its very easy to find usa stingrays for 8-900. a few just ended on ebay for very cheap.
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Sell me on a US-made Stingray
- Thread starter Pings Bass
- Start date
PaulCISSA
Unsweetened, highly-caffeinated
I had a 2005 Stingray (bought new) and played it for 13 years. I then sold it and two other basses in 2018 to fund a Fodera. Dumbest thing I’ve ever done! I love the Fodera, but after sorely missing the Stingray for less than a year, I found a new/old stock 2011 Stingray and i’m whole again. I’m lucky that the neck on the 2011 is as sweet as the 2005, but the newer preamp isn’t quite as fat as the older models.
I’d say if you can find a well cared-for pre-2006 for decent $$, don’t be afraid. They’re fine instruments with unique voices and besides being a little chubby on the scale - play wonderfully.
I’d say if you can find a well cared-for pre-2006 for decent $$, don’t be afraid. They’re fine instruments with unique voices and besides being a little chubby on the scale - play wonderfully.
I played one of those new $299 stingray subs w/ the 2 band, holy freakin cow, great sounding and playing bass for that kind of cash.
Ive only own one EBMM SR (I still have it) and its fantastic, i haven’t tried the other models to compare
Hey Esteban!
Money and value are a funny thing. Some of my friends could never dream of owning a bass that costs over $1,000 (USD), other friends wish they could be happy with basses below $3,000. So assuming that you can realistically afford a USA Stingray without putting yourself in a bad spot financially, I’ll share some thoughts.
Talkbass has a bit of a culture that rallies around “budget basses”. I don’t blame them; budget basses have gotten really damn good for the money. Especially with a proper setup, fret dressing, and maintenance to increase playability. Right off the shelf you can often have a bass that would be great for nearly anything you’d need it for.
That said, USA-made Musicman basses are objectively a step up. From electronics, to the attention to detail on the neck/frets, to the finish work; they’re truly stellar instruments. Of course this doesn’t mean their more budget-friendly counterparts are bad, but they’re ideally everything you like about the Sterling SUB but improved upon.
Are there diminishing returns on the price? Sure. If you pay MSRP** you’re not going to get a bass that’s 8x better for 8x the price. Can your Sterling SUB be a reeeeally good one? Sure. Can you get a Musicman that shouldn’t have made it out of the factory? It happens. But I’d wager that most USA Stingrays would offer an improvement over what you already like.
Personally, the feeling that bites at me a lot when I jam on a budget model is, “damn, if I like the cheaper one this much, how much will I like the flagship model?” But only you can make that decision in the end.
**MSRP: on regular production instruments, there is almost always room to negotiate, at least in the US. Even online retailers will give you a better deal over the phone. All that aside, the used market will always give you the best value.
Money and value are a funny thing. Some of my friends could never dream of owning a bass that costs over $1,000 (USD), other friends wish they could be happy with basses below $3,000. So assuming that you can realistically afford a USA Stingray without putting yourself in a bad spot financially, I’ll share some thoughts.
Talkbass has a bit of a culture that rallies around “budget basses”. I don’t blame them; budget basses have gotten really damn good for the money. Especially with a proper setup, fret dressing, and maintenance to increase playability. Right off the shelf you can often have a bass that would be great for nearly anything you’d need it for.
That said, USA-made Musicman basses are objectively a step up. From electronics, to the attention to detail on the neck/frets, to the finish work; they’re truly stellar instruments. Of course this doesn’t mean their more budget-friendly counterparts are bad, but they’re ideally everything you like about the Sterling SUB but improved upon.
Are there diminishing returns on the price? Sure. If you pay MSRP** you’re not going to get a bass that’s 8x better for 8x the price. Can your Sterling SUB be a reeeeally good one? Sure. Can you get a Musicman that shouldn’t have made it out of the factory? It happens. But I’d wager that most USA Stingrays would offer an improvement over what you already like.
Personally, the feeling that bites at me a lot when I jam on a budget model is, “damn, if I like the cheaper one this much, how much will I like the flagship model?” But only you can make that decision in the end.
**MSRP: on regular production instruments, there is almost always room to negotiate, at least in the US. Even online retailers will give you a better deal over the phone. All that aside, the used market will always give you the best value.
I'd go with a Ray 34 and either pocket the extra cash or buy a nice amp.
Was looking at this one, but found something really special, so...
Still, I grab one and take it for a spin every time I see one.
First off, a disclaimer, I'd love to believe that an inexpensive Sterling SUB can be close or equal to the more expensive EBMM Ray, but I'd be kidding myself. I'm a cheapskate when it comes to equipment, but the reality is there is a difference, a pretty noticeable one, now whether it's worth the 8X difference is pretty subjective, I just know it's really noticeable.
I currently have these two basses, a US EBMM SUB Ray and a Sterling Ray34 that I've been playing side by side and trying to compare them.
To try to pinpoint one thing that is most different about them is difficult, as what really makes the difference is in the number of quality improvements of the EBMM models (it's not because it's made in the US, fine instruments can be made anywhere in my personal opinion, it's just that the company chose to make their top of the line in the US).
The neck for example, you can tell they spent far more time with the neck and fretwork on the EBMM Ray - it's more refined and smooth, no fret buzz no sharp edges, just perfect. Same with the woodwork, the choice of wood, I can go on and on, but pretty much everything on it is a better version of what's on the Sterling Ray34. I can't speak for the preamp as my EBMM SUB is passive but in terms of comparing the physical attributes of each bass, the EBMM Rays seem more solidly built and again, I'll use that word - refined. That's what you're essentially paying the big bucks for, the better raw materials, the electronics and the labor cost involved in paying more attention to the fine details. All this adds up to well, a better bass. I hate to use this commonly used phrase, but you get what you pay for. For many, the Sterling SUB is good enough, or perhaps the Sterling Ray 34 - they're all more than capable instruments in their own right, but if you want something closer to the original Ray and want the best possible version of this type of bass, you have to pay a premium for that. Personally, I'd probably be happy enough with the Sterling SUBs if I didn't chance upon the good deals on my two Rays - I love Rays but not to invest any more money into them at this time.
Now a twist, I spent less on my US made SUB ($160) than I did on the Sterling ($250), so in my case - the cheaper bass is the better one.
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I like that in theory, and I know Ibanez makes some fine instruments. But I really don't like the look. And yes, that's important.
I got mine for $150, unblemished, like new. It was setup terribly, but a couple quick turns of the truss and a quick intonation, and it plays better than my 77 P-bass, no lie. And I know it's sacrilegious to say it around here, I like the sound better than my P, too.
Something is wrong your basses, but I can't put my finger on it.
By the way, yes I would be buying used. Just using the $300 vs. $2400 new price for comparison purposes.
I tried a SUB and really liked it. 2 spaces down was a RAY34, liked it even better! Then I tried a Stingray and it was all over for the other two. FOR ME the Stingray was enough better. I didn't have that kind of money to spend so I went out and got a used 5HH and it has been my main ever since.
BUT - you say you love the tone of the SUB and it's just what you've always been looking for - to me, that's your answer. Why would you spend more to get a tone you don't like as much?
BUT - you say you love the tone of the SUB and it's just what you've always been looking for - to me, that's your answer. Why would you spend more to get a tone you don't like as much?
Nice bass, but nothing like a StingRay. Not close.
Stingray dude checking in.
I have owned (and kept) everything from the O.G. Sterlings to the Classic Stingray (my favorite), and recently purchased the new MM Stingray Special 4HH as well as a 30th Anniversary 5-string (ceramic pickup/old smoothie style pre). I also purchased a Sterling by Ernie Ball Import Ray35 Koa 5, and it's bangin' -- dollar for dollar a killer instrument.
Like many others have suggested, get the US model or you may be always thinking about it, but if you've got no qualms about playing an import, they aren't off at all. From what I understand they use the same CNC routes for them and I gotta say, the Alnico pickup surprised me -- loved it in all positions... the pre was tasty, and it does have some bounce, thump and some growl and doesn't leave much to be desired.
As far as fit and finish, the new US Stingray Specials are in a class of their own. Lightweight, great roasted necks, fine feeling under the forearm and some badass upgrades including the new neo pickups, which I love, especially since I didn't have an HH config prior -- there's a lot of snap and clean thump on tap; I could get the growl out of the new Neo pickups and 18v pre.
That said, I gotta say, I went through 2 USA 30th Anniversary Stingrays before I found one without a gap in the neck pocket on the bass side; I think it was a 'thing' with this release only.. it was business card sized. What struck me about the import Ray35 was how clean the build was. That and cost way less than the Annie. Of course, the necks themselves on the new USA instruments feel damn good in the hands, and are a class above the imports... but you once you start playing, you don't feel that. If you do play high-up sometimes though, that contoured heel is killer on the new Rays.
That said, I wouldn't hesitate to grab a Ray34/Ray35, or if you get a chance snag a Stingray Classic used... they come up from time to time and there's something about that pre-amp on those, that Alnico pickup, and just the feel on the neck with those smaller frets... If you do end up going all-out, keep your eyes peeled for the new Ray Specials.... they are in my humble opinion, the finest production bass being made right now. I have a few Fender Elite and American Original instruments, and I gotta say, while those are killer, killer instruments, I'm partial to the Ray.
This is all my biased opinion of course, as a Stingray dude.
That said, I did play a Sub at GC before, and I gotta admit man, I was really pleased -- was blown away with how much is packed into that bass and price point. If you do get a chance to the play some of the new Ray34 imports, especially with the roasted necks, you'll see what I mean -- they don't leave you missing much.
Here's a pic of the Ray35 Koa & my new Special.
I have owned (and kept) everything from the O.G. Sterlings to the Classic Stingray (my favorite), and recently purchased the new MM Stingray Special 4HH as well as a 30th Anniversary 5-string (ceramic pickup/old smoothie style pre). I also purchased a Sterling by Ernie Ball Import Ray35 Koa 5, and it's bangin' -- dollar for dollar a killer instrument.
Like many others have suggested, get the US model or you may be always thinking about it, but if you've got no qualms about playing an import, they aren't off at all. From what I understand they use the same CNC routes for them and I gotta say, the Alnico pickup surprised me -- loved it in all positions... the pre was tasty, and it does have some bounce, thump and some growl and doesn't leave much to be desired.
As far as fit and finish, the new US Stingray Specials are in a class of their own. Lightweight, great roasted necks, fine feeling under the forearm and some badass upgrades including the new neo pickups, which I love, especially since I didn't have an HH config prior -- there's a lot of snap and clean thump on tap; I could get the growl out of the new Neo pickups and 18v pre.
That said, I gotta say, I went through 2 USA 30th Anniversary Stingrays before I found one without a gap in the neck pocket on the bass side; I think it was a 'thing' with this release only.. it was business card sized. What struck me about the import Ray35 was how clean the build was. That and cost way less than the Annie. Of course, the necks themselves on the new USA instruments feel damn good in the hands, and are a class above the imports... but you once you start playing, you don't feel that. If you do play high-up sometimes though, that contoured heel is killer on the new Rays.
That said, I wouldn't hesitate to grab a Ray34/Ray35, or if you get a chance snag a Stingray Classic used... they come up from time to time and there's something about that pre-amp on those, that Alnico pickup, and just the feel on the neck with those smaller frets... If you do end up going all-out, keep your eyes peeled for the new Ray Specials.... they are in my humble opinion, the finest production bass being made right now. I have a few Fender Elite and American Original instruments, and I gotta say, while those are killer, killer instruments, I'm partial to the Ray.
This is all my biased opinion of course, as a Stingray dude.
That said, I did play a Sub at GC before, and I gotta admit man, I was really pleased -- was blown away with how much is packed into that bass and price point. If you do get a chance to the play some of the new Ray34 imports, especially with the roasted necks, you'll see what I mean -- they don't leave you missing much.
Here's a pic of the Ray35 Koa & my new Special.
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Ric5
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- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
It depends. For me, an EBMM StingRay is far superior to an SBMM SUB. Yes, at eight times the price. (Hint: If you pay the street price, you’re not trying hard enough.) But for you? Well, only you can decide that. Go play a few and decide for yourself.
What makes an EBMM StingRay worth the price? The build, finish and components for one. The feel as well. But also MIA, if that means anything to you. It’s just a better instrument in every way, except price.
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I own some great basses. The US Stingray 5HS is the one I ALWAYS reach for. Always. Fit, finish, tone, it’s all there. Bought it used.
The SBMM basses are nice IF you spend a bunch of money. The cheap ones are awful, IMHO, from what I’ve played. But if I’m going to spend $800 on a nice SBMM, I’d rather find a used US Ray for a bit more.
The SBMM basses are nice IF you spend a bunch of money. The cheap ones are awful, IMHO, from what I’ve played. But if I’m going to spend $800 on a nice SBMM, I’d rather find a used US Ray for a bit more.
All I can say is Sweetwater, ZZounds, MF have pretty sweet deals on financing. You should go play an American Stingray first if you can and make your own assesment. I prefer USA made to any Asian countries(MIM is good, but we’re not talking Fender here)I have a Natural finish 2017 and it’s awesome.
My experience was that I got my hands on the real deal Stingray and it sold itself... I tried one in 2000, decided I needed one, made it happen in 2001 and it's been one of my two main basses ever since (the only main bass a lot of those years)
I agree on getting the Classic, but the USA SUB’s (as great as they are) have a painted neck which suuuuuucks. The finish isn’t thick on the neck so you can easily sand it off, but it’s so annoying. Satin necks all the way. I’d say stick with the SBMM SUB.
US-made Musicman basses are simply fantastic, and the fit and finish is great. However, if you already have a SBMM SUB Ray4, you already have something very good, and it'd be hard to justify using 8 times that purely from a player's perspective. If you do want to upgrade, a better choice would be an SBMM StingRay Ray34, which is much closer to the US-made StingRays in quality and has Musicman-designed electronics as well. It would be a significant upgrade from your Ray4, but at less than half the price of a US-made StingRay.
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