Sell me on a US-made Stingray

[xnewyorka]

Here's a very contrarian thought, bordering on complete sacrilege, and I hope saying this doesn't get me banned from TB for life:

If I had a bass that made me say "I friggin love it. So easy to set up, plays like a dream and basically has exactly the tone I've been chasing, but never quite achieving.", then wouldn't the next logical sentence be something like:
"Therefore, I am done shopping for basses unless this one gets lost or stolen!"
?

 

[Bottoms_Up!]

If you think the Sterling SUB Ray4 "plays like a dream," it might have a lot to do with the fact that the neck is 38mm at the nut (or, Jazz/EBMM Sterling neck profile). So if you go US made, shoot for the Sterling 4 or Stingray SLO Special (maybe even a Bi Gal...ooops, Big Al), as they share this neck profile.

The Sterling Ray34-CA (Classic Active) has a 38mm nut-width also and they are a nice step quality-wise above the Sterling SUB Rays. Everytime I find one under $400 (and I see this quite often), I grab it and immediately slap in a Seymour Duncan SMB-4 PUP along with the STC-3M3 Preamp. Just an insanely monstrous combo!!

My $0.02.

 

[Stevorebob]

If you think the Sterling SUB Ray4 "plays like a dream," it might have a lot to do with the fact that the neck is 38mm at the nut (or, Jazz/EBMM Sterling neck profile). So if you go US made, shoot for the Sterling 4 or Stingray SLO Special (maybe even a Bi Gal...ooops, Big Al), as they share this neck profile.

The Sterling Ray34-CA (Classic Active) has a 38mm nut-width also and they are a nice step quality-wise above the Sterling SUB Rays. Everytime I find one under $400 (and I see this quite often), I grab it and immediately slap in a Seymour Duncan SMB-4 PUP along with the STC-3M3 Preamp. Just an insanely monstrous combo!!

My $0.02.

I'll second the 34ca (and 35ca). Great bass — an intermediate step between the SUB and EBMM StingRay. If you can find one. The "ca" makes a difference. I found the electronics good stock.

 

[Pings Bass]

Here's a very contrarian thought, bordering on complete sacrilege, and I hope saying this doesn't get me banned from TB for life:

If I had a bass that made me say "I friggin love it. So easy to set up, plays like a dream and basically has exactly the tone I've been chasing, but never quite achieving.", then wouldn't the next logical sentence be something like:
"Therefore, I am done shopping for basses unless this one gets lost, stolen !"
?

Not contrarian at all; that's the first choice on the poll, and the one with a plurality of votes so far.

I had my doubts anybody would actually be able to sell me on the price/value proposition, but you never know. Ultimately if a US ray that looks nice, sounds good and plays well comes my way in the $1k range, I might pull the trigger. Otherwise I'm perfectly happy with the cheapo SUB for those times I really need to bring the funk.

It seems like with offshore CNC manufacturing, the big US brands are kind of acing themselves out of a significant sector of their own market.

The price gap is far wider than the quality gap, IME, especially with Sterling/MM.

 

[Pings Bass]

If you think the Sterling SUB Ray4 "plays like a dream," it might have a lot to do with the fact that the neck is 38mm at the nut (or, Jazz/EBMM Sterling neck profile). So if you go US made, shoot for the Sterling 4 or Stingray SLO Special (maybe even a Bi Gal...ooops, Big Al), as they share this neck profile.

The Sterling Ray34-CA (Classic Active) has a 38mm nut-width also and they are a nice step quality-wise above the Sterling SUB Rays. Everytime I find one under $400 (and I see this quite often), I grab it and immediately slap in a Seymour Duncan SMB-4 PUP along with the STC-3M3 Preamp. Just an insanely monstrous combo!!

My $0.02.

Yep, it's got a narrow nut, but I'm ambivalent about that, and might even prefer a wider nut (I've been a P-bass player since the 80s). The dreamy playing is more about the action and neck profile I think. Fret finishing is pretty damn good, too. I bought it on a lark to keep at my GF's house, but once I set it up correctly, it blew my mind. My venerable 77 P has a place of honor hanging on the wall at this point.

 

[xnewyorka]

Not contrarian at all; that's the first choice on the poll, and the one with a plurality of votes so far.

I had my doubts anybody would actually be able to sell me on the price/value proposition, but you never know. Ultimately if a US ray that looks nice, sounds good and plays well comes my way in the $1k range, I might pull the trigger. Otherwise I'm perfectly happy with the cheapo SUB for those times I really need to bring the funk.

It seems like with offshore CNC manufacturing, the big US brands are kind of acing themselves out of a significant sector of their own market.

The price gap is far wider than the quality gap, IME, especially with Sterling/MM.

Yeah, but regardless of quality, features, budget, or anything else, the overarching rule of thumb on TB is that the number of basses you need is always N+1 where N is the number of basses that you currently own.
That is why 1.5 years ago, before I was active on TB, I had 13 basses that I had accumulated over almost 40 years of playing bass, and now after 1.5 years of being active on TB, I have about 80 basses, and a wife that is threatening divorce over it. If I sold all my basses today, I could literally pay off my mortgage tomorrow, almost exactly to the dollar. And I only actually ever play maybe 6 or 8 of them, mostly only the same 2 or 3. And I only play at home, with headphones, unless nobody else is at home. Not even in a band or anything. How pathetic is that?

But I will tell you what - this BFR StingRay with a roasted neck is one of the absolutely best playing and sounding 4-strings I have encountered in my life. And that's putting it up against Foderas, MTDs, Sadowskys, LeFays, Marleauxs, Skjolds, and any other top tier bass you could name. (I have all of those.) Too bad you aren't nearby, I'd invite you to check it out in person and see for yourself. Of course, if you played it, it would be keeping you up at night every night until you bought it.

 

[rashrader]

I've owned amazing EBMM SR's and I've owned ones that were nothing close to amazing. Just play it before you buy it (especially used) or get it from a reputable dealer. Good luck.

 

[Pings Bass]

Yeah, but regardless of quality, features, budget, or anything else, the overarching rule of thumb on TB is that the number of basses you need is always N+1 where N is the number of basses that you currently own.
That is why 1.5 years ago before I was active on TB, I had 13 basses that I had accumulated over almost 40 years of playing bass, and now after 1.5 years of being active on TB, I have about 80 basses, and a wife that is threatening divorce over it. If I sold all my basses today, I could literally pay off my mortgage tomorrow, almost exactly to the dollar. And I only actually ever play maybe 6 or 8 of them, mostly only the same 2 or 3. And I only play at home, with headphones, unless nobody else is at home. Not even in a band or anything. How pathetic is that?

But I will tell you what - this BFR StingRay with a roasted neck is one of the absolutely best playing and sounding 4-strings I have encountered in my life. And that's putting it up against Foderas, MTDs, Sadowskys, LeFays, Marleauxs, Skjolds, and any other top tier bass you could name. (I have all of those.) Too bad you aren't nearby, I'd invite you to check it out in person and see for yourself. Of course, if you played it, it would be keeping you up at night every night until you bought it.
View attachment 3404262

Yeah, the TB effect is real! I'm up three basses since joining a year ago. No regrets though. All three are regular players to the detriment of my old Fenders.

That BFR is sure purdy, if only it was 2-band

 

[seansbrew]

Go try one first, then save some money and buy a used one if you like it.

I picked this up used for 1300

 

[Robert Darby]

Get the new special and just call it a day.

 

[Gary-Love Low]

I recently bought a cheapo Sterling SUB Ray4. Cheapest bass I've ever owned... and I friggin love it. So easy to set up, plays like a dream and basically has exactly the tone I've been chasing, but never quite achieving. (I know, duh!)

Anyway, it makes me think I should invest in a US Stingray, probably the "Classic."

I'm not looking for a "do everything" bass (that's what my L-2500 is for).

But is a $2400 EBMM that much better than my SUB? I know "fit and finish" will be better, but if it sounds good and plays well, I'm not all that bothered by cosmetic differences. I do like Made in USA, and I'm willing to pay more for that. But what else makes the 8x price difference worth it?

If you think I should consider a different model, I'm open to that, but not really interested in HH, and actually kind of like 2-band EQ over 3-band, FWIW.

 

[Gary-Love Low]

I recently bought a cheapo Sterling SUB Ray4. Cheapest bass I've ever owned... and I friggin love it. So easy to set up, plays like a dream and basically has exactly the tone I've been chasing, but never quite achieving. (I know, duh!)

Anyway, it makes me think I should invest in a US Stingray, probably the "Classic."

I'm not looking for a "do everything" bass (that's what my L-2500 is for).

But is a $2400 EBMM that much better than my SUB? I know "fit and finish" will be better, but if it sounds good and plays well, I'm not all that bothered by cosmetic differences. I do like Made in USA, and I'm willing to pay more for that. But what else makes the 8x price difference worth it?

If you think I should consider a different model, I'm open to that, but not really interested in HH, and actually kind of like 2-band EQ over 3-band, FWIW.

 

[MobileHolmes]

I Agree with getting a used one. I think I paid a grand shipped for mine on the classifieds here, but I was slightly picky about color. I've seen some under 900.

That said, basses suffer diminishing marginal returns. The real thing will play and sound a bit better than the SUB, but not 4x as good or anything

 

[Rib 13]

It seems like with offshore CNC manufacturing, the big US brands are kind of acing themselves out of a significant sector of their own market.

+1.....so much said in one sentence

 

[byronic_zero]

I have a 1996 StingRay and it's simply the most solid bass I've ever played. I've owned a lot of different basses over the years, and it's just in a different league.

 

[Gary-Love Low]

I have one ! I looked at them for 2 years and finally pulled the trigger and bought it. I Absolutely Love it !!! I have had many compliments from the audience about how Crisp and Clear they can hear my Bass. The come up at break and after the show, just in awe of sound and Looks of My Musicman Stingray 5. I love the tone...The Power...The many EQ adjustments available on this Bass. I can make it sound great in any room or any conditions. I have owned the Sterling before this, and it wasn't to bad...But the MM Stingray 5 kicks it's Butt ! In my opinion. I do play through an Ampeg SVT and a 6X10 Ampeg Classic. I am Finally Satisfied !!! for now...lol

 

[Ian McLaughlin]

And I only play at home, with headphones, unless nobody else is at home. Not even in a band or anything. How pathetic is that?

Why not join a band?

 

[dkelley]

Yeah, but regardless of quality, features, budget, or anything else, the overarching rule of thumb on TB is that the number of basses you need is always N+1 where N is the number of basses that you currently own.
That is why 1.5 years ago before I was active on TB, I had 13 basses that I had accumulated over almost 40 years of playing bass, and now after 1.5 years of being active on TB, I have about 80 basses, and a wife that is threatening divorce over it. If I sold all my basses today, I could literally pay off my mortgage tomorrow, almost exactly to the dollar. And I only actually ever play maybe 6 or 8 of them, mostly only the same 2 or 3. And I only play at home, with headphones, unless nobody else is at home. Not even in a band or anything. How pathetic is that?

But I will tell you what - this BFR StingRay with a roasted neck is one of the absolutely best playing and sounding 4-strings I have encountered in my life. And that's putting it up against Foderas, MTDs, Sadowskys, LeFays, Marleauxs, Skjolds, and any other top tier bass you could name. (I have all of those.) Too bad you aren't nearby, I'd invite you to check it out in person and see for yourself. Of course, if you played it, it would be keeping you up at night every night until you bought it.
View attachment 3404262

that string height.... that's not actually the real playable action on that bass!?!?! the E string is unplayable that low!? it looks like they're all against the frets except the g has a tiny spec of space under it that might make that one string playable with a very light action.

Besides that.... omg that is a gorgeous fretboard.

 

[Jimruth]

I've had an EBMM Sterling 4H (U.S.-made) for a couple years now. I bought it used for $700. I gig with it regularly. About six months ago I bought a used Ray34CA for just $200 as a backup. The Ray34CA more than holds its own versus the EBMM Sterling. Even with the same strings (EB Cobalts, installed simultaneously), the Ray34CA has a more aggressive tone than the EBMM Sterling, which I ascribe to the Ray34CA's Alnico pickup and 2-band EQ. (The EBMM Sterling has a ceramic pickup and 3-band EQ.)

That being said, the fit/finish on the EBMM Sterling is better than those of the Ray34CA. (And the oiled/waxed neck of the EBMM Sterling is to-die-for.) But for the price difference I would expect them to be superior. There's nothing wrong or even substandard with the Ray34CA.

All this is to say: If you see a used Ray34CA at a price you can afford, jump on it! Until then, your S.U.B. will keep you happy.

 

[JSandbloom]

Not a fan of the gloss necks and slab body on the classic. I do like the 2 band boost only tho. I suggest finding a used Stingray with the oiled neck and 3 band. They come up all the time in the sub 1000 range.