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Sterling or Squier?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by MrLowEnd75, Jul 19, 2017.

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  1. Jul 19, 2017 #1
    MrLowEnd75

    MrLowEnd75 Guest

    Jul 19, 2017
    Hello all, newbie to the forums here!! I've been playing bass on and off for 20 years and have really ever only owned MIM P and J basses during that time. I play mostly hard and classic rock with some punk, blues and funk as well. I am just getting back to playing again and am in the market for a new bass. I have always been attracted aesthetically to the Stingray look but never knew much about them. I love the natural look and maple fretboard of the Sterling Ray 34 but they don't frequent the music stores in my area, such as GC to be able to test drive one. I've played the Squier Vintage Modified 70's Jazz bass which was surprisingly really nice for the price and also fulfills the all maple look I prefer. Price wide each fall into my budget, but would I really be getting that much more with the more expensive Ray? Does anyone have any experience with either of these and is there any preference for one over the other? If so, why? Would there really be much difference between the active and passive pickups? Thanks in advance for any responses and suggestions!
     
  2. Jul 19, 2017 #2
    murmur70

    murmur70

    May 3, 2017
    Indiana
    If you are thinking new, I believe the Ray 34 retails for about $750. I would take the step up to a used Music Man Stingray which you can get in the $800 dollar range.
     
  3. Jul 19, 2017 #3
    Gorn

    Gorn

    Dec 15, 2011
    Queens, NY
    There's a Musician SUB in the classifieds right now for a good price (not mine). It's an American made Stingray they stopped manufacturing because they were too good for the money.
     
  4. Jul 20, 2017 #4
    TrustRod

    TrustRod Supporting Member

    Mar 13, 2016
    Northern California
    The preamp is part of it but even in passive designs I hear huge difference in the 2 pickup layouts. The Jazz and MM are just different beasts. Most people here solve this by getting one of each :)

    Based on what you've written I would buy the Squier Jazz since you like it and it's cheap and a Jazz will work for anything. Then keep your eyes open for a used Ray. Then you have a backup and two great flavors you can switch as your mood dictates. I love the MM tones but they are such a strong flavor I can tire of them and want a break. I love having a few basses that give a great Ray tone but if I had only one bass I would prefer a Jazz.

    I don't think so, you would be getting a different bass that happens to cost more. Tonally I don't see a lot of overlap in the Jazz vs MM. You could buy a much more expensive Jazz and you wouldn't be getting more tone than the Ray, just different. IMHO.
     
    Malak the Mad likes this.
  5. Jul 25, 2017 #5
    MrLowEnd75

    MrLowEnd75 Guest

    Jul 19, 2017
    Thanks everyone for the replies and input! I went ahead with a Squier Vintage Mod 70's J Bass V because when I went to play some basses it just felt right in my hands and sounded great. I played a few different SUBs (both 4 & 5) and I guess at the end of the day, I just really prefer the old school tone of a passive vs. an active. As a side note, this is my first 5 string as well and so far so good in making the transition!