Sterling Ray 34: Good Basses or not?

FBS1996 · #1 07-26-2011, 02:21 PM

I've been checking out this bass for a long time but I've never had the chance to play one. I really like the tone of Mike Herrera's (MxPx) bass and he uses a MM Stingray. Are they good basses for the money or should I just leave them? At the moment, I'm playing a MIM P bass, which is great, but I've noticed that I'm playing it a lot less than I used to. I've been saving up for a bass for about 5 months and I've got
£400. Should I save up for a Sterling Ray34 or just get another bass.

Note: Please no "try before you buy" posts. If I could have tried one, I would have by now. None of my local shops have them in.

Joe Murray · #2 07-26-2011, 02:28 PM

I read an interview from Mike Herrera once, who said that his Stingrays are passive (custom from the shop). So you may want to keep that in mind. Maybe go on youtube and check out some videos of some Stingrays and a Sterling Ray34 to get a better idea of the tones you can expect if you buy one.

bottomzone · #3 07-26-2011, 06:37 PM

Ed Friedland seems to like them-and they sound awefully good!!!

‪Sterling By Music Man Basses‬&rlm; - YouTube

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

parsons · #4 07-26-2011, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Murray

I read an interview from Mike Herrera once, who said that his Stingrays are passive (custom from the shop.

His pickup is wired directly to the input jack. No electronics whatsoever in his bass. Hence his crappy, muddy, flappy tone that kids find cool.

The Ray34 is a nice bass for the money, but Id buy one used. To buy one new, you're better off finding a used EBMM Stingray. They can be had for 650 to 850 used and sound, feel and look better IMO. YMMV.

FBS1996 · #5 07-26-2011, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parsons

His pickup is wired directly to the input jack. No electronics whatsoever in his bass. Hence his crappy, muddy, flappy tone that kids find cool.

The Ray34 is a nice bass for the money, but Id buy one used. To buy one new, you're better off finding a used EBMM Stingray. They can be had for 650 to 850 used and sound, feel and look better IMO. YMMV.

Muddy? I have to say, I don't think it sounds muddy at all

ThatBassistDude · #6 07-26-2011, 07:28 PM

I bought mine when they came out, I absolutely love it. Its definitely worth the cash.

StyleOverShow · #7 07-26-2011, 07:32 PM

Your musical tastes may change as you develop and experience more music. Keep you P until you are definite about a particular sound. I love my EB MM Sterling because it has features that make it adaptable. Don't go chasing the white rabbit unless you want to go underground....

parsons · #8 07-26-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBS1996

Muddy? I have to say, I don't think it sounds muddy at all

Dont take this the wrong way, but how old are you? Were you born in 96? If so, I can say that I was listening to MxPx before you were born, specifically their first album. Are you familiar with it (Pokinatcha)? Fast, hardcore punk inspired ****** bass tone. I never followed that band past their second album as I never cared much for the bubble gum pop they started playing afterwards.

FBS1996 · #9 07-26-2011, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parsons

Dont take this the wrong way, but how old are you? Were you born in 96? If so, I can say that I was listening to MxPx before you were born, specifically their first album. Are you familiar with it (Pokinatcha)? Fast, hardcore punk inspired ****** bass tone. I never followed that band past their second album as I never cared much for the bubble gum pop they started playing afterwards.

You're right, I am only 15, but I do listen to old Mxpx albums.
I like them all (well, there's 1 or 2 I'm not keen on, like Before Everything & After).

parsons · #10 07-26-2011, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBS1996

You're right, I am only 15, but I do listen to old Mxpx albums.
I like them all (well, there's 1 or 2 I'm not keen on, like Before Everything & After).

Well if you like some of their old stuff, check out the Descendents. MxPx basically ripped them off for their first album and many other subsequent style points.

And thank you for making me officially feel like an old man at 31 years old.

bass rocks · #11 07-26-2011, 08:06 PM

yep parsons is OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLDDDDDD!!!!!!!

FBS1996 · #12 07-27-2011, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parsons

And thank you for making me officially feel like an old man at 31 years old.

No Problem aha

rockstarbassist · #13 07-27-2011, 10:39 AM

I had a Sterling SB14 for about 6 mo's. For the $$, that new(er) import line is really really tough to beat.

mcnach · #14 07-27-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBS1996

I've been checking out this bass for a long time but I've never had the chance to play one. I really like the tone of Mike Herrera's (MxPx) bass and he uses a MM Stingray. Are they good basses for the money or should I just leave them? At the moment, I'm playing a MIM P bass, which is great, but I've noticed that I'm playing it a lot less than I used to. I've been saving up for a bass for about 5 months and I've got
£400. Should I save up for a Sterling Ray34 or just get another bass.

Note: Please no "try before you buy" posts. If I could have tried one, I would have by now. None of my local shops have them in.

I would buy a SUB right now instead. Or save a bit more and get a good used Stingray.

silverburst · #15 07-27-2011, 11:28 AM

I think the Stelring models are a good value, and they play very well. Here is an online review of the RAY34:

Rex and the Bass: Sterling by MusicMan RAY34 Silverburst Bass

georgestrings · #16 07-27-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockstarbassist

I had a Sterling SB14 for about 6 mo's. For the $$, that new(er) import line is really really tough to beat.

Agreed - I've checked out a few of them, and a friend has one - they're pretty good, especially for the price...

- georgestrings

Chasbo · #17 07-27-2011, 12:36 PM

Bought My Ray 34 off Ebay for $500. Great instrument. Plays and sounds great. A bit heavy at 10 lbs or so but wears very well. No neck dive that I can tell. Dont procrastinate on the 34. Buy it. Money well spent and an excellent Bass for those on a budget. I am a seasoned bassist and have owned many basses over the years. IMO. Great Bass for the money.Like Nike says, Just do it!

FBS1996 · #18 07-27-2011, 01:21 PM

Thanks everyone who posted.
I'm gonna go for it

RBX4 · #19 07-27-2011, 01:27 PM

Had 1 and got rid of it for a fender jazz bass... The tone is ok, but can't compare to a Jazz, man!!

Sparky Mark · #20 07-27-2011, 01:29 PM

You should also consider the Sterling SB14, same tones as Ray34 with added pickup coil switching options, slimmer neck and smaller body for more comfortable playing.