Sterling Ray24?

[outoftune]

as it came, out of the box? that would be even sweeter!

Yep, straight out of the box. I really needed to move myself away from the jazz tone and get it out of my head. The more I played the Ray24 the more I am lovin it. It took some knob spinning but I found a super sweet spot for me. It's a really punchy bass with huge amounts of output. It was set up well (I like low action) and just about I tune out of the box also.
P.S. It pairs with a fuzz pedal perfectly.

 

[Bass V]

that's pretty dramatic and great to hear, keeps the 24 on the list for me rock that sucka!

 

[outoftune]

Finally got to use the Ray24 in a band setting. WOW. I used it through and acoustic 200 and 2x410. It today thumped and growled and cut through. I have been in a giant jazz kick but I am sold. Jump in folks. The price is right and it will slay on stage.

 

[eriky4003]

Good to hear, outoftune. Did you switch the strings or just plain ol' knob twiddling did the trick?

 

[outoftune]

Good to hear, outoftune. Did you switch the strings or just plain ol' knob twiddling did the trick?

Knob twiddling. I finally got it out of the house and into a mix of guitars and drums and it sounded great. I'm glad I stuck with it

 

[TheLowDown33]

How does the neck feel compared to some higher end basses? Seriously considering one of these.

 

[The Expendable Clay]

Maybe the pickups in these are wired in series, creating the muted high end. The American Stingrays are usually parallel.

 

[outoftune]

How does the neck feel compared to some higher end basses? Seriously considering one of these.

It feels good, but not higher end bass good. There are no sharp ends and all the frets are seated well. It definitely feels like a MM neck just without the high end care.

 

[Double Agent]

Not sure how the Sterling Rays work, but I imagine it would be similar to the Classic. If so, here is how I set mine.

First, forget about "flat", there aren't any detents anyways, and one band is boost/cut, the other is boost only so there isn't really a true flat setting like you'll find in most preamps.

Start with volume all the way up and both EQs all the way down/off. Gradually reaching oll in the lows until it starts to get muddy then back off just a touch. Roll in highs until you get the clicky sound on your attack (will require a higher setting for fingers, lower for pick).

That's it. From there, I only adjust the highs as needed for the song, if I need a smoother sound, I'll back off the highs a little then roll them back in when I need more attack. Hope this is helpful.

 

[RussB]

Is that a Ray 24CA or just a Ray 24? I think it's the former. Here's the bridge from a Ray 24 which doesn't have the side posts on either side of the saddles. They're made from basswood to, where the 24CA is made from mahogany

 

[The Expendable Clay]

Is that a Ray 24CA or just a Ray 24? I think it's the former. Here's the bridge from a Ray 24 which doesn't have the side posts on either side of the saddles. They're made from basswood to, where the 24CA is made from mahogany

View attachment 3170056

That's a Ray4

 

[Riki323]

Just ordered mine!! Can't wait for it to arrive! You sir have really made it hard for me to wait for this beauty.

 

[Ed F]

Anyone have any first hand info on these basses? I'm liking the price point compared to the Ray34 and am considering one. But, there is limited info and only two video demos out there.

Well I have the SUB, the model right below the 24 and all I did was put a Duncan pickup in it and it's one of the best basses I've played. I imagine the 24 would be better.

 

[RussB]

I like the basses, but am baffled by the model names and numbers. They seem to change yearly!

 

[Erik Asma]

Got my 24 yesterday. Absolutely love it.
It's a monster, but when you're gentle it humms very pleasantly and gentle.
Then you give it the beans and it roars.

Love that jazzy neck on it. Sort of expected a more baseball bat. But this is nice, satin finish makes it even better.
Al I had to do is set the truss rod a bit and replace the white guard with a black one.

 

[eriky4003]

I forgot about this thread. I ordered a Ray25CA at the end of August. Looking forward to finally getting one of these.

 

[Cycleops]

I'm a beginner and was thinking of a Ray 24 or the Sub. Is there any real advantage going for the more expensive model or would I be better advised to save the money and go for the cheaper option?
I rather like the colour options on the 24.

 

[SteveCS]

I'm a beginner and was thinking of a Ray 24 or the Sub. Is there any real advantage going for the more expensive model or would I be better advised to save the money and go for the cheaper option?
I rather like the colour options on the 24.

As a general principle I would advise getting the best you can afford. The step-up between the SUB4 and Ray24 is, IMHO, worth more than the price difference. Materials, electronics, hardware quality and finish are all better. For the extra 50% $$ you get 100% more instrument. The only downside (personal opinion only) of the Ray24 is the lack of body contours, but that is modelled from the early StingRay body so it has a 'vintage' vibe going on, if that matters to you.

 

[Erik Asma]

There's vids outhere that compare them.
Soundwise the 24 sits almost dead on in the ray sound.
More so then the sub. And the hardware is a little better it seems.

The lack of contour bothers me not one bit.
Great bass for a decent price.

 

[Bassmike62]

Just ordered a butterscotch sterling ray24ca from a local shop today... Hopefully it'll come to daddy soon !
Gonna be my first MM, only briefly played one in a shop.