I've transcribed what Bass Player have printed below.
[i]Since it's birth in 1976, the Music Man StingRay has endured as one of the most iconic electric bass designs. Guitar and bass string pioneer Ernie Ball purchased the Music Man brand in 1984, moving production from the original Fullerton, California facility upstate to its own digs in San Luis Obispo, where it continues to build instruments. In the '90s, Ernie Ball began licensing its Music Man designs for offshore production under various names; since the early '90s, the brand entrusted to maintain Ernie Ball's high standards has been Sterling By Music Man (SBMM).[/i]
[i]When we reviewed the SBMM SB14, Ray 34 and Ray 35 basses in May 209, we praised the way they copped that classic StingRay vibe at a competitive price point ($600-$700). This year, SBMM has raised the bar - and dropped the price - with it's new SUB Series of basses. [/i]
[i]With its 3+1 headstock, vintage tinted maple fingerboard and black on black pickguard configuration, the Ray4 has a classy and classic look. In terms of body and neck dimensions, the Ray4 was nearly indistinguishable from the original - the neck's deep C profile and narrow nut width felt fantastic, and the neck's satin finish upped the bass's vintage feel. Plugged in, the Ray4 convincingly captured that StingRay thing - punchy, aggressive and big bottomed. The 2-band EQ - bass and treble cut/boost with a center indent - wasn't the most exciting preamp I've played, but it was helpful if I wanted a little booty boost or high-end pop. [/i]
[i]The bass did the StingRay thing surprisingly well, but what floored me was the Ray4's price tag of just $260 I've definitely tested basses three times the price that weren't half as fun to play. If you love the look and sound of the famed StingRay players like Louis Johnson, Pino Palladino, Tony Levin, and Flea, here's your chance to pay tribute without having to drop a lot of cash. For its rock bottom price and big bottom sound, the SB series Ray4 earns a Bass Player Editor Award.[/i]
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