Ray34CA is a crushing value if you can find a good used deal.
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True, true, true.
I had a Stingray that sounded great by itself but the D and the G strings got lost in the mix. I've had 4 or 5 stingrays over the years, but only one of them was perfectly even across all four strings.
If you want a Stingray (or Sterling for that matter), get an EBMM. Quite a lot of people may suggest G & L, but there's an X-factor to an EBMM instrument beyond the tones available, or playability, or how it sits in the mix. It's just a very cool instrument, and sometimes, when you're on stage, you need a bass that has 'it'. Sometimes, it's not about owning a bass that gets you a wide palette of tones.
I've never had a weak G problem with any of my Rays, because I always set them up good (well, to my preference, super low action and specific pickup to string height). Good setup is very, very important for string to string balance. I also lower the A and D pole pieces (pre Special single H Stingrays have staggered pole pieces), that helps with the balance and GREATLY helps with the comfort of playing above the pickup. Perfectly balanced.
If you have a Sting Ray itch to scratch then the Ray34 or Ray34CA will do the trick. I own a Ray34 and paid about $600 new. Used ones go for $500 or less, so it's a great deal for a really well-made bass. Is the US made bass better? Yeah, of course. But for a hobby player like me, it's not worth the difference. If you're a pro or have the coin, then buy the US classic.
I really love my Sterling S.U.B. Ray5 It's a true quality instrument. The neck is solid as a rock, stays in tune and sounds Wonderful! This was my first "Stingray" and I am now a huge fan. Of course I can't leave anything alone so I've replaced all the electrics with some nice pieces to further improve the sound.
I had a pastor once telling me "If you look at something long enough. You're going to want it". Buying an entry level bass is a sure fire way to end up with the real thing. Save your money, and buy the real thing. JMO.
This video's been out for quite a while, and people fixed their weak G problem this way. Predominant reason why I did this to all my Stingrays is comfort though. I tend to dig in a lot at times, and I'd always hit the pole pieces. That hurt, lol.
Anyways, it's easy to do it. Take out the pickup, take the cover off, and just push the pole pieces with your fingers. Set their height to your liking and that's it. I also use a bit of Loctite glue on the bottom to keep them in place once I'm done with the height adjustment, just to be safe. I kept a small stagger on the A and D strings, something similar to what Nordstrand MM4.1 pickup has.
For extra comfort, I also shimmed the pickup cover to raise it. I raise it until E and G pole pieces are pretty much flush with it, or close to it anyway. That part is less important for post 2003 pickups, because pre-2003 pups didn't have beveled edges, and those are just rougher on your fingers. 90s rays sound awesome, but those pickup pole pieces have sharp, hard edges. Anyways, shimming the cover is easy, just make some cutaways or use tape - or ignore if you don't need this part.
Also a P guy and had a B00 Stingray I tried to bond w for 30 years and it stayed in the closet. Played great, way too heavy and just couldn't get w the sound. Grew to really dislike it,. That's me, others live for it
Upside of the story was got 10X what paid for it so not the worst longterm investment
Upside of the story was got 10X what paid for it so not the worst longterm investment
That Vintage Cream SBMM Ray4 caught my eye, too...and I already own an EBMM Sterling!
A cautionary tale, to be sure. I would much rather have a $299 unused bass in the closet than a $1700 one. That way I can use it to fend off bears and thieves without a moment's hesitation.
I think the MusicMan line offers a lot for the money and its hard to argue with the performance of any model. However, before I'd pull the trigger on any of them, I'd suggest that they check out G&L too. G&L offers a wider selection of models and the L-2000 and L-2500 variants are among the best sounding, most flexible basses on the market. Like MusicMan, you can be anywhere from $499 up (NEW) and at used prices, even less. I own a EBMM and a G&L and if I bought with my ears, the G&L wins the fight.
@bmusic, just in case you didn't see it, there's another post here saying the EBMM StingRay Classic has been discontinued. That may factor into your decision. If you want one, now may be the time to grab it.
I did see that. I guess that might also factor into value, as time goes by, should I decide to grab one and hold onto it?
Yes the 4 that I owned had weak G strings too even with every tweak imaginable. Like you I am a P (and J) guy as well, and I can tell you that I couldnt stand not having a neck pickup..just not for me. But I know lots of folks dig them here and everywhere..
Why not a 3-band? For folks who have both, do they really sound that different or just have a different feel? I've heard they're "warmer" which could be a subjective thing. BTW, never had a problem with a weak G.
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