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Are there two different SbMM Ray34CA models?

K

KlingyFungus

Guest
Mar 20, 2010
41
3
#1
On the Guitar Center website, I saw a listing for a 3-tone sunburst for $749: Invalid Link Removed

and a 2-tone sunburst for $599: Invalid Link Removed


I went to my local GC, and saw that the $599 model does exist. Any ideas why the $150 price difference?
 
#2
well the 749 says "classic active"
and the 599 does not. so whatever that "classic active" is would be the difference. i'm imagining some kind of different specs.


classic active: slab body, no belly or forearm contours, glossy amber tinted neck, 38mm nut width, 34 scale, 21 vintage style frets, hard glossy coat finish, 2 band preamp that has been "revoiced for more organic feel and noise free" 19mm string spacing, ash body.

the other one has no information... so i'm guessing somewhere in that list is the price difference.
 
#3
DwaynieAD,

The $599 one has the same specs as the $749 one. That's why I had to drive to GC and physically see/play it.

As goofy as this is going to sound: Could the difference be that the $599 one is a 2-tone sunburst, versus the $749 3-tone sunburst?

Is one burst worth $150? :)
 
#4
I think the cheaper one is a guitarcenter/musiciansfriend exclusive "cheaper model. I think it's wood is "cheaper". It doesn't look as nice but if I was to get one of the two it would probably be the cheaper one.
 
#6
I asked the exact same question on the SBMM thread several months back. IIRC, it was suggested that the 2T burst may have been a previous year's model, which is why it was less expensive. Someone else said it may have been some sort of GC special issue. The website description for the $599 had practically no info other than the price.

I bought one on a whim, then returned it. There was nothing wrong with it; I just changed my mind on an impulse purchase. When I initially bought it, I thought it was mis-priced, as it was discovered at check-out that the serial # on the bass didn't match the # on the ticket. But the counter guy at GC recorded the discrepancy in their log book, and that was that.

The tone was pretty darn close to a real MM 'Ray! When I tried both side-by-side, the notes on the Ray34 had a little less heft to them. Probably wouldn't be noticeable in a mix, though. I would go for the lower-priced model & save yourself the $150.
 
#7
AMp'D.2play, Nobody, and DwaynieAD,

I just finished talking with a representative from Praxis Musical Instruments Inc., (aka, Sterling by Music Man). She told me that the $599, 2-tone sunburst model is a Guitar Center exclusive.

The only differences being:
1.) It has the 2-tone (versus the three-tone) sunburst finish.
2.) It does not come with a gig bag, like the more expensive models.

I specifically asked her if there was any differences in the wood/hardware/electronics, and she said that they are the same.

I should've called them before posting, but I honestly didn't anticipate getting an answer that easily from the company. Their customer service is really pleasant to deal with.
 
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#9
Just picked up the 2 tone Sunburst without the gig bag on clearance from GC in North Paramus today. I went in to compare the Ray 34 to the SUB4 because I was hot on the SUB. Once I plugged the Ray34 in, I was blown away and for me, there really was no comparison. Maybe the Ray has better strings on it from the factory or maybe it was returned and someone else put them on. Whatever. I still thought it was a great bass. No belly or arm contour and it may take a little getting used to but I just played it at home for a while and I still like it.

Oh. And the price? $360. Oh yeah!!
 
#11
Oh. And the price? $360. Oh yeah!!
Click to expand...

I got one of those also. I posted in the SBMM thread and got a nice email from member "SBMM" AKA Brian Martin VP of Sales & Marketing, Sterling By Music Man.

Here is what he had to say.

That's actually a GC only model, it's a Ray34CANB-2TS. Two Tone Sunburst.

It's one of 100!
Click to expand...

He also said that there is absolutely no difference other than the finish between the 2TB and the 3TB. Heck I looked at both and could tell no difference what so ever.

The best thing about the bass was the $365 price tag. I am now in the market for a Ray 34 with the neck that is more like a P neck and a 3 band EQ.
 
#12
EdgeXXL said:
I got one of those also. I posted in the SBMM thread and got a nice email from member "SBMM" AKA Brian Martin VP of Sales & Marketing, Sterling By Music Man.

Here is what he had to say.



He also said that there is absolutely no difference other than the finish between the 2TB and the 3TB. Heck I looked at both and could tell no difference what so ever.

The best thing about the bass was the $365 price tag. I am now in the market for a Ray 34 with the neck that is more like a P neck and a 3 band EQ.
Click to expand...

Did you end up with a case for it or a gig bag?
 
#15
Hi folks!
I´ve bought this one from GC web last month, and it´s waiting to be pick up at store by a friend of mine, who will bring it home for me (I´m from Argentina).

So... this is a 3-Tone SB... right? Or am I wrong?

GC109789609_lg.jpg
 

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