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Sad NBD... Sterling Ray34HH vs MM Stingray Special HH?

kln_bc

kln_bc

Aug 24, 2011
207
493
Canada
#1
So I went to try out some HH basses and fell in love with the sound and playability of a Sterling Ray34HH. It had some setup issues, but I figured I'd be able to remedy that pretty quick so I bought it on the spot. I've had it at home for all of 30 minutes, first thing I checked was the truss rod, and it's frigging busted . Ive been doing some digging online and it seems neck problems run a bit common in these. I'll be bringing this back later, and the thought occurred, maybe I should upgrade to a MM instead. Either way I would have to order a new one...thoughts on how they compare?

Honestly, if the Sterling was fine I'd be totally happy with it, but if their QC is so bad they let a broken truss rod ship, that has me concerned. I do really love the amber finish though. Check it out...
1000001726.jpg


I feel I should also mention, I had tried a couple other Ray34's previously...the single bucker version in blue and purple sparkle...both of those were setup horrendously as well. Like completely unplayable. I don't know how they can ship so poorly, no amount of wood shifting in transport can get a bass to that point...and how stores just throw them up on the wall like that, I dont get it. Also the tuners feel like absolute garbage...but that can be changed easy enough.
 
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#4
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#13
Those Sterling Ray basses are garbage for what they change in my experience. I've had 2 that had maxed out truss rods and one that had the tuner break off. For $800-$1000, those things should all be working properly. The setup on everyone I've ever tried has also been awful. It's really too bad because they sound and look great, but the QC is so incredibly terrible. Not what one would expect from a company like EBMM. Their USA stuff is hands down amazing!
 
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#14
I've owned a few real Stingrays in the past, so I am very familiar with the real deal, 4H, Special and Classic.. I wound up selling them for whatever reason. This year I had the hankering for a Stingray again, but was feeling cheap:

- First, I tried a Ray24 new from SW. Actually felt GREAT (amazing neck!!) but the truss rod wouldn't turn. RETURN
- Next, I tried a Ray34 new from SW. It had ALL SORTS of problems, HATED IT! RETURN!!!
- Lastly, tried a second Ray24 new from SW - it was amazing but I dropped it on day one!!! It made a big dent so I sold it on Reverb at a small loss.

So, all-in-all, I actually liked the Ray24 MUCH better than the 34, which I really hated. However, I wasn't crazy about the Blue color and didn't want that weird butterscotch flavor, so I went the total opposite direction and spent about $2800 on the new Retro 70s Stingray (a big discount with no tax), LOL, big, big difference in price but I am very happy.

Anyway, I say try a Ray24, if you like it, upgrade it a bit, and it that doesn't suffice, go for the real deal. I personally saw ZERO upgrade form the 24 to 34 and to me, I want that real EBMM headstock.
 
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#16
FRoss6788 said:
Sorry, but, note the goofy emoji below...

It's plenty of money and, no, you should not have to put up with that kind of crap for $600 let alone $1200...

We agree about this.
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haha roger that, yea the Ray34 is way overpriced. The 24 is a great value. That 24 feels really, really good. And it's more like a Classic with a Jazz width neck. Great! The Ray4 feels like crap, IMO. The 24 is where its at!
 
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#18
kln_bc said:
Yeah I'm seeing that now as I wade through it lol. I guess I'll return and give pass on sterling...
Click to expand...
You might check the classifieds for something used too. I have nothing listed (so no affiliations), but there are two EBMM Sterlings (not Sterling by Music Man) for sale at pretty amazing prices. And an EBMM Sub for like $750.

Sorry you had a dud. It's weird that those are issues so many manufacturers have worked out at that price and below; I'm not sure why SBMM can't get it right.
 
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#19
I ordered a B stock one in Purple Sparkle a few months ago with disclosed tuner issues that I was willing to live with and eventually amend myself because I got a super deal, however what broke the deal was the seized truss rod and I had no choice but to return it.
 
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