Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray34 - Better than a used EBMM USA Stingray?! - LowEndLobster Review

[@trevormacdonald5110]

Can we just take a minute to appreciate how much Lobster communicates with his fans. Almost every comment has a heart, and a reply. Even if it's just a thanks, the interaction from this channel makes it one of, if not my favourite for bass content

[@LowEndLobster]

Aw thanks man! I appreciate everyone taking the time to watch and comment. :)

[@russellzauner]

it'll change when he hits 10k subs. It's taking a while because some people are allergic to shellfish and it's causing them cognitive dissonance. But unless they're well prepared/experienced everyone hits a saturation point or two when they get sub bumps/spikes or just a hard ramp because there was a viral period of a few days. See: Riot Tourism and Amateur Livestreamers trying to scale OBS when it really won't lol

[@LowEndLobster]

LOL

[@daltonbell2907]

I told you already Mr lobster, you will go down as the best bass reviewer simply because you communicate with your fans.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@daltonbell2907 Aw thanks man :)

[@Novataro]

I have a Ray34 and I never thought of putting the EQ all the way down as a starting point. It actually really opens up the voicing options. Thanks for the video!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks for watching :). Glad you enjoyed it!

[@honkytonkinson9787]

I've got an Ibanez bass with the three band and I tend to keep the EQ turned up kinda high. My SUB I keep turned down quite a bit cause it's so hot. It's a very different bass than anything else I've played; my two other basses are basically a passive P bass and an active J bass

[@LarryEnzer]

Yeah, that's why it's only a starting point.

[@OmegaRectum]

Hey Lobster I just wanted to revisit this video to let you know that I bought this exact bass after watching your review, it's been almost 2 months and every time I pick it up, I fall in love with it again. Thanks again for your review and demo!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Tibsahoy! That means a lot :) So glad you're enjoying the bass

[@temperedOath]

Yeah here too. It’s friggen awesome.

[@elmaiquillol]

Best demo and review of this bass series in KZbin hands down! Thank you!

[@Nerotique]

Jatoba huh? Does that mean if you see the fretboard, you become a Jatoba's witness? I'll see myself out.

[@LowEndLobster]

LOL ;P

[@ricardojmestre]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@arbdistress5592]

Thanks to pointing out the QC issues and the weights. Usually these are overlooked factors when watching reviews on youtube since the appearance and tone are so similar.

[@Reddissleepingg]

I bought this same bass after I saw your video 3 years ago. Since then, it's traveled all over the US and played many many shows. Thanks for your in depth review!

[@liohrt]

At 11:00, that's probably the best advice you can give to anyone starting with a Stingray, especially the special edition. I own a Special 5 HH and the preamp (especially the bass knob!) is just crazy. In most cases, Bass at 50% (so the theoretical neutral position) is already more than enough. It drove me crazy back in the day when I first bought this bass, and lowering the pickups don't solve completely the "problem", the sound can quickly become too boomy. So starting at 0% and increasing slowly the bass is how I finally got the right amount for all the pickups configurations

[@RumblinMan]

Man, really nice sound on that Sterling.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks man!

[@keithpasculli7465]

Sounds like a Ray to me. I had an older model ray 34 with a killer blue sparkle finish and a white pearloid pickguard and I thought that it sounded absolutely great. To my ear the US Ray had maybe a little more bite but the Sterling had a nice full tone.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Keith! Agreed, the tone is very similar but there are very subtle differences.

[@chriswenkle2635]

Your videos are just plain fun to watch - and the reviews give plenty of info for us bass players suffering from G.A.S.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Chris! Glad you're enjoying them :)

[@RayRay-vv7fw]

Thanks for the quick response and feedback Lobster! Appreciate it!

[@LowEndLobster]

You got it! Always appreciate questions and feedback!

[@NelsonMontana1234]

I played a StingRay for years until the frets became so worn, they needed replacing -- which often doesn't work out all that well, so I went shopping for a new one. I came across the Ray 34 and was so impressed, I sold my old Sting Ray and used the money to buy a new Sterling Ray and had money left over. For all intents and purposes it's the same bass. By the way -- on natural wood finishes the wood of choice is usually Northern Ash -- which tends to be heavy. My Ray with a honey burst finish is 8 lbs.

[@DWdawgable]

Man... Your videos have quickly become my favorite gear review videos of all time. You're a great player and a great tech. Aaaand... you are the only one I know of who keeps it straight forward and unbiased, no BS. I appreciate what ya do. Ya made me need to try out a ray34. Keep doing what you do!

[@ResinstanceMike]

Sterling really has come a long way. I dig it!

[@LowEndLobster]

They really have! They took off where OLP crashed and burned.

[@davegiard2221]

Just got a RAY34PB and it is AMAZING. Only complaint I have are that the bushing for the tuners came loose from the factory. Since it is press fit there isnt much you can do, will need to upgrade them for sure but it still holds tuning like nobodies business. Great bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Congrats! Enjoy it :)

[@danschneider9921]

I want to as well. My only issue with mine as well. Hoping someone has some suggestions as to which models/brands work

[@lookingatyouforever]

0:51 The top of the line Ray34 is cute as hell....Love that tortoise coat! Thanks for reviewing it. I've decided to get one and care for it for the rest of my life. SPCA, here I come!

[@LowEndLobster]

HAH! This made my night. Cats rule haha

[@FoamSquatch]

Came back to watch this again. Thinking about getting one of the Ash/trans black and white grain versions of this. I couldn't like the video a second time, so I wanted to at least give you a comment for all the work you put into informing the Bass community.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Basturd! Interesting timing, the full review of the Ray34 Ash Black edition is coming out tomorrow :).

[@FoamSquatch]

@@LowEndLobster perfect!!!!

[@jamessadler3623]

I purchased the exact model used in this demo, and I must say I am very impressed with it.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying it :)

[@rolandhauke964]

Thank you Lobster, your videos made the decision to buy a Ray34 HH MN and a Ray34 PB. The best decision, I haven't regretted it for a day.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Roland! Great to hear :)

[@danielarcaris8965]

I would and have chosen the Ray34. Got it new for $500 at guitar center on black friday special.

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! That's a killer price

[@alexshepherd4705]

I have had mine since 9/2019. Same exact model, except mine only weighs 9.75 lbs. The roasted maple neck is amazing. A couple of drops of fret oil rubbed into the back of the neck really made a difference. I got annoyed with the output jack not always working with certain cords (import issue). Then I installed a Switchcraft - problem solved. It sounds and plays like a broken in Stingray. I finally don't miss my USA stingray anymore. Its that close.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks for sharing, Alex!

[@twinplane8735]

I wanted to buy a Sterling Shirt scale Bass,nur after watching this Video of the Ray 34 i Fell in Love with that Bass and Yesterday i bought a Seconds Hand Ray 34 for little money and it's absolutely amazing! Thanks Lobster!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

You're welcome and congrats!

[@donaldswan1587]

You just improved my life! How? Well I don't even have one of these, but a Vintage copy (which for it's rediculously low price is a truly wonderful bass), but the mindset you suggested from Sterling Ball, of starting from pre-amp right down and working from there, gave me instantly improved tones, so thank you for passing on that gem!

[@Dalfarrito]

Thank you lobster for making us discover this great instrument! The sound difference between these two are very slight nuances - to my ears at least - . GAS activated haha

[@LowEndLobster]

So glad you enjoyed the vid :)

[@ratherbe7]

Great review! Bought this same model last year and it rocks! Going to add either the HH model or short scale by years end.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Great to hear :).

[@ronnisullivan9794]

One of my favorite sites for good bass reviews!

[@rinaldiankingz]

Few days ago i saw you wearing choco merch and now you are wearing Nurburgring shirt, which is one of my favorite tracks since Gran Turismo 4 era. Man, i love racing as well.

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Yeah man, I love me some gaming and cars. I actually got the shirt at the 'Ring back in 2011. I did Euro Delivery of a BMW 3-series and did two laps. Fun and scary! I had previously only driven the ring drunk while in college in Forza hahaha. Sober and in person was very different!

[@andrewbecker3700]

They've gone up to $899 now, but I'd just grabbed a B stock in firemist silver for $749 a mere week before all the price hikes! I have a matching Cutlass CT50 HSS and after awhile the finish on the necks have gotten much smoother once played in. They're both great and cant be beat for the price.

[@LowEndLobster]

Wow! Thanks for the update.

[@LarryEnzer]

Me too a firemist and I love it more each time I play it.

[@andrewbecker3700]

@@LarryEnzer It's a really hard color to lay down perfectly. The new colors have bigger and more metal flake. Teal almost. Firemist silver reminds me of Corvettes from the mid 70's. Just the right balance of blue and silver.

[@CatalystOfFire]

Had a black on black Ray35 with the humbucker series/parallel/tap switch on it... And it ruled. It was like $900 and worth every penny.

[@oskarus3]

I remember Sterling Ball once said about Bongo bass, that you should start with volume in the middle. I think that it may be also applied to Stingray - that way you are less likely to overdrive your preamp.

[@LowEndLobster]

I had my focusrite a little too high on this, but that's not a bad idea. I like his control philosophies

[@goozrat]

holy cow the mids sound so friggin good! it's so close to that john deacon sound! excellent review!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Francisco!

[@evianx1]

I just bought one of these about a month ago And all I can say is that it has a really strong vocal tone which I love. It reminds me of the bass on all of sade's hits Smooth operator Never as good as the first time. Keep looking. It has a bit of a warmer and slightly darker tone than most stingrays with maple necks but it seems way more harmonically resonant . Really sounds More like pino palladino's bass tone than fleas tone.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Mick! I agree, definitely a bit different from the 'classic' 90's stingray sound of Flea. My Stingray EX from 1998 that I just got nails that tone though interestingly enough.

[@polo_bgu2357]

There is nothing like your videos, very complete and the enjoy that you put on it, thanks for share your awesome videos and your love for the basses!! I think i'll probably get one of these Sterling Ray 34, these video convince me at all. Gracias totales maestro!

[@theologian83]

Thank you so much for this review LowEnd Lobster. Your informed, detailed review of this Ray 34 Bass, and the very detailed and informed video where you compare this to the Ray 24 and the American made Sting Ray bass. I bought the Ray 34 based on this video and haven’t looked back. Yes it’s a bit heavy, but I can tell it’s very well made, plays amazing, and has very versatile tone shaping abilities. You are what makes KZbin awesome!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you very much! I'm so glad my videos helped you :)

[@carriermonkey4821]

Sorting out all the stingrays is very helpful Lobster thank you for doing this .

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks John! Glad you find these vids helpful :)

[@Spaceman-mm6od]

Saw this beautiful Sterling Ray34 Ash in the shop 2 weeks and fell in love with it, however it costs $1200 here (europe) :-(. I am in the look for used ones in Reverb but could not find any. Anyway, very nice video! I never got bored in the whole 19mins of it. Very good explanation and bass comparison!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Spaceman! :)

[@Spaceman-mm6od]

Finally pulled the trigger on this (costs $1100 though) but man this sounds so awesooome

[@violetgumibear]

Picked up a new one of these for $400, bless up, it just sounds so amazing, and exactly what I've been looking for.

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats! That's a steal

[@rattmann3170]

Great job Music Man! Yamaha has been doing thumb rest pickups for years. They also have an active passive switch and battery indicator light on the back of the bass. That would be something else great to copy from Yamaha.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ratt Mann! Great comment, I agree those little innovative touches can add a lot of value.

[@Brotesque89]

That's the one I bought in May! Love that bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Thanks Mitchell :)

[@josensototorres7070]

Great video!!!! To me the USA sounds a little little clear, but not twice. I own a Ray 35 and I love it. Maybe the USA are more polished but to me they don’t sound twice as good. I appreciate this video. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🇵🇷

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jose :)

[@ft6755]

Great video! I've got a Sterling SB14 that I got new about 12 years ago, I'm not quite sure where this model fits in the current Sterling/Stingray lineup, but I remember it being around £700 back then, so probably bridged the gap between a Sterling and a Stingray. Great bass, not quite as versatile as I would like it to be but fantastic tones for funk and amazing for slap.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks FT! Ah, the SB14. I have an SB4 here that I plan on making some videos on and modding. What you have is essentially the Sterling by Music Man version of the Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling, a model separate to the stingray. The SB14 is an excellent bass which was unfortunately discontinued. Hold onto it, they're really cool!

[@seanparry2k8]

I bought a sb14 10 years ago for £540 new. Such a shame they discontinued it.

[@adammadtin8451]

I picked up a used ray 34 about a year ago and I can’t believe how good it plays and sounds. Is very heavy though.

[@degeest5571]

I just bought the bass that you show here, very impressed. It feels a lot like a 70’s SR I played years ago. It has that MM sizzle. Love it.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Congrats on your new bass! They really nailed it with the Ray 34/5

[@jerryllucassr6557]

I developed the great desire for a Music Man Sting Ray but since I didn't have a lot of money I found a deal on a new Sterling Ray34 with an ash body and roasted maple neck, just like the one you tested. The sound is vastly different from my Fender Jazz Basses and my G&L JB2, at least to me. It kind of feels like a Precision Bass on steroids or coke or something. The neck is almost chunky to me but smooth, especially after I took some Scotchbrite and went over the back of the neck a few times. The pickup and electronics are still showing me new sounds and tones. It seems like a fairly well made instrument. It plays well and feels good, especially after I put on a set of D'Addario ECB80 light gauge flat wound strings, almost like a different bass. I'm still getting used to the bass and so far I like it a lot. The sound, to me, is clearer and cleaner than my other basses and cuts through the mix very well. This old dog has quite a bit to learn with this new "bone", but it's growing on me. It is a bit weighty but not like those old Peavey T40 basses or a couple of 70's Fender Precision Basses made out of the heaviest ash they could find. Thanks for your review it helped. I still don't like the gig bag with which it came.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jerry! congrats on the new bass. The Stingray is definitely a different beast from the J's that you're used to, and the Ray34 is a great example that hits very very close to the pre-facelift US 'Ray! Enjoy exploring all that it has to offer :)

[@jesselindsey1613]

I've always thought that the space between the two screw nubs on my stingray pickup was the most comfortable thumb rest I've found on a bass. I think adding a thumb rest in between them is a shame.

[@LowEndLobster]

I feel that. I too rest my thumb in that little nook. It takes a little getting used to (but I still prefer my USA)

[@fredd036]

I just bought a Ray34 on sale for Black Friday and I love it. In this video, it seems like the American StingRay had more high end and sounded a little more clearer. I only heard it on my phone though

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Freddy! The differences are very slight but are there, however I think a lot of those would diminish further when playing in a band setting. The Ray34 is a great value (especially on sale!)

[@michaelblaney4461]

I bought one on the black Friday too, not the type of bass I usually go for . but I really like it

[@wilfredovazquez2942]

Awesome review. Both are close on the sound. I'm thinking about buy one of those Sterlings now, thanks to you. Greetings from Puerto Rico.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Wilfredo!

[@b.ohlenschlager8985]

Thank you for your reviews. I am looking after a new budget bass with the real growl. It is you leading me through this process. Sorry about my english, i am german.

[@jameshouchin5086]

Thanks for the feedback on the neck!

[@LowEndLobster]

No problem! :)

[@cromwellg60]

The ray34 is my least expensive but favourite bass I own

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome :)

[@cromwellg60]

@@LowEndLobster such a versatile instrument and the finish is amazing throughout. I have mine set up for B standard as I like to play low. Handles it really well and doesn’t even mind being left in D when I forget. I did have it set up properly though I didn’t do it myself. Thanks for the reply!

[@thiagodeandradeneves4585]

My main bass. I love it. Would love to hear it with different preamps.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Thiago! Though I won't be modifying this bass, I have modified an SUB (with a second mod coming VERY soon). What kind of preamp would you like to see?

[@thiagodeandradeneves4585]

@@LowEndLobster Yeah, I'm following the SUBs series. There's a video here in youtube where a guy called Kleber shows his EBMM Ray with Seymour Duncan pickup and preamp which I like very much, sounds so good and still very true to the MM sound.

[@oliverEtxe]

Great video! A lot of tones and very nice phrasing. I have a 2015 Ray 35CA now discontinued. It’s my favorite bass, only two bands EQ. The construction and the sound are very impressive for the price.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Oliver! I'd love to check out one of the 34/35CAs, enjoy yours in health and happiness :)

[@ThePunkDit]

Awesome video! I bought one of these a month ago and its absolute eye candy with that roasted maple neck. I had a sterling sub4 and found the neck to be super thin and really easy to play on but this one feels like a bigger c shape. I've gotten used to it and the tone is killer!

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! Yeah the necks between this and the SUB are very different, but are enjoyable in their own way. Love the roasties though. Enjoy em!

[@basshoh]

My USA Sterling models..NOT Stingray ..but smaller body with a 3 band preamp AND a 3 way blade switch for different coil options!!!!...and WONDERFUL necks!!!!!..one of mine is birds eye even!!!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

You should send one to me ;P

[@basshoh]

@@LowEndLobster well that MIGHT could be arranged!!!!...MAYBE i get this Tone Monster p/u in one and its so GREAT sounding i just HAVE to share it with you and all the Lobsterheads ??????

[@sethnicholls7861]

Jelly

[@pwhite102]

it sounded pretty good with everything down. Really interesting.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Patrick!

[@alesstysanchez1614]

Nice I just picked up one of these bad boys yesterday. You can feel by the weight that the construction is solid. A bit heavy but the equals tone

[@logun.watkins]

Love the sterling instruments. You seem to like a lot of humbucker Basses, I’d like to hear you play and your thoughts on the G&L kiloton and tribute models.

[@logun.watkins]

Also you should get your hands on a dimension bass!

[@LowEndLobster]

Great suggestions! Both are on my radar :)

[@ljbythec]

I bought one after watching this video and Lobster you're 100% right. Tone wise it is phenomenal. Sounds like a Stingray (some what. The comparison at the end revealed some tonal differences IMHO ) HOWEVER! I didn't buy the bass NEW so I could buy new tuning pegs and take it to my luthier to have him tell me there is nothing he can do about a truss nut that won't budge so I'm stuck with the strings only going to where the saddles will dictate I can go with out buzzing. Sorely disappointed! Also I agree with Lobster, you were straight up about the neck being rough and unfinished, not like lacquered but not done, raw. Wasn't till I wanted a slightly flatter neck profile that I found the truss rod nut wouldn't budge and I mean not a millimeter! Took it to a luthier and he wouldn't touch it, said there was nothing he could do about it. Okay, I'll try to live with that. Go to change the strings only to find the tuners are completely worthless. The threads don't line up with the gear heads so will eventually overlap, get stuck, then pop if you force it (then repeat till you take the time to look at what the gear head and threads are doing) or the gear heads strip with some folks online reporting that they seared off. If I had it all to do over again I would have saved my $989 and bought a used one AFTER checking the truss rod nut moves and buy new tuning pegs, might as well throw the bridge in there as well cause the stock one looks to me like chrome plated aluminum. The bass is worthy of that effort used or get a new one on sale (check the truss rod nut first) and then get some tuners. I think that would be workable.

[@warburgaby]

mmmmm... thanks man, super useful opinion, for me its a "non buy"

[@Thudmunky]

I got one of these bad boys earlier in the year, and all the points you mentioned are the same as mine. My biggest bugbear is the weight, but on a strap it balances well and the tones are to die for. Great video again lobster 🦞🔥🤘

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Great to hear :)

[@robertkerr9738]

Thank you so much for this video. I played one yesterday and was blown away. I’m seriously considering buying it and it’s good to get some confirmation that you share my assessment that this is a great bass and that I’m not crazy! Or, well, we’re crazy together?

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm not crazy! *stares at lobster claw*... I swear! ;P You're very welcome, Robert! Glad that you found my findings accurate :)

[@wayneroy6694]

I was wanting a Sting Ray to round out my stable. But I couldn't swing the money. But the Sterlings that my GC carries all have tiny broomstick necks. I found one of these because I heard it had the bigger 'legitimate Ray' neck. And for way less money. Mine is a beast.

[@vince8081]

They sounds similar to me, maybe the MM is better in the hand but for the price i will vote for the Sterling.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Vince!

[@philipmcadam5339]

Nice looking bass that sounds great. The USA built Stingray sounded bigger, bassier to me when I listened without looking. Thanks for the review, Lobster.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Philip!

[@joeread1060]

Thanks for an excellent review. I wouldn't hesitate to go with the Sterling, even having owned an 80's original MusicMan (it was stolen..)

[@Below-Average_Joe]

Great review, Lobster! You really click with Stingray style basses.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! They're my latest obsession. Can't get enough of em. I have a FEVAH and the only cure is MORE STINGRAY!

[@bassbutter4767]

Great and informative video! I really dug the side by side tests as opposed to 3 minutes on 1 bass & 3 minutes on the other one . On the first 2 side by side test, I thought that the Sterling sounded better and Fulle. The last test I thought that it was a tie. I finally came to the realizasian 2 weeks ago that Music Man & Sterling are my favorite bass guitars! They have a look, the feel and definitely the sound that stomps out all other basses no matter what the price… no matter what the price!!! I'm purchasing a Sterling 35HH in Daphne blue tomorrow! Can't wait!!😊😁🎶🎶

[@YvesBelliveau]

Wow, zoom-out shot... production quality's getting up there, Lobster ;) Edit: Little did I know where the video would end up going. Talking basses??? lmao

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Yeah I'm a weirdo ;P

[@sharulmizahamzah3560]

I owned 89 ray, two band eq, 2005 ray 3 band eq, both USA, two early ray 34 matching headstock, I can say tone Almost same, different only feel on your hand

[@LowEndLobster]

Great comment! Yes, the difference in feel and build quality is definitely there, however the tone is spot on.

[@rmccain99]

The Ernie Ball sounds better but I would buy the Ray34 and tweak it. Starting with a Bartolini MM42CBJD3 quad coil pickup.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Richard! Stay tuned for a surprised and very special Ray34 mod coming this Friday! I'm very excited to share it with you

[@mikarage3677]

great review, just bought a new ray 34 thanks to this video. honestly all ego aside, it's sound 99.9% the same. and with a roasted neck, lighter and more stable. no brainer.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Mika! Enjoy the bass :)

[@firemarshal2629]

Eyes closed, no one can tell the difference. I bought a HH Sterling Stingray for recording and comparing it to my EBMM, it was apples to apples. Squire and Epiphone should really take some notes.

[@mikarage3677]

@@firemarshal2629 damn right, i have a sub usa, a 2eq 1990 stingray and a 2017 3eq stingray. The Ray 34 with Ash body sound the same. I've sold all my usa basses and kept the Sterling and will buy another one for Christmas.

[@davidtalkovic9369]

I have 2 of the sterling stingray 5 hh at 999..killer basses one with maple fretboard and one with maple..had to tighten a few screws here and replace a d tuner on one of them after 1 month,,,sterling sent me a new replacement tuner free but otherwise we'll made killer sounding basses with a wide range of tones between the 2 pickup selection and 3 band But basses are as Heavy as my Yamaha trb6jp bass ..

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks David! Indeed, many of these Ray34s are boat anchors but sound great!

[@Jozef_Drab]

Few years ago I sold my US Stingray cause I thought I would finish playing (too many hobbies). But never say never. Now I have started again, of course, and I am so sad I sold it and for ridiculous price. So after watching your review I guess I will buy Ray34. Thanks for inspiration ;)).

[@LarryEnzer]

I just picked up a new firemist silver ray34 after watching your review. Yet to plug into my markbass amp as I can't play where I live but using headphones. Loving the tones. Learning to master the tones and eqs. I did t-one oil the neck and headstock. Boy o boy rich chocolate color. Looks great. My bandmates will flip.

[@diegoesaufranco3257]

Hi man, I saw in other vids that some people have issues with the tunners or the truss rod, do you have any issues with that?

[@LarryEnzer]

​@diegoesaufranco3257 not as of yet, but have some concern. I let a pro guy set it up and stays in tune long after playing. As I've seen, play one first and get one that is good quality. I've seen some "abused" for lack, that wouldn't be worth it, but find a good one, and you'll be impressed.

[@rondeakin8876]

Brilliant !,this Guy does amazing reviews !

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ron!

[@jmichaellee]

Mine arrived today. Sounds terrific and plays great after an hour or so of filing fret ends. It sounds more like a proper Stingray than my old MusicMan HH every did. But oooh Lordie...11.25 lbs!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats! Wowzers that's a big bass haha. Enjoy!

[@suprbird]

I bought a stingray sub model the newer one and the neck is just too thin. I had one of these basses the ash black edition with the clear pickguard but sold it due to its weight. But they sound and play so good and I missed mine so much that I just snagged one up in Neptune Blue Satin. As always, thanks for the great review!

[@stickplayer2]

I've got the EB Stingray, HH 5 string, from 2003. I have to say, that final sound comparison section was convincing -- with eyes closed, I can't tell any appreciable difference in the samples you played. You mention the 11+ pound weight. My 2003 is exactly 10.

[@Rooger_modular]

Hi Lobster! Great review and i am ordering this one and i will be back with an old love... Can you tell me on this new gen ray 34 where the flat point is on the tone controls? Is it the all the way down setting or the 50% setting? Is there an middle notch/stop in middle postition? Thanx! And keep up these nuce and good in depth reviews! Greetings Roger

[@LowEndLobster]

Flat is in the middle. Sorry for any confusion :)

[@Rooger_modular]

@@LowEndLobster thanx!!!🙏🏼🤟

[@kurdtjohn]

Came back to this video because someone’s offering up a sunburst Ray 34 for my TC Electronic amp. Looks like I’m jumping the gun, despite being a hardcore P Bass loyalist 😅 the Ray 34 being offered to me doesn’t have a roasted maple neck though (although it has a matching headstock), it also has flats, which I personally never used in a gigging setting, so this should be interesting!

[@Its_LumberJack]

I just returned my ray24 classic and ordered one of these in firemist silver instead. Hoping it will be a good step up from the 24 because the one that I got was rough. Super sharp fret ends, volume knob was dragging and scratching on the eq plate, it had multiple fretboard dings that I didn't notice until I was working on the fretboard. And then the neck pocket got a finish crack within like 3 weeks of owning it lol

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! Those have mahogany bodies as well so the weight should be much more normal vs the boat anchor that I got haha. Congrats on your bass!

[@timbowjoketown8904]

The pickup in the Ray 34 ist wired in series, isn't it? Rewiring in parallel would be another step towards the US Ray. But it seems like you have to open the pickup, because it's glued together.

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I don't know if it counts but I was able to p/u a Dr Tech bass for $80 a couple yrs ago. It seems it's a copy of a M M Sting Ray I think. 1 p/u, 1 volume, 2 tones. My friend who has 7 basses in his collection says I get a better sound than any of his. This thing weighs a ton. Probably 12-13 lbs. Got a thick wide strap and locks so when you put it on you're really stuck with it. But I wouldn't trade this bass at all.

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! Thanks for sharing. I've never heard of Dr. Tech. Shoot me a link of you stumble upon another one! I love cheap Ray-ish basses

[@MusicZtorm]

Thank you for this review ! ( especialy for the comparison with the us model ! ) . I’ve checked the weight of a classic stingray : around 10.5 lbs ;) not too far !

[@LowEndLobster]

So glad you enjoyed this! My classic ray is 10 lbs on the money, and the Smoothie is 9.2. The classic isn't too far off, but the slight increase in heft is noticeable (though not a deal breaker for me IMO.. over 11 LBs would be another story haha)

[@jaydoode15]

Hey thanks for the great content. I watched your reviews on many of the Sterling basses. Just got this bass and out of the box it feels great, it is setup much better than the Fender Player P I got, the strings are much better quality than the cheap Fender ones on the P as well. While the Ray34 cost a little more it did come with a nice padded gig bag which is a nice addition. Feels great to play, slaps like a dream and has that sweet Stingray tone that I've wanted for so long!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jay! Congrats on the Ray :)

[@diegoesaufranco3257]

Hi man, I saw in other vids that some people have issues with the tunners or the truss rod, do you have any issues with that?

[@jaydoode15]

@diegoesaufranco3257 yeah the truss rudd barely turns and the tuning gears tend to get stuck and grind, but other than that the bass still stays in tune with good strings and sounds great!

[@jonhill783]

Great video. Love the roasted neck. Think its gonna be my next bass

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jon!

[@rubenriverarojas7910]

I really love the powerful sound Stingray basses have

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ruben! Me too :)

[@dupajas4671]

Funny thing - I listened with headphones and I could barely hear a difference. Maybe a slightly more hi-fi top end of the USA model. I bought a ‘94 Stingray brand new (which I stupidly sold in 2012) in Natural clear, just like the Sterling. If I feel like getting another, I will most likely get the Sterling...

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Yes the tone is very very very similar. These are a great buy if you want the ray vibe without leaving a ray sized hole in your wallet.

[@hatzili1272]

love the Nürburgring shirt

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Hatzili! The 'ring is a magical place

[@VeitLehmann]

The two really sound pretty much the same to me. So definitely a really great option! Now they went up in price new, but they are also very easy to find on the used market, and there have been a lot of different colors available by now. And on top, there's the 5-string version, and both with one or two humbuckers. Sadly, my favorite pickup combination, H/S, has never been released. But if I had to choose, It would be the Sterling Ray35HH.

[@bradcarlson8349]

10lbs isn't much for a good quality ash bodied bass. I used to own a '77 MusicMan Stinray, natural ash, that was around 14lbs. Picked up a Sterling Ray34 silverburst MM a while back that's fantastic, though I definitely prefer the sound of the OG 2-band over the current 3-bands. *Edited to clarify my Sterling is a Ray34, same as this model, but painted body w/rosewood board.*

[@LowEndLobster]

14!? Damn guy hahahaha. I'm 100% with you on the classic 2 band, it's my hands down favorite preamp. Current have my SR Classic, my Old Smoothie, and now two Sabre Classics with that preamp. I LOVE EM!

[@bradcarlson8349]

@@LowEndLobster Just watched your vid w/the MojoTone 2-band drop-in replacement preamp. Thinking about dropping one into my Ray34 to get as close to my old '77 SR sound w/o dropping a few grand on another vintage MM. Hoping the alnico p/u in the Ray34 plays well with the Mojotone.

[@DTaylorGuitars]

Wonderful sound and it looks fantastic!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@jmichaellee]

Great videos, Lobster. (And I'm from Nova Scotia where we know a thing or two about crustaceans!) Thanks to you I've found one of these on sale at Musician's Friend and am buying it today. I've enjoyed all of your videos that I've watched so far-including all the MusicMan videos more than once before reaching this decision. I'd echo a comment from below on a bit of pick playing. Best, Mike

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Mike! I've started to use a pick more in my newer videos and will definitely revisit some of my 'Rays with a new perspective down the line :)

[@jmichaellee]

@@LowEndLobster Thanks! I slap very little but pick a good deal, so that's really helpful. Much appreciated!

[@ianscharaga6639]

love the video! I have my eye on the Ray 34 Ash body because I prefer wider necks ...is that typical of MusicMen? I mean I like a lot of the features..and the only main thing I would upgrade would be the bridge.But wide necks are great for my left and right hand ergonomics and style I suppose you could say.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Ian! Yes, the 34 shares the same profile as the USA Ray, where the Ray24 and Ray4 use the slimmer profile. Honestly, there really aren't many bridge 'upgrades' available for basses like these as Music Man has a pretty tight grip on the aftermarket.

[@ianscharaga6639]

Ok. Thanks for the feesback Lobster..you say not many however but it doesnt rule out the possibility of upgrading the bridge? I mean at least don't they provide their own upgrades?

[@hodaridaniels8786]

Nice looking and sounding bass

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Hodari!

[@shoyale]

Your videos are amazing! You convinced me to buy this bass! Best wishes from Germany nearby Nürburgring ;)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Alex! I visited Germany and the 'Ring 9 years ago and I hope to do it again :).

[@shoyale]

​@@LowEndLobster Let me know if you are around! Would love to meet up for a jam session :) keep it up! Cheers

[@reubenkinsey2947]

Thanks, love all of your video's, as a Bass player to another sounds great 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@JAYZIGGY5]

I just got one of these in a very dark teal finish and it looks and plays great. Although not my first choice of color it was the stupid deal of the day on musicians friend at 599 and I couldn't pass it up. My only gripes so far are the treble, wow. It is overpowering. At 50% or flat I guess is about as far as I can turn it up or it's just way too much and I like a lot of treble on stingrays. The other would be the black dots on the roasted maple neck. I practice in a low-ish light room and I almost can't see them at all. I wish those were white. I need to spend my time with it to really see how much I like it or not but still at 599... I'd say I got a deal.

[@Stewbone]

I have a Ray 34, but there is no "belly curve" around back, and a two-band preamp, I believe (3 knobs, not 4). Also it's a lined fretless. How many differences and nomenclatures are there?

[@LowEndLobster]

You have a discontinued Ray34CA "classic", which was replaced with the ray24. A fretless one is awesome and rare!

[@Stewbone]

@@LowEndLobster interesting. It does bring a flavor of the real deal Stingray, I'm appreciating it for what it is. Ok, thanks for the reply! Been enjoying your reviews, fun stuff man. Keep em coming!

[@honkytonkinson9787]

I've got a 5 string SUB that's pretty nice. The pickup and preamp are hot! The only thing I'd consider upgrading is the bridge, or at least the bridge saddles, but a Music Man bridge retails for $499! Not sure if having a bridge that costs more than the rest of the instrument is a good investment. It's not my favorite bass but ain't nuthin wrong with it, except the g string saddle snaps if I dig in too much

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Honky! You're right about the SUB pickup, thing is HOT HOT HOT. They cool down the higher up in the range you get. In regards to the bridge, you can get "knockoffs" on ebay that look like the EBMM bridge as opposed to the big ole SUB bridge for around 30 bucks. They're a great mod platform for sure :).

[@striknine570]

Your right about the Sub 5 saddles jumping. Had the same issue with mine.

[@goodtimes12342]

It's just the PU that's hot, not the preamp. Swap the PU out to an Aquilar AG4M-lower output but smoother ray tone-none of that distortion you get plus more even output across all strings.