Budget Ray, Sub vs. 35 vs HH

[yakmastermax]

Hey all!

I had trouble even titling this thread because I don't even know the exact models that are out there but u was hoping yall could help me understand and get a feel for the sort of quality, fit, finish, and sound hierarchy that applies to the budget ($200-$550 used and new) Stingray options.

I know there was the SUB stuff that is no longer produced and there is the Ray35 but there are also the OLP ones and the current H and HH budget Sterling options?

I am familiar with how this plays out with Squier (Affinity vs Classic Vibe vs Vintage Modified) and Fender (MIM, MIJ, MIA) but I am totally unfamiliar with the Stingray options.

I recently got my second Fender Dimension I really like it but my understanding is that the Dimensions are considered Fender's take on the Stingray so now this has me interested in a Stingray.

Thanks for any education on the topic!

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The best bass for the money that will get you 90% of the USA Stingray tone and feel is the Sterling Ray35. Ash body and roasted maple neck. These basses feel and play and are very high build quality. They won't be as light weight as the US Specials but boy do they sound incredible !! Hopefully you can find a good used one within budget. New ones will cost you a little more than your listed budget, but they are worth every penny.

stingray5-ray35.

 

[80jazz]

My vote is the HH, but this is due to my not being fond of the H Stingrays.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Don't be afraid to check out the current SUB series. They offer a lot and well under $500, especially this time of year.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Lobster did a good review of the SBMM SR5.
If you don’t mind $120-$150 on an upgraded preamp (something I will do,) you can give this bass a major upgrade. I just checked, and a lot of two band preamps are currently under $100.

 

[yakmastermax]

How can one tell the difference between a Ray35 and a Sterling Ray5? The headstocks look the same to me...

 

[Dr. Cheese]

How can one tell the difference between a Ray35 and a Sterling Ray5? The headstocks look the same to me...

The Ray35 has a three band eq and newer models have roasted maple necks.

 

[yakmastermax]

How do the Ray5 and Ray35 compare?

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

How do the Ray5 and Ray35 compare?

Both are food. But this is definitely a case of you get more for your money the higher up the Ernie Ball chain you go. All of them are excellent basses that compete and win against others in their price bracket. The Ray35 is very close to a US Ernie Ball MusicMan.
Personally, if I wanted to get as close to the US models without spending the $, I would go Ray35. They are excellent stock. No need to upgrade any parts. With the less expensive models you might feel the need for upgrade, especially in the preamp department. The roasted necks really do feel and play wonderfully.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Both are food. But this is definitely a case of you get more for your money the higher up the Ernie Ball chain you go. All of them are excellent basses that compete and win against others in their price bracket. The Ray35 is very close to a US Ernie Ball MusicMan.
Personally, if I wanted to get as close to the US models without spending the $, I would go Ray35. They are excellent stock. No need to upgrade any parts. With the less expensive models you might feel the need for upgrade, especially in the preamp department. The roasted necks really do feel and play wonderfully.

The biggest issue with the SBMM HH is that they are loud, but can distort if you crank them. If you don’t want to mod one, keep the preamp settings low and use the amp to color the tone.