Need Advice - Sterling by MusicMan SUB

[Stevorebob]

I've played both the SUB Ray4, Ray 34, as well as the EB Stingray. The Ray34 feels and sounds more like a stingray than the SUB Ray4. The Ray 34's neck is much wider without much taper like the stingray, and the bridge is really heavy duty with huge saddles and a thick plate just like the Stingray. And it came with a great fret job and set up. And the Ray 34 has the oil finish maple neck like the Stingray. On the other hand, the SUB Ray, is much lighter, with a thinner neck with more taper, and the electronics are not at all Stingray sounding, as they are very hot output and bright without much variability in the sweep of the pots. The Ray34 on the other hand, has a warmer tone and not as hot as the SUB Ray due to the alnico vs ceramic picups. And the preamp is a large circuit board mounted to each pot, vs the SUB ray where the circuit board is small and has wires from each pot. Anyway, after playing all 3, I went with the Ray34. It cost more than 2.5x the price of the SUB Ray4, and the closest thing to a Stingray without getting a Stingray. Anyway, the SUB Ray4 has a unique sound of it's own, and it's like a gateway drug into Stingrays.

I think it depends which EBMM Sting Ray you’re comparing with the SBMMs. The SMBB SUB and Ray 34ca/35ca are more like the 2-band preamp EBMM Classic Sting Rays. The SBMM Ray 34/35 is more like the 3-band preamp EMBB Sting Ray.

 

[Rollin Thunder]

just bought a Ray34, its got a lovely growly purr with great purring sustain, but still has the warmth. the control on tonal variation s superb just using fingers moving from the bridge to above the pickup you get two very different tones. love it. well worth the money. it has the right balance of warm and growl. a little bit more grunt and punch than my fender jazz and not quite as warm, but that what i wanted.

 

[mcnach]

Grab an old USA made S.U.B. That thing takes no second seat to Stingray, you get the same USA build quality, same preamp/pickup (and a 2 band to boot!) and a pretty much indestructible finish. And a neck that's probably more stable than wax finished Stingray necks because it has a lacquer finish. Save money and grab a real quality (event though I've seen their prices go up lately). Mine is bulletproof.

Now, this I would agree with. THAT is a real Stingray in anything but price.

 

[mouthmw]

Now, this I would agree with. THAT is a real Stingray in anything but price.

I love mine so much it's very hard for me to "upgrade" to a full priced ray. I'm gonna check out a standard 3 band ray with a full maple neck next week. I have an offer to switch it out for my SUB and add some cash. I'm not sold on wax finishes (stability and cleaning wise) and 3 band ain't 2 band. Somehow I doubt it'll win me over my SUB.


Mmm, my SUB is sexy.. xD

 

[mcnach]

I love mine so much it's very hard for me to "upgrade" to a full priced ray. I'm gonna check out a standard 3 band ray with a full maple neck next week. I have an offer to switch it out for my SUB and add some cash. I'm not sold on wax finishes (stability and cleaning wise) and 3 band ain't 2 band. Somehow I doubt it'll win me over my SUB.

View attachment 1146506
Mmm, my SUB is sexy.. xD

Indeed... had I tried my USA SUB before I got my Stingray, I might not own the Stingray now. The only thing that might sway me is that I *love* maple fingerboards, and the natural/maple combination is a winner for me. But when it comes to sound and playability, the SUB would do just fine, no compromises at all. No other Stingray-like bass comes close.

The neck on my Stingray was not very nice to look at after a few years of use, so I had it glossy lacquered, as that's how I like them best. It wasn't very expensive and now it feels great and always looks amazing.

edit: an excuse to add a picture

 

[TjMetalhead]

I love mine so much it's very hard for me to "upgrade" to a full priced ray. I'm gonna check out a standard 3 band ray with a full maple neck next week. I have an offer to switch it out for my SUB and add some cash. I'm not sold on wax finishes (stability and cleaning wise) and 3 band ain't 2 band. Somehow I doubt it'll win me over my SUB.

View attachment 1146506
Mmm, my SUB is sexy.. xD

I always liked the black headstocks on those, Is the back of the neck also finished as well?

 

[mcnach]

I always liked the black headstocks on those, Is the back of the neck also finished as well?

It is. Many people sand it off to reveal the wood underneath, but I also think it looks nice black, and it feels alright.

 

[TjMetalhead]

It is. Many people sand it off to reveal the wood underneath, but I also think it looks nice black, and it feels alright.

That's strange, to each their own I suppose. I'd leave it just as is.

 

[mouthmw]

I always liked the black headstocks on those, Is the back of the neck also finished as well?

Indeed it is. It's a nice satin like finish, very comfy neck.

Indeed... had I tried my USA SUB before I got my Stingray, I might not own the Stingray now. The only thing that might sway me is that I *love* maple fingerboards, and the natural/maple combination is a winner for me. But when it comes to sound and playability, the SUB would do just fine, no compromises at all. No other Stingray-like bass comes close.

The neck on my Stingray was not very nice to look at after a few years of use, so I had it glossy lacquered, as that's how I like them best. It wasn't very expensive and now it feels great and always looks amazing.

edit: an excuse to add a picture

I love it! In fact that's exactly what I'm gassin' for - a natural ash finish, black guard (bwb) and an all maple neck!