Best five hundred dollar bass I've ever played!

Review of the Sterling Ray 24 classic bass

[@BassMan5]

Dang Bob, I forgot what the video was about after you started jamming. Good stuff, and bass info too. Thanks

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Bassman5, thanks!

[@megaexidor]

Yeah, I got to play one last week. I was super impressed & it played and sounds killer! Great review 👊

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks Megaexidor!

[@bobt5778]

Just got one of these. Your review was most helpful. Not sure what it is about these but they feel almost like a medium scale. Extremely comfortable to play - especially for my old hands!

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Bob, thanks for listening! I agree!

[@lightsparamonday]

Just upgraded from my BASSic Ibanez gio because my skills were improving and I absolutely love my purchase, thanks for the review!

[@BobBlackBass]

You're welcome, Caitlin!

[@StratBurst92]

Although I have a few Fender basses I always wanted a Stingray and at this price I finally bought one, Mine is in mint green. Love this bass, very comfortable to play and very well made. Do not let the Made In Indonesia turn you off, This bass is worth every penny.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Stratburst, I agree 100%,!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@BobBlackBass I bought the Sterling Stingray (short-scale) SS-4 = Love it. (I may need to change the tuners though) other-then-that Phenomenal Bass. I did a Pro-set-up and minor fret-end file & it plays like a Custom shop.

[@user-dq9oj6vo9j]

I bought a Ray 24 CA but at first I was not impressed. I wanted the sound of the 70's funk and disco bands but it didn't really came out of the Ray 24. So I put the bass aside for some years. Recently I discovered that the stock humbucker was a ceramic one while the original 70's Stingrays came with alnico magnets. I changed the humbucker for a Seymour Duncan SMB-4A (wired in parallel) and WOW! What a sound! No need to buy a MM top model! You can get the real thing for an extra 120 $

[@BobBlackBass]

I know but I kinda liked the stock pup!

[@tomherc8431]

Hey Bob, just ordered mine in butterscotch (best colour option by far). I've watched many reviews about this bass but yours was the turning point for my decision. Will soon be debuted in the cover videos in my channel.

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks Tom. I'll look forward to seeing it on your channel!

[@samlelowitch]

Nice review! I believe these instruments are actually made in Asia by a company called Praxis under license from Ernie Ball Music Man. It appear to be a more separate relationship than, say, between Fender and Squier in which the former actually owns the latter. I agree with your conclusion that these are excellent instruments and for the money they are tough to beat. Perhaps the only thing keeping me from owning one is that they tend to be on the heavy side and I prefer lighter basses because they are less tiring to play.

[@BobBlackBass]

I agree with the weight thing, Sam. Certain retailers will post the weight of their instruments as these can vary wildly. For example, I have a 2017 usa stingray that weighs 8.5 lbs.

[@bcsimpilot3497]

That Stingray is feeding back some great "fresh beats!" Haha, like your t-shirt

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks!

[@NelsonMontana1234]

I've compared the Sterling 4 band non slab body model to the Ernie Ball version and there is virtually no difference. That's a drag for the American worker but a good thing as a customer.

[@BobBlackBass]

I agree!

[@chrismosquad1056]

Great review! Much appreciated, and I enjoyed the playing.

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks, Christopher!

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks, Christopher

[@franktreppiedi2208]

Bought it right off the wall at GC. It was actually set up and in tune. Already gigged w it and sounded great.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Frank, Yeah it's a great bass!

[@shuruff904]

I have the same exact bass, mine is mint green with a white pick guard though. It was the floor model at Guitar Center in Jacksonville FL. I sat there and played EVERY SINGLE other bass in that store, and the only one that came close was an Ibanez 500SR, which was 800$ or so. Even the "better" Sterling models couldn't hold a candle to it...and when I brought it up to the counter, the man asked if I wanted a sealed one. Nope. I want this one. Whoever set it up knew what they were doing for sure.( it was brand new mind you, still had cellophane on it with tags etc.) Always wanted a Stingray, now I have one. (And it sounds almost identical to a single H setup Ernie Ball, if not identical.) You really pay for that USA branding on the EBs....

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Shuruff, congrats on a great purchase! I'm in agreement with you and I own a USA stingray. In some ways I like this one better!

[@user-nf5kq5bz9g]

I bought a stealth black roasted neck mahogany body sterling 34HH. Stingray. Around $1000 new. Its best bass ever played. Its an upper sterling model. Very versatile. Love it!!!!

[@BobBlackBass]

Yeah they are great!

[@shaynahertzog]

So, I have been a diehard Fender believer for my 18 years of playing, guitar and bass (first 4 years on bass, then guitar for 12 years, and bass since early 2020) I have not been able to keep myself in the routine to play both instruments, as I am, for better or worse, an obsessive player. When I am in the trenches of improving or learning something, I can not and will not switch to something else in the midst of it lol. I played guitar for so long that I got about as good as I can expect to be, meaning, I got as good at guitar as I wanted to be and accomplished what I wanted to and just didn't feel like I was as inspired anymore. Then, one day I was listening and playing along to random songs on my funk and motown playlist and I was finding myself locking in to the groove of the bass lines and after a bit, I paused my playing and just listened to bass on the tracks, for 4 or 5 songs in a row. It clicked. "Oh, I need to play bass again, I NEED to play bass" lol. I have always been rhythmically inclined. When I picked up bass, my first instrument after trombone from elementary to 9th grade, it just jived with me, perfectly. I could, almost immediately, feel where I was supposed to be in a track. I was playing walking bass lines before I knew they were called walking bass lines. I only started playing guitar because of the amazing players I found one summer. Albert Lee, Jerry Garcia, then Trey Anastasio and what they were all doing was amazing to me. Then I watched an old vhs my dad had of Stevie at Montreaux. That was it. Fender guitar from there on out. Now, I am looking at getting a new bass. I have loved the guitars Squier has been putting out since 2020. The CV series instruments are incredible for the price, I mean...the Squier CVs 50 strat is an absolute killer guitar for what it costs. It sounds like a fucking 1500 American fender. It can look and feel like it too, all you have to do is sand the gloss off the front and back of the neck. Once you do that, you are basically holding a lighter fender that has a different name on the headstock lol. I was only looking at Fender basses, P and J. I eyeballed the Sire's too, as they are heavily Fender influenced and Marcus Miller is one of my favorite players ever. Then, earlier this week, I was reading a forum post on TalkBass forum from like...6 years ago. Randomly a member made a comment about Leo working secretly at the company that changed their name to Music Man. He worked in secret, because CBS had him sign a non-compete upon selling to them. So, essentially, Leo said "Fuck you" to 'the man' which is 100% relatable and made me love him even more, honestly. Then, as soon as his non-compete expired, he was named president of Music Man and released the Stingray. When I read that, I was so dang surprised. I have been seeing Stingrays around since I started playing, all those years ago, but never picked one up for thought anything other than 'that looks pretty cool'. I am now in full acquisition mode, over them lmao. I want and am going to get one, for sure. Now, I don't really want to throw down 2,000$ for my first venture in to a new brand and type of bass, even tho they were designed by the best guitar designer the world has ever seen. I would like to be at, or below, 1,000$ and Sterling has two in that range that are competing for a spot on my wall and 100s of hours in my hands lol. Theres this one, the 24ca and the 34. They are both so beautiful and both sound absolutely great. I have a bit more research to do and then its off to Sam Ash to tickle them both and see what I pick. I will leave that store with one. Wow, im sorry about all the blah blah, but Im just having a moment in my music career/life that is throwing me for a curve. I never thought I would be buying another brand than my trusted, beloved Fender, but I am about to. And if I ever go back to guitar, Music Man has the Cutlass and the Albert Lee signature and those are probably going to be the choice for me then. Great video, thanks for showing us the bass and hearing you talk about it and comparing it to others you know what very informative. Hope you are well and continue to be that way. much love

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Shayna, thanks for your thoughts!

[@marcelwright5065]

Beautiful sounding bass gotta get me one thanks Bob.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Marcel, I'm sure you'll love it!

[@eknight101]

I just purchased the blue CA25 with the rosewood fretboard and the tortoise pick guard..can't wait till it gets here. 😁

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey E, I know you'll dig it!

[@eknight101]

@@BobBlackBass Been playing it for a couple of weeks now. I did a fret level on it and brand new string install. Quite honestly, I had anticipated installing a new pup and preamp before I had even received the bass but surprisingly, the stock electronics sound fantastic with the Pup wired in series. There's no need for any mods at this point. This bass feels like a 4 string Jazz but with 5 strings and It definitely has the classic musicman sound; Loud, thunderous and can slice through any mix that you can throw at it. This is an extremely good bargain for 500 bucks.

[@wmhhealth2018]

I like everything about it but the ceramic pickup.

[@BobBlackBass]

I hate to admit it but I can't tell the difference!

[@wmhhealth2018]

@@BobBlackBass this is 40+ years talking. I hear nuance that most people probably miss. I was connected to Carol Kaye the legendary studio bassist with the wrecking crew on Facebook and I could hear nuance that she could not. True story

[@bruceandsharonherendeen6609]

Great info from the greatest teacher in Florida- Bruce almighty

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks Bruce, make sure you subscribe to my channel

[@luciamarquez6801]

Bob is the best teacher!

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks Lucia!

[@joshuapark1749]

This guy can play!!👍

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks, Joshua!

[@ejmusicofficial]

Just subscribed! I am convinced and might buy this bass! You should do a review of a Danelectro Shorthorn Bass! There are not the many reviews on KZbin and it would really help to have a good review from someone as great as yourself! Would you take the Danelectro or the sterling you reviewed here?

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Emillio, I'd take the Sterling. Will do a review on the Shorthorn if I can get my hands on one!

[@LucaLindemann]

I'm gettin' one today: tomorrow is my birhday! Yeaaaahhh!!! 😁😁😁❤❤❤

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Luca, happy birthday! You won't be disappointed!

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Me being a fan of the Brothers Johnson and Rufus I had to have a stingray. That sound is just something else because you know it when you hear it.

[@BobBlackBass]

Agreed!

[@davidspero9776]

These basses are even cheaper now. The quality is amazing! - I record with one, it sounds just like a USA Stingray.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey David, I agree!

[@greganderson2239]

This will be my first bass.. I’m learning and will buy this one after I save.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Greg, I'm sure you will like it!

[@eknight101]

I have this same bass in the blue with the tortoise shell. The playability of this bass is a 10 and it does sound good,but the sound is nowhere near a stingray. I swapped the electronics for an audere 3 band preamp , an Aguilar humbucker and rotosound super light Guage strings. Now it sounds like a stingray 😁

[@BobBlackBass]

Awesome!

[@glennb3231]

Mine had sharp frets higher up on the neck and electronics were a bit scratchy. It doesn't really have that USA made Stringray sound as on my 4H Special. Not bad though for the money.

[@BobBlackBass]

I have a usa stingray also and in some ways I liked this sound better. The pickup in this bass is wired in series the usa model wited in parallel.

[@PhuckHue2]

The pickup is different

[@farisfuad1150]

@@BobBlackBass rewire this bass to parallel and you're gonna get a closer sound to the OG MM stingray.

[@LCPuppyCat]

I got mine on sale for $400 and the fretboard was Birdseye. I thought it was mismarked at first, but it was just a lucky find with the fretboard having a nice visual appearance over just the plain grain. Unless you don’t like Birdseye, I think it just gives it a little more bang for your buck on a guitar that was already a steal at $400.

[@9unslin9er]

Birdseye Maple is fucked up maple.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Jason, I agree . It's a great bass.

[@cliffords2315]

Birdseye is the best neck wood ever, i had one by special order back in 74 from the Fender Factory, had that bass for over 20 years, the neck is still straight as a board, Great attack and systain.

[@cliffords2315]

@@9unslin9er No you, you just dont know shit about Wood.

[@evanheathguitar]

I like the sound of that bass!

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Evan, Yeah great bass at a super price! Sounds the same as my American Stingray at less than on third the price!

[@jeremyabraham8105]

Love this bass! Would you recommend this over the ray 4 single humbucker for a beginner? The 349 dollar one

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Jeremy, yes I would most definitely!

[@thomaschisholm6348]

Hi Bob, what’s the noticeable difference/differences from the Ray4 and this Ray24 besides the 200 dollar price difference?

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Thomas, this one has a better bridge and a slimmer neck. I love the sound of this bass. I think it's well worth the extra money.

[@SULJEMEDIA]

Cool mug... killer bass!

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks!

[@ericktheone]

I just ordered one of these open box, from GC for $319. Can’t wait…

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Erick, I'm sure you'll like it.

[@ericktheone]

@@BobBlackBass I love it! 🤟🏼🎼

[@bcsimpilot3497]

I love this Stingray cuz guess who else plays it?.....ELLENPLAYSBASS KZbinr has a blue one. Very nice

[@BobBlackBass]

Yup, seen her. She's cool!

[@preciseaudioblog]

Very nice bass!

[@BobBlackBass]

Yes it is! And not too expensive!

[@truchero11]

You are one funky Bob!

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks!

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks!

[@MarcG7424]

Bob you convinced me - Thank you

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks, marc!

[@accumulateddust2818]

Nice review - thanks

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks!

[@Unmarked_1]

What's your favorite band?

[@BobBlackBass]

There are so many great bands. Have always loved Steely Dan.

[@waynechurchill7212]

Music man great product I own two guitars. Just order same bass Ernie ball sting Ray 4 sting

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks, Wayne!

[@BB-nq1ps]

How does it feel standing up and playing with the slab body? I own a ray4 and it’s contoured. I ordered a ray24 which is coming soon but just realized it doesn’t have the contour. I play fast punk with a pick. Just want to know if the slab body is uncomfortable or not.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey, BB920, it doesn't bother me too much.

[@drury2d8]

I have strung mine with labella flats. ITs way more versatile.

[@BobBlackBass]

Yes, that's a cool sound! With flats you can get that Joe Dart sound!

[@wilfredovazquez2942]

Great bass. I had one but after saw the Sterling Ray 34 with roasted maple on Musicians friend for $599, I sold it to buy the Ray 34. By the way, that Ray 24 on your video is on sale at Musicians friend for $350.

[@BobBlackBass]

Thanks, wilfredo!

[@franktreppiedi2208]

Are you sure it wasn't a SUB for that price?

[@franktreppiedi2208]

What are the round things on the bridge? For bridge adjustments?

[@BobBlackBass]

No I thing they cover screws to hold it down

[@raimoihander1380]

OLP IS BEST !!!

[@truchero11]

I love mine, but it’s as heavy as my jazz bass

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Rogello, the weight can vary greatly!

[@kelalamusic9258]

It is an awesome bass. No doubt about it. I just can't get my head around that ugly pickguard. That, along with the chrome control plate, do no go together. Of course, that's my personal opinion.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Kelala, wait until you see the new pickguard I ordered for my stingray. Stay tuned!

[@kelalamusic9258]

@@BobBlackBass looking forward to it.

[@jonrarmey1220]

@@BobBlackBass Where did you order your pick guard from? I have a hard time finding custom pick guards for the Sterling Basses...

[@fabioguido6289]

Weight?

[@BobBlackBass]

That one was 8.5 though I'm sure they vary

[@garychait3353]

Sounds great for the $/my wife will kill me!

[@BobBlackBass]

She will love the sound!

[@chriscockey7649]

Crappy preamp, but nice playing copy of a Stingray. So, if you care, you're going to spending $200 more to get a believable MM sound.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Chris, I actually liked the sound and I have an American stingray also.

[@chriscockey7649]

@@BobBlackBass Hey Bob, If you like it that's all that matters. But just saw Lowend lobster compare the SUB with 24ca and the preamps are identical. It should have been an upgrade considering the $200 difference.

[@robertjohnson6715]

this bass sounds just like the ernie ball bass, so why pay thousands more.

[@BobBlackBass]

Hey Robert, I agree!

[@leonidmakogon3673]

НЕТ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ЭТО НЕ БАС... ЗВУЧАНИЕ ПЛОХОЕ... ЗАПИСАННО ПЛОХО ! ИГРАЕТЕ НЕ КАК БАСИСТ ! НАСТОЯЩИЙ БАС - ЭТО ЗВУК В САМОМ НИЗУ !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ЭТО НЕ ИДИОТСКИЕ ИМПРОВИЗАЦИИ СУМАШЕДШИХ ДЖАЗМЕНОВ... Я ВАМ ГОВОРЮ - ЧТО ЭТО НЕ БАС !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! А ТЕПЕРЬ - СЫГРАЙТЕ МНЕ РОВНО ! РИТМИЧНО ! ЗАПИШИТЕ ТО ЧТО ВЫ ИГРАЕТЕ В КОМПЬЮТЕР ! И ВЫ УВИДИТЕ КАКОЕ ЭТО ДЕРЬМО ! СЫГРАЙТЕ МНЕ РОВНО И РИТВИЧНО ! С ХОРОШИМ КРАСИВЫМ ЗВУКОМ ! Я ХОЧУ УСЛЫШАТЬ НАСТОЯЩИМЙ БАС МЮЗИКМАН !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! СЫГРАЙТЕ МНЕ ВСЕГО 2 - 4 ЗВУКА ! ПРОСТО ПУМ - ПУМ ! Н7ЕУМЕТЕ ??? ТОГДА УЧИТЕСЬ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ВЫ НЕ ИГРАЕТЕ КАК БСИСТЫ ! ЭТО НЕ БАС !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!