Ok - so before Ernie Ball Music Man made the Sterling range of instruments in Indonesia, they made a USA Sterling bass, and yes, it was amazing! This 1993 model is a beautiful colour and has all the character you'd expect from a Music Man bass but with a twist. The idea of the Sterling bass was that it had smaller body than the Stingray model. The pickup also features ceramic rather than the traditional alnico magnets found on the famous 'soapbar' pickups, giving an even brighter tone. It's a damn crying shame these basses are not made in the USA anymore because they simpler sound and feel gorgeous (this one has particularly nice flame maple on the neck). The string mutes on the bridge are also a nice nod to the pre-Ernie Ball Stingray era. In short: this bass has seen some action and is ready for more.