• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Just received my Ray34...

P

Professor Jones

Sep 22, 2009
111
0
#1
Here's a small review after a few days of playing.

First of all, sorry but I can't make pics right now. It's an SBMM Ray34 in Honey burst color.

First thing that I did when opening the gig bag (which is nice BTW) is inspecting the bass to see if I found any flaws. Everything was perfect, the frets are nicely done and the bass as a whole is very well put together. Hardware and electronics feel sturdy and high in quality. The neck had more bow than needed so the action was high, but after a little tweaking everything was perfect.

Then I plug it in and start experimenting with the different sounds available. After a little fiddling with the eq I found a very nice tone, powerful and well defined with an impressive low end, exactly what I was looking for when I bought that bass. The slap tone is equally good, just like what it's supposed to sound on a ray. I find the bass very comfortable to play : the neck is chunky and that's the way I like them, it also has a nice satin finish that makes the hand slide effortlessly.

Unfortunately, I also found 2 significant problems with this bass :

- First, and I didn't notice it right away, this bass is very heavy. I became suspicious when I felt a pain in my shoulder after playing for a while. After putting it on a scale, I found indeed that it weighs no less than 11.4 lbs (5.2 kgs). A shame, when you know stingrays generally weigh 9-10 lbs. I realise here that I've been unlucky, and that this might be an exception among all the ray34 produced.

- Second problem, which bothers me more, is the lack of volume of the D and G strings. At first I thought that it was only a setup problem, so I tried changing the pickup height accordingly (lowering the bass side, bringing the treble side closer to the higher strings) but the difference in volume still could be clearly heard. Then I did some searching on the internet and found to my dismay that it was a common problem on stingrays, and has been for a long time. Heck, it's even mentioned in the wikipedia article !


So my feelings about this bass are mixed. If it was a little lighter and had even volume across the strings, it would be perfect. Unfortunately, it's very hard for me to occult these problems, since I'm reminded of them everytime I play.

What do I do now ? I don't know. A friend has showed some interest in buying my ray34, so this would allow me to buy another bass. But which one ? Maybe the sb14, which will be lighter, and might not have the volume problem, but I'm not sure that I will like the sound as much as I like the ray sound, and I also find it visually less appealing.

Bottom line : more bass related headaches for me :confused:
 
#5
The low output G is a common issue with most Stingrays. "The man" himself pretty much admitted it was designed that way. I can't recall the interview or source, but if you do a Search, either here or the EBMM forum you'll find lots of stuff about it and methods to remedy it.

I've not heard of a low output D issue. That's new to me.

My USA Stingray 4H doesn't have either problem after a pro setup and adjusting the pickup as the OP did.

I've played my Ray 35 regularly (shedding, rehearsals, recording) since I bought it a few weeks ago and haven't noticed a low output G string.

The only time I've noticed the weight is after playing an hour straight (typical length of average set), standing up. My shoulder was starting hurt, even with a 3.5" Comfort Strapp.

Can't you return your bass or exchange it for another Ray 34?
 
#6
The difference in volume of the D string is not very big, the G is the real problem. If the G sounded like the D I would not be bothered as much actually.

bigou : I paid 700 euros for mine, shipping included. This is the lowest price I could find in europe, most shops here are actually selling it for more than 900 euros (I'm located in France).

rappa29 : I can do that but I risk running into the same problems with the new one. I'll give it some thinking.

I've contacted an SBMM representative, he told me to test the pickup by comparing the sound of the pole pieces individually by tapping them with a metal object. He's willing to send me a new pickup if needed. Very good customer support !

I'll let you know how this goes, but if I can resolve the string volume problem, I think I will keep it, despite its weight. It sounds, feels, and looks too good to let it go.
 
#9
Professor Jones said:
- Second problem, which bothers me more, is the lack of volume of the D and G strings. At first I thought that it was only a setup problem, so I tried changing the pickup height accordingly (lowering the bass side, bringing the treble side closer to the higher strings) but the difference in volume still could be clearly heard. Then I did some searching on the internet and found to my dismay that it was a common problem on stingrays, and has been for a long time. Heck, it's even mentioned in the wikipedia article !


So my feelings about this bass are mixed. If it was a little lighter and had even volume across the strings, it would be perfect. Unfortunately, it's very hard for me to occult these problems, since I'm reminded of them everytime I play.

:
Click to expand...

welcome to the stingray PUP. always my biggest complaint about my ray and i tried everything to fix it..no avail. as mentioned before its known and even though the diehards will deny it or say "i fixed it" i have yet to be shown how.
 
#11
I am convinced that EBMM is shooting themselves in the foot with this whole offshoring idea: At least with OLP, the name was different enough that any bad build quality wouldn't reflect upon them, but these basses will be tied DIRECTLY to EBMM. Sad, since EBMM basses have pretty much the best build quality of any of the mass-production companies.
 
#12
BigOldHarry : as I said in my post and as most reviews about the SBMM products say, they are high quality instruments. The problems I have with it can actually be found on real EBMM stingrays, so the offshoring has nothing to do with that.
 
#13
I just completely redid the setup, and the volume of the strings is now fairly even (just a slight difference, not really a problem). This also allowed me to lower the action even more, which is nice.
Very fine bass, but still heavy as hell. I was told that most ray34 weigh about 9lbs, so I'm unlucky :/
 
#14
Professor Jones said:
I just completely redid the setup, and the volume of the strings is now fairly even (just a slight difference, not really a problem). This also allowed me to lower the action even more, which is nice.
Very fine bass, but still heavy as hell. I was told that most ray34 weigh about 9lbs, so I'm unlucky :/
Click to expand...

Good to hear you got it worked out! A good setup makes a world of difference! There are recent threads from people that had this revelation recently! :)

9lbs heavy has hell??? LOL! Sorry don't mean to poke fun but, my Ray 35 is probably 10lbs +/-, my G&L Tribute L2500 is 10lbs +/- and my USA EBMM Stingray 4H is probably 9lbs +/-.

Considering the tone these basses put out. Unlucky? Hardly! ;)
 
#16
rappa29 said:
Good to hear you got it worked out! A good setup makes a world of difference! There are recent threads from people that had this revelation recently! :)

9lbs heavy has hell??? LOL! Sorry don't mean to poke fun but, my Ray 35 is probably 10lbs +/-, my G&L Tribute L2500 is 10lbs +/- and my USA EBMM Stingray 4H is probably 9lbs +/-.

Considering the tone these basses put out. Unlucky? Hardly! ;)
Click to expand...

He was saying that rays are usually 9 pounds, but his is upwards of 11.4. Thus the unluckiness ;)
 
#18
I thought mine had the same issue but in the end I realized that I was adding too much bass on the EQ and the E and A string were too boomy giving the impression the G string was quieter. My .02¢
 
#19
BigOldHarry said:
I am convinced that EBMM is shooting themselves in the foot with this whole offshoring idea: At least with OLP, the name was different enough that any bad build quality wouldn't reflect upon them, but these basses will be tied DIRECTLY to EBMM. Sad, since EBMM basses have pretty much the best build quality of any of the mass-production companies.
Click to expand...


OLP's were licensed, like Mighty Mite necks. They were not an EBMM product. The SBMM's are like Squiers are to Fender or Epiphone to Gibson.
 
#20
tdizzle said:
I have a SB14 and it is nice. No problems with volume differences from string to string. Don't, however, expect it to weigh much less.
Click to expand...

I'm not so sure an SB14 will solve the OP's string balance issues. EBMM sterlings most definitely have the same D and G string issues as the Stingray. The SB14 is essentially an import Sterling.

One thing that accentuates the D and G problem is that 'ray players often use the pickup housing for a thumbrest. The D and G of any bass will sound thinner when plucking from the bridge pickup like this. Plucking closer to the neck on a 'ray or a Sterling does tend to make the D and G strings louder and fuller, but IMO, there is still a noticeable difference as compared to the E and A. The D and G just don't "sing" like they should (except for slap of course)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back