Music man Stingray

[verstft]

GASing for a classic 2EQ US stingray. $2300 new is insanity to me.
Any alternatives?

Used US MM?
I know the US made SUB guitars get a lot of love around TB but are hard to find and I don't love the painted neck.

So far I've tried a Ray34 and a S.U.B 4. Actually preferred the S.U.B 4 but a little uninspiring in the looks department.

I would consider a build but I don't think Warmoth makes Stringray shapes. I would love to take on a new parts project.

Anything I'm missing here?

 

[garp]

Used US MM?

That's your ticket. With some patience, ye shall find something nice that's "used, but not abused."

 

[eastcoasteddie]

A couple of members here created great Stingray alternatives from the Warmoth G4....at a fraction of the cost.

NBD- Warmoth G4 MM clone

NBD: Stingray something; Can you guess?

The Stingray tone can be easily mimicked with the amount of pickups and preamps available today, but if it’s the body shape you’re after, there’s only one place for that...
That being said, SBMM came out with the Ray24 and Ray25 this year, which are classic versions of the 34 and 35 with 2-band EQ’s. The successor to the Ray34 and 35 CA’s. They come with an SLO-spec neck, I believe...Sterling Bass-shaped.

 

[wizard65]

Did you try the Ray34ca?

 

[MD Stingray]

Did you try the Ray34ca?

This!

 

[SirMjac28]

I have a Ray35 and it sounds phenomenal it has that Stingray bite and has cured my GAS for a U.S model the only thing I'm missing is one of those gorgeous roasted necks.

 

[IPA]

Theres a 2 band on guitar center's used page for around 1k right now. Almost bought it myself.

 

[Dave W]

Used...

 

[mikeswals]

I always buy used unless there is an odd limited run/low production model that I have to just have...but I never buy new plain jane models.
I love Musicmans, and when it comes to StingRays they made thousands upon thousands of them that the used market is pretty saturated. These days Classics and even std 2eq models are easy to find.

 

[Bassist Jay]

Used is your best bet. The Sterling by Music Man line is nice but what is weird is the Sub Series Ray 4’s and Ray 5’s, their entry level stuff offers more finish options.

 

[A-Step-Towards]

Idk where you are but I have had 3 classics, I paid $800 each for 2 of them, $900 for another. All used, decent shape with cases.

 

[verstft]

Did you try the Ray34ca?

I believe I tried a Ray34 koa. What's the difference with the CA?

If there's really used US Rays for around 1k. I could sell a few guitars and swing that. Most of what I've found is closer to $1500 which is pushing it for me.

 

[corndog]

If you are close to the Canadian border, and can get up there, keep an eye on kijiji.com. some used stingrays are going for $1300 CDN, with the exchange will get you close, and no duty to pay due to NAFTA.

Could be a bit of a pia but gets you a Stingray within your budget.

 

[OldFunBass]

SUB Ray 4, a little fret work, then a Delano Pickup replacement and a John East Pre-EB MM 2 band EQ pre amp (comes with new pots and input plug). Sounds delicious, and I actually prefer the Ray 4 narrower neck to the actual Stingray. All in, about $650 and I love it.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I believe I tried a Ray34 koa. What's the difference with the CA?

If there's really used US Rays for around 1k. I could sell a few guitars and swing that. Most of what I've found is closer to $1500 which is pushing it for me.

Ray34CA is “Classic Active”; the classic version. However, as I mentioned above, the CA’s have been replaced by the Ray24.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The CA’s are out-of-stock at GC, but I’m not sure when the 24’s ship...
Invalid Link Removed

There was a Used Stringray 5 Classic in my local CL for about a month. Beautiful flame maple neck...I just could t swing the $1600 he wanted...

 

[InhumanResource]

GASing for a classic 2EQ US stingray. $2300 new is insanity to me.
Any alternatives?

Used US MM?
I know the US made SUB guitars get a lot of love around TB but are hard to find and I don't love the painted neck.

So far I've tried a Ray34 and a S.U.B 4. Actually preferred the S.U.B 4 but a little uninspiring in the looks department.

I would consider a build but I don't think Warmoth makes Stringray shapes. I would love to take on a new parts project.

Anything I'm missing here?

Buy used. I wouldn't even consider new unless I was going boutique and wanted to drop that kind of coin. 2k for something like a musicman or fender doesn't make sense with used prices under a grand.

 

[the baint]

Buy used. I found my ideal color scheme (burnt apple, matching hs, 3beq, rosewood) adjacent to eBay about 15 years ago and paid about $850 for it. Best part at the time was that it came from one of my favorite bands, so all the battle scars and history were part of its mystique.

 

[the baint]

… and it’s been my primary bass ever since. LOVE this thing.

 

[Gasman]

Buy used. They can be had for under $1500 easily. Just keep checking TB classifieds and reverb.

I’ve tried the 34ca. It sounded great, but the fit and finish were a bit lacking. I think they are a great deal, but not the same as a classic.

 

[Eric Swaim]

I like my insanity