Modified SBMM Ray4 vs SBMM Ray34 (Ash)

[Axious]

Hey there everyone. This is my first time posting on here. I'm just looking to get some opinions on what's stated in the title.
I recently purchased a Sterling S.U.B. Ray4, but I'm considering returning it and saving up to get a Ray34.
What I wanted to know if it's worth just keeping the Ray4 and getting and a new pickup and pre-amp to put into it. I like the playability of the instrument, and the build quality isn't too bad either.
On the other hand, the ray34, from what I've heard, is very close to an EBMM, but for like half the price. I planned on just buying a used one for about 700$ after I get a performance stipend (poor college student.)
My local(ish) guitar center has one, so sometime soon I'll go try it out. But if anyone out there has any opinions on the matter, please respond!

 

[LowEndLobster]

I love the SUB Ray4 basses as mod platforms. If you like the feel, save yourself hundreds and do a pickup swap on the SUB! Aguilar, Nordstrand and SD are great options for getting the 'classic' Stingray tone. I'd go pickup first, and then decide what you want out of the pre. The aftermarket pickup + stock pre pairing is surprisingly good!

 

[hvymetallurgist]

Unless the stock Ray34 you try is exactly what you want, I’d vote modding the Ray4. An EMG MMHZ pickup transformed the sound of my Ray4 and was a cakewalk to install, so I’d echo Lobster and recommend starting with that.

Cool thing about a cheaper mod platform bass is that you can do mods one at a time as money comes available and slowly but surely transform it into a one of a kind beast and not feel too bad learning mod lessons the hard way as you go along. FWIW, at this point I wouldn’t trade my modded Ray4 for a Ray34.

 

[Axious]

I love the SUB Ray4 basses as mod platforms. If you like the feel, save yourself hundreds and do a pickup swap on the SUB! Aguilar, Nordstrand and SD are great options for getting the 'classic' Stingray tone. I'd go pickup first, and then decide what you want out of the pre. The aftermarket pickup + stock pre pairing is surprisingly good!

I wasn't expecting a response from you Lobster! Your videos on the various SUB Ray modifications are what got me here in the first place! (I love the aesthetic of Mint-O-Ray so I got a mint ray4) Thank you for your input though, I'll decide after I try out the ray 34, but I love the idea of making this bass my own!

 

[Lesfunk]

I’m with lobster. I think you can achieve an excellent sounding and playing bass with the Ray 4 as a modding platform

 

[Axious]

Unless the stock Ray34 you try is exactly what you want, I’d vote modding the Ray4. An EMG MMHZ pickup transformed the sound of my Ray4 and was a cakewalk to install, so I’d echo Lobster and recommend starting with that.

Cool thing about a cheaper mod platform bass is that you can do mods one at a time as money comes available and slowly but surely transform it into a one of a kind beast and not feel too bad learning mod lessons the hard way as you go along. FWIW, at this point I wouldn’t trade my modded Ray4 for a Ray34.

Thanks for your response! I really like the idea of making this bass my own while also learning how to mod! I was just wasn't too sure how close the tone of a modded Ray4 could actually get to the Ray34 (or EBMM sting ray for that matter). Lobster's videos helped a ton, but I wish I could hear an in person comparison. But you stating how much you enjoy your modded ray4 over a ray34 means a lot and I'll keep it in mind!

 

[Axious]

I’m with lobster. I think you can achieve an excellent sounding and playing bass with the Ray 4 as a modding platform

Thank you!

 

[Lesfunk]

Thank you!

You’re welcome. And I’m not just whistling Dixie. I’ve modded two ray4 basses and one Ray 24 myself and achieved what I considered to be superior basses to the higher end models with less money invested

 

[Axious]

Any specific recommendations for pickups/pre-amps? I have what lobster listed but I could always use another opinion. If it means anything, the music I like play (and what I got this bass for) is high energy and funk oriented. Kind of like old-school flea basslines. My jazz bass has done an excellent job in nearly everything, but I want the music man tone for this kind of music.

 

[GreyBeard]

Is it just me or are the Lobster's videos the best bass videos on the web?

 

[Axious]

Agreed 100%

 

[Lesfunk]

Any specific recommendations for pickups/pre-amps? I have what lobster listed but I could always use another opinion. If it means anything, the music I like play (and what I got this bass for) is high energy and funk oriented. Kind of like old-school flea basslines. My jazz bass has done an excellent job in nearly everything, but I want the music man tone for this kind of music.

I’ve done Seymour Duncan and EMG in the ones I had.
My favorite was probably the Duncan ceramic pickup with the Duncan stingray preamp.It was pretty aggressive, which is what I like, but I had nordstrand MM pickups in a Lakland that were great too

the EMGs will be the easiest to install with their solderless connectors and no bridge ground wire needed
there are so many choices…and they’re all going to be an improvement

 

[Axious]

Thank you! I'll have to do some research!

 

[Dave TB Killer]

I have a Ray 34CA. Slab ash body. Mod with passive SD pickup and a compensated brass nut. It is one of my favorite players. It was the first and thus far only venture into the MM realm.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

There's a 0.19" / 5mm difference in the Ray4 and the Ray34 necks, if that kind of thing is important to you.

 

[MaxSpinrun]

I love the SUB Ray4 basses as mod platforms. If you like the feel, save yourself hundreds and do a pickup swap on the SUB! Aguilar, Nordstrand and SD are great options for getting the 'classic' Stingray tone. I'd go pickup first, and then decide what you want out of the pre. The aftermarket pickup + stock pre pairing is surprisingly good!

As usual, Lobster is spot on! He did a comparison vid on this. I have a Sub Ray that I put in a Nordstrand 4.2 DC pup. Gives as Lobster says, a more classic Ray tone. Combined it with a John East MM 3 band pre with sweepable mids. This pre also has a pull bright function. Really transforms the Ray with this combination.

 

[maxschrek]

Mod the Ray4 with an Aguilar AG M4 ($140) and a Mojotone 2 band MM clone ($95) pre.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Main difference (I own a Ray4, son owns a Ray34) is the finish, then electronics.

 

[Axious]

Mod the Ray4 with an Aguilar AG M4 ($140) and a Mojotone 2 band MM clone ($95) pre.

From what I've heard, I'm definitely liking the sound of the Aguilar pickups. Nord strand and SD also sound pretty good, but it's hard to find comparisons.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Mod to own, don't mod to sell. You'll get very little of your investment back, possibly making the instrument worth even less than in the original condition. If you can do the work yourself it's a better deal, but if you need to take it to a repair shop to have them install the pickups and electronics, it's basically costs the same to install electronics in a $300 bass as it costs to install in a $4000 bass. Point being that you can quickly make a $300 instrument into a $800 investment with a $250 resale value. Not saying that you shouldn't mod, just have eyes open before the adventure begins.