Question. Has anyone replaced the SUB's bridge for a 'correct' MM-style bridge and if so, which would you recommend and was it worth the bother? Just thinking that its a mod I might want to try and there are certainly a number of MM bridge copies out there, notwithstanding that they will be of varying degrees of quality.
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Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray4 and Ray5
- Thread starter RyanJD
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I've searched but available 'real' bridges are few and far in between.
Also wanted to add that after the EMG install, I still had rather high output. What I did was just bring the pickup way down, almost flush to the body. That helped a lot. I can now turn the bass volume all the way up. So even with the stock electronics, try adjusting the pickup all the way down and that should help with the high output.
bought today ray4 walnut satin 2nd hand.
for more then a new in the USA.. but this how it his here about everything..
first impressions are good.
the feel, built and sound are great.
action was high and neck relief was need some setup. but no problems. very easy. the nut wheel is great!
i had 91 Musicman stingray for 11 years and sold it, but said to myself that i will have stingray again someday.
i believe that ray4 will do.
i cant compare the sound because that stingray had 3 band preamp and the ray have 2. but the essence of the stingray sound is there.
i'm in love..
I just got mine second-hand from E-Bay last week here in the UK, same version as yours. I've got to say how impressed I am with it, its very 'Musicman' in tone and is well set up and constructed. I really love it and the Black/maple version will soon be winging its way to me as I just love the look of that one to!
Just placed an order on a Ray5 with the walnut finish. I used the July $50 off coupon at Guitar center, seemed to be a pretty good deal.
The only thing is, they are back ordered until September
I was looking for a cheaper 5 string and was set on a Squier or SX until I put my hand on one of these at the store.
The neck is a heck of a lot more comfortable than any of the Fender style basses I tried. It's a lot narrower with tighter string spacing and made getting around the neck and playing chords involve a lot less stretching.
With the walnut finish and a neck that has the same shape only slightly wider, this bass reminds me of my old 4 string Peavey Foundation. I hope it growls like it too!
The only thing is, they are back ordered until September
I was looking for a cheaper 5 string and was set on a Squier or SX until I put my hand on one of these at the store.
The neck is a heck of a lot more comfortable than any of the Fender style basses I tried. It's a lot narrower with tighter string spacing and made getting around the neck and playing chords involve a lot less stretching.
With the walnut finish and a neck that has the same shape only slightly wider, this bass reminds me of my old 4 string Peavey Foundation. I hope it growls like it too!
so .. done.. a few modifications
Some mods info,please.....Spray on Rust-Oleum?...Anodized?**P.S....Didn't see the newest pics....Fan-freakin-tastic!
transmutation done
That looks nice man. If you ever decide to repaint you can get rid of those pickguard holes. Clear pickguards also look nice too.
changed..
i just bought some replacement on ebay they are custom hand made in Slovakia by Mr.Slapak aka SBS electrosonic..
I wired it everything paralel coils of HB and also both pick-ups with separate volume for neck and bridge p-u.
but there are 4 wires of each p-u so i can wire them in every way..
but there is a problem too many posibilities and only 3 holes for pots... So maybe i will put out the active pream or put it on one stacked pot... and make there push-pull volume pot for neck one to choose SC or HB and second push-pull for bridge p-u with again SC/HB or maybe with active/pasive switch ..
Is there any link that would show us the difference/improvement(?) on sound after the mod is done?....maybe a before and after comparison.
I know it's suppose to eliminate the hot pickup issue but still want to checkout A&B comparison. Also if there are similar links with maybe pickup/preamp upgrade.
I know it's suppose to eliminate the hot pickup issue but still want to checkout A&B comparison. Also if there are similar links with maybe pickup/preamp upgrade.
changed..
Are these the same parts coming out of China?...If so, how's the quality?
***For those with the nerve, there are smaller,old-style Ray bridges available.Both black and chrome.Some for $10.00...???
www.ebay.com/itm/6set-Black-Metal-Music-Man-Style-Bass-Guitar-Bridge-4-String-Bridge-Parts-New-/400511803186?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item5d405
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I've had mine for 2 months. It sounds awesome but I rest my thumb on the pickup to play finger style and I just can't get used to it because the string tension is so high that close to the bridge. I'm selling mine.
so what about some thumb rest ??
i put one on my black sub
Never even thought of that!!!! Awesome idea!
I can't find the volume mod instructions sbmm posted a while back. Anybody remember what page it was on?
Link to page 9.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/sterling-music-man-sub-ray4-ray5-871370/index9.html
Go to post #339 to see the start of the description with pictures on subsequent posts.
Thank you! I've been searching for that in my limited spare time for two days lol
Wow! Really nice! I was thinking of adding a J pup at the neck to give the bass some roundness. It's a little 'honky' with the MM p/u alone but mine plays nice. I agree about the string tension. It takes some getting used to. I don't get how folks play jazz basses above the bridge p/u! Tension is even more there.transmutation done
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