Modified SBMM Ray4 vs SBMM Ray34 (Ash)

[Lesfunk]

I also have another question. If I were to buy an aftermarket pickup, what kind of magnets should I look for? Most offer either Alnico or Ceramic, but I'm not sure of the tonal differences between them. Like I've said before, I'm really interested in aggressive, punchy, growly tone. I also really enjoy slapping. Like a lot. So what kind of magnets would be the best for what I'm going for?

ceramic. IME

also, i don’t want to cloud the water for you, but I’d take into consideration that guitar center has the butterscotch Ray 24CA on sale for $399 right now.
that’s a heck of a deal and they don’t need a pickup upgrade. Their pickup is much better .
They sound like a stingray and have the same jazz neck as the Ray 4
And they have the upgraded bridge and nicer quality body wood
I would definitely play one before I purchased a Ray 4 to modify

also, don’t be surprised if the Ray 4 is heavy. Both of mine were heavy.
The Ray 24CA I owned was the lightest of the three. (Nato body vs. basswood)

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterli...ickguard-1500000205319.gc?rNtt=Ray 24&index=1

compared to
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterli...Pickguard-1500000209681.gc?rNtt=Ray 4&index=2

Compared to

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterli...gerboard-Electric-Bass.gc?rNtt=Ray 34&index=1

 

[mrperkolator]

Unfortunately I don't have scale like that, nor do I really know where to get one within walking distance on my campus. But you summed it up pretty well! I definitely like the neck on the ray4 because I'm used to a J neck already.

Ask someone near campus. I'd be flat out surprised if you couldn't find a young person that's obsessed with their looks and steps on a scale a few times a day. Bathroom scale should get job done.

I also have another question. If I were to buy an aftermarket pickup, what kind of magnets should I look for? Most offer either Alnico or Ceramic, but I'm not sure of the tonal differences between them. Like I've said before, I'm really interested in aggressive, punchy, growly tone. I also really enjoy slapping. Like a lot. So what kind of magnets would be the best for what I'm going for?

Watch some of LowendLobster's videos on youtube. And aggressive? I've heard Nordstrands can be. Strings can change some of that too. Stainless steel seems to be brighter/more aggressive. Nordstrand Customer service is also pretty good, so reach out to them on the sound you're going for. Also, in my experience, the preamp on the ray is the weaker spot. You may be able to get the tone you want just by upgrading the pre, and not worrying about the pickup. One step at a time....

 

[Jim C]

ceramic. IME

also, i don’t want to cloud the water for you, but I’d take into consideration that guitar center has the butterscotch Ray 24CA on sale for $399 right now.
that’s a heck of a deal and they don’t need a pickup upgrade. Their pickup is much better .
They sound like a stingray and have the same jazz neck as the Ray 4
And they have the upgraded bridge and nicer quality body wood
I would definitely play one before I purchased a Ray 4 to modify

also, don’t be surprised if the Ray 4 is heavy. Both of mine were heavy.
The Ray 24CA I owned was the lightest of the three. (Nato body vs. basswood)

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling-by-Music-Man/StingRay-Classic-Electric-Bass-Butterscotch-Black-Pickguard-1500000205319.gc?rNtt=Ray 24&index=1

compared to
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling-by-Music-Man/SUB-StingRay-Maple-Fingerboard-Electric-Bass-Satin-Vintage-Sunburst-Black-Pickguard-1500000209681.gc?rNtt=Ray 4&index=2

Compared to

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling-by-Music-Man/StingRay-Ray34-Maple-Fingerboard-Electric-Bass.gc?rNtt=Ray 34&index=1

Thanks for this.
I'm going to have to see if I can get comfy with a 1 1/2" neck again. Any guess as to the average weight of this 24CA?
This video from @LowEndLobster also confirms the above. Very nice playing and with and w/o a backing track!

 

[Lesfunk]

Thanks for this.
I'm going to have to see if I can get comfy with a 1 1/2" neck again. Any guess as to the average weight of this 24CA?
This video from @LowEndLobster also confirms the above. Very nice playing and with and w/o a backing track!

Well, considering that my answer is completely anecdotal, I will say that all the Ray 4s I’ve played were very heavy and the Ray 24s including mine was probably about a pound or less lighter

I look at it this way. The Ray24 CA is over priced at 500 bucks (now (550), but on sale at 400 bucks it’s worth it. You’re getting an already upgraded pickup, Ray34 bridge , nicer finish and slightly lighter better quality body wood.
At 399 with free shipping, it’s a no brainer. In fact now I’m thinking about grabbing one before the price goes back up.

 

[Axious]

Well, considering that my answer is completely anecdotal, I will say that all the Ray 4s I’ve played were very heavy and the Ray 24s including mine was probably about a pound or less lighter

I look at it this way. The Ray24 CA is over priced at 500 bucks (now (550), but on sale at 400 bucks it’s worth it. You’re getting an already upgraded pickup, Ray34 bridge , nicer finish and slightly lighter better quality body wood.
At 399 with free shipping, it’s a no brainer. In fact now I’m thinking about grabbing one before the price goes back up.

This might be the move! I'll definitely check it out in store. The only issue I can is see is the color. I'm a much bigger fan of the mint ray4 over butterscotch, but I can definitely work around that if it's that much lighter.

 

[Axious]

Update Everyone! I had a chance to go to GC today. I tried out the ray34, it sounds so good and has a great feel. The 3-band pre is really nice. However, after picking up and playing the ray24ca, I made my decision almost immediately. The ray24ca is great upgrade over the ray4 (For this sale price at least). The neck feels like it has a better finish, the bridge is much nicer, the pup and pre doesn't distort like the ray4, and, the best part honestly, it is noticeably lighter. I don't have a way to weigh it, but compared to the ray4 and ray34 it feels way better weight wise. That alone sold me, but thankfully it was on sale (and will be for a few more days!) and I highly recommend it to anyone who was experiencing the same position I was in. The best thing is, this bass still has room for improvement, meaning later on I can install a better pup or preamp if I choose, which is the main desire I had with the ray4. Overall, I'm very happy and can't put this thing down. Thank you everyone for your help!

 

[dralionux]

This is a very simple, cheap mod
STERLING SUB RAY4 - PASSIVE