In a word, no.
The cost to totally re-vamp or redesign at the price point they are sold at couldn't be done.
The cost to totally re-vamp or redesign at the price point they are sold at couldn't be done.
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Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray4 and Ray5
- Thread starter RyanJD
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Poo. I think consumers would actually respond favorably with their dollars if this very real design flaw was addressed. I mean your company's name is on the bass, how can that not matter? Especially since the fix requires so little cost.
I certainly don't have the skill to do it myself, nor do I want to add cost to this bass.
Hmm...
A little Stripeze and a can of purple spray paint would be a no brainer if you ask me
I was trying to skip the me doing manual labor step =)
I get where you're coming from but the thing is serviceable as is. actually it's pretty great as is. far from catastrophic despite some posts in this thread.
Oh I actually do quite well with mine. But it could be better. And it could be better withba cheap fix.
I just don't understand a company not doing that.
I think that might be next purchase! I really like the tinted maple neck with the Mint Green.
It's hard to believe that I swore off 4-strings and now I'm looking to buy my third one this year.
Already pulled the trigger!
1 is on it's way to the Great White North!
I used a 15% code for MF, brought it to $238! (Plus Shipping, Duty,Brokerage,Taxes)
I will probally be looking at $340 Canadian.
Will update when it arrives!
1 is on it's way to the Great White North!
I used a 15% code for MF, brought it to $238! (Plus Shipping, Duty,Brokerage,Taxes)
I will probally be looking at $340 Canadian.
Will update when it arrives!
I agree, and I agree further, but the big caveat is having to re-engineer something that from all technical aspects does not "really" have a problem. There in lies the cost.
The modification puts the VR after the power amp signal, which, for all intents and purposes, allows you to "pad" it from the bass. The power amp still has a hot output regardless.
We had considered making them passive, but, in all honesty, we have had so few complaints/issues that leaving it alone was the only real viable option.
I have to agree. The bass IS playable the way it is and with the mod. It is also easily upgradeable!
Finally took the plunge and got the SBMM S.U.B. Ray5. Couldn't find these in the Jacksonville FL area, but I found one at a Guitar Center in East Brunswick NJ while visiting my brother.
I had originally wanted the Ray4 in black/maple, but when I took the Ray5 off the rack and played it thru an Acoustic amp, I was hooked. Low action, no buzz, good intonation, no dead spots. I've never owned a more expensive Ray of any kind, but the tone is exactly what I had hoped it would sound like - the high-end bite I expected, and tons of bottom that I didn't. It shakes the room.
Tuning pegs are fine, nice fit and finish, all the knobs and pots work as they should. No hum, hiss, or static. The hex nut for the cord jack is a little loosey-goosey, but I can live with that.
The only real problem I had was when I tried to disconnect the pre-amp battery from its clip for my return trip home. The male pole of the battery came out of the clip OK, but the female pole on the battery snapped off and remains on the male pole of the clip. I was able to just put it all back in the compartment and there is enough pressure to maintain the connection between battery and clip so it still all works. When the battery dies, I should be able to pry the broken pole off the battery clip and just pop a new battery on it.
I have read about others having problems with the clips, but in my case I broke the battery instead of the clip.
I had originally wanted the Ray4 in black/maple, but when I took the Ray5 off the rack and played it thru an Acoustic amp, I was hooked. Low action, no buzz, good intonation, no dead spots. I've never owned a more expensive Ray of any kind, but the tone is exactly what I had hoped it would sound like - the high-end bite I expected, and tons of bottom that I didn't. It shakes the room.
Tuning pegs are fine, nice fit and finish, all the knobs and pots work as they should. No hum, hiss, or static. The hex nut for the cord jack is a little loosey-goosey, but I can live with that.
The only real problem I had was when I tried to disconnect the pre-amp battery from its clip for my return trip home. The male pole of the battery came out of the clip OK, but the female pole on the battery snapped off and remains on the male pole of the clip. I was able to just put it all back in the compartment and there is enough pressure to maintain the connection between battery and clip so it still all works. When the battery dies, I should be able to pry the broken pole off the battery clip and just pop a new battery on it.
I have read about others having problems with the clips, but in my case I broke the battery instead of the clip.
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Are you guys serious if you all got an oranges than you all would want apples? Some of the request being made are a little unreasonable. I think this bass is already a really great deal for what you get for under $300, and between GC & MF and the discounts someone could get one for less than $250 with the tax. Paint it, defret it, swap necks, or what ever else yourselves or pay to get it done right. Order the parts or order one from Invalid Link Removed and make it look however you like with what electronics you like. I do think however that it would not be too much of a hassle to correct hot preamp issues. 3 band preamp, alnico pickup, and a hole drilled for a 1/4" jack $120 bucks, just saying NBD.
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What, why don't they make lefty's? That's BS, my brothers left handed and he has the hardest time finding a guitar. You people really get the siht end of the stick. I am not going to get another Ray 4 or the Ray 5 until SBMM make a left handed bass.
L&M will not be carrying the Mint Green/Maple Board model as it is Guitar Center/Musicians Friend Only.
If I wanted one of the 4 colors they offer I would have ordered from my local L&M.
If I wanted one of the 4 colors they offer I would have ordered from my local L&M.
I've been eyeballing that mint baby on the GC site for days. I close on my house in 14 days. I close on this here mint green love in 15 I assure you. Got it all loaded in my shopping cart waiting for the day I don't have bank goons fishing through my bizniz.
Simply. Gore. Juss.
How does the neck of these compare to the actual Sting Ray? I always loved the chunky neck of those, but not the chunky price 
. So if they're comparable I may be just a bit poorer soon.
. So if they're comparable I may be just a bit poorer soon.
How does the neck of these compare to the actual Sting Ray? I always loved the chunky neck of those, but not the chunky price
the ray4 neck is very narrow and slim compare to my old stingray neck. its like jazz bass neck or sterling. very comfortable.
Has anyone seen the mint green one in their local Guitar Center yet? I can order one from MF but I think I want to hand pick a lightweight one.
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