The proposed options are all meh, not horrible, just not all that. Quality increases substantially stepping up to an SBMM Ray24, Ray34 or one of the various Ibanez ATK models.
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Affordable Stingray-style bass showdown!
- Thread starter RumbleMan3
- Start date
I had an OLP a long time ago. What I remember is, rough frets, neck wasn’t quite straight in the pocket, and I changed the pickup.
Once all that was dealt with it played ok.
I just recently got back into playing and just yesterday received a SBMM Ray4...and the build of it is nice. Haven’t really gotten into yet, but the neck is nice and it feels good in my hands.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Once all that was dealt with it played ok.
I just recently got back into playing and just yesterday received a SBMM Ray4...and the build of it is nice. Haven’t really gotten into yet, but the neck is nice and it feels good in my hands.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
If you want something affordable yet gives you that Ray vibe - closest one on your list is the Sterling SUB. I have the EBMM Ray US SUB, a Sterling Ray34 and used to own about four of the Sterling SUBs, an OLP, a Dr. Tech Ray clone not to mention a few others I've tried but didn't even get as far as buying them- I have seen my share of Ray clones like a number of us on this forum. Really, for the money and what I think you're looking for, the Sterling SUB is the winner. Buy one of the newer ones though, not the first run which have some over-active preamp problems on some of them.
That looks SLICK! (A+ for your avatar while I'm at it.) I like a Precision-ish neck but could possibly make an exception for something like that.
that P/G makes no artistic sense...IMHO and not trying to offend...I've played one , they are powerful beasts
I have a SUB Series Sterling...made in Indonesia...put on a tort pickguard, and D'addario tapewounds on it ...sounds amazing..band loves it (willing to accept criticism of my pickguard since I took a shot at the Dimension P/G )
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Thanks for byting, now I known the words won't be wasted. Plus I love talking about ATKs!, I have 2.
At the time and still today, the ATK solved a problem that MM couldn't solve - a weak G string. Despite its "ugly" appearance to some, the ATK bridge stopped the weak G. AND while MMs sounded good, the tri coil pickup with the switch introduced tones the MM couldn't do. From even more beef to more snarl, and to date, nothing makes more snarl than that ATK preamp. Plus they had string thru body, something that Music Man hadn't done since the early 80s. Along with these features and incredible production build quality, Ibanez perhaps made their best bass ever.
What's wrong with you?? Can't say that on here!
I almost didn't jump on it for that reason.
Almost all my basses have bigger necks. I even built a jazz bass with a p neck because I love them so much, and I just get along with them better.
It is a very well made bass, with a fantastic pickup that I could compare to an aftermarket pickup. Super light, killer preamp, etc...all the things I love, BUT the neck worried me, even before I that bought it. I have huge hands and have always played bigger necks. My technique is good enough though that its not a big deal to play and even feels better at times, especially during extended sessions, and I didn't want to dismiss this bass on the neck alone. I feel comfortable enough to change it up without it affecting my play. If this bass came with a nut width between a P and J like a Spector, and a slightly beefier profile, it would probably be my #1. It's that nice to play. Instead I alternate between my P with flats, My jazz with a P neck, and my ATK 300.
Good deal! My son has one of these & its killer
Woah...that's a good price for a new one. I bought my Sterling Ray34 Silverburst used for $250 earlier this year and I thought that was a pretty good price considering the bass is in great condition.
Just to be the odd man out on this one, a few years back I bought an Ibanez GSR100EXL. It seems I couldn't get it to stop buzzing on the frets. I was pretty new at guitar tech'ing because my best friend who worked on my basses died. Well, I loved loved the sound but I sold it because I couldn't get rid of the fret buzz. Turns out I carved the string nut TOO LOW!!!! If I had carved it down maybe just 1/8" higher I would still have the bass. But that's not the end of the story. I found another lefty MM style Ibanez on eBay! Just bought it Wednesday and should have it in a week or so. Anyway, if you're not too proud to try an economy bass, try one of these-- lots of BANG FOR THE BUCK.
I plan on replacing the MM style pickup with something more powerful, maybe even an EMG active MM pickup easy install kit. The neck is the width of a P bass and because it's thicker than the SR series, the neck is very stable and keeps in tune for a long time. Well built and fun to play. Doesn't weigh more than 8 pounds either. Easy on the back.
I plan on replacing the MM style pickup with something more powerful, maybe even an EMG active MM pickup easy install kit. The neck is the width of a P bass and because it's thicker than the SR series, the neck is very stable and keeps in tune for a long time. Well built and fun to play. Doesn't weigh more than 8 pounds either. Easy on the back.
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I have a modded Sterling SUB Ray 5; it punches far above it's price point. But Ibanez ATKs are also excellent stock, I played a 305 for a year or so. ATKs have a really incredible tone to my ears, but they can be heavy. Definitely try to find something with series/parallel switching, I think that versatility is a huge part of the Stingray package for me.
I also prefer the sound of a ceramic pickup in a Stingray, keep that option in mind.
I also prefer the sound of a ceramic pickup in a Stingray, keep that option in mind.
To be honest, I didn't know that till later - I really liked the color and the seller had a hard time selling it for some reason (might have to do with the fact that he never renewed his ad, so it was stuck near the bottom) he lowered the price to $250 before I snagged it.
The one I have is I believe #9 based on the serial number.
The S.U.B. for sure, unless you could find one of these...
SX SBG2 Natural at Home
You really won't be happy with the OLP or the Hartley as they are both passive.
Whereas the SUB and the SX have a preamp and that is a big part of the sound.
I guess one could add a preamp to all of those though.
IMO...
SX SBG2 Natural at Home
You really won't be happy with the OLP or the Hartley as they are both passive.
Whereas the SUB and the SX have a preamp and that is a big part of the sound.
I guess one could add a preamp to all of those though.
IMO...
