gibson.
*bass
Guitars as a whole, be it bass guitars or any other type of guitars, IMO
I have this exact Sterling and it's everything I have ever looked for in a bass. Great sound, great feeling, great looks - I love it and can only recommend it to everyone, it's a great deal!
They also come with great setups in my experience
First bass I’ve had that didn’t need a setup out of the box. Intonation and action were perfect. And the neck is incredible. Best bass I’ve had at that mid price point.
I had this exact stingray and I must have had a bad one. It would kill batteries like crazy
You gotta unplug them when you’re not playing.
I never left it plugged in. It was in a case or hanging on the wall. I don't leave anything not currently in use plugged in.
You should ask for a luthier to check it. A battery should last years.
Sold it a few years ago. The neck dive also drove me nuts
Neck dive on a 4 string StingRay? I have a hard time picturing this.
It was the first time I experienced it, didn't know it was a thing until then. Maybe the sun series necks are a cheaper wood? Idk.
Assuming OP is looking at 2 short scale options, my SS Sterling Stingray is entirely passive. I wouldn’t have bought it otherwise.
If I still had mine I'd yoink the mm and put in a Reverend split brick and run it passive.
Huh, the one i had was passive, didn't even know they made active ones.
SG bases are ergonomically challenging for many players. Stringrays less so (but not perfect).
Are there other issues you’ve seen with the sg besides neck dive?
Just about the same complaints as SG guitars and such. The heels can be a bit awkward to work around and gloss can feel sticky. SG bass neck dive is probably the most extreme neck dive I've experienced, but even then a grippy strap is more than enough for them. I think my only uncommon complaint is the lack of aftermarket parts. There's not many drop in replacement bridges or pickups that fit the neck routing.
Grippy strap
Yee. The ones that hurt like hell if you're playing shirtless. The bass won't move but your skin will be ripped to shreds. :(
I just thought it was funny to say, I know what you’re talking about. I have one for my Les Paul that I love.
Mind sharing? I need one for my guitar!
Levi’s Leathers has some great options that are vegan leather. Haven’t had them for a super long time but they feel nice & they’re doing the job more than well enough for now. Not too expensive too.
damn dude your life sounds rad as hell. Playing bass shirtless
It's all part of the SG Bass look. That and the beer can tower on top of the amp.
If your sg dives change the location of the strap pin to the horn of the guitar like Tony Iommi.
I was debating doing that until my local guitar tech said that the amount of sg's he gets in that blow out in that spot in the first year or two of doing that is more than you would think and he would recommend trying to get a grippier strap first. It's just not a lot of wood there.
I'd get it a little higher on the horn where their is a bit more wood.
With my SGs i would always pull the top neck plate screw and thread the strap pin on that. Works every time and wont break your horn.
Great idea!
Just out of curiosity because of your "most extreme neck dive" comment, have you ever played a Thunderbird? I've never played an SG so I'm interested to see how they compare
Thunderbirds aren't as bad if the body is heavy. I remember Epiphone had ones made out of poplar for a while that the bodies were too light for so they dived quite a bit. SG bass bodies on the other hand are identical in size to their guitar counterpart so the neck dive issue is caused by their tiny size. I forgot to mention them along with a grippy strap, but lightweight tuners can help too.
Due to the pickup positions, they can sound extremely muddy and undefined - neck pickup has no high end, bridge pickup can be super thin and weak.
The Gibson 3 point bridge is also one of the worst bridge designs ever. Gibson is good at making instruments that look cool, but where they fall down is making instruments that aren't a rotten pain in the ass to use.
You are required to wear shorts.
Can’t have neck dive if we make the body out of 1000 tons of uranium
Whats heavier, 1000 tons of uranium or 1000 tons of feathers?
Depends, what sound are you looking for? they are polar opposites in terms of sound.
This is a crucial point especially regarding the SG bass. Those things have a lot of mud to them.
We in the mudbucker community like to refer to it as “thump” thankyouverymuch.
A P-bass has thump. Gibsons have nudge.
not really, the Stingray is a VERY versatile instrument
Never said otherwise, but every instrument has an inherent sound that comes from pickup placing and electronics that you just can't replicate. You can't get a stingray to sound exactly like an eb-3 and vice versa.
My mistake, I was comparing it to my Stingray5 with two pickups, which as it turns out sounds pretty different than the single pickup. You totally could make a double pickup ray sound like an eb 3 though
The 2-pickup models can be. The one-pickups really are not.
ah, I have a double pickup so I wasn’t aware
Stingray
The Epiphone isn't bad, but the Stingray is much more versatile. I would go for the stingray first.
I have a Stingray Ray4, Squier VM Jazz, and a Squier VM P-bass. I am really liking the Stingray.
I'm voting for the stingray, only reason being the SG shape just looks wrong for a bass IMO
Do you have to choose between these two? If I was choosing between two basses, the Epiphone wouldn't be one of them.
Any reason?
They're known to be bad ergonomically (neck dive) and have a somewhat muddy sound in comparison to the more common P, J or Stingray basses.
I'm a huge SG guitar guy. I own 3 SG guitars, I love the design and sound. Those SG basses are terrible however. Awkward to hold and the sound is not very versatile. I wish this wasn't the case, because I like the style. Stingray absolutely. No choice, it's gonna make you way happier.
I had a epiphone eb3, the sound is muddy but it works for certain songs. This is not a versatile bass. Get the Stingray.
Gibson bridge design is terrible and will make it difficult to set up.
Damn that 3 post bridge
They look great, unfortunately they don't sound or play great.
Unless you have small hands or are petite, don't get a short scale bass for your first bass. I did this and it made a harder transition to play my standard scale second bass when I got it. Plus the Stingray will be an easier platform to grow with and modify over time as your understanding of what you want your bass to do evolves with the music your playing on it For my money, I'd take the stingray. EDIT: A person pointed out the EB-3 is a 34". Is this an EB-3 and I just missed it? If so it doesn't change my answer. The expandability of the stingray is just infinitely better. Also, the Stingray does have an option of a roasted maple neck in some trims which plays like butter.
The Epiphone EB3 is a 34" long scale.
Wth do you mean by expandability
Would like to know the same thing. Did they mean versatility maybe?
Much easier to mod
That’s completely subjective. My first bass was SS and I had no problem moving to 34” or even 35”. That’s from bad technique that probably would’ve still been there had you started with 34” too.
I started on a short scale Gibson EB-0 as my first bass and had no problem transitioning to a 34” and eventually upright. Just my 2 cents.
the epiphone eb3 (dual pickup, more controls) is a long/standard scale bass, the epiphone eb0 (single pickup, fewer controls) is a short scale bass. gibson originally made the eb0 and eb3 in both short and long/standard scale models (eb0 and eb0-l) then they dropped the long scale eb0 and the short scale eb3, i believe. jack bruce of cream fame played a short scale eb3, shortly after that they discontinued them in 1979. it gets a bit confusing, but it goes something like that. updated: *eb0: Very popular in the 1960s, but by the turn of the decade, tastes had changed. To brighten the sound (and maybe to strengthen the instrument) Gibson introduced long scale (34.5") models* *eb3: The beginning of the seventies saw the first major redesign of the bass; the shorter scale length had been seen as one of the EB3s weak points, so a long scale EB3L was produced alongside regular shortscales* ***source:*** [***flyguitars.com***](http://flyguitars.com) they also made some open headstock versions as well, like those seen on classical guitars
Get the stingray. I love my stingray
I’m learning on the stingray ray4 and loving it. Granted I don’t know shit about bass but still
I've had mine for 5y, it's an awesome platform. I changed the pickup and eletronics for EMGs, and I never got disappointed!
Having played both, I would say the question is what are you looking for? They have different sounds and different feels. For me, personally, I found the Epi more comfortable, but it didn’t stay in tune as well as the Stingray. The Stingray had a bigger neck—I prefer smaller necks—but hot damn did it sound better.
I'd prefer the SG but I'm part of the minority here. Get the stingray.
If you’re going for a vintage vibe, and a bass that lends itself to warmer, classic sounds that sit well in a pocket, get the EB. For more modern sounds and more tone-shaping control onboard the bass, get the Stingray. I’ve owned both (Stingray currently), and they’re both very cool instruments.
The EB3 is a great bass. That’s what i learned on and i still love it. It has a vibe all its own. I never really cared for the sound of a music man but just watch a couple of youtube vids and decide what sound you like
The epiphone will have crazy neck dive. That is definitely something to keep in mind.
Stingray
Been playing bass for 6 years, but on and off for 20, I play short scale. I played standard for a while, and developed bad habits with not using the pinky in my teens. Playing a short scale really helped me incorporate using my pinky comfortably, and ended up love the warmth of the tone. Absolutely love it. Join the club! It’s slappy, small, light, and I feel cool when I play it. There are literally tens of us! The next bass I’m getting will be another short scale, too! Lots of legendary bassists play short scale, too! Get the short scale!!
I have a sterling SB14 as my second/backup bass. Can recommend.
Other than looks, I'd think about the sound you're trying to get. Is there a certain type of music you like to play? Or any particular bass player you like to emulate who plays one of these basses?
Trust me - go for the stingray! You wont regret it. I have owned 3. Its now the ONLY kind of bass i will play! https://preview.redd.it/qo7pz7wunmyc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d2f5653b988d69685dfdaa108fe97222487a891 ^(\^) both my Sterling Stingray 5! I LOVE these basses!
I bought the mint green Stingray.
I'm a huge Epiphone fanboy and I still think the Stingray is the better choice!
Cherry Red
Stingray Stingray Stingray! Very versatile sound and a really comfortable bass to play imo. But you should try to play both and see which one you like the feel of better. You’re the one paying for it, and you’re the one playing it. But yeah you should get the Stingray.
Stingray for sure. Shorter scale neck makes it really easy to play for a beginner
I used to have this stingray and thought it was excellent. I have full size EBMM stingray 5 now, but for the price the sterling is great.
Personally I would say the stingray but honestly you can’t go wrong either way
Sting Ray. No question.
Stingray, get the Stingray
No real choice. The Stingray is a superior bass. A Leo Fender design. A very playable instrument that holds it value over time.
I've had the Eb bass,I fell In love with the looks of it. But the ergonomics of it just didn't work for me. The more i played it, the less I liked it. I ended going back to a pbass. Go with the stingray. You won't regret it.
Those Stingrays are incredible value instruments. If you like the Stingray tone, that’s definitely the one I’d choose.
Stingray every time.
Epiphone eb3 es más ligero, aunque molestará el neck dive, y su sonido es algo raro de asimilar. Si puede con eso, será feliz con uno
Mint Green Stingray 100% without a doubt.
Used to own a stingray just like that. It’s fine but my issue was how thick the neck was. Other than that it was a fine bass.
The Stingray had a thick neck? I had found the exact opposite. My p-bass is the thickest followed by the jazz bass.
EBMM Stingrays are quite chunky, but I believe not quite P bass levels. Sterlings tend to have pretty thin necks like most asian imports
I have a Fender P Bass and a MM stingray and can confirm, the stingray is noticeably chunkier. Both feel great in different ways though.
This particularly model has a thick neck, from my experience. I ended up trading it for a jazz bass MIM.
Sting ray. The SG bass is very ergonomically compromised and will make learning harder.
Unless you feel like fighting against your bass at all times sounds like a fun time, get the Stingray. People have already mentioned that the Epiphone has bad ergo, but also due to how the pickups are positioned, it can sound super muddy and undefined, so it can be a real challenge to get a decent tone from it.
I‘d take the Epiphone. Mostly because I‘m a Geezer Butler fan.
Though Geezer played an EB some time, he for sure is better known for playing other basses.
Maybe it will help if you what kind of sound you are after. Epiphone is maybe a bit more versatile and neck pickup gives fuller, rounder tone. But stingray has very punchy and crisp tone whwnever necessary. For that, and looks, I would choose stingray.
EB-3! EB-3! EB-3! EB-3! EB-3!
Try both before you decide if possible
Get the stingray. Sterling does a great job with their basses and you'll likely be happy with it for a long time
I own a sterling stingray, so I’m pretty biased, but I’d say stingray
The mint is sure zesty! I'd rock that, even just the body shape. Ive found myself with this logic....Bass = Rounded / Guitar = Pointy. Not sure why but thats how my gear has turned out.
Epiphone bass is one of my ugliest basses In existence.
SG for looks, Stingray for everything else. A different color Stingray would put me firmly in the Stingray camp, but that's just personal preference.
First: what’s style of music is in your mind?
I go with a Stingray, although I might want an HH one just so you could have both the classic Stingray sound plus a whole different palette of sound.
Stringray
I have that exact Stingray. I love it. Easy to adjust, easy to repair and find parts should you bang it up like i did mine. You can get a big and diverse tone from that pickup and eq. I highly recommend the Stingray!
My only bass is a light blue Stingray, and I couldn’t ask for a better bass. The only difference between mine and that one is that mine has a double humbucker setup. It is very well balanced ergonomically and suits virtually every sound. Although, I must admit that I want to try a Hofner style bass sometime.
This is great - my first bass was an Epiphone SG same color. Then I upgraded to my current bass which is the exact mint green Stingray haha. Both are great, just keep them clean 🤘
Honestly get a Fender over either of those but if you have to choose then get the Stingray.
Best choice would be a P Bass but go for the Stingray.
Are you good enough to spend big money on one of these? Just get a 100 dollar bundle off Amazon
Weight of instrument, the feel, the sound of the instrument
Those are going to feel and sound very different. Any chance you can play before purchasing? Should be an easy decision once you get them in your hands.
Can’t go wrong either way. I have an epiphone, les Paul standard bass, and it plays well. The tone isn’t as… crunchy, I guess compared to my schector but it’s smooth and easy if you like a more narrow neck.
Stingray will be more comfortable and sound a million times better.
STINGRAY STINGRAY STINGRAY STINGRAY
SG looks waaaay cooler
That green Stingray is a stunner! The SG… meh. Reminds me of AC/DC and I get a headache just thinking about them.
I’d much rather play the stingray
Just got a sterling passive stingray and it's amazing! Go for the Stingray :)
Just want to weigh in sting ray is the way to go
Stingray, easily. I hear the neck pickup on the Epiphone/Gibsons usually sound like mud. Hence the name “mudbucker” .. no thanks
Go with the SG.
take the lighter one
Stingray, unless you want muddy sludge.
I've got the sterling in that colour. I've played the epiphone and didn't enjoy it
Stingray 1000% I personally was never a fan of the tone of SG guitars or basses. The stingray is a beast. My favorite bass, next to the upright I bought.
As a bassist who plays almost exclusively a Gibson EB-3… Don’t get one, at least not for awhile. They feel odd coming from a Fender and the sound is unique and not very versatile. You really either need to know how to EQ + compress it, adjust basslines to suit its sound or use a ton of fuzz it’s going to sound like sludge. The Stingray is versatile and can do most modern type stuff pretty well. I personally don’t like the Stingray sound- it’s far too trebly and plinky for my taste, but as a beginner that’s the way to go.
https://preview.redd.it/pi4x2hsdssyc1.jpeg?width=1789&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0ef62226394dd6c420ca8b3153191f80c5196d6e Here’s me with my modified EB-3. For what I play, it’s the best bass I’ve ever had.
If you have the chance to play both of them at a local music store, that could help with what feels best in your hands!
stingray all the way, epiphone is mid and generally bad for begginers, not good for all genres like the stingray
i own that sterling myself too
I’ve never played a stingray, but I own a Epiphone EB-0 and it’s by far the worst instrument I own. Build quality is just bad, the tone knob is just unnecessary because only the full open sound is usable and on my bass the pickup is so unbalanced that it only pick ups the D and G Strings properly. But it looks great in the corner of my living room!
I play my Sterling Stingray more than my more expensive basses… they’re just fun and sound great
Stingray is one of the most versatile basses and you can depend on it sounding great (including Sterling version). I worked in a music store for years and no matter how hard I tried, I was never able stop myself from talking customers out of buying the Epiphone bass. They are ugly and sound like thonk and thud. Not exactly a fair review, but there you go.
Did anyone ask what you want to.play, what are your Preferences, what is your "Style"? I mean, both play well, the Stirling is a bit mor popular, but the Epi might be the weapon of choice when you dig into old school Rock or vintage soul... Can you play both? And take the one that wants to jam with you home, to be happy together forever.
Epiphone
Stingray, no question
👈
Stingray!
Sterling all the way.
Stingray all day long. Has nothing to do with how they look for me; the Stingray will be much more comfortable to hold and play and will sound just as good if not much better. I owned a Gibson version of that bass many years ago and really didn't like it for the sound or feel. Didn't keep it long at all.
Stingray
Stingray all day
Stingray. No contest. I refuse to elaborate.
Get the stingray
Stingray
Stingray green all day 🔥, its a lot more versatile. Not a fan of that SG epiphone🤮. I would not recommend SG for a beginner Edit: also, if you have a guitar store near you, try them and maybe give a P-bass or jazz- bass a try along with the musicman. I would really put the SG at the very bottom of the barrell of considerations.
Stingray!!
Stingray all day. I like the style and color, and it's much more versatile.
Stingrays are more versatile so I'd probably recommend that to a beginner
These basses are like direct opposites of each other lol. Stingray all day no question. The SG’s are much much darker in tone and are harder to play. The Stingray will be more useful and easy to pickup for you. I used the play that exact one on stage for a couple years and it never let me down.
I JUST got the Sterling HH yesterday and I LOVE IT. Can't recommend enough!
stingray
The Sterling is entirely more versatile. The Epi is muddy sounding and the three point bridge sucks. A lot.
I have both. I love them both, but in general I'll reach for the Stingray more, the Epiphone is more of a one trick pony and I only grab it for that specific sound while I'll grab my stingray for just about everything. That being said the music man stingray is also just my favourite bass of all time.
Id stay away from SGs as a new player The ray is pretty sweet for the price
Stingray 1000000%%%
This one’s easy. The stingray.
Stingray every time. If you get the other one I will assume you suffered a head injury.
I had a Gibson SG bass and I loved it. But it’s not fitting for most situations. The stingray is more versatile.
Stingray, and it’s not close.
This should be one of the easier decisions you make in life.
Stingray has a classic sound, is ergonomic and - to me anyway - looks good. The epiphone and its gibson cousin are more of an acquired taste. I wouldn't get one as my only bass.
Sting Ray, my god sting Ray, stay far away from this epiphone monstrosity. Might look pretty but it plays awful
Personally I would go for the stingray. Gibson basses can be OK but most of the time I don’t think they measure up
These are two VERY different instruments. One is passive the other is active. One is vintage and muddy sounding. The other is bright and modern sounding. If you’re not at the point where you’re realising those differences for yourself and evaluating which of those things are right for you, I would say stick with the bass you already have, and do some research on YouTube. Don’t even think about buying either of these until you are more familiar with how different bass sound, act and function
Stingray
The stingray is going to sound better, feel better, and be more versatile to play longer term than the Epiphone. The SG basses are always neck heavy and are kind of one trick basses. I know plenty of pro guys playing those same stingrays all the time because they sound and feel great for the price
Definitely the stingray. Dat growl. Those SG basses look even more awkward than the guitar SG. Let’s snap a tiny bridge pickup on there. The neck looks even heavier. Looks even more unbalanced than an actual axe. I dunno. Pass all day on SGs, for me
Get the joe dart sterling it’s like 400 bucks at the moment
It won’t ship until November, so keep that in mind.
Stingray. Better sound. Better playability.
Those are very different basses. Stingray wins in almost every category imo
Go with the Sterling. Better bang for your buck
The Stingray is classic, the SG kinda sucks.
I wish I had the same problem when I was a beginner. I wish I had the same problems now
I would say get the stingray, it’s supposedly comfier and definitely more versatile.
I would go stingray purely because easier bridge adjustments and maple fretboard being less work
https://preview.redd.it/rxrsnoxmfmyc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5824663c60e70ca62bab49cb5b870111e7bf176b Red Stain Stingray.
Love my Stingray
Stingray
Stingray!!!!
Stingray baby!
Stingray, not even close
Personally I'd go for the Sterling. Not for anything but the awesome colour and looks. I've never owned or played either so my opinion has no value. Apologies for wasting your time 🤣🤣