Sterling by Music Man Ray2 Intro Series - How Low Can They Go? - LowEndLobster Review

[@dbosse311]

Even passive it still bites like a ray. I love having someone reviewing the everyday bass I'm actually going to consider picking up rather than looking at someone's vintage or boutique bass. Thanks for these!

[@ChaelaThompson]

Im so glad your back, i really enjoyed your videos before you left. And as a trans woman and bassist myself im glad your getting so much positivity in the comments.

[@joannalewis5279]

Same

[@davejones7475]

Great to have you back . I love all the changes, studio, format, lighting, sound, spinning Bass stage. And most of all, i love your new found you! We all do Lobster 🦞.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! :)

[@reversingthewayprod]

Yes we do!

[@dequiarro4417]

LowEndLobster’s reviews are always awesome! I’m currently modding my Ray4 into a Ray2 with a passive circuit and an Aguilar 4M pickup. A lot of this is inspired by you!

[@Farbocaster]

Lobster! It's great to have you back. Your bass skills and sense of humor are better than ever! As always, I'm looking forward to seeing your mod video(s). And..... Matching nail polish is a nice touch.

[@Okerokeka]

I love the matching nail polish 😭😭😭 I saw the previous HB video and thought maybe it was on purpose but thought it might just be a coincidence. Its honestly so genius 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@LowEndLobster]

Last one was genuinely coincidence as that polish had been on for like 3 weeks lol. This time it was on purpose haha

[@lexdecs8294]

I love the shirt Leah! Glad you’re back!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Got it at Meow Wolf in Denver :)

[@BrianMcJank]

ohh she Choose Leah??? thats my sisters name, Great Name!!

[@ricardofsjr]

Didn't expect the pickup to sound that good. Also loved the nails matching the bass 💅🏼

[@FizzyP]

My thoughts exactly.

[@wtjewell3342]

It sounds really, really good!!

[@navidamlani1616]

Fourthed!

[@quaz18]

seems like a solid starter bass, your very right a great platform for future upgrades. Reminds me of my OLP bass too. Great to see you making videos again love the content!

[@darrenwells2277]

Welcome Back Lobster!!!! Ive missed your reviews, always totally honest and always talking moddability! Really liking this Stingray... it still sounds great even at that price range, although I reckon it'll be more expensive over here in the UK. Might have a cheap pickup in but sounds good... keep us updated on what you do to this one.

[@donhall-aquitania1025]

I stopped playing bass when you left but now I’ll start up again.

[@Amhotep999]

Can’t wait for the Z3 Z7 sire bass reviews and comparisons 😬😬😬

[@amandamarinovich6164]

Agreed! I've been considering one

[@jaydoode15]

Glad to see you back it, as a beginner watching you play has taught me a lot! Looking forward to more videos. This budget Stingray actually sounds really good!

[@krispykrunkdonut]

The Stingray mod queen rides again! glad you got your hands on one this early, excited to see what you do with it in the future! Also LOVE the spinning stand :) how cool!

[@BassoProfundoRombola]

So wonderful to see you doing videos again!!!!

[@mikalkyton846]

I haven't seen LEL in a while. Seems like I've missed some things! Happy to have you back!

[@nathanminert3119]

This would be tempting if I hadn't pre-ordered a Joe Dart Sterling in May 😂

[@SisterRose]

they should have just done a mass produced Joe Dart sterling tbh

[@TheRusk123]

I wanted to.. but the shipping and tax was the same as the bass itself..

[@krispykrunkdonut]

im in the exact same boat! also feel good about the dart since hes using a production model on the road

[@SisterRose]

@@krispykrunkdonut unfortunately they're inaccessible outside of the US. the Ray2s are too expensive to be worth it here too sadly. Sterling just really hatees Europe lmao Sucks to be a stingray fan

[@deangomes6280]

@@SisterRose not sterlings fault. It the shipping companies.

[@tamilaamanzholova3051]

The moment they announced the Ray2 I was so excited for you to review it! thank you!

[@shugemery]

Back in the pocket Lobster. Fun to hear some pedal stuff. Thanks and see you again when we groove....

[@flanneljoe7473]

Of course Shug is here.

[@tapefilter2000]

Yo I've been rewatching this because I'm intrigued on getting a stingray and can I just say the little ambient tune you did with the microcosm is phenomenal, for real. Genuinely inspired me to make a new track.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@charlottemarceau8062]

Omg you've transitioned (!) I did that, it was so great ❤

[@badger3467]

Great to have you back and posting again! Have you tried one of the Sire Z3 or Z7 basses? Would be interested to hear your thoughts!

[@jimmccabe28]

Yes! Thank you! I was looking at these the other day. Glad to see you're back!

[@nahowington]

Nice to see you back

Good and instructive as usual ! The turning table is a great nice idea !

[@VHToff0li]

I missed those reviews so much! Great to see you back. Hope you might check out some basses from the vintage brand based in uk

[@m.o.n.d.e.g.r.e.e.n]

great to see you back! lookin fwd to more videos

[@billytai1096]

Welcome back LowEndLobster. I really missed your videos. That is a beautiful low cost Stingray.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Billy :)

[@MichelleFrets]

Nice review :) And I super adore your nails colour matched to the bass

[@powbarabajagal2435]

Love the addition the pedal stuff! Inspiring and pretty bass.

[@teddownum7428]

Thanks for the review, Lobster! I'm not really in the market for a new Stingray, but I'm tempted by the finish colors on this series. That orange is sexy.

[@freddiesoverbite6162]

I love your laugh after you play something. So infectious…. Gets me every time. 🤣

[@muttley918]

I just got one of these. Very satisfied. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@sheerheartattack6701]

Not bad, not bad at all and it’s orange! As always great review. Keep ‘em’ coming. Thank you 👍

[@adriandean6256]

Good to see you back LEL!

[@mixc8]

Glad to see you back!

[@gladysng4314]

I was really excited for you to review this one! Love the orange!

[@BobBlackBass]

I have a new Sterling by sterling s b14 passive. What replacement pickup can I get that can be wired in series and parallel with a push pull knob? Thanks.

[@LowEndLobster]

We're going to do a passive EMG mod along with a push pull that you can buy from them. Plug & play!

[@gimmeagig]

I have to say when I first saw your new look , my jaw was on the floor. That takes guts. I had not expected that you would pull that transition off in a believable way . But now I see that you changed from a hairy Caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. Congratulations!

[@neilslorance6786]

Love that you matched your nails to the bass. Great review!

[@ianmaggs270]

That Hendrix song 'Bold as Lobster' comes to mind. Well crafted review too. Keep em coming!

[@deangomes6280]

Nordstrand pickup and a fender tbx would be a good set up for this bass. Liking the new format and atmosphere. 🤙🏼

[@emaheiwa8174]

Amazing punk rock machine 😎

[@RubyComet7]

Thank you Leah, was missing the informative reviews.

[@stushwartz]

He my friend🦞. Good review. Got the Stingray sound. Decent pickup and pots would be great. I'm waiting on on a Sire Z7 All he best 👌

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Stu! We have a fun mod planned. Waiting on my Z7 too!

[@harryberman4320]

Sounds great! Welcome back Lobster

[@gamezharks]

Any chance at you reviewing the Squier 6 String Jazz Bass thing they put out, I haven't seen anyone talk about it (probably cause it's all results for the bass VI) and I'm very VERY curious.

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes

[@Oscaraha]

Really glad to see you back, I do experience problems with syncing audio and video in your two latest videos. It may be caused by my tv but would let you know in case more experience this.

[@LowEndLobster]

I noticed too. I corrected it at the end bit but I will have it fixed for the next vid!

[@Agnoletta]

It is so nice to see you open and dare I say joyous. So, if you get a tobacco burst finished bass, are you going to match it? ❤. Might be kinda cool.

[@OneManMutiny]

Looks cool, I still can’t believe that the first iteration of these lower end SBMMs had that hideous black SUB stamped on the front, the headstocks now with the typical Stingray lettering looks so, so much better. I guess they were trying to evoke the USA SUB vibe, but they were nowhere close in price or quality.

[@KelticKabukiGirl]

OH LOVE! I had no idea, I asked on 60CH if there were any Tgirl YTers and, wow! apparently its been a long time since I saw you last!....... I had similar changes, we always have beards before!!! 😆....... You look like you are glowing and I can see happiness in your eyes. You give me hope sis!

[@roopekanerva5606]

That color is my favorite. Love that orange with maple fretboard even if a roasted would suit the orange even better. 1. Orange. 2. Sea foam green and or sonic blue/ chopper blue/ electric blue etc are some good and fun looking colors. Thank you for your reviews and I'm glad to have you back lobster!

[@clarencejones2397]

Cool, new look, and the same awesome genius. Thanx Lobster.

[@MadJackF1]

I just did a Tru-Oil refinish on a PB50 neck, This one sounds like a good candidate for a neck refinish job. The tone pot must be a linear pot, hence the on/off. Being a major tinkerer, I could work with that.

[@sicknashty3837]

It's good to see someone happy and bubbly on youtube.

[@cameronstilliens7163]

I’ve decided that I am going to buy this exact color bass! I just love the orange color. It’s so beautiful! I’ve played some of these basses and my local guitar center and very impressed with the quality of the bass. I absolutely love the neck. It is so easy to play. It is so thin. It’s unbelievable. I love it! It truly is amazing what you can get for $250 nowadays. I remember back in the 80s and 90s sometimes it was hit or miss with bass guitars sometimes I’d be like yikes. 😬 😂🤣🧡

[@progrockjock]

Sounds good to me and I like that finish. I look forward to testing one of these out!

[@etpslick100]

Wwhhhooooaaaa! That slap sounds nasty (in a good way)! For a passive bass STILL has that stingray bite! Even with the effects still sounds nice. Hmm! Might consider getting one (even tho I have the Short scale stingray) but nice to have a long scale passive “Ray” in the family. Nice demo Lobster!😌🎶🎸👍🏾

[@dantheface2986]

Love your channel Lobster

[@justinkline1294]

Lobster, I don't know what to say. Other than thanks for another great review. I bought one despite the possible negatives you cited (I only ever play w/ tone all the way open or closed), but agree about the lesser fret finishing than my Ray4. Still actually quite livable though. And I actually prefer passive so can't wait to see.the upgrades. Could maybe become "the one" if I tame that pickup a bit as suggested. Sounds great unplugged, so . . . . And I've also gotten pretty great compliment on the color. Pretty awesome I agree.

[@CharlieThePuffBall]

Love to see ya Lobster! Can’t wait to see the mods on this bass!

[@FizzyP]

Great review as always. Thank you!

[@pedrodelawasp]

Amazing how much of the Stingray characteristic comes through even without the preamp.

[@Peter-Alexander]

Thanks for this great review!

[@brentheathersimons7042]

Nicely done demo as usual! Great to have you back!😀 I have to ask. is that an Orange Crush 25 on your desk? What are your thoughts on it? Maybe an additional demo? I need something for living room volume practicing. Take care Leah! -Brent, VT

[@LowEndLobster]

I LOVE that little orange. I've had it for years and have brought it on my travels to multiple states. It sounds great for such a little amp, is super portable, and adorable too :)

[@brentheathersimons7042]

@@LowEndLobster Great! Thank you so much! 😀

[@dourmoose]

New Lobster content. 👍🏼👍🏼😎

[@budizen3104]

I just went to the site to see what colors come with dark boards. I'm not in love with the darker green color but the combo of the lighter green and dark board I like even less. I wonder if I ask nicely if they would put a dark board on the orange bass. Now THAT would be the ideal color combo.

[@TheDarkKnight73]

Glad your back😊

[@cedcobasse]

great new look 🤩👍👏👏and great review as always, thanks and congrats, niec to see another passive sterling but I think I would prefer playing the short scale one 🤔

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I definitely plan on revisiting the Sterling shorty :)

[@cedcobasse]

@@LowEndLobsterthe new one with roasted maple neck, super, thanks a lot

[@Timelord1980-tt1iy]

I bet these go on sale for like $199 around the holidays. Definitely gonna scoop one up when they do. I love passive basses.

[@AL-ry5ly]

So glad to have you back. Any plans reviewing that yamaha bb1200 on the wall? I own a bb1000s which is almost the same bass, and i love it, but id love to hear the Lobster take

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes ;)

[@luisalbertosoria2981]

Great sound ! I love it. Great review ! Thanks

[@1nisaro]

I heard you mention wanting to upgrade to the Gotoh GB528 on this, so I wanted to ask the Ray4 modding queen: Did you ever put those on a Ray4? I think I'd need to drill the holes out a little but I'm not sure. Or did you maybe find another model that didn't require drilling? Glad you're back at it!

[@pevemag]

Nice to se you again👍 and thanks for your sharp review. I’m Looking for a low price stingray and i’m waiting for a comparision and review with sire Z series from you. Thanks!

[@cesarlastres]

I was waiting for someone to review this bass, so thanks, Lobster, for reviewing it. I have both the Ray4 and the HB version, but I was very curious about this one. Also, I wanted it in orange! I got to see the instrument's finish and hear how it sounds in one video! This time, I was able to hear the bass much better. Thanks again for fixing this. Now, as for the bass goes, it looks like a great mod project. I like the idea of a passive Stingray and for $250, it is a good deal IMO. The thing I like the most is the neck. My HB feels a bit chunky, and it seems this one is more like a Ray4 in terms of the neck. Great review!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I really do try to listen to all the feedback, especially in regards to audio quality. I worked real hard this time to make sure the levels and everything were perfect, and I'm so happy with how things came out :)

[@davidtalkovic9369]

Excellent review !!

[@budizen3104]

Great review, as always! For fun (and very very little profit) I defret and upgrade budget basses like the Ray4 and Ray5. If they make one with a darker fretboard, I'll buy one, defret it, upgrade the pickup, maybe add a vintage preamp, and give the blackout ("Murder") treatment to it with black machines, black knobs, black Straplok buttons, and a black bridge and see what happens.

[@sarondiesel588]

So, it's like a mix between a Jazz and active Stingray sound? My speakers suck and don't pick up bass to good. I had a Rouge 3 bass that was passive, but had that active growl sound.

[@KillerFridge]

Two videos in the same week?! Awesome!

[@debhart4302]

Looks like a fun upgrade project.

[@metalfan846]

Great video I think I will be purchasing one

[@bobbyzig3879]

Would be another cool mod platform. How does it compare to the Harley Benton head to head though? My Ray4 was very disappointing due to flaws on the neck and fingerboard.

[@LowEndLobster]

We're gonna find out!

[@krumbis]

I have been so excited for this bass, thank you for making this video so fast, I’m bummed about the dookie tone knob. I look forward to seeing what you do with it and playing one myself 🦞

[@crabenthusiast7683]

new studio is super cool, loving the production quality lately too! edit: not that the production quality was ever anything less than great

[@jasoncherry3404]

For a low end stingray it does have a pretty sweat sound, the options might be limited but for the price you can’t go wrong. Even for a mod project its a good place to start for people on a budget. Great review. Now you need a new claw to go with your new styler. 😀

[@TitusB226]

I'm loving the overall tone! I'm wondering is it the passive tone I'm loving...My first only bass is a Ray4 I modded with a Bartolini pickup and a Tone Monster SBK-3D preamp. I wonder if there's a way to add a passive/active switch...?

[@2cv666]

Sounds pretty good….can you swap the bridge? That will make the bass look way cooler

[@LowEndLobster]

Oh I'm gonna!

[@andregabrichtesch6763]

Hey, Lobster!! If I get one these and change the strings, chosing flats, the StingRay2 could sound like a Joe Dart's Sterling Signature? Unhappily, lost the order.

[@LowEndLobster]

I think so. I linked the flats in the description of my latest vid (joe dart)

[@ahrager]

So nice to see you! You look fantastic❤

[@dmbrooksonbass]

Pretty solid sounding, especially for the passive pickup. If I hadn't known, I would have thought it was active. I'm longing for some reviews of Sire's Z7 bass. Hopefully you've got one coming soon !

[@BubblesRevenge]

Really appreciate your attention to detail on modding compatability. Great review, so glad to have you back! Will you be reviewing the Sterling Joe Dart Signature?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Yup!

[@tsantos138]

Welcome back!

[@SHAGGY0521]

This is a beautiful human being and a beautiful bass ♥️♥️🤘🏻🤘🏻 keep up the great content!!

[@ahmetcangokceer]

finally the video I've been waiting patiently (or not) for!! thank you for the review! the neck quality does sound like a dealbreaker, and personally I hate Jazz necks on Stingrays so I was really looking forward to the 40mm (it being in between subs and USA rays)... other than that sounds very nice and looks killer. I have one tough question myself: would you say it's worth getting while already owning an MB4? I got one last year, and I'm happy-ish with it, not the biggest fan of it's action/setup limits other than that the headstock always bothered me a little, it is very cool in its own original way, but you know what I need on that department : ) I should also mention that these will be probably (they're not on thomann etc. yet) around 350 EUR in Europe and I paid 129 EUR for my MB4 back in 2023.

[@bert_buikema]

Hi Lobby, you also reviewed the MB4. How does it compare?

[@bassonthemark8191]

Hey Lobster, I thought there would be some mini-performances with the guitarist and singer from the “I’m back” video. Are those on the way? I’ve personally become a bit fatigued by gear videos, though I still watch them from certain people including you. I’m much more interested in seeing what people do musically with the gear, thus I was very interested in that aspect when you announced it. Anyway, hope to see and hear some of that soon!

[@LowEndLobster]

Gonna do that for the "longer" vids. I tried to go short here lol.... It didn't work

[@bassonthemark8191]

@@LowEndLobster looking forward to it, take care. 🙏🏽

[@HectorRigon]

Wow, this orange is very beautiful bass and the tone is so good. What about Squier Contemporary, PH? I d to Seeeerião your review and a new project to modificar it. I boicote one and swap pickups to SD Quarter P bass and EMG Hz MM,

[@Eoleoriffic]

That pick sound kinda surprised me with how good it was. I wonder how it would sound with tapes or something snappier - might have to pick up one of these (if not also for that orange finish)!

[@MotoMarios]

Hi Lobster. Thanks for the new review. I left a pretty big reply on your previous video regarding suggestions about backing tracks. I never saw it posted although it appeared as being posted correctly when I hit the button. So I made another post without links this time. But that one too, although appearing to have been posted correctly, never actually appeared as a reply. Any idea why this might be happening?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I may have missed your reply (I get so many comments!). I think YT will hold comments with links. It's weird because it's not showing under my hidden/held comments for the channel. I really am interested, if you can please join our discord channel and you can post all the links you want. That would be quite helpful.

[@DerpyM_2.0]

Great review. I'm a guitar player that likes to play bass from time to time. I'm always looking for a good budget bass. I have a Squier P bass and would love to add a Stingray style bass to my arsenal.