I looked at the OLP Stingray before I bought my (SLO) SUB, the biggest differences are the electronics, OLP is usually passive IIRC, and the pickup is a cheap far eastern MM imitation and sounds it. (I think the pole pieces are mild steel instead of (low hysteresis) silicon steel as in the better quality ceramic pups.)
Ken Baker wrote:The early SUB basses and guitars were made in SLO along with the MM basses and guitars. They were discontinued because they were losing money on them. Damned fine instruments.
I can vouch for that, for quality they are every bit as good as a Stingray. They have a solid colour on the neck and head (mine is black) and that textured finish on the non contoured body that would stand a nuclear holocaust, if you can get past those then they are a very good bass.
The worst feature is the pseudo aluminium chequer plate (deck/tread plate) pick guard, fortunately it is also the most easily changed. Mine now sports an antique white pearloid guard.
I have read a rumour that the reason they started making them was to put to good use necks that had cosmetic blemished that they could not use for Stingrays, sounds logical to me (but could be completely wrong).
fred