Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray4 and Ray5

[DWBass]

I have a 5 string set of DR black beauties that I bought for a 5er I had for a few days before I decided I hate 5 string basses. I've heard of BEAD tuning on basses and was thinking about trying that on my sub. Anyone try this? Pros and cons? Thoughts/opinions?

This isn't thread related. Did you mean to post this here?

 

[Gorn]

This isn't thread related. Did you mean to post this here?

People can discuss knobs, preamps, tuners, and other mods about the sub but not strings?

 

[mcnach]

This isn't thread related.

Come on, really?

 

[bobbybass85]

Yea he's just asking if anyone has strung up a Ray4 or SB4 BEAD instead of EADG.

3234718, It would definitely be possible. I've considered doing this a few times actually. If I ever decide to go that route I'll have a luthier set it up because it's probably going to require truss rod, bridge/intonation, and nut adjustments to accommodate the thicker strings and such.

 

[SBMM]

I have the sb4&haven't experienced any of what some of you guys(girls) describe. The volume pot is very smooth&gradual in rolling up&down. No clipping of the preamp or my amp at all. I wonder if this is only common to the ray34. Any of you sb4 owners having this problem? The p'up wiring is different in the two basses so I'm curious.

On your SB4 is the control setup, from neck to body end, Volume, Bass, Treble, or is it Volume, Treble, Bass?

 

[Gimme4]

It's vol bass treble. I also asked the tech to open it up & re-enforce the solder points just make sure it's all tight.

 

[Gorn]

Didn't think he was referring to the SUB basses. Still seems off topic but whatever! Carry on!

I don't see how strings/alternate tunings for the bass is still off topic, but we can still be friends.

 

[DWBass]

I don't see how strings/alternate tunings for the bass is still off topic, but we can still be friends.

Geez! I delete my post and it's quoted that fast. No big deal. Carry on.

 

[SBMM]

I don't see how strings/alternate tunings for the bass is still off topic, but we can still be friends.

Well, from a manufacturing standpoint I totally agree that it is on topic, as it would require a level of modification to the instrument, same as changing/altering anything else on the instrument.

If you were talking brand of string, then yes, that's kind of heading outside, but hey, all of this is for the moderator to decide

You could go with that tuning, but the nut would need to be modified, or replaced. The nut will need to be slotted for the change of string gauges.

Truss rod would not need to be changed, since we use the same truss rod on the Ray4 and Ray5.

I would recommend the work be done by a qualified technician.

 

[Gimme4]

Hey SBMM, I'm curious why you asked about my control layout. When I was a-b'ing the two basses I noticed the difference, but for me it came down to body size & weight.

 

[SBMM]

Hey SBMM, I'm curious why you asked about my control layout. When I was a-b'ing the two basses I noticed the difference, but for me it came down to body size & weight.

The ones with your control layout were from the first two months of production.

I'm just keeping notes about people with and without issues to see if there is any pattern from my electronics supplier vs. sound/hot preamp issues.

 

[DWBass]

Do both SUB models Ray4/5, SB4 use the same preamp? By the way, my Ray4 layout is Vol-Treb-Bass.

 

[Gimme4]

Thanks Brian! My bass is great! A touch neck-heavy,but that's the compromise sometimes if you like a lighter body. I've been back to gc several times to play others basses at this price point(including used). I definitely made the right choice here. This is my first MM product but won't be my last! Also the first active bass I will actually keep through& beyond the 30 day return window. I love this cheap little preamp.

 

[BassAgent]

This is very annoying. I just read most of the thread (well, at least the last 10 pages) and now I want one. Bad. Very. A black one. But they're kinda unavailable in Holland. The only dealer I could find is Rockpalace in The Hague, but according to their website, they're all out of stock. Well, maybe that's good. I can't afford one now anyway But I saw the Andertons review and it really seems a great range of instruments

 

[plankspanker13]

They are worthy instruments, Agent. Between what Squier has been doing, and the new SBMM SUB series, an aspiring player's first bass can be as good as some of my "step-up" instruments of decades past.

Link Removed

If your gig can use some vintage StingRay sounds, this is the weapon to reach for.

 

[silentmike]

The Ray5 has just gone right to the top of my GAS list... Just tried it out again and I still love it. I must thin my herd... I do wish it had a mid control though.

 

[Bobby King]

Hey y'all! I just bought a SUB Series 5 string and I think it's great!

I've heard some people complain about the strings, but I like the strings that came on mine and wonder what they are. They have red silks on both ends, the color looks a little darker than Rotos, I think they are steels. Is this the same set that comes stock? What kind are they?

 

[SBMM]

Is this the same set that comes stock? What kind are they?

Hi Bobby!

Great to hear you got yourself a SUB!

Yes, those are just stock factory strings. Asian made. When you are ready to change them, we recommend upgrading to Ernie Ball #2832 Slinky.

Enjoy the bass!

 

[SBMM]

Bobby, where did you buy it at?

 

[Bobby King]

Hey Brian!

I bought it at Nashville's Guitar Center store. Great value for the money, has the classic Stingray tone and a good, strong B string.

In all honesty, I tend to be a Fender player and only use the Stingray for certain things. I've had USA MMs in the past but would always sell them when I got GAS . But this SUB 5 was inexpensive enough that I can have the MM sound in my arsenal without having a lot of money tied up in it. I pretty much like it as well as the others I've had anyway. Seems to be an occasional bit of noisiness from the pots, but that's my only complaint. It sounds very good.