Sterling SUB Ray4

[jase72]

Hi all !
Asking for some advice here on the Sterling bass guitar Ray4.
I am looking to have this bass as a backup bass or even play it at the odd gig.
I’m really asking if the bass is good enough quality to consider buying.

Thanks .

 

[Jeff Scott]

Hi all !
Asking for some advice here on the Sterling bass guitar Ray4.
I am looking to have this bass as a backup bass or even play it at the odd gig.
I’m really asking if the bass is good enough quality to consider buying.

Thanks .

Is that a new type of amplifier?

 

[michael_t]

I've asked the moderator to move this to Basses.

 

[jase72]

I've asked the moderator to move this to Basses.

Apologies

 

[jase72]

Is that a new type of amplifier?

Apologies

 

[ghostdog93]

About a month ago, I went and tried a whole bunch of different StingRays, from a used EBMM SUB (wonderful) to the Ray2 Intro Series (meh). I also tried out a Ray4 at GC, and I would say the current Sub series is worth the entry price, in general. If you're looking for a cheap(er) backup bass, I think it's a good choice.

It's a solid player, has a decent 2 band pre amp, and felt pretty nice for a $350 bass. I'm primarily a short scale player, but the neck was comfortable. Plus,the transparent black one I played was a looker.

 

[JakobT]

It’s an inexpensive, but well-built bass, and will perform these tasks admirably.

 

[BassNugget]

Yes. They are very good for the price. I downgraded to them as my main instruments (from USA EBMM).

 

[jase72]

Yes. They are very good for the price. I downgraded to them as my main instruments (from USA EBMM).

All very positive comments. Maybe it won’t be just a backup bass lol.

 

[Doctor Morbius]

There are currently a couple of Ray4 models on sale at MF right now. I have a transparent black one and put a Duncan Alncico SMB-4A in it as I thought the stock pickup too hot/dark. Sound wise it's right up there with my Ray34. Maybe even better. I like that it has a 38mm nut compared to the Ray34's 43mm nut.

Thread 'Brand New Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray4 for $280'

Nov 12, 2025

The new street price of this model is now $380. It was $350 a few weeks back. Personally, I think the Firemist Silver for $550 is a better option. I have a Ray4 and a friend of mine has two and all 3 seem to have a problem with high frets.

Walnut Stain $280:
Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Electric Bass Guitar

Vintage Cream $280:
Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Electric Bass Guitar

Transparent Black $300:

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Electric Bass Guitar

Get the guaranteed best price on 4 String Electric Bass like the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Electric Bass Guitar at Musician's Friend. Get a low price and free shipping on thousands of...

www.musiciansfriend.com

Pueblo Pink is still $380.

• Doctor Morbius
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Hot Deals

• 

 

[Doctor Morbius]

The transparent black ones dropped by $10 to $290. Worth it, IMO.

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Electric Bass Guitar

Get the guaranteed best price on 4 String Electric Bass like the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Electric Bass Guitar at Musician's Friend. Get a low price and free shipping on thousands of...

www.musiciansfriend.com

 

[ghostdog93]

The transparent black ones dropped by $10 to $290. Worth it, IMO.

1000% worth it at that price.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

It's my only Stingray. Let go of the rest. Mine got ski jump in the neck after a number of years. Bought a Ray 2 and used that neck. Plays great! I have a SD Blackouts preamp in mine. Leveled the frets on the Ray 4 neck, put it on the Ray 2 body, gave it to my stepson.

BBB

 

[ahbradot]

They are fantastic in regards to quality and play ability and of course if you're looking for that type of tone. But I strongly suggest you get one in your hands and try it out before you buy to make sure you don't have a dud.

 

[BassicJazzy]

A friend has one, needed better strings and a proper set-up. After that it was a pretty decent bass. Good value, at that price point.

 

[MovingPitchers]

Owned a Ray5 version and I have nothing bad to say about the sound and build. Only issue is that the Ray5 was HEAVY as heck...I think the Ray4 will be a bit lighter.

 

[cxc]

I’ve gigged mine. Plays nice. Strung w Fender flats currently. Needed to lower the pickup to get decent tone. Great for the price.

 

[Marc valero]

I have a USA Stingray 5 and a
Ray5 H and Ray 5 HH, which sounds best with just the bridge pickup. For some reason the Ray HH sounds better than the Ray H. I played the HH with light Rotosounds Sunday and nobody in the band said anything after playing the EBMM Stingray 5 (1990) for all the recent shows. With the Rays you may need some EQ, but they are solid with a good sound.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

I have a pre Covid Ray4 I bought in 2019 to use at an open mic that I help host. Got to where I played it at every gig outside the open mic. The MM style bass was Leo’s best design. Cleaner sound than a p bass, bigger sound than a jazz.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

from a used EBMM SUB (wonderful)

Yea they are. Worth every $ if you can find one.