horrorshowbass Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 Hi guys , thinking of buying a stingray. Have zero experience with them just want to add that sparkly tone to my arsenal. Looking at black/maple new style SUB bass (£349) https://m.thomann.de/ie/sterling_by_music_man_s_u_b._sting_ray_4_bk.htm OR the Sterling by music man Classic 24 at £568. https://m.thomann.de/ie/sterling_by_music_man_sting_ray_classic_24_tlb.htm?o=13&search=1594758214 Has anyone any thoughts/experience with these? Is sterling worth 200 quid more? I understand it has 3 band eq, better pickup and finished better (according to reviews). However if SUB gives me MM sound and is good quality, I would be interested😁 any opinions greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbanbass Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 Got one better, there’s a sterling ‘sterling‘ bass in the classifieds section with the John east preamp. Not mine but would be a far better choice. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassApprentice Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 I had the original SUB 5 string which I thought was solid enough. Earlier this year in tried a SUB directly against the Sterling and if you can afford it, it is a nicer bass that you won't be itching to upgrade parts on, particularly this bridge which is far nicer on the Sterling. Don't get me wrong the SUB is a Stingray and will get you most of the sound but the Sterling is more refined and will probably last longer in a collection 😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrorshowbass Posted July 14, 2020 Author Share Posted July 14, 2020 Thanks guys yeah leaning towards the Sterling esp if pickup is closer to the US MMs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 32 minutes ago, danbanbass said: Got one better, there’s a sterling ‘sterling‘ bass in the classifieds section with the John east preamp. Not mine but would be a far better choice. This 100%...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassApprentice Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 36 minutes ago, danbanbass said: Got one better, there’s a sterling ‘sterling‘ bass in the classifieds section with the John east preamp. Not mine but would be a far better choice. But yes, this a good option. Please buy it so it stops teasing me 😅 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudpup Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 2 minutes ago, BassApprentice said: But yes, this a good option. Please buy it so it stops teasing me 😅 I keep looking at it too...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drTStingray Posted July 15, 2020 Share Posted July 15, 2020 15 hours ago, horrorshowbass said: Hi guys , thinking of buying a stingray. Have zero experience with them just want to add that sparkly tone to my arsenal. Looking at black/maple new style SUB bass (£349) https://m.thomann.de/ie/sterling_by_music_man_s_u_b._sting_ray_4_bk.htm OR the Sterling by music man Classic 24 at £568. https://m.thomann.de/ie/sterling_by_music_man_sting_ray_classic_24_tlb.htm?o=13&search=1594758214 Has anyone any thoughts/experience with these? Is sterling worth 200 quid more? I understand it has 3 band eq, better pickup and finished better (according to reviews). However if SUB gives me MM sound and is good quality, I would be interested😁 any opinions greatly appreciated. The Ray 24 is a budget version of a 2 band Stingray - it has an improved bridge and other fittings over the SBMM Sub, which is more of an entry level bass. They both have a 2 band EQ with ceramic pick up - which will mean they will produce a punchy sound. I read some while back that the EQ for the Ray 24 was based on the Musicman Old Smoothie EQ. I think the Ray 24 also has a slab body (similar to the Musicman Stingray Classic). Both will give you a sound similar to a US Musicman (watch juliaplaysgroove on You Tube - she uses an SBMM Sub on a lot of videos and sound great). An alternative would be a used USA Sub - these are quite sought after and basically a slab bodied, 2 band US built Stingray with cheaper finish (textured paint on the body, black painted neck, non Musicman stamped tuners (but basically the same standard). They were only made between 2003-6 (as 4 string and 5 string - beware - some are passive - an active would be required to get the full Stingray sound). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrorshowbass Posted July 15, 2020 Author Share Posted July 15, 2020 Thanks for the comprehensive answer!! Just what the Dr ordered. Yeah I'm worried if I buy entry level style instrument I'll just want to upgrade in few years although this is my first foray into Ray's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miles'tone Posted July 15, 2020 Share Posted July 15, 2020 28 minutes ago, horrorshowbass said: Thanks for the comprehensive answer!! Just what the Dr ordered. Yeah I'm worried if I buy entry level style instrument I'll just want to upgrade in few years although this is my first foray into Ray's. Before you decide that the SUB might be too entry level, check out the juliaplaysgroove YouTube channel to see what can be achieved on one (completely stock too!) ☝️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrorshowbass Posted July 15, 2020 Author Share Posted July 15, 2020 Thanks man😁 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrorshowbass Posted July 15, 2020 Author Share Posted July 15, 2020 4 hours ago, drTStingray said: The Ray 24 is a budget version of a 2 band Stingray - it has an improved bridge and other fittings over the SBMM Sub, which is more of an entry level bass. They both have a 2 band EQ with ceramic pick up - which will mean they will produce a punchy sound. I read some while back that the EQ for the Ray 24 was based on the Musicman Old Smoothie EQ. I think the Ray 24 also has a slab body (similar to the Musicman Stingray Classic). Both will give you a sound similar to a US Musicman (watch juliaplaysgroove on You Tube - she uses an SBMM Sub on a lot of videos and sound great). An alternative would be a used USA Sub - these are quite sought after and basically a slab bodied, 2 band US built Stingray with cheaper finish (textured paint on the body, black painted neck, non Musicman stamped tuners (but basically the same standard). They were only made between 2003-6 (as 4 string and 5 string - beware - some are passive - an active would be required to get the full Stingray sound). Dr t stingray, would it be right to say the 24 CA has a wider neck profile like a classic ray and the sub is thinner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drTStingray Posted July 15, 2020 Share Posted July 15, 2020 I don't know - you'll need to look on their web site for the specs and also could look at Musicman to compare. Certainly the Ray 34 has a neck very similar to the MM Stingray, if not the same. The discontinued Ray34 CA had a narrower neck profile, so it's possible the Ray 24 has (as I say, worth checking before you commit. A used Ray 34 or Ray 34CA would be another option. Let us know what you decide, with some pics 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrorshowbass Posted July 15, 2020 Author Share Posted July 15, 2020 I'm thinking SUB just for value now😁 saw one on the bay for 350 quid. If I like it, can always get the 24😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy109 Posted July 15, 2020 Share Posted July 15, 2020 (edited) I bought this Ray24CA a couple of weeks ago on EBay and instantly loved it. It plays and sounds so good. It was a hit with band mates last week at practice. It came set up lovely and complete with new flatwounds and a great hard foam case. Anyway this is my way of saying go for it. Edited July 15, 2020 by paddy109 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theyellowcar Posted July 15, 2020 Share Posted July 15, 2020 My brother has the SUB and I always found that it gives you the StingRay sound and vibe without question. A little less refined in terms of fit and finish compared to more expensive basses, but still great quality. The other important shout out is the SUB’s neck is more like a Jazz profile - skinny at the nut and fast to play, where I imagine the Ray 24 would be a more traditional StingRay style. I don’t know your preference, but I would consider this to be a bigger factor than any other in your decision! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrorshowbass Posted July 15, 2020 Author Share Posted July 15, 2020 23 minutes ago, theyellowcar said: My brother has the SUB and I always found that it gives you the StingRay sound and vibe without question. A little less refined in terms of fit and finish compared to more expensive basses, but still great quality. The other important shout out is the SUB’s neck is more like a Jazz profile - skinny at the nut and fast to play, where I imagine the Ray 24 would be a more traditional StingRay style. I don’t know your preference, but I would consider this to be a bigger factor than any other in your decision! Yeah I'm all about thin necks. Love my ibanez😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrorshowbass Posted July 15, 2020 Author Share Posted July 15, 2020 42 minutes ago, paddy109 said: I bought this Ray24CA a couple of weeks ago on EBay and instantly loved it. It plays and sounds so good. It was a hit with band mates last week at practice. It came set up lovely and complete with new flatwounds and a great hard foam case. Anyway this is my way of saying go for it. That is beaut Paddy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrorshowbass Posted July 16, 2020 Author Share Posted July 16, 2020 Got a SUB last night😁 Couldn't justify paying 200 quid more for 24 CA when it's my first MM. Love the black/maple flea vibes. I'll let you guys know how I get on. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rasher80 Posted July 16, 2020 Share Posted July 16, 2020 (edited) 2 hours ago, horrorshowbass said: Got a SUB last night😁 Couldn't justify paying 200 quid more for 24 CA when it's my first MM. Love the black/maple flea vibes. I'll let you guys know how I get on. I really want one but if a courier knocks on the door with another bass sized package, Mrs Rasher will highly likely batter me with it 🙈 Please let us know how you find it! Edited July 16, 2020 by rasher80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrorshowbass Posted July 16, 2020 Author Share Posted July 16, 2020 1 hour ago, rasher80 said: I really want one but if a courier knocks on the door with another bass sized package, Mrs Rasher will highly likely batter me with it 🙈 Please let us know how you find it! Lol I told the wife I went for the cheaper option. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drTStingray Posted July 16, 2020 Share Posted July 16, 2020 The Ray4 (cheapest version) and Ray 24 both have 38 mm wide necks at the nut (this is similar to a US Sterling or US Ray with the SLO special neck) - the Ray 34 has a 43 mm wide neck at the nut (as per US Stingray, US Sub). The Ray4 has a surprisingly wide range of colour options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrorshowbass Posted July 20, 2020 Author Share Posted July 20, 2020 Cheers Dr T. Hoping it arrives today... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drTStingray Posted July 20, 2020 Share Posted July 20, 2020 4 hours ago, horrorshowbass said: Cheers Dr T. Hoping it arrives today... Great - remember to post some pics when you get it 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassfinger Posted July 20, 2020 Share Posted July 20, 2020 The SUB has had some very complimentary reviews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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