Sterling SUB Stingray 5HH "Ray5HH"- $400 King of Five Strings? - LowEndLobster Review:

[@MISTER_VIDEO_GAME]

Just wanted to say I love your visual representation of the pickup selector's function - this was especially helpful, thank you!

[@LowEndLobster]

You're very welcome! Glad you found it helpful

[@Fretless33Bass]

Yes! This video made me finally understand them 🤪 Gave you a like and subscribe 👍🏻

[@gilangelo5020]

I've been searching for this SUB ray5HH review! I think you're the only one who reviewed it. Im planning to buy one for myself. 😁😁😁 Thanks alot!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@LowEndLobster]

You're very welcome! Any other basses that you were considering?

[@gilangelo5020]

LowEndLobster I really love the musicman sound but the Sterling Ray35 is 3x the price of the SUB here in my country, which is too much. 😔 i think im gonna settle with the SUB series and modify it along the way. I'm really looking forward to see your modifications on your SUBray too! Love from the Philippines! 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@rasmillion]

Don’t forget that the second pickup is kind of right in the way of you slap

[@jeannineward]

Bullythakid did a cool playtest of one. I recommend it, and his channel.

[@CamiloPefaur]

Change those pickups. The bass is great but really, change those pickups

[@clementealfredoobrador4822]

The way the videos are structured makes the reviews super clear, and it is a very well put together channel, but the edits and transitions that you see in moments like at the 1:31 mark just... I love them! I love this channel. It always makes me giggle.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hahah thank you! That's what I'm aiming for, clear reviews with a little bit of humor injected in there. I'm glad it makes you smile :)

[@ErikInto]

Huge fan of your reviews. I enjoy how specific you get with the "compare and contrast" takes on parts of the instruments, you have a pretty unbiased opinion regardless of the brand and the sprinkled bits of humor are appreciated. Keep em coming my dude!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Erik! I appreciate the thoughtful comment :). Glad you're enjoying the vids!

[@poltergeist3194]

I just bought this exact bass recently thanks to this review. Everything you said is absolutely spot on. The quality of construction is superb. My only gripe is the preamp. Yes there are worst offering on other basses but it’s a little to be desired. The pickups are great but could use improving but this will handle a gig if needed right out of the box. BTW I guess I’m disgusting because I bought the OLIVE color.

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats Polter Geist! So glad you're enjoying the bass :). Olives are still yucky but you get a pass ;P (I like the color too, just not the food hahaha)

[@GarethRidout]

@@LowEndLobster Olives? Yuck! Like eating little eyeballs!! But seriously I just got an olive scratch'n'sniff ... I mean scratch'n'dent SUB 4, so far so good. Loved your review - thanks!

[@RobiTheophilus]

Thanks dude. I ended up getting the Limited Edition version of this bass thanks in part to your review. I can concur that for the price, it's one of the best basses out there today. 👌🏽

[@davejones7475]

I keep sending my young ward's to this video. I can't help but think if they can just afford to play with their mate's the world will be a better place. So thank you so much 💝

[@Bassic778]

A very good review of the SUB Ray5HH and one of the few if not the only review. The dual-pickup setting reminds me of a Music Man Sabre bass. I have a Ray 35 bass and am floored by it. You can't go wrong with Sterling By Music Man basses!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Keith! I'm a huge fan of SBMM (and EBMM USA). Sterling IS what OLP wanted to be 15ish years ago. I absolutely love modding the SUBs too. Already done two mod projects on different SUBs, and I have three more SUBs coming in for a VERY special project :)

[@TheIrishOx]

Awesome. Musicman have been doing a great job with their overseas models. Great video and keep up the amazing work as always.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you my friend!

[@kyleconnor608]

I recently picked one of these up to step into the world of 5 strings after watching this review about 5 or 6 times. Guitar Center had the trans red ones for under $300 and couldn't pass it up. I was thinking of doing my own version of Code Red down the road. Keep up the good work.

[@michaelrogers9029]

I just jumped on that Guitar Center sale too! I've played a G&L 2500 for 10+ years, but ive wanted a Stingray for a long time. Im really looking forward to trying this one out.

[@michaelmaas6460]

Regarding the tone control: I once was testing a Squier Thinline Tele at Guitar Center and told 2 salespeople the tone control didn't seem to do much & they both said that's just how they are. Then I gave it to the guitar tech, who opened it up & found it was shorting out against the volume knob. He rotated it into proper position, and then it worked great.

[@LowEndLobster]

Though this may be the case for that squier, I have encountered my fair share of crappy pots and caps. Nothing like some electrical QC issues though, am I right? My AFR reissue was always killing batteries. Opened er up and found lug from one of the pots touching another metal surface and shorting out. Easy fix, but wish that was caught earlier.

[@miladbgn]

I love to hear that golden Lakland behind you! Wow. Beautiful.

[@LowEndLobster]

Here you go :)- kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX-memqYp6dqrdE

[@steveschenker1380]

Dang man, I remember when you were getting a couple hundred views; now you're over 16k! You're on your way, dude! Keep up the good work!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Steve! Yeah man it's nuts looking back at these and seeing how many views they've gotten. I appreciate the support!

[@revlewisrees9880]

Great review. I thought the P Bass sounded better finger style, but the Sterling had better slap tones using the top pickup. The MM configuration was a closer comparison, but the USA Stingray was definitely better.

[@LowEndLobster]

Agreed on all fronts! The electronics, especially the preamp aren't the best in these, but the foundation is very solid. The higher end sterlings definitely nail the US MM tone, but I can't comment as to how the neck pickup compares to a P bass on the higher end models.

[@johnbob2698]

I just love how you get a slightly aggressive facial expression when digging in hard. Must be the thoughts of playing an Olive bass and having associations of the taste

[@LowEndLobster]

Hahahaha thank you!

[@endofanera1983]

I’ve been playing guitar for 15 years and now want to try bass. I’m a noob and Ive been looking at this bass. Your review helped my decision. Thanks for the in-depth review. The red model is on pre order. I may go with that one if not the blue.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Glad you found the video helpful :)

[@Bass.Player]

The bridge pickup sounds great with less highs compared to the MM. Very nice review.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@SideHustleShift]

I agree with you. I've been eyeing a "real" StingRay 5 but I actually just ordered one of these Sterlings because I like the bridge p/u tone over the real 'Ray. Definitely a good platform for upgrades.

[@downsouthgeorgiaboy7660]

Wow! That thing sounds pretty good! I love that color too. It’s kinda hard to believe that it’s only a $400 bass. Yes when the bass was jacked to 100% it did distort the signal but I quite liked the sound it gave but, that’s not something I would use all the time just whenever something called for that kind of tonality. Great video as always my friend

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@fumez6331]

Just preordered one this will be my first bass

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats!

[@damienalvarez2957]

Just snagged one of these in this cool ruby red black burst finish. Thanks for breaking down the switch blade positions and what coils they utilize. I’ve a feeling this bass is going to be one helluva work horse!

[@garlandlabat4922]

Thanks Mr. Lobster. In the Lake Blue Metallic it is absolutely beautiful.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Garland! I dig the new Candy Apple Red finish too

[@Chew_Chuy]

Wanna year something crazy! So I bought this model on reverb and the seller is from Illinois. Anyways he posted this vid in the description. After purchasing the bass the seller notified me that the bass he sold me was the exact one that you utilized in THIS VIDEO. Is that true? Did I buy a bass that was utilized by yourself on this channel!? If so that is crazy! Idk if it helps but the seller was named as “sell till it hurts” on Reverb

[@LowEndLobster]

Yessir! Was it Brian? Congrats on the bass :)

[@Chew_Chuy]

@@LowEndLobster yes. It’s super fun to play

[@BassmanSkye]

@@Chew_Chuy What's the weight of the bass?

[@bigoldnoob]

There's 2 EASY ways to fix the distortion/preamp headroom issue (which is basically that the pickups output is too hot for what the 9V powered pream can handle). One is to put a 2nd 9V battery in series (this kind of circuitry is usually designed to be fed a wide voltage range, the voltage choice depends on how hot your pickups of choice are). The other option is to put a preset resistor inside, in the input of the preamp (after pickup selection) and lower it until the sound doesn't distort with EQ controls maxed. This will lower the overall output of the bass to a safer point (a point where it won't distort when pushing the EQ).

[@LowEndLobster]

Dude, THANK YOU! It bugs me how ALL SUBs suffer from this, but I do enjoy the finished product after modding them.

[@daviddesmond2143]

I own 2 Sterling Sub 5s one single pickup, one HH. I have never gotten distortion from it. Never gotten it with my UsA Stingrays eiether.

[@bigoldnoob]

@@daviddesmond2143 I've never experimented it with my USA Rays either, nor with a Ray35 I've owned for about a year. Now, every SUB Ray5 I've tried had the issue. Maybe not flat and maybe not with a medium-soft touch, but they definitely can't keep up headroom wise with my usual tone (lows slightly boosted) and with my heavy right hand. All things said, latest models I've tried were 2019, that might be improving now.

[@ChipsA17]

Sounds pretty good. Ive never been able to play 5 strings well. But the low string sounds so cool.

[@LowEndLobster]

The jump from 4-5 is a big one IMO because you lose your mental grounding with the E string and need to adjust to a lower string. That being said, the subsequent jumps from 5-6 or beyond is soooo much easier.

[@rasmillion]

Just picked up the single pickup version, I like it actually. I thought the preamp sucked but I’m into it now. My first five string and I’m loving it

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! Honestly, it was the pickup that was the culprit in the 4, but I didn't have nearly as bad of an issue with the 5er as I did with the 4s.

[@rasmillion]

Did you find that neck pickup was kind of in the way of your slap? That’s why I got the single pickup version. Still loving it and playing a lot more now that I have a bass with working electronics Love the vids.

[@rasmillion]

Nordstrand makes a drop in placement pickup, I was thinking seriously about upgrading. The neck on mine is amazing, factory setup was absolutely perfect for me. Balance is ok, wants to sit and 90 degrees, so happy The 16mm string spacing is important to remember when looking at pickup replacements

[@rickrolli7091]

I'm glad to see you reviewed this one. I almost bought one. Then I played the Ernie Ball 35HH. For twice the price. You've got a lot of "giddy up".

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rick! Congrats! SBMM does a GREAT job with the 34/35 series. It's a shame they scaled them back and replaced the 34/35CA with the 24/25CA

[@rickrolli7091]

@@LowEndLobster I believe it, if you say it. I don't know much about these, except that Flea plays one and has his signature model. I find the single pick up one harder to play because there is no thumb rest, except at the pick up. I guess it would have to be a "Funk-meister".

[@MrCase55]

Just what i needed, pickup switch explained. Thx Lobster Hand Man!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

This is definitely a great beginner 5 string i think. I really like how u compared it to the usa and the P a lot of guys don't have the basses to do that comparison 👍👍👍

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jeremy :)

[@mr.champlinssciencechannel906]

Thanks for the helpful graphic on the pick up selector. That cleared a lot up for me. When I tried one in the store I thought maybe there was some parallel/series stuff going on but now I know.

[@Butter1532]

Easily best bass related vid I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@tipico809]

Nice review but I like black olives lol . My friend bought the High end sting ray 5 for over 2k and the subb for 400 buck it's nice to have on similar body and close sounds

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed! It's great that the budget 5er HH offering is so good

[@eskilseter]

Me at 9:00 - I'm really liking that bridge pickup; it sounds pretty much like a proper Stingray Me at 9:03 - Oh...

[@LowEndLobster]

;)

[@xavierarmendariz7155]

Still sounds pretty good, though

[@19todd87]

I think the 5 string sounds great. The USA sounds like it has a compressor built in. So a $400 5 string and a $50 compressor pedal would get you most of the way there imho

[@soundexamples8212]

Great channel! The speed of new videos is nice!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@jdh6000]

Thanks for sharing this in the SUB thread on TB, glad to have found you on YT! Great review, man that American Ray sounds amazing! The SUB sounds fantastic too, seems versatile. You won me over with the clip of Dr. Steve Brule. Subscribed.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! For your bass, ya turkey.

[@Madchris8828]

Neato. Saw a similar bass on Sweetwater. Seriously thinking I might check out bass somewhere down the line. I love the sound and currently mainly play guitar

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! These are great entry level 5 stringers that have loads of tones and great upgrade options.

[@PushSueAside]

I actually went and played one yesterday.....I really liked it. I played a few different sterlings, I liked the double pups the best, tone wise.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Tommy! Indeed, I'm rediscovering this config with the 4 string one that I recently modded. Will be posting the stock vid and mod vid soon :)

[@StudioBrock1337]

Great review! I may be crazy but I felt the SUB set flat on the bridge pickup was the best sounding and looking bass of the bunch. Makes me want a second Ray5H though!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@StudioBrock1337]

@@LowEndLobster No problem! Keep up the good work!

[@HirekBC]

I wish they'd have more color options

[@LowEndLobster]

Yep, I wish they went with a different color than the olive IMO. The blue isn't bad, but comes with the RW fretboard on the HH. I like the mint green on my 4 string though.

[@mykemech]

Very nice and thorough review! I got one of these as a 2nd for under $200. Light blue metallic with 2 dents you have to really look for to spot. I made a pearl pickguard to replace the stock white, and she looks and plays beautiful. However, I don't use it because the monster preamp distorts all my amps. I think a preamp swap is in order. Can't believe they put such a trashy one in these. Seems like they never tested the final product. Anyhow, after this change, it will probably be near the top of my go-to's!

[@JoseMartinez-uw3jb]

I'm late but thank you for the review. I'm planning on picking the ruby red this week on the Guitar Center black Friday deal.

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats Jose! Enjoy it :)

[@poorbrokeguitarist]

I just ordered one. Should get it tomorow. So excited. I played bass in a couple bands but I mainly play guitar. I got it to record songs with and since I have a Line 6 helix for my guitar I can run it through the Bass amp models in it.

[@brandon2893]

That's my BABY! I am so satisfied with this bass. Mine had a stubborn trus rod but other than that she's fine

[@johnfollis2357]

I have this Bass. I love it. It is what I call the Goldilocks of all my three basses. Actually four basses. I have a 4-string acoustic Bass from Best Choice Products with 21-frets. And it does have a preamp with volume, Bass, Mid, Treble and Press sliders. It does require a battery to use but it is not exactly the same as a normal electric bass. And you don't have to use the electronics to play the thing. But out of the standard electric basses, I have a Passive 4-String 20-Fret Silvertone PBass that needs no battery what soever, An Active 6-String 24-Fret Ibanez SR306EB with a volume knob, a pickup pan knob, Bass Mid and Treble Controls and as well as a three way coil selector switch. It of course also requires a battery to run. And So this 5-String 22-Fret Bass is why I call it the Goldilocks of the Basses in my collection.

[@gabedirmeyer692]

I love the olive color, because it doesnt care about the haters. Im gunna just go through all your vids and pinch that like button, no questions asked

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Gabe :)

[@benmckernan7296]

Excellent review, you've definitely helped me pick my next bass

[@LowEndLobster]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching :)

[@1tufgun]

Great demo sir and detailed correctly which helps and answers all of the questions one may have. thanks Avi

[@daviddesmond2143]

I have American Stingray 5's and a Sterling Sub 5 (the single pickup version of this bass). I bought the Sterling Sub 5 to use as a beater bass when I play at beach bars, dives or jams where I don't want my expensive Stingrays to get damaged. I have never gotten any distortion from having it with the bass knob on full, or my USA SR either. On mine I have found the preamp and pickup to be excellent and it has fairly decent Stingray tone very good but not up to my USA SR. The body on this bass is considerably thinner and this bass weighs about 1 1/2 lbs lighter-a noticeable difference. Could be the thinness and using basswood which is lighter than the USA wood. The tuners on mine work well. The fret work is excellent, the paint outstanding and the neck great but it has a glossy finish and I much prefer the unfinished necks on real American Stingrays. I would recommend people just buy one of these basses and play it as is instead of doing science experiments trying to improve it and dumping lots of cash into something that may make it sound worse and decreases the value. I would suggest if you think you need something better, look into Ernie Ball's line of Sterling basses which are imports but are far more similar to the USA Stingrays. I enjoyed your review but where I come from we call them "Lobstahs".

[@daviddesmond2143]

To add to my comment above, I bought a 2 pickup blue HH Sub 5 on line for my home in New England. When I took it out of the box I was shocked at how heavier this was than my single pickup in Florida. I noticed the basswood body is thicker similar to a USA Stingray. My Sub 5 HH weighs 10.8 lbs which is heavier than my USA SR 5 HH. Weighed on an accurate scale. Out of the box it was very good. No flaws-great paint, Neck and fretting nice. I did lower the string height and tweaked the truss rod wheel slightly.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Great comment! I only lose my R's after a few beers errr.. beeyahs ;P

[@mclovinpo]

Just got this for my birthday friend helped me set it up it is great so far I’m lovi g it

[@scott96999]

Olive this bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Olive juice.

[@smeagolmazurenko5238]

Boo this man

[@SeuRafinha]

more Olive, Schultz!

[@FarrinD12]

Awesome man!! I was just looking for demos of this yesterday! I had a Ray34HH but traded it away, but have been interested in one of these or the Ray35HH. This might be a good bargain!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Yeah not a lot of content on these, so I snagged one just to review (literally got it 3 days ago haha). It's going back on Reverb now. Find it on there if you're in the US and interested and feel free to message me if you're interested.

[@ksump1]

Great review! Another favourite low budet is the Ibanez SR300E.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks!

[@BD-zg7is]

this thing is so tempting...damn. nice video glad i just found your channel bc i was browsing FBM and looking up basses

[@zaydy_spaydy375]

Lobster is just so funny and his videos are very useful. Keep up the good work!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Zaydy! :)

[@zaydy_spaydy375]

@@LowEndLobster thanks, im a fan of the channel so its pretty cool that you responded

[@sethnicholls7861]

Actually I freakishly really like the olive color combo with the maple board. And I was not surprised it got four claws for the price! Great review as usual sir. 👌

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Seth :)

[@untitled283]

Love your review !! But I wish you had play more with the B String. I would like to see the modification on preamp and pickups on this bass. Thank you for another amazing video. Now I’m between this sterling ray5hh and the Ibanez EHB1005

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I'm not going to be modifying this one, it's going right back up on Reverb. I will be modifying my 4 string SUB 4 through and comparing before/after and against my stingray. EHB>Ray5HH all day IMO. EHB is three times the price and gives you a LOT more. But for those who like traditional bass styles with tighter string spacing, the Ray5HH is a great budget option.

[@darrylmoore127]

I just tried out the 4 string verison of 2 H sterling for $ 379. Other than action being too high, I found it to be very useful in all types of music . And I have some Iconic basses , 4 out of 5 is what I would rate it , for the price of a double humbuckers , 5 pos. switch . If on a budget great bass can't go wrong

[@LowEndLobster]

Awesome! Thanks Darryl! The action can be fixed with a good setup, but indeed it's such a solid and flexible package for very little money.

[@robertgray8320]

I played one today and honestly for the money, they're sick.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Robert :)

[@robertgray8320]

@@LowEndLobster I ended up buying one. Lol

[@bassbutter4767]

I am really diggin this bassI I like the heft of its sound and the limited treble span that didn't peel the enamel off your teeth! A guitar could never look like this with all of its curves!, The balanced look of the Double humbuckers , Georgeous Maple fingerboard with The elegantly spartani dot inlays, The beautiful Chrome like control plate and knows ( Not black!), Just a really fly bass!! And I think it beat out the other 2 basses! And the colours! Those rich vibrant "take a chance, will ya?!" colours!! This sound! The price!! The...... I think I like it!🤣

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Butter! They're great basses, we have a video on the new 2021 poplar 4 string model in Candy Apple Red coming soon and we'll be doing mods! Stay tuned :)

[@three4all247]

How would you or what would you do to MOD this bass ...I just bought one for 340.00 New On Sale @ Guitar Center - Thank You for your channel and expertise!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Great question. There's a lot of ways to take this bass, but you have to be careful in regards to pickup selection as the shape and pole spacing differ quite a bit depending on which pickup you get. I'll be talking about that when we do this vid, but I'll be snagging another one of these soon.

[@three4all247]

@@LowEndLobster They are on sale right now from Guitar Center for 340.00 !!! Snap Snap that Claw its a steal ....

[@RayRay-vv7fw]

Yeah I put a Seymour Duncan SMB 5A in my Ray5HH bridge position , it lined up good although I had to widen the pickup cutout...but the upgrade was inconclusive because of a defective pickup I recieved...the coil closest to the bridge would not activate no matter what I did. So I'll return it and start over.

[@nunecoco2349]

The growl it makes, makes it a great bass! I miss the Squier Affinity Jazz Bass V sound.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Nune :)

[@PushSueAside]

Seems nice. I really like the pickup options, just haven't tried a budget MM that I've liked, haven't tried a....not budget???....MM at all, so I don't know if I just don't like them. They look great and a lot of people really like them, so... I really want to find a good one an see for myself I guess. I think they must be a "play them all till you find one that has mojo" type of bass. Anyway, another awesome video with things to think about. Thank you for sharing Mr. Ster

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks for watching, Tommy!

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

You need to have an appletini to get over your “oliv-phobia” but I love your channel anyway! 😀. The magic words that make me consider this are “5-string”, “double HBs”, “5-way switch”, “basswood body” and “$400”.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Fernando!

[@bzbbassist]

thanks for the pickup switch rundown.

[@georgebertok5967]

Got a green one last week....plugged it into my Line 6 HX Stomp using it's Ampeg amp/cab models, switched the bass to single coils, maxed out the treble dial, started playing with a pic, and realized it sounds so close to my Rickenbacker 4003, that if I heard it in a mix, I would have sworn it was my Ric....Try this at home....MIND BLOWN

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! I need to get another one of these and investigate the pickups more as I don't think they use the same pickups in the regular SUB (cause of the coil tapping). These are awesome basses, glad you're enjoying yours! Congrats on the bass!

[@markwarder9132]

Thanks Low end Lobster for a great review. Your P and SR comparisons were a genius idea. Would be good to hear it against a Jazz bass as well. Any plans to mod a ray5 HH? What preamp do you think would be good in this?

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Mark! Glad you enjoyed the video! I actually just recently got a Ray4HH that we've heavily modded. That video will be dropping sometime later this month :). We went all EMG, but the 5 string MM pickups come in two shapes- USA and SUB, and EMG doesn't make one for the SUB (you'd need a different pickguard and potentially remove material in the pickup cavity for it to work). I believe Nordstrand, Delano, and Aguilar (though Aguilar won't work in a HH) make the pickups appropriately sized for the Ray5H/HH

[@MotoMarios]

Excellent review, thanks.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Moto!

[@untitled283]

Im considering this bass as a project: Mods to consider: Status Graphite Neck Hipshot Ultralite tuners Nordstrand MM5 Quadcoils Idk for preamp yet And remplace that ugly bridge What do you think? Or probably should I consider buying a MM special Stingray 5 bass?

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Adolfo! That's a great idea. I'm going to make a video on modding these 5 string Stingrays and the considerations you need to make, as not all parts are 'standard sized'. The SUB Ray5 has 16.5 mm spacing as opposed to the 17.5mm spacing of the Ray25, 35, and USA models. Pole spacing and bridge spacing are definitely considerations as too wide of a spacing at the bridge will cause your B and G strings to sit at the edge of the fingerboard. There are different shapes of 5 string pickups too, with the USA models having a rectangular shape as opposed to the Ray5 and Ray25 which have pickups with the 'ears'. The 4 string stuff is all standard sized, which is why I usually recommend those as a mod platform.

[@untitled283]

@@LowEndLobster I didn’t know, thanks for the information. I think I gotta replace the bridge if I want change the pick ups. But making all these mods, I think is better getting a Ray35hh instead or the real stingray special. What do you think?

[@marciosouza8656]

@@untitled283 olá Adolfo tudo bem? Estou passando pelo mesmo problema, ou seja meu Sterling SUB Ray5 tem o espaçamento entre cordas de 16.5 e os captadores topo de linha do mercado não ficam com os polos alinhados nessa medida... Uma opção seria o Aguilar DCB5M que não tem polos... Quais captadores você está considerando ? Esse Nordstrand que você mencionou, sabe onde compra-lo no Brasil??

[@CorvetteCoonass]

I think the preamp was meant for the single Humbucker models. The way the preamp shapes the sound definitely lends itself to the timbre of the classic Stingray configuration.

[@ちるの9]

Oh my god I love this channel !!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Edd!

[@Bassdriver]

Hey there Lobster, I bought a Sterling Ray SUB 5 annnnd, welll... I liked it until I took it to the rehearsal. The pickup seems way too muffled, it lacks that crispy top end, and it's waaay too hot to be managleable. I know replacing the pickup could help but aren't they a different size to more upmarket pickups (you mention string spacing)? And is it possible to rewire the existing pickup or to add a coil tap? Thanks in advance for your reply!

[@suk4ed]

Colour is gorgeous

[@nigellacey559]

They are amazing value

[@albertosergi588]

Great Value for money. Bravo 👏 Best from 🇮🇹

[@LowEndLobster]

Ciao Alberto! :)

[@honkytonkinson9787]

I sort of got talked into trading a guitar amp for one of these today. I already had two low end Ibanez basses that are absolutely fantastic, and I would bet money that this Sterling bass was made in the same factory in Indonesia; considering it has an Ibanez 2 band preamp, according to the guitar center website. It feels new, but I can tell that once I fine tune the setup, and break it in, that it’s going to be fantastic. The tuners and bridge aren’t that great but once it’s in tune it does stay there. It’s very substantial so it would be hard on the back for a long gig. My only gripe is the string saddle on the g string pops a bit when I dig in, but I’m sure I’ll find a remedy online, or can just upgrade the bridge. I’ve played a lot of more expensive basses that don’t feel as good as this one so when you’re shopping for a bass, make sure you try everything in your price range. So many times I’ve purchased a cheaper bass because it had the best neck. You can always upgrade hardware over time, but just because it’s expensive, or a higher end model, doesn’t make it better.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Honky! You know, you're probably right about the manufacturing. I wouldn't be surprised if both the Sterling by Musicman lines and Ibanez were produced by Cort (I know the Ibanez MII stuff is)

[@Bassdriver]

I'm reeeeally thinking of pulling the trigger on a single pickup one.

[@LowEndLobster]

Snag em when they go on sale! Should be some more sales at GC/MF before the end of the year

[@Bassdriver]

@@LowEndLobster I'm in Poland so GC/MF's not an option but I found one at a good price locally and got it :D My favourite black/maple combo! I'll probably do some mods in the future ;-)

[@keithpasculli7465]

I have been playing one of these basses for the several weeks and your review was accurate. I find myself using the three humbucker modes the most and of those three modes I usually solo the bridge pickup. Thankfully I went with the powder blue color. I love olives but don't like that color for my basses.

[@LowEndLobster]

Get outa here, olive lover! I kid. Thanks for your comment my friend! How is the quality of the fret board on the blue one? Those come with the rosewood or something right?

[@keithpasculli7465]

@@LowEndLobster The bass I got has the maple fingerboard and I find the playability, fit and finish to be very nice regardless of the low price. I have owned three different Stingray 5's (loved them all) and a Sterling Ray 34 (completely killer bass) and this bass really has those tones. Of course the SR 5'S are a pro level instrument and the features and small things are better than a $400 bass but this bass plays well, looks pretty darned cool and sounds pretty darned killer. BTW, I only recently found your reviews and enjoy them very much.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@keithpasculli7465 Thank you much! :)

[@fcormier]

I hate olives, but I love the color! ;)

[@gijsmelisse8907]

Great review as always! If you had to name a best budget 5 string (>700), what bass would you choose?

[@LowEndLobster]

There's a lot out there, but it really depends on what you're looking for. I think the SBMM lineup as a whole is a great value at their respective price points, but not everyone wants a Stingray. For J-basses- Cort seems to be the unsung king. My GB64jj had noiseless pickups, roasted maple neck, ash body, and a solid 2 band preamp @ $450. Ibanez also has some great options with the higher end Talmans and mid-tier Soundgears.

[@mrlotuss]

Great review! I must agree with everything you said. The string spacing is tight! But probably the best bang for your buck! How would this compare to the Harley Benton's Enhanced 5 string humbucker with either p or j configuration?

[@SonamD.Bhutia]

2:46 "doo doo doo doo doo Take u back" 🎶 Rocky 1 popped into my mind.🤣😂

[@dandipasquale6913]

I have one and dropped a dark glass tone capsule in it. Sounds amazing for less than 500 total

[@Stepamusic]

Thank you for the rundown!!! What is the specific preamp that you would recommend to prevent the “topping out”? Do you know what is in the high end model? Thank you again for the thorough rundown.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Jessie! IMO I think the pickups are the culprit for the clipping/topping out. This is a pretty early video in the channel, and we've since done a lot of SUB mods. The stock preamp with a nice set of aftermarket pickups sounds much better than the stock pickups with an aftermarket preamp IMO. High end model would be the Ray35HH. So glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@ropermcalister8095]

I have a SUB Ray4, and I have a similar problem with the preamp. I find that it is best to leave the bass and treble at center detente. But if I need to tone shape (which is rare), I only cut treble. Never adding any treble or bass. It always gets either too muddy or too bright

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks for the comment! This bass and the Sub4 that I have suffered from the same preamp "issue" (cheap preamp). I am doing a video serious on my SUB4 called Project Mint-o-ray, replacing the pickup and preamp with some cool stuff. Check it out :)

[@grazianocaddeo3769]

Thanks for this video! I'm going to buy this bass in the near future and your explanation really helped my choice. As you mentioned the electronics (preamp etc etc) might be modified. In your opinion, what are the best modifications?

[@raym4694]

id say to replace the preamp with a emg bqc 3 band preamp, get a long stereo barrel jack like a switchcraft 152b, just drill a 1/2" hole to accommodate the new jack placement, the stock pickguard has to go and replace with a 1st gen mm stingray 5 pickguard with old school soapbar pickup routing and add 2 emg MMTW5 bass pickups, the tw can switch beween single and dual and you can add a active tone too, or go passive with 2 each emg mmhz5's and add passive tone and active/passive switch too. the mmhz5 is discontinued but emg direct outlet was selling them for 45 each on reverb for just the pup, i personally got 2 each and they came promptly, the say they were b stock, but cosmetically were new, just no hardware, saving them for a future project... anyways thats what id do with this bass, it sounds way better for a beginner bass, and i know because i had a squier affinity p-bass and it was ok as a beginner, but i changed out the pups to Seymour Duncan quarter pounder p-bass pickups and just that alone made it sound 10 times better.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ray! Check out my 'Project Code Red' video where we did something very similar.

[@laserlithuanian]

great video, i love your wacky sense of humor !!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Tom! :)

[@RichardsonMusic]

I would love to see a budget upgrade on one of these!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Nathan! I have an upgrade coming on a 4 string model of this... but it's not budget ;P

[@VeitLehmann]

I'd definitely consider doing a project code olive mod with this! Unfortunately, the EMG MM5TW have a different shape. I wonder if they would require removing wood to fit. A replacement pickguard would be needed for sure to keep it reversible.

[@MyDateCoach]

Great vid. Clarified clearly what it can and can’t do. Not much more than the basses I already have. So, my next bass is the Ibanez SRMS 805 🤘

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Iain! I have an SRMS805 here for review that I need a new B string for ;P

[@klaymeister]

Unlike most people I prefer the 16.5mm string spacing for 5 strings.

[@LowEndLobster]

We got a weirdo here! I kid hahaha. This bass has a really nice neck profile for the thinner spacing, fits the hand nicely. I hate when tightly spaced necks are too thin and end up being uncomfortable. Great modding platform too. Imagine putting a couple of nordy quad coils in there with a nordy preamp.... at that point you're paying the bass's price in electronics... but it would be fun! haha.

[@klaymeister]

@@LowEndLobster I bet you could just swap the preamp only and be happy.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@klaymeister Yeah I agree. The pickups sound pretty good and they're not noisy at all. A solid preamp in this would be a great investment that would widen that tonal landscape quite a bit.

[@MikeyTiger37]

I LOVE that colour and the pickup arrangement but I tried the SUB against the Ray 34 and I preferred the Ray 34 for feel and finishing and the bridge was better too. Shame I don't like the colours of the Ray34 HH as much as this Green... 😅

[@LowEndLobster]

The 34 is definitely a step up from this in terms of quality, but the SUB is no slouch and definitely MUCH better than the OLPs of yesterday.

[@braddietzmusic2429]

I tried one of these two days ago. The only "problem" I see with these, is that in pickup selections 2 & 4, the output drops off tremendously, and perhaps it should given that these selections employ dual split humbucker possibilities. I tend to prefer positions 2 & 4 for their "Fenderish" qualities for slap. I think I've figured out a solution for the output discrepancies: Upgrade to a "No-Load" pot for the master volume, so you can pull back the volume for positions 1, 3, & 5 to match the volume of positions 2 & 4, while loosing none of the tone of the normal "volume on 10"? Does that make sense?

[@stanfie1d]

I think you confused "No-load pots" (which are used only for the tone control, not volume) and "treble bleed mod" which doesnt require the volume pot to be changed

[@Chew_Chuy]

Great video. Could you please compare the stingray HH from this video to the lower end $300 stingray.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jesus! I have several SUB 4 string projects with the single humbucker. They're great basses for the money as a mod platform, though as with all cheaper basses the consistency may vary.

[@edmontonbass8460]

I would appreciate it if you would play the low C and D notes as this is a 5 string and we have a good idea already what the 4 string basses sound like. Thanks!

[@alexskibicki2262]

Awesome clip, lobster. 😎🤘🏻🎸that bass sounded pretty cool. On the subject of pickup configuration, I personally liked the top, middle, and bottom positions the most. Personally I’m not a big fan of the olive green finish. I would like it in a red or blue finish(which they are available). Other than that, great sounding bass.

[@andrewhigdon8346]

I have a Music Man with the HH configuration, but only a three position switch. Hmm. Anyways, I noticed the opposite traits from say a Jazz or an Ibanez double soapbar pickup layout. With those the bridge pickup usually yields more attack and a hair less bottom end, and the neck pickup yielding the opposite, more rounded, more bottom, less attack. But with the MM HH layout, I noticed both with mine AND your demo, that the bridge pickup seems less edgy, but also more neutral, without the extra bottom end, and maybe more mids? Seems like it is simply less dynamic tonally. But if that’s what you are looking for, there it is. Maybe that is the traditional MM sound, but I don’t really think so. Maybe that’s what the active eqs are for on the traditional ones? I’ve not experienced that issue with my old Stingray 5. The problem is that there is so much variance and choice that it’s hard to keep track of it all. On mine, and your demo, the front pickup seemed more dynamic tonally, with sharper highs, and booming low end, albeit we all have to remember what even slight changes in right AND left (fretting) hand technique can do, especially with fresh strings on an active bass. Turn the highs down, use as little edge with your thumb side or finger, and crank the lows, and you’ve got your dub reggae bass set up! But leave the eqs the same and apply a modicum of edge with your right hand and you will get highs whether you like it or not. Take it to the front (neck) pickup and it can sound like whatever also. You can get that Duff PJ edge with plenty of bottom, only lots of attack if desired by rolling off the low eq, or anything in between, with just the neck pickup. In other words, defining these things is really complex, and takes some documentation to really assert your perception. It does get a bit frustrating. All I know is that if I need less bottom AND top, I go to the bridge pickup. From that point it’s in the eq. If I want big bottom amd bright highs with some mid carved out, it’s the front pickup. If I am feeling like FREDDY and want IT ALL, I use both pickups and eq from that point. The bass I have, with both pickups on, some highs brought in to about 1/3 of the dial, lows the same, and the mids cranked, I get the most glorious bass tone I’ve ever heard, with zero compromises, just like the greatest double and triple tracked studio bass sounds we all worship. The definition is there, the edge is there, the bottom end is breathtaking, and the whole thing brings a tear to my eye. Of course I paid $205 for mine, shipped from China, it’s fretless, the switch is three position, the bridge is identical but without the Music Man print, and the rest is so much a Music Man I have to remind myself that is isn’t one. Technically. Whoever made it sure did their homework because every single measurement I took with a micrometer and calipers was dead on with MM website specs, except the nut was the Sterling size and my bridge is true Stringray in every measurement. So are the tuners, the headstock, the headstock printing, everything. Except the bridge non-script, and my pick guard has only 7screws instead of 9. I watched this vid to figure out the switch. It only backed what I thought, kinda. I don’t get the half - pickup choice, and I’m fine with having two less settings to be confused about. In fact I could not imagine any more need for variance of sound. Getting rid of the highs has been such a challenge for everyone I know who has owned a MM, that ma y of them got rid of them. I say let the strings get dirty, and use an external eq, like the one on your amp to get rid of that parts. The bottom end is so magnificent with this bass that it’s hard to describe it any better. It’s not just low end. It’s the wholeness of the sound. Then again I am a live sound engineer and play through a referenced to flat response sound system with few holes in the sound. Room modes prevent perfection but it’s very, very close, and truly incredible from 25hz to 16khz, almost flat, with 22hz down 7db and 20khz down 12db, which is fine with me. Even badass studio rigs don’t hit below 30hz at zero, and few do 16khz at zero. So I’m speaking from a point of view with some real deal control reference for a more scientific approach. This damned Chinese “knock off” is easily the best bass I’ve ever heard, save for maybe my buddies Ken Smith 5. That is one incredible instrument. I wonder how a fretted five knockoff of that would sound and play? Hmmm

[@TheFootOfGold]

The Sterling series of basses seems to always be very well made instruments. I bet you could pick up this bass second hand in the same horrible green finish for $150 off brand new msrp.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ryan! Yes, second hand these can be had for CHEAP!

[@EddiePauleBolin]

I can't trust a Lobster on neck dive. I wish you would demonstrate it with a strap. I almost posted a similar statement on the Les Paul Jr Video but, I wimped out. I didn't want to be the Troll. Please go back and edit/add the strap test on all your video's. Thanks, LOL !

[@LowEndLobster]

I omitted it purpose this time... You'll see why soon! Hopefully next weekend.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@jeff86ing LOL

[@earlbrackett6508]

that's a fine stable...great review.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Earl :)

[@MultiEmerich]

Great review!!! Thanks

[@LowEndLobster]

You're very welcome :)