Sterling SB14 - What To Know & Where To Buy

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 2, 2026.

Store

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Price

5.0 (1)

$550.00 1 available Used

View Deal

$925.00

View Deal

Average Price: $738

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Sterling SB14 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Sterling SB14". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

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Discover the Sterling SB14, a bass guitar that perfectly marries simplicity with sophistication. Designed for the discerning musician who appreciates the tactile charm of a passive bass, the SB14 delivers a rich sonic palette without the fuss of intricate electronics. Its heart is the H-I Alnico V Humbucker, offering the warmth, punch, and clarity that passive enthusiasts crave. With a straightforward master volume and tone control, dialing in the perfect sound is a breeze, whether you're jamming in your garage or shining on stage.

Crafted from a solid maple body, the SB14's build quality is as impressive as its tones. The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard ensure a smooth playing experience, while the 34-inch scale and 22 frets provide ample room for expressive play. A black pickguard and open machine heads add aesthetic flair, while the Sterling by Music Man designed bridge secures intonation and sustain. This isn't just another bass; it's an instrument designed to inspire and endure.

Whether you're a seasoned bassist or a newcomer, the SB14's quality construction and attention to detail make it a valuable addition to any musician's arsenal. Experience the legacy of Sterling by Music Man and make your mark with this exceptional instrument.

Key Features:

Body: Maple
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood with white dot inlays
Scale: 34 inches
22 frets
Pickup: H-I Alnico V Humbucker
Volume and tone control
Black pickguard
Sterling by Music Man designed bridge
Open machine heads
Strings: Ernie Ball 2834 Super Slinky

Product specs

Brand	Sterling
Model	SB14
Finish	3 Tone Sunburst, Black, Blue Pearl, Candy Apple Red
Year	2009 - 2013
Made In	Indonesia
Categories	4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups	Active Pickups
Active Preamp	Active Preamp
Body Material	Basswood
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Red
Finish Features	Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	4-String
Offset Body	Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	H
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	34"
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Sterling SB14 use?: The Sterling SB14 features a Music Man humbucking pickup with ceramic pole pieces and a hum-canceling phantom coil, providing a powerful and clear sound suitable for various music styles.
Is the Sterling SB14 suitable for slap bass techniques?: Yes, the Sterling SB14 is well-suited for slap bass techniques, thanks to its active preamp and 3-band EQ, which allow for precise tone shaping and a punchy, articulate sound.
How does the active preamp on the Sterling SB14 enhance its sound?: The active preamp on the Sterling SB14 offers a 3-band EQ with controls for volume, treble, mid, and bass, allowing players to customize their tone for different musical contexts and achieve a wide range of sounds.
What is the neck profile of the Sterling SB14 like?: The Sterling SB14 features a maple neck with a comfortable profile that is easy to play, making it suitable for both fast runs and more intricate fingerstyle playing.
Is the Sterling SB14 a good choice for beginner bass players?: The Sterling SB14 is a great choice for beginner bass players due to its versatile sound, comfortable playability, and high-quality construction, providing a solid foundation for learning and performance.

Videos

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Bassline Music Shop

⚡️BASS OF THE DAY⚡️ Sterling by MusicMan SB14 #basslinemusicshop #bassoftheday

Bassline Music Shop

【Ikebe B-Sound Check】Sterling by MUSICMAN SB-14 (Natural/M)【試奏動画】

Ikebe Channel｜池部楽器店

Sterling by Musicman Sterling SB14

Bob Black

Sterling SB14

gm playstore

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling SB14.

Features and functionality

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The Sterling SB14 includes a pickup switch that provides a wide range of tonal options, which is a feature missing in current Sterling models.
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The EQ on the SB14 offers a significant range of tonal possibilities, enhancing its versatility for different musical styles.
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The electronics in the SB14, including the ceramic pickup, contribute to its unique Stingray-like yet distinct tone, enhancing its versatility.
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Comparisons

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The Sterling SB14 is favored by those who prefer thinner necks compared to the wider necks on Ray 34 models, making it more comfortable for some players.
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Players who own both the SB14 and Fender Jazz Bass note that the SB14 offers a punchier midrange, making it more suitable for aggressive playing styles.
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User experience

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Owners describe the neck of the SB14 as "smooth as butter," indicating a high level of playability, especially for cover music.
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Some players who frequently slap prefer the SB14's pickup placement over HH models, finding it more suitable for their playing style.
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A user with over a year of regular gigging experience praises the SB14 for its reliability and consistent performance, describing it as a "workhorse" on stage.
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Owners describe the SB14 as a "terrific and unique instrument" with its own character, suggesting a standout presence in any bass collection.
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It's noted that the SB14 is a rare find, often considered a "goal bass," which speaks to its desirability among bass enthusiasts.
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Build quality

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Some owners mention that the bridge saddles can sometimes loosen over time, requiring occasional adjustment to maintain optimal string tension and intonation.
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Setup and maintenance

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A few users report that the factory setup often has a higher action, with measurements around 3.5mm at the 12th fret, necessitating adjustments for lower action preferences.
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Mods and upgrades

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Several owners recommend upgrading to Hipshot tuners, citing improved tuning stability and ease of adjustment as significant benefits over the stock tuners.
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Use cases and applications

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The SB14 is highlighted by players for its ability to cut through in dense band settings, particularly in funk and rock genres, due to its pronounced upper mids.
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The SB14 is noted for its suitability in a wide range of musical styles due to its versatile tonal capabilities, making it a highly adaptable bass.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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1 star

mitch_camman

347

almost 6 years ago

Great for the price

This bass opened my eyes to the quality of sterling by musicman. They play and sound great, with a few upgrades from the SUB series. One of the great features in this line it the 3way pickup selector. You can run in series, parallel, or single coil.

For musicians looking for a stingray this may or may not scratch the inch. It has a slightly smaller body, 5 bolt neck, and doesnt include the banana plate.

I believe this was a limited run from around 2009-13, so there may be value there for collectors.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Folk, World, & Country Funk / Soul