Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray4 and Ray5

[drTSTingray]

What strings have you all gone with? I'm very new to MM and this is my first bass with a humbucker. I like the pressurewounds I put on but I had them lying around and I'm guessing anything is better than those stock strings.

Not sure what strings come on the SBMM Sub Ray 4 as standard but EBMM Stingrays come with Ernie Ball Super Slinkies (100, 80, 65, 45) as standard and IMO work really well with those (having tried lots of different types). I'm guessing the SBMM Sub Ray will also.

You could go to the Cobalt version which will be louder and have more upper mid presence.

 

[Gabriel51]

This is maybe getting a bit OT, but I feel the need to say something here.

I'm an academic and researcher in psychology, and my area is in looking at what motivates people based on what they deem as being important in life and how this affects well-being, happiness, depression and so on.

Results (not just mine, but across the board) tend to show that people who get really hung up on needing 'big' brand names tend to have low self-esteem issues. In addition to that, unless they're serious collectors, acquiring that 'big' brand tends to lead to short-term happiness, but it's certainly not fulfilling in the long-term.

People who are tend to be happiest are those who find happiness through what they DO, not what they HAVE.

If you enjoy playing a EBMM Ray, good for you. If someone enjoys playing a SUB Ray 4, good for them. As long as you're happy playing what you play nothing else matters. Having the 'right' name on the headstock is of no benefit other than vanity reasons, which tend not to be productive.

Duke you don't have to study to figure that one out, we (old folks) call it the little d^*# syndrome.
If you live long enough you come to see brand name or high dollar acquisition a prop for self esteem for some people, they generally degrade anything "less than" in a way that fortifies their self importance.

 

[afzoomie67]

Yea, it's called GAS. First time on TB?

He's been here since '07.....a year before you.

 

[boristhespider9]

He's been here since '07.....a year before you.

Yea, it was a joke.

 

[afzoomie67]

Yea, it was a joke.

Sorry. Joking/sarcasm isn't read well over the internet.

 

[Gorn]

Where can I get a new pickguard for the sub? I'm thinking some kind of white pearloid or abalone or whatever you call it would look awesome with black and maple.

 

[drTSTingray]

Where can I get a new pickguard for the sub? I'm thinking some kind of white pearloid or abalone or whatever you call it would look awesome with black and maple.

Yes it would - however the pickguard screws don't line up with those on a Musicman pg IIRC so you will probably have to get a pg manufacturer to make you one -there are several around.

 

[Gorn]

Any pickguard manufacturer reccomendations?

 

[drTSTingray]

Any pickguard manufacturer reccomendations?

I heard Chandler Pickguard Heaven do some good ones (guys on the EBMM forum have got new ones from them) - it'd just be a minor variation from one for an MM bass I guess - tiramisu is a good one.

You could also email praxis music corporation who deal with the SBMM basses and ask if they do any alterntives - I think I've seen a white pearloid on an SBMM at some stage.

 

[groove_druid]

So is it the sub series as in sub-par? Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[Wookieonbass]

I haven't had the chance to try one yet but that 5 string model looks very interresting....

 

[ubnomnar]

Not sure what strings come on the SBMM Sub Ray 4 as standard but EBMM Stingrays come with Ernie Ball Super Slinkies (100, 80, 65, 45) as standard and IMO work really well with those (having tried lots of different types). I'm guessing the SBMM Sub Ray will also.

You could go to the Cobalt version which will be louder and have more upper mid presence.

Hi Gabriel and everybody on here!
My name is Brian, and I am the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Praxis Musical, as well as the Product Specialist. Praxis Musical is the manufacturer of Sterling By Music Man products, which includes the new SUB Series.

Gabriel: The strings that the SUB Series comes with from the factory are generic, Asian made strings. Not the best in the world, but, for us to reach the price point that these sell for, those are what we had to work with.

Of course, we always recommend that you use Ernie Ball strings as replacements.
On the Ray4, I'd recommend using the EB2832 Regular Slinky.
On the Ray5, I'd recommend using the EB2836 Regular Slinky 5 String.

I hope this helps, and if any of you have questions about the SUB Series or Sterling By Music Man models, I'll do my best to answer your questions!

The stock strings on my SB4 were dismal and created an unusual resonance which simulated a bad nut or vibrating truss rod. Other owners have reported the same concern which is easily remedied by replacing the "generic" strings with your favorites

 

[leegreenman]

I haven't had the chance to try one yet but that 5 string model looks very interresting....

Just got mine. Was looking for an inexpensive 5 string to mess around with. I also always kinda wanted a MM, but never liked them quite enough to shell out for a "real" one. I'm very impressed so far, especially for the price.

 

[tonydetiger]

Where can I get a new pickguard for the sub? I'm thinking some kind of white pearloid or abalone or whatever you call it would look awesome with black and maple.

Check with Terrapin guitars. They have PDF templates you can print out to compare their pick guard with yours. You can also send them a tracing, or even your pick guard, and they'll cut a new pick guard to those specs.

I'd also recommend emailing Praxis Music to see if you can order a different pg for your bass. I've only seen black, white pearl, and tortoise shell on their other bass models.

 

[Hevy T]

I admit I have not read the entire thread, but has anyone noticed that the pickguard is longer than the Stingray! Just wondering if the pickup is in a different position or not!!

 

[Hevy T]

Let's face it. I'm a middle aged man, going through a mid life crisis, playing music in a garage with friends who have a 50/50 chance of playing someplace other than the garage. Under no circumstance should I be allowed to buy a $1500 bass.

Especially when these Indonesian basses are licensed by the main manufacturer and are 75% a MusicMan for 1/8th the price. Also why spend $1500 or more just for a garage band. If they want to go to the next level and get some paying gigs then buy the higher end gear.

That being said I find around here if you don't play Fender you have crap and people don't take you seriously. Even then it has to be American made blah...blah...blah...

I bought a Sterling Ray 34 a $800 touch, and I don't even play in a garage band. I am feeling buyers remorse, cause I can get 2 of these Subs and have coffee money for a month. But I feel I need some mid range gear for when an opportunity presents itself

 

[ubnomnar]

Especially when these Indonesian basses are licensed by the main manufacturer and are 75% a MusicMan for 1/8th the price. Also why spend $1500 or more just for a garage band. If they want to go to the next level and get some paying gigs then buy the higher end gear.

That being said I find around here if you don't play Fender you have crap and people don't take you seriously. Even then it has to be American made blah...blah...blah...

I bought a Sterling Ray 34 a $800 touch, and I don't even play in a garage band. I am feeling buyers remorse, cause I can get 2 of these Subs and have coffee money for a month. But I feel I need some mid range gear for when an opportunity presents itself

These new SUBs are a lot of fun to play and sound very good.

However, they do not posses the premium quality, sound, and feel of an EBMM bass... and they're not supposed to.

I really like my SUB SB4... but it's no contest against my Bongo 4HH.

If there could be only one... the SUB would be leaving without a good by.

 

[Hevy T]

Interestingly enough, I have been making posts to our Facebook page asking people what colors they want to see in our models.

While I have personal favorites, I believe it is best to go outside the bubble and get input from fans/players/fellow musicians.

On that note, if you aren't a friend of ours on FB, be sure to join up.

Think I could order a Walnut with a maple fb? Unfortunately I think the only way this would happen is if I bought 2 of them and did a neck switch, but then I would loose te maple on black...agghh!!

 

[boristhespider9]

Especially when these Indonesian basses are licensed by the main manufacturer and are 75% a MusicMan for 1/8th the price. Also why spend $1500 or more just for a garage band. If they want to go to the next level and get some paying gigs then buy the higher end gear.

That being said I find around here if you don't play Fender you have crap and people don't take you seriously. Even then it has to be American made blah...blah...blah...

I bought a Sterling Ray 34 a $800 touch, and I don't even play in a garage band. I am feeling buyers remorse, cause I can get 2 of these Subs and have coffee money for a month. But I feel I need some mid range gear for when an opportunity presents itself

75% of a real US Music Man...no, not quite.

Life is short. Buy the best you can afford...including a real EBMM.

I spent more money buying mediocre gear that I knew, in my heart of hearts, I didn't truly want. When I learned the value of disciplined saving and the pride of getting what I really wanted, like a real US Stingray (SLO Special), I was much more satisfied with my purchases. While some people complain about pricing or "gear elitism," I often see the problem as people wanting better gear but not having the patience or discipline to work hard and save up for what they really want.

If you're happy with beginning or mid-level gear, that's cool. I had stuff like that when I was a teen. Its value to you depends on how much you care about gear and what you're ultimately using it for. But the griping sounds a bit silly. I also look at your issue the other way. Instead of thinking you got ripped at $800 because you could have gone even cheaper, for $500 more, you could have bought a EBMM and had a "lifetime" type purchase.

Also, part of the point of these lower-priced lines is to make beginners eventually want to step-up to a EBMM.

 

[Gabriel51]

75% of a real US Music Man...no, not quite.

Life is short. Buy the best you can afford...including a real EBMM.

I spent more money buying mediocre gear that I knew, in my heart of hearts, I didn't truly want. When I learned the value of disciplined saving and the pride of getting what I really wanted, like a real US Stingray (SLO Special), I was much more satisfied with my purchases. While some people complain about pricing or "gear elitism," I often see the problem as people wanting better gear but not having the patience or discipline to work hard and save up for why they really want.

If you're happy with beginning or mid-level gear, that's cool. I had stuff like that when I was a teen. Its value to you depends on how much you care about gear and what you're ultimately using it for. But the griping sounds a bit silly. I also look at your issue the other way. Instead of thinking you got ripped at $800 because you could have gone even cheaper, for $500 more, you could have bought a EBMM and had a "lifetime" type purchase.

Also, part of the point of these lines is to make beginners eventually want to step-up to a EBMM.

This post reeks with condescension and arrogance with a disconnect I have not seen the likes of in some time.
The new poster child for SELF IMPORTANCE!