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Ray or Fender?

Ray or Fender?

  • Sterling by MusicMan Ray35

    Votes: 55 47.4%

  • Fender Deluxe Active Jazz V

    Votes: 61 52.6%
  • Total voters
    116
#21
laneline said:
I recommend you try both for their B strings, one of the reasons I play MM's is because their B string is outstanding. My Ray 35 is very close to a US MM in tone. The B string is literally as good as is overall playability. I've had the Ray 35 since August
and it's been solid. I feel it's a excellent value bass.
Click to expand...

Question: Have you gotten to play your Ray live at all? Does it cut through like a EBMM, or is it lacking?
 
#22
I picked these two because they can both do a humbucker (or at least a humbucker-like) tone, , are 5-strings, and have active electronics.. And they're both very versatile. Also they have some real mass on them (in my experience, that gives it a more monstrous tone, and I like playing heavier over light basses anyways). I'd really like the Ray because I know I'd be completely satisfied with its aggressive tone. But if the Ray35 is lacking the aggressiveness of its EBMM counterparts, I'd probably give the Fender Jazz more of a try. It's "humbucker" tone is more rounded, and while it wouldn't be my number one choice, I know it should have enough grind for what I want.

So I really want a 5 string, versatile but aggressive, active humbucking bass.

If there's any more you can tell me about the Ray35, especially in live situations, don't hesitate to let me know. Thanks again guys
 
#23
I voted Ray. The last band I played drums in, the bass player had an Active Jazz Deluxe 5. He played that for a couple of years then tried a Ray35. He bought the Ray and now, 8 months later(?), it is his number one player.

FWIW, when he switched off from his Jazz to his Fender Precision, I thought that also sounded much better in the band's mix (than his J).
 
#24
slapnthebass said:
This is really what I've been wanting to hear. I've kinda realized the Jazz's "humbucker" tone (both pickups at full) wouldn't be what I want since its too rounded for my taste. So no Jazz right now, I want that EBMM sound that really cuts through the live mix. A lack of this live cutting tone is really a deal breaker for me.. and I'd try it myself but I can't exactly snatch a Ray35 from Guitar Center to borrow for a night lol.

I really wanted a 5 string, but if it's lacking then I'd rather go Ray34 than 35. So in your opinion, for a lower-priced EBMM live sound, the 34 would be a better option?
Click to expand...

There are plenty of others that play a Ray35 and have been happy with the live sound of it at a gig. I will say that the strings on it make a huge difference in the tone. The stock EB slinkys go dead quick. I have my Ray35 string with DR lo-riders and love them.
 
#25
slapnthebass said:
I picked these two because they can both do a humbucker (or at least a humbucker-like) tone, , are 5-strings, and have active electronics.. And they're both very versatile. Also they have some real mass on them (in my experience, that gives it a more monstrous tone, and I like playing heavier over light basses anyways). I'd really like the Ray because I know I'd be completely satisfied with its aggressive tone. But if the Ray35 is lacking the aggressiveness of its EBMM counterparts, I'd probably give the Fender Jazz more of a try. It's "humbucker" tone is more rounded, and while it wouldn't be my number one choice, I know it should have enough grind for what I want.

So I really want a 5 string, versatile but aggressive, active humbucking bass.

If there's any more you can tell me about the Ray35, especially in live situations, don't hesitate to let me know. Thanks again guys
Click to expand...

The bolded part just screams "Spector" to me. I have a Spector Rex5 with dual humbuckers and an EMG 2-band preamp and it is very aggressive, although it can be versatile as well and tamed a bit if need be.

Between the two options you came up with, I'd probably say the Ray fits your needs a lot better. I've played one at Guitar Center briefly and enjoyed it.
 
#27
If you can find one, a SUB5 is a better choice for your stated purposes than either of the poll choices - and can be had within the same price range... I've seen a few on ebay and GC's used gear pages - they're pretty much a "plain jane" US made StingRay Classic...

I got this one for $500:

sub5-1.jpg



- georgestrings
 
#28
slapnthebass said:
This is really what I've been wanting to hear. I've kinda realized the Jazz's "humbucker" tone (both pickups at full) wouldn't be what I want since its too rounded for my taste. So no Jazz right now, I want that EBMM sound that really cuts through the live mix. A lack of this live cutting tone is really a deal breaker for me.. and I'd try it myself but I can't exactly snatch a Ray35 from Guitar Center to borrow for a night lol.

I really wanted a 5 string, but if it's lacking then I'd rather go Ray34 than 35. So in your opinion, for a lower-priced EBMM live sound, the 34 would be a better option?
Click to expand...

It was for me! I love my Ray 34
 
#30
georgestrings said:
If you can find one, a SUB5 is a better choice for your stated purposes than either of the poll choices - and can be had within the same price range... I've seen a few on ebay and GC's used gear pages - they're pretty much a "plain jane" US made StingRay Classic...

I got this one for $500:

sub5-1.jpg



- georgestrings
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity, what puts the SUBs over the SBMMs, and more specifically the SUB5 over the Ray35? I've always wondered why people pick one over the other
 
#32
slapnthebass said:
Just out of curiosity, what puts the SUBs over the SBMMs, and more specifically the SUB5 over the Ray35? I've always wondered why people pick one over the other
Click to expand...


Simple - the SUBs were made right along side of the other US EBMMs - same machinery, same people making them... and in many cases, the same exact pup, 2 band preamp, and slab body that the much more expensive Classics have...


- georgestrings
 
#35
Wallace320 said:
IMHO positively NO MusicMan can do that. Period.

Cheers,
Wallace
Click to expand...

Im going to guess then that you've never played a big al. It can do THAT and a whole lot more. And not fall apart while doing it like every fender i ever owned.

edit: just had an afterthought. I am certain that I can get a very convincing jazz bass sound, and even an arguable P out of my stingray HS. there is however no way on earth that a burpy stingray sound can be had on a jazz bass. it just ain't there. and believe me, I've tried.
 
#36
The poll matched Fender active Deluxe Jazz V (I put the CAR one for I previously owned it: actually my very first Fender, and my very last 5er) and Sterling Ray 35, that I think I know enough having been offered many times and never swapped in yet.

Anyway no Big Al for me, never tried any. My good friend Tony Corizia (Italian Yamaha endorser) warmly suggested one to me (don't tell Yamaha Italia, uh;)) but, even in his hands I wasn't impressed.

Anyway...
Again...
Never tried any Big Al
I collectively referred to MusicMan (which I don't love:smug:) so my fault Joe

Cheers,
Wallace

PS: Fender DXV still wins over Sterling Ray 35 for me:ninja:
 
#37
I've no experience with either bass or 5-strings in general, butt I'm bored so I'll chime in. If I had to chose, I'd go with the Ray35 because I always hear on these boards that Musicmang 5-strings are great basses. So even though this is the cheaper model, I'd choose it because of the excellent reputation the company has. I don't hear that much praise for 5-string Fenders. Plus the Ray35 looks cooler than the Jazz and I'm a big fan of single-pickup basses.
 

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