7 WAY Stingray Comparison feat. Sterling SUB, Ray34, and 4 USA Rays! - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

Looking to snag one of these basses? Use my Reverb affiliate link!- reverb.grsm.io/lowendlobster (You'll have to do the searching yourself)
Playing starts @ 7 min- kzbin.info/www/bejne/habEeZSIotOpjNE
Hey everyone! Today's video is EPIC. We're looking at SEVEN Stingray basses from Sterling by Musicman and Ernie Ball Musicman (USA)! We'll be comparing all seven basses using three distinct tone settings and playing with both fingerstyle and slap. Let's check these basses out and be sure to let me know which one is your favorite!
Edit: BONUS floating Sterling logo! Whoops ;P
Basses featured in this video:
Sterling SUB (Mold Smoothie):
kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpabo3uthd2diKc
kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZusdmZrjN94nM0
kzbin.info/www/bejne/goPOq4Cwn9B3a5o
Sterling SUB (Mint-o-Ray):
kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKu4nmSYd7-efqs
kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJyoYaaQgcx9jqs
kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXiWd6mAeqqVbZI
kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooDcq3-wnsqYb6M
Sterling Ray34 (feat '17 USA Stingray):
kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3KQk6qYmp2ArdU
Old Smoothie:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZa8Z6Nqjb2fsKc
2019 BFR Fretless:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHXLh2B3mb-Kh6s
2020 BFR HH:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5-3l6Wfgr-abJY
Big thanks to Dom @ ThirdFloorGuitars for setting up my instruments. You can find him at www.thirdfloorguitars.com
Discord: discord.gg/dzrFMzD
Facebook: LowEndLobster
Twitter: @LowEndLobster
Instagram: LowEndLobster
Reverb: reverb.com/shop/lowendlobster

[@braddietzmusic2429]

Clearly a good player, and doesn’t play a bunch of nonsense show off bullshit to demonstrate, and keeps true to the mission of letting the differences and similarities of these instruments that both are perceived and which actually exist, speak for themselves. TREMENDOUS value in that kind of authenticity and transparency. Subscribe. I did.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Brad! I really appreciate it. That's exactly what I'm going for!

[@klaymeister]

The winner? All of us who get to watch.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Klay :D

[@harrievandennieuwenhuizen212]

Old Smoothie

[@chrisneyman]

Agreed

[@bobt5778]

With today's snow storm, I finally got a moment to watch this fantastic video. It's like taking a tour of a stingray museum with each piece expertly demonstrated. Fabulous job. Keep you claw out of the snow today!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Bob! Gotta get up early to snow blow ahahaha

[@matthewreynolds1878]

WOW seriously what a great video and your intonation on the fretless made it sound like a fretted bass. Well done!

[@willisthebird]

You deserve so many more subs, the quality of your videos and edits are fantastic. Keep keeping on!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@SuperBillsykes]

Thanks for this great comparison demo! I've ordered a Ray34 single p up and soooo excited !!

[@LowEndLobster]

You're very welcome! Congrats on your new bass :)

[@Sumbibebe]

This was a Stingray Buffet to the MAX!! I loved it and it’s my second time watching it. In about a year I’ll watch it again. “Lobster Mode” so cool👍🏽

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Sumbi Sumbi!

[@dogbert7193]

Man, the fretboard on that fretless bass is IMMACULATE. Extremely jealous.

[@goozrat]

God Stingrays has always been one of my favorite Basses EVER!!!!!! This video is just making want one over a jazz bass more and more!!!!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

ONE OF US. ONE OF US. ;)

[@martinheath5947]

Ibanez ATK810 Lobster reviewed one, could be the best of all possible worlds for you!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Ye!!! Join us!!!!

[@danielarcaris8965]

My son has a J-bass, I prefer my stingray.

[@MarcG7424]

Why not get both who said I have to many guitars.....no one ever

[@kitsvn]

Lobster! I love your videos, man. Thank you! Just picked up my 2nd bass - a Ray34 =)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Congrats :)

[@stefanc2242]

Oh my gosh I'm so glad I watched until the end. PRICELESS!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

I totally forgot what was at the end of this and had to rewatch ahahahaha. Now I want onion rings.

[@jeffevangelho9909]

Very fun video to watch! I don't own a Stingray but I definitely want one now. Thanks for the great demo.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jeff! Glad you enjoyed this :)

[@theshepster901]

Musicman has its own tone that most basses don't. Great video

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed! I can't get enough of em!

[@donh5794]

Nice comparison Lobster! Can't go wrong with any of those basses. I like the fretless since I never played one and it looks and sounds very good.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Don!

[@xMTLKx]

Just bought a used Ray34... can't wait to receive it !!!

[@greganderson2239]

All of them sound great 👍. I’m actually going to buy my first bass soon and it’s a stingray 34 HH with a burl top and trans black satin. It look knarley and sounds freaking amazing. Best tone with a huge punch. Can’t wait ❤

[@downsouthgeorgiaboy7660]

That project Mint-o-Ray sounds and looks incredible! I really like that one. You’re getting some really nice tones out of that bass. I think I need one of those with the same mods. I hope you don’t mind me copying you

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Copy away my friend! I'm honestly stoked at how good it sounds. I sold the Mold Smoothie SUB and my Ray34, but Minty is a special project that isn't going anywhere (and isn't done yet ;) )

[@seanpowell1496]

Your bass playing really impressed me today. Loved the slap ditty you did on the fretless. Sounded like some Les Claypool stuff! I want a fretless 6 string bongo so bad. Think ima save up for one or sell my soul one of the two. My 2 favs were the fretless and the champagne special.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! It was a Les Claypool ditty, Tommy the Cat (or my attempt at it haha). Good ear :). I really really like that new Bongo BFR.

[@RobertoAlferi]

I own a 5 string StingRay 5, cheap? Maybe but I AM IN LOVE WITH IT. I was curious about your video thinking... ok, good... now somebody will show me how really things are and how one bass sounds and how the other sounds and so on... but since you are a GREAT player, they all play GREAT. So I am a bit confused, but happy with the bass I got :) Good video Lobster, good video and wonderful basses!

[@juliangramajo7010]

man, you are definitely one of the best bass players of the bass content channels

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Julian! That really means a lot :) I'm so glad you're enjoying the content

[@juliangramajo7010]

@@LowEndLobster thank you man, great videos. I am almost stalking you :p

[@johnnysguitarcorner5510]

Really cool comparison. I really enjoyed it😎🤟. I just ordered a 4 string special in snowy night and already own a black stealth 4 and 5 string. They are such iconic bass guitars. I cannot choose between my Fender jazz custom 5 string/Spector USA NS-2/Ibanez ATK 1200 prestige and my Music mans. They all have their iconic and recognizable sound.

[@official_Leonard1957]

Great Comparisons! And thanks for the history lesson...

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks for watching :)

[@geertmeeme]

Great job again lobster! Friday i received the FGN JMJ-ASH-M. with the mm seymour duncan pickup, what sounds great!

[@joecasa85]

I've the exact same bass man: I've owned several basses but that FGN is the best instrument I've ever had! Everything is insane on it, from the manual craftmanship to the finishes, all in the sign of a monster tone! FGN Guitars never disappoint, at the actual state of things they're waaaaaaaaaay better than any other brand in the World for me! Cheers & have fun with your new 1st class toy, Jöe

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Congrats on the new bass! :)

[@coolaxe-dw4840]

That Ray 34 us the Truth. Thanks for putting me up on some game🎸

[@gbvoul]

11lbs though

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

When Lobster breaks out with Primus, the Gods smile.

[@russellzauner]

#terrans #metalistruth #thekidsarealright #thankyoueddievanhalen kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnzNn6egpdOhbbc We're gonna be okay. There doesn't even have to be any gods, just another generation that wants to tear it up as bad as we did.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey babbeh where did my reply go

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

@@LowEndLobster it laid down by my side

[@sira.scottascot8865]

Man... That ol' smoothy just changes everything. No spiking out and it just has such a growl.

[@joacobass2466]

epic video, love you lobster

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Love you too

[@marcoesposito8753]

I think he likes stingray

[@LowEndLobster]

Just a little.... ;P

[@sethnicholls7861]

He's definitely one huge Stingray fan here on KZbin, w a sweet collection, and dedication to such a unique and amazing bass design. Ironically, during this sound test I liked the SUB and Ray34 just as much as any of the American examples. I'm sure the USA models feel and play much better, and that HH is of course the winner. But I'd be happy to take any of them on a gig and be just fine. (Says a lot about the lower end models, especially against say Mexican standard Jazz bass for example.)

[@cmcarley]

Nice comparison! I really liked the old smoothie and stingray special HH. My Stingray special HH should arrive any day! I went with the classic natural with maple fretboard.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you and congrats on your new bass! Enjoy it my friend!

[@donenzoworld-canada9460]

thanks for this channel man.. i saw my EBMM stingray 2000 model natural finish.. cheers

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Don Enzo!

[@philipmcadam5339]

I too really enjoyed the sound of the fretless though for my part I wouldn't be slapping it, if it were mine. Thanks for another great video.

[@bassporn]

Awesome video, mate!!!...

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@bochafish]

Everything sounded really good, but I think you and that BFR fretless are a perfect match. Man do you sound good on that thing.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@coolaxe-dw4840]

That BFR Fretless is awesome 🎸

[@djencode]

That Pink Champagne Stingray Special is a bucketlist bass for me!

[@djencode]

That fretless also sounds amazing!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Donald!

[@RumblinMan]

Man, your camera image looks really good!

[@LowEndLobster]

Don't say that, you haven't seen me in real life ;P

[@JustinVan1986]

Great intro. Got the 👍 up right there. Thanks for this comparison.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Van! Glad you liked it :)

[@JustinVan1986]

@@LowEndLobster I’d be interested in your opinion on the PRS SE line. I’ve been hearing and seeing them a bit more, but there’s not much information outside of sellers. I’ve got a bit of a biased perspective because I love their guitars, having minimal if any issue w/ their SE line and zero issue w/ American made, so it’d be nice to have an honest review of them.

[@juaco051972]

excellent video!!! your reviews are out of this world. You mentioned the olp brand. I saw a special model "olp tony levin signature". It is a real "tony levin supervised" bass? or just a name made for marketing? have you tried that bass? thanks!!

[@PushSueAside]

Well…I finally found one I like, and couldn’t leave the store without it. All the “sterling by MM” I tried, just didn’t “do it”for me. I just came to terms that I’m not a MM fan. So I figured the US MM couldn’t be that much better, so didn’t bother worrying how much they are…and DAMN! they are pricey. …but, the way we as humans are wired…you find what you really need/want/ connect with in a special way, is there, waiting for you to stop looking for what isn’t there, and to see what is! I normally prefer maple fretboards and passive circuitry, but WHAM!!!! Rosewood and active!!! Anyway, I don’t know if you still read older posts, but…Cheers, Lobster Will! I finally get it..at least, I finally found one I like. I don’t know if it’s even considered “decent, in comparison” but it’s a 2003 Music Man SUB and it plays real nice. I don’t think you have done a video on one (that is, I don’t remember if you did) but I’m curious, what your thoughts on them are? Cheers

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats!

[@carlosdeno]

Great video, I’ve just purchased a Sterling Sub. I’ve played guitar for over 30 years and only just tried a bass, I love it! I’m interested in your comment about the pickup height, I play with a plectrum and I sometimes struggle on the D and G strings, as the plectrum occasionally touches the pickup and it’s very frustrating. I’ve tried watching Cliff Williams of AC/DC as he plays a Stingray, are the pickups lower on the US models? It’s difficult to find a dealer where I live, current financial times etc. The big stores are 100’s of miles away.

[@81Treez]

Man I hope to see you come back to KZbin. Really like your videos.

[@mikeplefka9688]

This video is awesome. I've been window shopping and sitting down at some music stores during the year and that ray 34 is the coolest that they have had in-store to play. As far as budget, that is probably the one I'm going to go with. That fretless is soooo gnarly tho. Really dig the old smoothie too. Is it possible to mod that ray 34 with the newer electronics?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Mike! You could, however sourcing the pickup and preamp would be $$, and you'd need to mod the body for a second battery box as the new preamp is 18v.

[@revlewisrees9880]

They all have their unique qualities. But Mint-o-Ray was my favourite. Followed by the sparkly one, then Old Smoothie, then the 34.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rev! Yeah Minty really came out great.

[@heftyjo2893]

Just go the Harley Benton 'Stingray'. Used your advice on the tone for my EQ pedal and totally dig it.

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats Jo! Enjoy :)

[@charlieburns1385]

Great Thanks

[@scke3717]

Suggestion Box: For those of us who haven't developed "Stingray Fatigue" would love to see your take on the Stringray Short Scale passive. All the current reviews are coming from the folks trying to Sell rather than with your with critical and honest take.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you and YES! Trying to snag a sterling one, and my friend just got an EBMM one... I wonder if he'll send it my way.

[@RayRay-vv7fw]

I dig the Darkglass Preamp over the Mojotone for my SUB project,but the Ray34 sounds the closest to a USA EBMM We thank you for this comparison.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ray Ray! The Darkglass project had the goal of trying to get away from the "traditional" stingray sound and image while maintaining some of the stingray character. The Ray34 and pre-facelift 2017 are definitely very similar in sound, and that difference definitely fades further in a mix. The differences at that point start to come down to personal preference in terms of feel. However, it's night and day between the pre and post facelift 'rays. I have a ton more stingray content coming, stay tuned my friend :)

[@keithpasculli7465]

That HH ruled the other ones IMO. Interesting to hear them side by side.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Keith!

[@mrebear9758]

Agree

[@albertjennings3059]

Great video lobster! I like The Music Man bass guitars; Sterling and Sub Basses. However, I bought a used passive OLP 4 banger and it sounds better than any 4 string passive musicman bass I've ever played in guitar center. However, a Preamp bass like Turbo charged car will always have an advantage over a Passive bass! I liked the Mint Mman bass!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Albert! oh man, those OLPs bring me back

[@anpcm]

What are the passive Musicman at GC?

[@rasmillion]

Man that fretless is sick I’m super jealous of your whole collection. I barely have one instrument in playable condition. Must work harder at my day job! They sold the ehb at my local store so I can’t go see her anymore :( That champagne finish is gorgeous !

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ras! Aw bummer you can't fiddle on that EHB anymore :(. Wishing you a big raise in the name of BASS!

[@rasmillion]

LowEndLobster here in Canada you can get 2000$ plus per monthif you lose your job due to covid, I don’t make thaaaaat much more $$ than that which kinda makes me a little bitter, since I lost about 10k $ per year due to COVID-19 (not a great time to ask for a raise) I am a machinist so I will always find work but I live in the city of Vancouver, all the jobs keep moving out into the suburbs where real estate prices are more reasonable. Thanks for the well wishes. All the best

[@adammclark5120]

thanks!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

You're welcome :)

[@alansamsmusic]

I just picked up the Sterling 24CA. In the Sterling line they are the middle ground between the SUB and the Ray 34 and so far I'm really enjoying it. Great video.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@RedGalaxyFishbone]

How are you enjoying it? Question for me is change electronics in my s.u.b or get a ray24 for 200 more..

[@alansamsmusic]

@@RedGalaxyFishbone I'm still enjoying my 24CA.The upgrade to your SUB is a good idea if you intend to keep the bass. Just keep in mind it may be difficult to recover the cost when try to trade or resale the bass

[@RedGalaxyFishbone]

@@alansamsmusic Thanks for answering! I love the bass itself yea, has a bit of a fret buzz.. But yea could be my finger placement too, and it`s my first bass. So it`ll stay with me haha :)

[@alansamsmusic]

@@RedGalaxyFishbone that's awesome! Enjoy the ride

[@daelowkey]

The fretless was one of the best to me, sounded so beautiful! I also wonder if anybody could tell the difference between the cheapest sub vs the american special in a mix... Very nice basses

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! It's funny, the SUB stock is very different sounding to a USA Stingray, but some mods can get you VERY close without breaking the bank.

[@shuruff904]

Extremely hard to tell, if set up right. My sterling sounds just as good as most ernie balls. Be careful what you hear online, try them out for yourself. I paid 500 for mine, (it's mint color with white pick guard, but I'm looking at the black pick guard) but it sounds great with D'darrio strings (which most videos don't show how great they sound with decent strings) buy do your research before spending 2500 on an ernie ball

[@celestelongway7315]

Wow! pink champagne. Suuuuuuuper nice bass ! From mtw - super frequent jam nighter in LA. 2013-2019.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you :)

[@stevem-h3562]

That fretless is bloody gorgeous.

[@daviddesmond2143]

What strings are you using? I have USA SR 5HH and had other USA SRs. I also have a Sterling Sub 5 and an HH one as well. They are very good inexpensive basses even stock. Enjoyed your video!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you David! I'm using MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel strings, gauges 45-105 (125 for low B)

[@brettb7000]

@LowEndLobster Another amazing video. Props to you for all the work you'd have put into doing this! I have a fairly new Ray34, my 1st dip into the Stingray pool & I was just wondering if any of these mods would be a significant upgrade or more of a "side-grade"? Being in Australia modding isn't cheap so not sure if it will be worth it. Love the channel man & my wife loves your cat, keep up the great work!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Brett! I'd ask yourself what the stock Ray34 is missing to your ears and go from there. There are many directions to take a Stingray!

[@brettb7000]

@@LowEndLobster Thats the thing mate, for a none US made bass, it's amazing & the blue PB finish is beautiful. I still haven't touched it apart from strap locks but have been considering upgrading tuners &/or bridge but as I said, not sure if it would be worth the $ as there's nothing wrong with the current hardware. I'm sure many of us have had a good Bass, thought by making some mods we'd make it great & it ended up not being what you thought it would be. I know I have & I just dont know if I wanna risk it with this beauty.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@brettb7000 I think that's your answer. Leave it unless/until you feel it's lacking something. Though I definitely sometimes mod just for the hell of it, most of the time I try to 'address' something, be it ergonomics and balance with lighter weight tuners, or trying to take the tone somewhere the stock electronics simply can't go. I hope that helps!

[@brettb7000]

@@LowEndLobster Yeah I think considering I've now had it probably a year & not touched it or even really seriously considered it probably answers the question. Don't really wanna mess with its mojo! Thanks heaps for the response mate & a bigger thanks for really convincing me to get a Stingray in the 1st place. Next stop will be to add a US one to my collection 😊

[@cskeise]

Whoop whoop found it Lobster. Fretless...💙👊😎

[@LowEndLobster]

:D Yeah that fretless rules

[@jorgeelefevretavarez9914]

Hey Lobster, out of curiosity, what flats do you use? I've strung my 'Ray with D'Addario Flats for the longest time and have been pretty happy with them. Not sure if I should move around or not.

[@LowEndLobster]

I use LaBella deep talkin flats 45-105

[@PhullyNo1]

Lobster, I can’t make up my mind, I love the smoothie, love the sterling, love the stingray. I have a 2005 stringray 5 and I really love it because you have the pickup selector and the tone. I’m really more of a four string guy, but the stringray doesn’t have the selector for series, parallel and single. Not really interested in a multi pickup version of music man bass. What do you suggest for a a 4 string starter into the stingray line up? Cost isn’t really the factor, it’s just getting a piece I’m gonna love and keep forever.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Great question! IMO the Ernie Ball Music Man USA Sterling is essentially a 4 string version of the Stingray 5 that you have. I have a full review of that coming, but here's a vid I did comparing it to the Stingray 4 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b52Yo2xsgaeJqJo

[@sandz9b]

Love the "hifi-ish" sound of the delano pickups.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Sandy! I agree, they sound great and "hifi-ish". Well said :)

[@sethnicholls7861]

Are the Delano MM humbuckers alnico or ceramic magnet, and how naturally hot are they before the active preamp boosts everything? I'm intrigued and genuinely curious what aftermarket humbucker between $50-$70 to drop in my new Walnut stained S.U.B. Stingray. I can't decide whether the stock pickup, or the stock 2 band preamp's got to go first. It's not bad stock, but it's definitely not there yet when plugged in. Any advice guys?

[@Alborzbass]

Hey 👋 thank you for the review. I have always had different models of Fender American Jazz Bass and I’m planning to shift to a Musicman. My choice till now has been 40th anniversary. Is there any better option? Im looking for a funky versatile Musicman. What do you suggest?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Alborz! That's a tough question as there are so many stingrays that check so many boxes for me. The Special is more versatile and modern sounding, but the SR Classic just sounds and feels soooo good. I can't decide ;P

[@sira.scottascot8865]

I know that all of the audio parameters are kept put in these videos, but when you play do you keep your settings the same for the Stingrays as you do for something drastically different?

[@veerchasm1]

Keep the claw and become Rock Lobster 🦞 Nice Simon Gallup shoutout!

[@LowEndLobster]

:)

[@DrSpeener]

How many basses do you have in your collection? Do they get donated to you for these reviews? Fantastic channel and great reviews!

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Speener! Going to make a video about this. I buy like 99% of the basses I review and sell them afterwards so my money is on the line vs having manufacturers send me stuff with strings attached. I have friends send me instruments as well, and we talk with some smaller builders and try to feature their stuff on here as well.

[@CorrosionAudio]

Nice comparison! I have a Ray4 project bass too with a Duncan SMB-4D (ceramic) to kinda imitate the tone of a MM Sterling bass and it does get very close. Kinda a shame not so many people know about the Sterling though, so that could be a cool comparison in the future :)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! You're right, and I'm looking to snag a Sterling. My friend back in the day had a sweet black one with maple neck, awesome bass and very different from the 'Ray. You'll see one on here eventually, don't you worry ;).

[@aarondavis4341]

Hey Lobster you got any Fender custom shops in your massive arsenal? I played my first one this past Saturday,if you find the EMPIRE music video about the 66 custom reissue,that's the actual bass I played when I was there,now I can't get enough fender custom shop in my brain,I NEED MORE CUSTOM SHOP!!! LOL

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Aaron, I do not. Would love to check one out in the future though!

[@Cntric]

Have you taken a look at the Short Scale versions of both the Sterling and Musicman stingrays? I picked up the Sterling Short Scale in Olympic White, and man do I love it! (It’s my first bass though so I don’t have much to compare it to)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Martin! I do have a SBMM Short Scale that will be getting a vid next week alongside a borrowed EBMM shorty! :) That's going to be a good one, I haven't taken the US one out yet!

[@Cntric]

@@LowEndLobster Looking forward to it! I’ll probably buy one of the EBMM versions of the shorty once they release some new colors in the coming year! Should be interesting :)

[@williamdeming853]

Honestly I like the Mint-o-Ray the best I think. The slap tone was rad. Has me want to do a Ray HH with the same mods.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I was just telling my friend that the Minty sounded incredible in this vid. It punches WELL above its weight and that Delano pickup sounds so great paired with the darkglass.

[@shuruff904]

I love my Sterling Minty....it's all stock, but it sounds great stock! I even bought the floor model brand new as opposed to one in a box since the Guitar Center I went to had it set up perfectly. No other bass (not even more expensive ones) sounded as good as it did

[@djjack2280]

I like the last one. I believe the pink one sounds the best

[@cmorr9587]

Can you tell us what strings you were using on each bass other than the flatwounds?

[@Djigolje]

Great work! By the way, I really like that bass, but I'm not really sure if there is any difference between Music Man S.U.B. Ray 4 and Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray 4 except the inscription on their head?

[@Djigolje]

*that bass - Sterling SUB (either Mold Smoothie or Mint-o-Ray) :)

[@LowEndLobster]

Heyo! They're the same, just different 'branding'. The SBMM Stingray Ray4 and SUB Ray are the same

[@jonmuir13]

I bought my 2006 MM SR5 HH for $1080 and it was the cheapest I’ve ever seen one. It only had one little ding and it’s fantastic.

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! What color is yours?

[@timtheflyguy]

I have a chance to buy the BFR pink champagne stingray.......you are tempting me lol, the only problem I have is that I would have to play it, not put it away as a collectible!! Thanks for the comparison video....and I loved the sterling with the dark glass preamp!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Playing is part of caring! Enjoy the instrument as it's intended to be enjoyed :)

[@timtheflyguy]

@@LowEndLobster Absolutely!!

[@calvincurry8496]

Years ago I got a 76 silver stingray (77) with the Foam mutes on the Bridge. I hated that Bass( did not know much about proper set ups) could never get it to feel right. Never played traded it for a 1984 FODERA mornarch. Loved my Fodera but always regretted selling the Stingray. Like them Now. That Bass was a Classic!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Calvin! If you ever get a chance, check out the SR Classic. Mine is easily top 5 basses of all time for me. Don't ask me to pick where it stands in that 5, too hard ;P

[@Bass.Player]

They all sound like Rays except for the tone glass Mint-o-Ray and the fretless.... The neck on the fretless is great looking and the BFR (BFE?) looks like a piece of candy, great color....

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I don't think you could tell from the camera angle but there are several bite marks... for... reasons.. on an unrelated note, it's not candy.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

That natural sounds great, I just love the size of a stingray sterling is to sell for me

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jeremy! The Ray34 is definitely a solid package, especially on sale.

[@tonymickens8803]

I would have LOVED to hear Jaco Play that Fretless and Louis Johnson on the Ray34!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks George! I agree, that would be a sound to behold :)

[@bastianchavezalavez6483]

Hey lobster, i need your advice, i'm in a band and we play a lot of rock styles from 60's rock and ballads to grunge and even trash metal. I would like to know which kind of bass would be better for me, i've been playing a p bass style for a few years

[@LowEndLobster]

If we're talking in context of Rays in this vid, Minty or a Ray34 would fit the bill nicely (even HH). Outside of Rays, you have tons of possibilities depending on your budget... I'm biased but I'd say go for the FGN Mighty Power- kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWjPe4unfZuqsJI. This thing will do everything you want while sounding and playing incredibly.

[@bastianchavezalavez6483]

@@LowEndLobster thanks

[@Hexspa]

Which compressor are you using?

[@braddietzmusic2429]

Love to see you do the same test and same playing examples with the 5 string versions and various series/parallel selector switch settings, etc…

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Brad! That's a great idea

[@tigerscott2966]

The $300.00 Sterling. I had one just like that! It's the one bass I had the most fun playing too.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Tiger!

[@tbdmn83]

After a quick glance, I can't find the question: what amp set up are you using? My Sting Ray Special 4HH arrives Friday, and I'm wondering if my Fender Rumble 200 will do it justice. I essentially learned bass on my pal's old Sting Ray through a GK 4-something-or-other amp. Loved the sound and can't duplicate it on my passive Geddy Lee J-bass knock off through that Rumble.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey MB! Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6W9lZiMbLOarJI Hope this helps :)

[@tbdmn83]

@@LowEndLobster Spiffy! Thanks! BTW, the StingRay sounds pretty good through the Rumble. Learning how to get different tones...

[@iansoares3404]

Does the Ray34 come stock as series or parallel?

[@oskarus3]

All of them are beauties. I'd go with the Old Smoothie (the legit one :D) - never too much smoothness ('Sailing' playing in the background)

[@LowEndLobster]

Hehe thank you!

[@thumpinfetus58]

Anyone know the difference if any between the beveled rays vs normal flat top rays?

[@trishelliott2539]

I have an old smoothy in green I agree it's the closest sound to what I had an 1979 from new the fret wire is about the same

[@amrsalahmahmoud3034]

Hello nice video as always, the sterling stingray sunburst Matt from where to buy one & what is the model exactly

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Amr, thank you! The Matte sunburst SUB is a standard finish, you can get them from any retailer that sells the Sterling SUB Ray4 (that's the model)

[@amrsalahmahmoud3034]

@@LowEndLobster thank you so much

[@xkxwrdbboixkx]

While it holds true for all instruments, I feel like MM, Sterling ray basses are less forgiving with bad sound setup. Having owned ray, sub4, sterling sub, none of them sounded good on my crappy setup while I could get a semi decent tone on a squire bass. I gotta say these do sound phenomenal with good pre/amp.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Kay! The Ray4/Sub especially due to the really crappy pickup. I did a video recently where we just swapped out the pickup for an Aguilar and kept the stock preamp. Huge difference.

[@richardrichard5409]

Very good point.

[@PorchBass]

The bfr fretless really sounds the best balanced IMHO. Lots of everything. The top end seems notably smoother on 18v.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks James! That's been the biggest takeaway from the change to the 18v. Some like it, others don't (I love it).

[@TheGAMEGod_YT]

Let’s gooooo

[@LowEndLobster]

WOOO!

[@ChipsA17]

So i went to guitar center and played a bunch of basses. I ended up not liking the fenders which suprized me. I found a music man sting ray 34. Im in love. The best bass i have ever played. Im getting the black ash maple neck ray 34 in a few months.

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! Those black ash ones are suhweeeet.

[@OlandoMcCall]

That would be a Sterling Ray 34..not MM

[@LowEndLobster]

@@OlandoMcCall DOH! I misread. Thanks XD

[@coolaxe-dw4840]

2020 BFR💪🏿

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

40th Anniversary Old Smoothie was easily my favorite. Like a more open, sweet version of the others. And now I'm considering replacing my broken fretless with an MM style....

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Do it! You won't be disappointed

[@bretthines1020]

Benjamin Orr put the Stingray into the imaginations of a new generation of Bass Players.

[@federicopfennig6163]

Amazing! What happened with the mold smoothie project? resent buy the exactly bass sub in sunburst, hear in Argentina is nearly imposible buying a expensive one, I want to modify a cheep. Abrazo grande de Argentina!!

[@LowEndLobster]

We just had an update to that. I sold it but the owner sent it over for an upgrade. He is very happy!

[@federicopfennig6163]

@@LowEndLobster Great! You are building a great community hear, love the content, keep the good work.

[@andreaperelli5323]

Is the 34 wired in parallel or series?

[@AusJamesStudios]

Lol. I have the 5 string OLP that he rips on at the beginning. I'm in desperate need of an upgrade, but I can't decide! Budget is $500 and I need 5 strings. Playing indie pop type music mostly. What should I doooo?

[@LowEndLobster]

If you dig the stingray style, the Sterlings are a really nice budget option (and the higher end ones can be had for a great price lightly used). If you want something more traditional but still active- the Talman TMB505, Sire V3 5-string are great options too.

[@johnjareo1047]

MintoRay is so clear and defined. One thing that gets mentioned a lot with Stingrays is weight. Can you comment on that aspect? Thanks

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey John! I usually don't mention weight unless it's of any significance as weight between examples of the same model can vary greatly. Most of my rays are ~9 lbs with the classic ones running at about ~10.