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Sterling SUB ray4 changes

#44
Maxdusty said:
lol...still trying to understand this new hierarchy for Ray basses:
If I'm trying to compare it to Fender at least in terms of price point...
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The Ray24 and Ray34 are only differentiated by the two-band vs. three-band preamp; there's not a quality difference between them. (Before, there was a three-band Ray34 and a two-band Ray34CA--Classic Active--so having one number designate the preamp and another number designate the number of strings makes more sense). So here's the Fender analogy:

Ernie Ball Music Man Ray = MIA Fender

Sterling Ray24 and 34 = MIM Fender

Sterling Ray4 (Sub Series) = Squier CV or VM

The naming makes more sense now that the large (and ugly) SUB lettering is gone. The previous SBMM SUB Ray4 name was confusing (especially because Ray4 didn't even show up on the headstock). I don't know why they don't do away with the SUB thing entirely, since there's that preexisting MIA Music Man line. Then there's the Sterling by Music Man company vs. Music Man Sterling model, which probably precipitated the whole mess to begin with. But at least the SBMM model names make more sense now.
 
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#45
Maxdusty said:
lol...still trying to understand this new hierarchy for Ray basses:
If I'm trying to compare it to Fender at least in terms of price point. Would this be about right??

Ernie Ball Musicman Ray = MIA Fender P or Jazz bass

Sterling Ray 34 = MIM Standard Fender P or Jazz Bass

Sterling Ray 24 = Squier CV P or Jazz bass

Sterling Ray 4 Sub Series = Squier Affinity P or Jazz bass
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Except for the Ray24, which is really the Ray24CA. CA stands for «Classic Active», which is more like an old-school version of the Ray34, with a 38mm nut and a 2-band preamp, as opposed to the Ray34’s 3-band.
 
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#46
Bassist Jay said:
In January I signed on to be able to sell Sterling by Music Man instruments.

You have the Ray 34 and Ray 35 models that match the EBMM Stingray 4 string and 5 string.

Then I believe as of 2018, you have the Ray 24 and Ray 25. These sell at a great MAP price considering how good they are. They are set up to be like the Stingray Classic 4 string and 5 string

And then last, you have the Ray 4 and Ray 5. They too are set up like the standard Stingray 4 string and 5 string but are the entry level line.

All instruments are made in Korea. The entry level stuff is still considered the SUB series but it looks like they ditched the SUB label and removed it from the head stock.

All 4 string Ray models have 21 frets and a 9 1/2” radius on the neck.

All 5 string Ray models also have 21 frets but have a 12” radius on the neck.

If you have any more questions, let me know and if I don’t have the answer, I’ll do my best to get it for you.
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The Ray24 and 25 are a actually a revived version of the old CA series, which has been gone a couple of years. Glad to see they reintroduced it. The Ray4 is still a SUB, though, it’s just written really small on the headstock.
 
#47
Did they change the color on these or is the picture from Musician's Friend just altered? The top pic is the previous version with S.U.B. on the headstock and the bottom picture is the newer version with S.U.B. much smaller on the headstock.

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#54
twc1313 said:
What's crazy to me is how much the affordable SUB and the vintage Ray sound alike while the modern EBMM and Ray34 are extra crispy.
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Yup the cheapest and the most expensive are by far the best sounding of the bunch to my ears :)

I was thinking about ordering the Ray 24ca but now that I know the preamp has been delt with I might just grab myself a new SUB or 2!

The sunburst and the black and maple are my thoughts :)
 
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#58
Ive changed this:-

fermata said:
So here's the Fender analogy:

Ernie Ball Music Man Ray = team built Custom Shop Fender (or boutique quality)

Sterling Ray 34/35 = low end US Fender

Sterling Ray 24/25 high end MIM Fender

Sterling Ray4 (Sub Series) = Squier CV or VM
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The Ray 24/25 is meant to be at a slightly more affordable level than the 34/35.

As for confusion between MM USA and SBMM models all this was predicted nearly 10 years ago when the range first appeared - the problem with US MM Sterlings didn't materialise as anyone wanting to sell one or buy one was careful enough to refer to it as a US Sterling - in fact they seem to have grown more of a following - same with the US Subs. Problem didn't materialise although someone seems to have got a US Sub for a knock down price somehow.

US Subs don't have cardboard pickguards - they were offered with either black plastic or checker plate - I have a white US Sub and kept the checker plate one because I think it looks great and is different from my Stingrays!! In fact it's a very cool (and extremely light) 2 band MM 5.

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#59
mmon77 said:
Mahogany is a great wood...but also a heavy one.
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Musicman seem to have produced mahogany bodied basses which haven't been particularly heavy - in fact the 30th Anniversary Ray is mahogany bodied and a sought after version. I have an MM Sabre with a mahogany body - around average weight for a Sabre and a fabulous bass. So not necessarily a bad thing.

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