Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray34 - Better than a used EBMM USA Stingray?! - LowEndLobster Review
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
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Hey everyone! Today we're reviewing the Sterling by MusicMan Stingray Ray34 single humbucker. This is the top of the line single humbucker model from Sterling, and features some features of last-gen USA 'Rays and one big feature of the current-gen USA lineup - a roasted maple neck! Is this a better deal than a second hand pre-facelift '17 USA Ernie Ball MusicMan Stingray? Let's find out!
Big thanks to Dom @ ThirdFloorGuitars for setting up my instruments. You can find him at www.thirdfloorguitars.com
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Can we just take a minute to appreciate how much Lobster communicates with his fans. Almost every comment has a heart, and a reply. Even if it's just a thanks, the interaction from this channel makes it one of, if not my favourite for bass content
Aw thanks man! I appreciate everyone taking the time to watch and comment. :)
it'll change when he hits 10k subs. It's taking a while because some people are allergic to shellfish and it's causing them cognitive dissonance. But unless they're well prepared/experienced everyone hits a saturation point or two when they get sub bumps/spikes or just a hard ramp because there was a viral period of a few days. See: Riot Tourism and Amateur Livestreamers trying to scale OBS when it really won't lol
LOL
I told you already Mr lobster, you will go down as the best bass reviewer simply because you communicate with your fans.
@@daltonbell2907 Aw thanks man :)
Thanks for the feedback on the neck!
No problem! :)
great review! The USA has a bit more of that stingray sizzle and EQ separation. But none of that makes a lick of difference in the mix!
I really appreciate this particular video. I have always played Fender Jazz basses except for my favorite bass of all time "Ibanez Blazer Bass" It was stolen after a gig. It was the girl that got away, I was distraught and broken-hearted. They are so hard to find now. So, I started looking at the StingRays and realized I don't want to spend that much on a bass that I haven't played much. The Ray34 looks and sounds great and it's priced to sell. The tone controls are great and allows me to rock out or pop and slap all day long. I really like it. The only thing I don't like is the pick guard that came with it. I'm struggling to find a replacement pick guard made specifically for the Ray34. The pick guards I see online are for the Ernie Ball Stingray, Those bodies are bigger than the Sterling bodies. Can anyone tell me where to find those pickguards? And where can I find an Ibanez Blazer for me to re-kindle my first love? Hahaha! Thanks again Mr Lobster
Jatoba huh? Does that mean if you see the fretboard, you become a Jatoba's witness?
I'll see myself out.
LOL ;P
Hey Lobster I just wanted to revisit this video to let you know that I bought this exact bass after watching your review, it's been almost 2 months and every time I pick it up, I fall in love with it again. Thanks again for your review and demo!
Thanks Tibsahoy! That means a lot :) So glad you're enjoying the bass
Yeah here too. It’s friggen awesome.
I have a Ray34 and I never thought of putting the EQ all the way down as a starting point. It actually really opens up the voicing options. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching :). Glad you enjoyed it!
I've got an Ibanez bass with the three band and I tend to keep the EQ turned up kinda high. My SUB I keep turned down quite a bit cause it's so hot. It's a very different bass than anything else I've played; my two other basses are basically a passive P bass and an active J bass
Yeah, that's why it's only a starting point.
Man, really nice sound on that Sterling.
Thanks man!
Mmmmmmm...Roasted
:)
Sounds like a Ray to me. I had an older model ray 34 with a killer blue sparkle finish and a white pearloid pickguard and I thought that it sounded absolutely great. To my ear the US Ray had maybe a little more bite but the Sterling had a nice full tone.
Thanks Keith! Agreed, the tone is very similar but there are very subtle differences.
my Ray34 is 9.4 pounds. keeper!
I just got a ray34 for 450
It was mislabeled as a SUB series :o
Score!
Wow, zoom-out shot... production quality's getting up there, Lobster ;)
Edit: Little did I know where the video would end up going. Talking basses??? lmao
Thank you! Yeah I'm a weirdo ;P
Just got a RAY34PB and it is AMAZING. Only complaint I have are that the bushing for the tuners came loose from the factory. Since it is press fit there isnt much you can do, will need to upgrade them for sure but it still holds tuning like nobodies business. Great bass.
Awesome! Congrats! Enjoy it :)
I want to as well. My only issue with mine as well. Hoping someone has some suggestions as to which models/brands work
I've always thought that the space between the two screw nubs on my stingray pickup was the most comfortable thumb rest I've found on a bass. I think adding a thumb rest in between them is a shame.
I feel that. I too rest my thumb in that little nook. It takes a little getting used to (but I still prefer my USA)
Your videos are just plain fun to watch - and the reviews give plenty of info for us bass players suffering from G.A.S.
Thanks Chris! Glad you're enjoying them :)
CLAIM: This is the only video on YT with 0 dislikes.
FACT CHECK: Hell yeah.
Thank you my friend!
@@LowEndLobster Thank you, dude. Just pulled the trigger on a Ray35 thanks to your sick vids. Cheers!
Funny enough this comment has 4 likes and the video has 4 dislikes
@@andrewbrown1936 A conspiracy!
I would and have chosen the Ray34. Got it new for $500 at guitar center on black friday special.
Nice! That's a killer price
Love the sterling instruments. You seem to like a lot of humbucker Basses, I’d like to hear you play and your thoughts on the G&L kiloton and tribute models.
Also you should get your hands on a dimension bass!
Great suggestions! Both are on my radar :)
Thank you lobster for making us discover this great instrument! The sound difference between these two are very slight nuances - to my ears at least - . GAS activated haha
So glad you enjoyed the vid :)
For the money it’s the Ray 34 with modifications it will match the u.s. stingray Mike pope preamp and emgs will smoke the u.s. stingray
Oooooh that's an interesting combo. I've actually never tried the Pope/Flexcore pre... I should!
At 11:00, that's probably the best advice you can give to anyone starting with a Stingray, especially the special edition. I own a Special 5 HH and the preamp (especially the bass knob!) is just crazy. In most cases, Bass at 50% (so the theoretical neutral position) is already more than enough. It drove me crazy back in the day when I first bought this bass, and lowering the pickups don't solve completely the "problem", the sound can quickly become too boomy. So starting at 0% and increasing slowly the bass is how I finally got the right amount for all the pickups configurations
How tall are you man? My buddy be drooling for Stingray basses but he's only about 169cm and he's so skinny, I'm afraid the bass would be too big for him
I'm 187-188 cm. There is a short scale stingray too!
I have had mine since 9/2019. Same exact model, except mine only weighs 9.75 lbs. The roasted maple neck is amazing. A couple of drops of fret oil rubbed into the back of the neck really made a difference. I got annoyed with the output jack not always working with certain cords (import issue). Then I installed a Switchcraft - problem solved. It sounds and plays like a broken in Stingray. I finally don't miss my USA stingray anymore. Its that close.
Thanks for sharing, Alex!
European prices are crazy. Ray34 is 1400 EUR now (2023)
makes me want to hop on a plane to LA when I hear the US prices
Sterling is indeed a great value. Even the cat approved of it! 😎👍 👋🦞
Hahah yes she did
Great job Music Man! Yamaha has been doing thumb rest pickups for years. They also have an active passive switch and battery indicator light on the back of the bass. That would be something else great to copy from Yamaha.
Thanks Ratt Mann! Great comment, I agree those little innovative touches can add a lot of value.
Man... Your videos have quickly become my favorite gear review videos of all time. You're a great player and a great tech. Aaaand... you are the only one I know of who keeps it straight forward and unbiased, no BS.
I appreciate what ya do. Ya made me need to try out a ray34.
Keep doing what you do!
Surprised how close they sound back to back. The US model sounds a little clearer but very close. How is the neck dive compared to the US model? I'm wondering how the roasted maple compares weight wise.
Thanks Louis! Balance feels great on the Sterling, might be offset by the heavy ass body this one has. This particular Sterling is 11 lbs! My friend has one that is in the mid 9's, much more acceptable haha.
@@LowEndLobster I'm becoming more and more amazed at just how much ash can vary from instrument to instrument in weight. This is becoming my top reason to investigate roasted ash - it should help not only reduce but level out the weight variations and make them all weigh closer together. The only complaint I've heard about roasted maple is that it's more brittle but unless you have a bad habit of snapping headstocks anyway (See: Dimebag Darrell) you're probably going to be okay. I just realized that we're talking about a neck on a bass. Never mind.
Roast everything. Get that shit CURED and STABILIZED. I am unconcerned about my bass's fragility - if I were, it wouldn't be much of a bass. :-)
@@russellzauner Agreed! My BFR with ash body and roasted figured maple neck is 7.4 lbs. We're talking a near 4 LB difference between instruments with relatively the same materials (I know EBMM handpicks the BFR wood and all that jazz)
holy cow the mids sound so friggin good! it's so close to that john deacon sound! excellent review!
Thanks Francisco!
The Ernie Ball sounds better but I would buy the Ray34 and tweak it. Starting with a Bartolini MM42CBJD3 quad coil pickup.
Thanks Richard! Stay tuned for a surprised and very special Ray34 mod coming this Friday! I'm very excited to share it with you
Thank you so much for this video. I played one yesterday and was blown away. I’m seriously considering buying it and it’s good to get some confirmation that you share my assessment that this is a great bass and that I’m not crazy! Or, well, we’re crazy together?
I'm not crazy! *stares at lobster claw*... I swear! ;P
You're very welcome, Robert! Glad that you found my findings accurate :)
Sterling really has come a long way. I dig it!
They really have! They took off where OLP crashed and burned.
Hey Lobster,i've Heard,that the electronic in this Bass ist good,but the Pickup not .
What do You think about changing the Pu and which one
Hey Twin! I actually like the pickup on the 34 a lot, very close to the stock (non special) Stingray pickup. There's a lot of Stingray pickup options out there- some focus on classic stingray tone, some try for something else completely. Depends on what you want really.
They've gone up to $899 now, but I'd just grabbed a B stock in firemist silver for $749 a mere week before all the price hikes! I have a matching Cutlass CT50 HSS and after awhile the finish on the necks have gotten much smoother once played in. They're both great and cant be beat for the price.
Wow! Thanks for the update.
Me too a firemist and I love it more each time I play it.
@@LarryEnzer It's a really hard color to lay down perfectly. The new colors have bigger and more metal flake. Teal almost. Firemist silver reminds me of Corvettes from the mid 70's. Just the right balance of blue and silver.
10lbs isn't much for a good quality ash bodied bass. I used to own a '77 MusicMan Stinray, natural ash, that was around 14lbs. Picked up a Sterling Ray34 silverburst MM a while back that's fantastic, though I definitely prefer the sound of the OG 2-band over the current 3-bands. *Edited to clarify my Sterling is a Ray34, same as this model, but painted body w/rosewood board.*
14!? Damn guy hahahaha. I'm 100% with you on the classic 2 band, it's my hands down favorite preamp. Current have my SR Classic, my Old Smoothie, and now two Sabre Classics with that preamp. I LOVE EM!
@@LowEndLobster Just watched your vid w/the MojoTone 2-band drop-in replacement preamp. Thinking about dropping one into my Ray34 to get as close to my old '77 SR sound w/o dropping a few grand on another vintage MM. Hoping the alnico p/u in the Ray34 plays well with the Mojotone.
Great review! Bought this same model last year and it rocks! Going to add either the HH model or short scale by years end.
Thanks! Great to hear :).
Hey Lobster i bought this bass and I am in love with it! I bought the Ash black which is 9.9 lbs.. not that heavy. But it seems that the humbucker has a tiny movement up and down not that effects your playing but is noticable, i am not sure if this is normal and if you know how can i fix that.
Hey! Congrats on your bass! I would recommend getting thicker/longer pickup screws to more securely mount the pickup to the body. My guess is that there's some play with the screws
@@LowEndLobster Thank you for this tip I really apreciate that man , I will give it a try with thicker screws!
I played a StingRay for years until the frets became so worn, they needed replacing -- which often doesn't work out all that well, so I went shopping for a new one. I came across the Ray 34 and was so impressed, I sold my old Sting Ray and used the money to buy a new Sterling Ray and had money left over. For all intents and purposes it's the same bass. By the way -- on natural wood finishes the wood of choice is usually Northern Ash -- which tends to be heavy. My Ray with a honey burst finish is 8 lbs.
Nowadays, Sterling By Musicman basses sound so close to USA-made EBMM basses.
Indeed!
I remember Sterling Ball once said about Bongo bass, that you should start with volume in the middle. I think that it may be also applied to Stingray - that way you are less likely to overdrive your preamp.
I had my focusrite a little too high on this, but that's not a bad idea. I like his control philosophies
I heard this bass weights 11.62 lbs. Is that true?
It will vary between examples, but yes the two Ray34 ash models that I've owned have been 11 and 11.5 lbs
I feel like I have no idea what I walked into but I kinda want to stay. Why is there a cat staring at me and why is this man wearing a lobster claw. So many questions.....
Welcome :)
Ernie ball all way.. more true fuller sound
Thanks James :)
They sounds similar to me, maybe the MM is better in the hand but for the price i will vote for the Sterling.
Thanks Vince!
The ray34 is my least expensive but favourite bass I own
Awesome :)
@@LowEndLobster such a versatile instrument and the finish is amazing throughout. I have mine set up for B standard as I like to play low. Handles it really well and doesn’t even mind being left in D when I forget. I did have it set up properly though I didn’t do it myself. Thanks for the reply!
Great video!!!! To me the USA sounds a little little clear, but not twice. I own a Ray 35 and I love it. Maybe the USA are more polished but to me they don’t sound twice as good. I appreciate this video. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🇵🇷
Thanks Jose :)
Here’s my Sterling Ray 34 in action: ua-cam.com/video/ywcfXnq33h0/v-deo.html
Nice! You seem to be enjoying the hell out of it! :D
@@LowEndLobster Indeed! I love it!
Is that a silver burst jack casady ?????
That it is :)
11lbs for the sterling!?!?! And it got damaged, ill take the stingrays, even used any day,
Yep, this batch was heavy. My friend has one that's 9.5 which is much more manageable
Hi Lobster! Great review and i am ordering this one and i will be back with an old love...
Can you tell me on this new gen ray 34 where the flat point is on the tone controls? Is it the all the way down setting or the 50% setting? Is there an middle notch/stop in middle postition?
Thanx! And keep up these nuce and good in depth reviews!
Greetings Roger
Flat is in the middle. Sorry for any confusion :)
@@LowEndLobster thanx!!!🙏🏼🤟
I just realised your camera quality is great, what camera do you use? This bass sounds great BTW
Thanks Louie! Camera is a Canon M50 with the 22mm wide angle lens. Used this video as a reference point when I started out: ua-cam.com/video/aB0TlsnkY6E/v-deo.html
Very helpful!
Great video! I've got a Sterling SB14 that I got new about 12 years ago, I'm not quite sure where this model fits in the current Sterling/Stingray lineup, but I remember it being around £700 back then, so probably bridged the gap between a Sterling and a Stingray. Great bass, not quite as versatile as I would like it to be but fantastic tones for funk and amazing for slap.
Thanks FT! Ah, the SB14. I have an SB4 here that I plan on making some videos on and modding. What you have is essentially the Sterling by Music Man version of the Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling, a model separate to the stingray. The SB14 is an excellent bass which was unfortunately discontinued. Hold onto it, they're really cool!
I bought a sb14 10 years ago for £540 new. Such a shame they discontinued it.
LEL: is there some benefit to you (UA-cam-wise) if we comment even if we don't have a real comment to make? I'm happy to do it, even if it's just "Great job!", but normally I would just hit Like, and not waste your time, knowing you strive to reply.
Honestly, I have no idea. I just like the interaction. I enjoy replying, so more comments = more joy :). It's not a time waster by any means, you and everyone else leave excellent comments that are a pleasure to respond to!
@@LowEndLobster I recently heard that more comments, just like more likes, also make the video more relevant. So here's another comment. :D
@@Eierkneifer69 Thank you my friend :)
I'm hoping santa hasn't noticed I've been a naughty boy and brings me a ray34 🤞
Hopefully he brings you one lighter than mine, or his sleigh might have trouble flying haha. I sold this one but I'm def gonna snag another when they go on sale and hopefully it's not 11 lbs lol
0:51 The top of the line Ray34 is cute as hell....Love that tortoise coat! Thanks for reviewing it. I've decided to get one and care for it for the rest of my life. SPCA, here I come!
HAH! This made my night. Cats rule haha
No fret buzz or anything right?
Hi James, this had no buzz issues and as properly setup.
Ernie ball bass more low frequency and higher top end . But both sound fat as hell
Few days ago i saw you wearing choco merch and now you are wearing Nurburgring shirt, which is one of my favorite tracks since Gran Turismo 4 era. Man, i love racing as well.
Awesome! Yeah man, I love me some gaming and cars. I actually got the shirt at the 'Ring back in 2011. I did Euro Delivery of a BMW 3-series and did two laps. Fun and scary! I had previously only driven the ring drunk while in college in Forza hahaha. Sober and in person was very different!
That cats adorable
I honestly hear a big difference between the two. I mean the stingray bitey sound is just not coming from the sterling. It honestly sounds a bit Pbassish to me. I really think they do this on purpose, like that is the only difference these two have. And ı think the sterling is a great bass as well, its just not "the stingray sound" if thats what youre looking for.
Thank you! It's interesting to see the range of comments on here, and that's awesome because sound and tone is incredibly subjective. I think it's in the ballpark, but others have also noticed the additional "bite" from the US model.
It kinda rides the line between a P bass and a J bass, sort of like a PJ configuration but with only one pickup
I bought this same bass after I saw your video 3 years ago. Since then, it's traveled all over the US and played many many shows. Thanks for your in depth review!
Great review, Lobster! You really click with Stingray style basses.
Thank you! They're my latest obsession. Can't get enough of em. I have a FEVAH and the only cure is MORE STINGRAY!
Hey LowEndLobster, I have a S.U.B SBMM 4 String w/Maple Neck: Is there any way I can get my Bass to sound like this one? You know the classic Stingray sound nothing more nothing less ...does anyone make an aftermarket preamp to achieve this? or should I sell it and buy a Ray34 ? Thanks!
Hey Ray Ray! Great question. I'm actually working on a mod series for SUBs looking at drop in pickup and preamp replacements from Nordstrand, Seymour Duncan, and Aguilar. The Duncan is the only video out thus far, but the results are VERY nice. I'd replace the pickup first, as the preamp is satisfactory in the SUB (Same as in Ray24). The pickup is definitely the weak spot of the SUB, and a solid pickup upgrade will make all the difference. Hope that helps!
I just bought a Ray34 on sale for Black Friday and I love it. In this video, it seems like the American StingRay had more high end and sounded a little more clearer. I only heard it on my phone though
Thanks Freddy! The differences are very slight but are there, however I think a lot of those would diminish further when playing in a band setting. The Ray34 is a great value (especially on sale!)
I bought one on the black Friday too, not the type of bass I usually go for . but I really like it
Save the extra money and get the Sterling. If you've got money to throw away that's another story.
are you using a ring to slap??
It's more to add weight to my thumb but I will hit the strings with it on occasion for effect
Thanks to pointing out the QC issues and the weights. Usually these are overlooked factors when watching reviews on youtube since the appearance and tone are so similar.
Saw this beautiful Sterling Ray34 Ash in the shop 2 weeks and fell in love with it, however it costs $1200 here (europe) :-(. I am in the look for used ones in Reverb but could not find any.
Anyway, very nice video! I never got bored in the whole 19mins of it. Very good explanation and bass comparison!
Thank you Spaceman! :)
Finally pulled the trigger on this (costs $1100 though) but man this sounds so awesooome
Can't find this model in catalogues, what year was this model shown?
Almost bought one of these, but decided against it due to the weight! It was heavy! Are the higher end 4 strings any better?
Hey MrCalifornia! Yeah the weight on these is on the higher side (though it definitely varies.). My USA (non-special) Stingray is in the low-mid 9 lb mark, and the Special is in the mid 8's. Big difference!
@@LowEndLobster Thanks so much, sounds like I need to find a Special!
That stingray ray 34 looks pretty cool!
I sent you an email.😃
Keep up the great work man!!!
Thanks Hudson!
Hey lobster, just wondering if you got my email? 👑🦞
I did! Thank you so much! You rock :)
Oh cool, glad you liked it!! Thanks for making awesome bass guitar reviews and videos!! 🦞👍
it sounded pretty good with everything down. Really interesting.
Thanks Patrick!
Funny thing - I listened with headphones and I could barely hear a difference. Maybe a slightly more hi-fi top end of the USA model.
I bought a ‘94 Stingray brand new (which I stupidly sold in 2012) in Natural clear, just like the Sterling. If I feel like getting another, I will most likely get the Sterling...
Thank you! Yes the tone is very very very similar. These are a great buy if you want the ray vibe without leaving a ray sized hole in your wallet.
I don't know if it counts but I was able to p/u a Dr Tech bass for $80 a couple yrs ago. It seems it's a copy of a M M Sting Ray I think. 1 p/u, 1 volume, 2 tones. My friend who has 7 basses in his collection says I get a better sound than any of his. This thing weighs a ton. Probably 12-13 lbs. Got a thick wide strap and locks so when you put it on you're really stuck with it. But I wouldn't trade this bass at all.
Nice! Thanks for sharing. I've never heard of Dr. Tech. Shoot me a link of you stumble upon another one! I love cheap Ray-ish basses
Sounds good as fxck 😍
Thanks Simon! (youtube held this in limbo so sorry for the late reply!)
Man that sounds incredible. That sounds so tasty mmmmmmhhh I knew it was gonna be great as soon as Bebe approved it in the start but Bebe sure has good tastes! Or maybe Bebe's sniffing made the bass sound great either way you made that bass sound amazing
Hahahah thank you! Bebe says hi :)
@@LowEndLobster awwww hiii Bebe!! Give her a kiss from my side!
The Sterling sounds better than the USA MM, but its weight is just too high.
Get you someone that looks at you the way Bebe the Cat looks at Lobster.
Weight of this bass???
These are like 11 lbs with the two examples I had/have
Could you PLEK a ray 34 to be smooth like a US?
Best demo and review of this bass series in UA-cam hands down! Thank you!
I bought one after watching this video and Lobster you're 100% right. Tone wise it is phenomenal. Sounds like a Stingray (some what. The comparison at the end revealed some tonal differences IMHO ) HOWEVER! I didn't buy the bass NEW so I could buy new tuning pegs and take it to my luthier to have him tell me there is nothing he can do about a truss nut that won't budge so I'm stuck with the strings only going to where the saddles will dictate I can go with out buzzing. Sorely disappointed! Also I agree with Lobster, you were straight up about the neck being rough and unfinished, not like lacquered but not done, raw. Wasn't till I wanted a slightly flatter neck profile that I found the truss rod nut wouldn't budge and I mean not a millimeter! Took it to a luthier and he wouldn't touch it, said there was nothing he could do about it. Okay, I'll try to live with that. Go to change the strings only to find the tuners are completely worthless. The threads don't line up with the gear heads so will eventually overlap, get stuck, then pop if you force it (then repeat till you take the time to look at what the gear head and threads are doing) or the gear heads strip with some folks online reporting that they seared off. If I had it all to do over again I would have saved my $989 and bought a used one AFTER checking the truss rod nut moves and buy new tuning pegs, might as well throw the bridge in there as well cause the stock one looks to me like chrome plated aluminum. The bass is worthy of that effort used or get a new one on sale (check the truss rod nut first) and then get some tuners. I think that would be workable.
mmmmm... thanks man, super useful opinion, for me its a "non buy"
Roasted maple is always so goddamn sexy
It really is :)
My main bass. I love it. Would love to hear it with different preamps.
Thanks Thiago! Though I won't be modifying this bass, I have modified an SUB (with a second mod coming VERY soon). What kind of preamp would you like to see?
@@LowEndLobster Yeah, I'm following the SUBs series. There's a video here in youtube where a guy called Kleber shows his EBMM Ray with Seymour Duncan pickup and preamp which I like very much, sounds so good and still very true to the MM sound.
Picked up a new one of these for $400, bless up, it just sounds so amazing, and exactly what I've been looking for.
Congrats! That's a steal
Hey, 🦞
I’m loving the reviews. I wonder if you could get your hands on a Gretsch Junior Jet. It’s a little less expensive than either this or the Marcus/Sire, and I’d love to know what you think of it. I’m a guitar (and banjo) guy wanting to get my daughter an electric bass.
Thanks!
Thanks Jason! I do plan on snagging one of those :)
How about the weight? I heard it’s 11lbs .
original is much better....2/5
I purchased the exact model used in this demo, and I must say I am very impressed with it.
Thank you! Glad you're enjoying it :)
hello, i am looking to buy a ray 35 pb and I only see that you can buy it online. what websites are reliable for buying instruments and stuff?
Pitbull Audio is my favorite vendor for the SBMM stuff :)
Such a beautiful instrument. I intend to add it to my collection at some point for sure.
Side note, what amp/stack do you use?
Thank you! Great question. For my videos, I'm using my Orange Crush 50 BXT and using the line out to go direct into my Focusrite. Reason 11 is the software I'm using.
Love this bass so much I bought one!...now i wonder what it would sound like with a Darkglass tone capsule! And stock pickup???(hint,hint!!!)..lol 😆
Hehe thanks Big John and congrats! Check out my DIY Darkray video! I take the black ash version of this bass and install the tone capsule AND an onboard OD circuit while keeping the stock pickup. The result is epic! (and I'll be doing a follow up where we mod it even further!)
Lobster, Can you do a direct comparison with this bass and your white EBMM 4H Special? Also 4H Special vs 4HH Special in parallel mode. Thanks again man.
I actually sold the Ray34 after I reviewed it silly enough, but I do plan on snagging another as well as an HH (and Sub4HH too) soon ;)
I owned 89 ray, two band eq, 2005 ray 3 band eq, both USA, two early ray 34 matching headstock, I can say tone
Almost same, different only feel on your hand
Great comment! Yes, the difference in feel and build quality is definitely there, however the tone is spot on.
Very beautiful bass. Try to think more about what you will play to demonstrate the sounds. It was very noodely and anoying to hear at sometimes. But overall good review.
Thanks! Yeah I pretty much just noodle ;P. I've come up with some more standard riffs, but I hear you. Thanks for watching and commenting! :)
I have 2 of the sterling stingray 5 hh at 999..killer basses one with maple fretboard and one with maple..had to tighten a few screws here and replace a d tuner on one of them after 1 month,,,sterling sent me a new replacement tuner free but otherwise we'll made killer sounding basses with a wide range of tones between the 2 pickup selection and 3 band But basses are as Heavy as my Yamaha trb6jp bass ..
Thanks David! Indeed, many of these Ray34s are boat anchors but sound great!
So are the tuners and bridge the same quality as the US Stingrays prior to 2017?
Same style and function in a similar manner. Have had no issues with either. Stingray Special hardware is superior to both though
Do u think the H and HH sound pretty similar??
Great video! A lot of tones and very nice phrasing. I have a 2015 Ray 35CA now discontinued. It’s my favorite bass, only two bands EQ. The construction and the sound are very impressive for the price.
Thanks Oliver! I'd love to check out one of the 34/35CAs, enjoy yours in health and happiness :)