Sterlings Great value or excercise in futility?

[Omega Monkey]

Just venting. Maybe a year and half or 2 years ago I had tried to order a Ray35 HH with the spalted top. This was just coming out of the pandemic and they were damn near impossible to find. I ordered one and it came and the setup/neck/etc... was just unworkable and it also had some like finish issues, and stuff like that. So I sent it back. They were SUPPOSED to send me another one (according to the person I talked to on the phone), but apparently MF doesn't "do" exchanges (which is bizarre). So even though they had had one in stock at the time I made the return, they didn't set it aside for me, and then the next in stock date was who knows when.

I think maybe 3 or 4 months later, I found one again, and ordered. This time the finish was fine, but the setup was still way off the mark. I ended up spending about 80 bucks and a bunch of time, trying to dial in what I could, changing the strings to the gauges I like, and having the nut filed.

It still sucked. I mean, it looked great and sounded good, but if I can't play it, that defeats the purpose.

Anyway, I kind of gave up on them at the time, and also my gear purchases lately have ended up being more keyboard oriented. But yesterday MF had their stupid deal of the hour, and one of them was a Ray34 in an interesting burled top with a darker blue burst. I would have preferred a 5 string with a roasted maple FB instead of a 4 string with rosewood, but this thing was 500 bucks down from $980. So I said what the hell and even sprung 20 bucks for overnight shipping (I've been having issues with shipping lately in general, not even just "the holidays" but literally the last few months).

And while the bass looks great (haven't had a chance to plug it in yet to see how it sounds), the setup is again one of the worst I've ever seen on any new bass, regardless of price. I lowered the sky high action and adjusted the intonation accordingly, but it still could use a truss rod tightening, but the wheel just doesn't seem to go that way at all. And it needs a nut filing as well.

So this one will be going back and I'll give them one more chance to send me a non dud otherwise I'm out forever. Like, why make a nice looking $1000 bass and then jerk off the setup which is one of the most key things? Honestly it puts me off the legit ones too even though I love the MM sound and vibe (Tony Levin, Louis Johnson, etc...).

Has anyone else had similar experiences, or has anyone actually been blown away by getting a really great one (especially if you like nice low action)? Is there a consensus on if these are worth it or not? I think I played a pretty good 4 string in GC at one point, but every one I've personally gotten my hands on has been TERRIBLE.

 

[agplate]

I do believe the Sterling QC has been slipping from what I’ve seen and heard in the past year or two. However, I think you can be encouraged that the majority of players do seem to have good luck and love the various models.
I have 5 Ray34’s and swear by them, even preferred over the USA stingrays for various reasons. 4 of them are the earlier versions (with the “Ray34” logo on the headstock), all of which are perfect and fully adjustable to a very low action. The latest is the new one with the roasted maple neck. The truss rod seems pretty tight on this one but I have it set up perfectly as well- and this one sounds the most like a USA. My point is that I think of you keep looking, you’ll likely find a winner, and they are lovely basses. I’d go for an earlier model, preferable one of the more rare Korean made basses (Koa tops, etc), and if you prefer new only, I think Sweetwater checks out the instruments and will treat you better than GC. Sorry you’ve had such a bad run, but hopefully you’ll find a good one!

 

[SteveCS]

...
Has anyone else had similar experiences, or has anyone actually been blown away by getting a really great one (especially if you like nice low action)?
...

My Ray34 from 2012 has been, and remains, a superb bass. It was good when I bought it used in 2015. Since then it has been PLEKked so it plays really well and takes a very low setup. TBH, the more new off the peg basses I play the more they dissapoint in terms of setup - high action, excessive relief, high nuts, etc. Even the EBMM StingRay Special in Pueblo Pink I tried just the other day had a high nut, excess relief and high action - this is a £3100 instrument. In general I think we have to see beyond the setup and check that there is sufficient adjustment to get what we want: are the saddles already bottomed out, does the truss rod work, etc. I've given up looking for a properly cut nut!! So if I was in the market for a new bass of any flavour I would always factor in something for fine-tuning on my own clock.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Just venting. Maybe a year and half or 2 years ago I had tried to order a Ray35 HH with the spalted top. This was just coming out of the pandemic and they were damn near impossible to find. I ordered one and it came and the setup/neck/etc... was just unworkable and it also had some like finish issues, and stuff like that. So I sent it back. They were SUPPOSED to send me another one (according to the person I talked to on the phone), but apparently MF doesn't "do" exchanges (which is bizarre). So even though they had had one in stock at the time I made the return, they didn't set it aside for me, and then the next in stock date was who knows when.

I think maybe 3 or 4 months later, I found one again, and ordered. This time the finish was fine, but the setup was still way off the mark. I ended up spending about 80 bucks and a bunch of time, trying to dial in what I could, changing the strings to the gauges I like, and having the nut filed.

It still sucked. I mean, it looked great and sounded good, but if I can't play it, that defeats the purpose.

Anyway, I kind of gave up on them at the time, and also my gear purchases lately have ended up being more keyboard oriented. But yesterday MF had their stupid deal of the hour, and one of them was a Ray34 in an interesting burled top with a darker blue burst. I would have preferred a 5 string with a roasted maple FB instead of a 4 string with rosewood, but this thing was 500 bucks down from $980. So I said what the hell and even sprung 20 bucks for overnight shipping (I've been having issues with shipping lately in general, not even just "the holidays" but literally the last few months).

And while the bass looks great (haven't had a chance to plug it in yet to see how it sounds), the setup is again one of the worst I've ever seen on any new bass, regardless of price. I lowered the sky high action and adjusted the intonation accordingly, but it still could use a truss rod tightening, but the wheel just doesn't seem to go that way at all. And it needs a nut filing as well.

So this one will be going back and I'll give them one more chance to send me a non dud otherwise I'm out forever. Like, why make a nice looking $1000 bass and then jerk off the setup which is one of the most key things? Honestly it puts me off the legit ones too even though I love the MM sound and vibe (Tony Levin, Louis Johnson, etc...).

Has anyone else had similar experiences, or has anyone actually been blown away by getting a really great one (especially if you like nice low action)? Is there a consensus on if these are worth it or not? I think I played a pretty good 4 string in GC at one point, but every one I've personally gotten my hands on has been TERRIBLE.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/st...s-new-for-2022-unfortunate-situation.1557756/

 

[staccatogrowl]

JRay35. . gave up on them. . every one I've gotten my hands on has been TERRIBLE

Simply trust your experience. Expecting different results at this point? The answer is cliché. .

 

[lomo]

The only big gorilla on line seller I'd buy a bass from at tis point is Sweetwater. I'd have a sales rep who plays bass lay hands on it and consider their PLEK/ full setup option.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Save up for an EBMM. They are the real deal. You want a Times Square Rowlex or a real Rolex?

 

[Zooberwerx]

Just venting. Maybe a year and half or 2 years ago I had tried to order a Ray35 HH with the spalted top. This was just coming out of the pandemic and they were damn near impossible to find. I ordered one and it came and the setup/neck/etc... was just unworkable and it also had some like finish issues, and stuff like that. So I sent it back. They were SUPPOSED to send me another one (according to the person I talked to on the phone), but apparently MF doesn't "do" exchanges (which is bizarre). So even though they had had one in stock at the time I made the return, they didn't set it aside for me, and then the next in stock date was who knows when.

I think maybe 3 or 4 months later, I found one again, and ordered. This time the finish was fine, but the setup was still way off the mark. I ended up spending about 80 bucks and a bunch of time, trying to dial in what I could, changing the strings to the gauges I like, and having the nut filed.

It still sucked. I mean, it looked great and sounded good, but if I can't play it, that defeats the purpose.

Anyway, I kind of gave up on them at the time, and also my gear purchases lately have ended up being more keyboard oriented. But yesterday MF had their stupid deal of the hour, and one of them was a Ray34 in an interesting burled top with a darker blue burst. I would have preferred a 5 string with a roasted maple FB instead of a 4 string with rosewood, but this thing was 500 bucks down from $980. So I said what the hell and even sprung 20 bucks for overnight shipping (I've been having issues with shipping lately in general, not even just "the holidays" but literally the last few months).

And while the bass looks great (haven't had a chance to plug it in yet to see how it sounds), the setup is again one of the worst I've ever seen on any new bass, regardless of price. I lowered the sky high action and adjusted the intonation accordingly, but it still could use a truss rod tightening, but the wheel just doesn't seem to go that way at all. And it needs a nut filing as well.

So this one will be going back and I'll give them one more chance to send me a non dud otherwise I'm out forever. Like, why make a nice looking $1000 bass and then jerk off the setup which is one of the most key things? Honestly it puts me off the legit ones too even though I love the MM sound and vibe (Tony Levin, Louis Johnson, etc...).

Has anyone else had similar experiences, or has anyone actually been blown away by getting a really great one (especially if you like nice low action)? Is there a consensus on if these are worth it or not? I think I played a pretty good 4 string in GC at one point, but every one I've personally gotten my hands on has been TERRIBLE.

Yeah, any number of the mid-tier and budget-conscious offerings will be perfectly acceptable players once they've been set up properly by somebody-in-the-know. The process(es) you described have me scratching my head.

Riis

 

[The Expendable Clay]

Just venting. Maybe a year and half or 2 years ago I had tried to order a Ray35 HH with the spalted top. This was just coming out of the pandemic and they were damn near impossible to find. I ordered one and it came and the setup/neck/etc... was just unworkable and it also had some like finish issues, and stuff like that. So I sent it back. They were SUPPOSED to send me another one (according to the person I talked to on the phone), but apparently MF doesn't "do" exchanges (which is bizarre). So even though they had had one in stock at the time I made the return, they didn't set it aside for me, and then the next in stock date was who knows when.

I think maybe 3 or 4 months later, I found one again, and ordered. This time the finish was fine, but the setup was still way off the mark. I ended up spending about 80 bucks and a bunch of time, trying to dial in what I could, changing the strings to the gauges I like, and having the nut filed.

It still sucked. I mean, it looked great and sounded good, but if I can't play it, that defeats the purpose.

Anyway, I kind of gave up on them at the time, and also my gear purchases lately have ended up being more keyboard oriented. But yesterday MF had their stupid deal of the hour, and one of them was a Ray34 in an interesting burled top with a darker blue burst. I would have preferred a 5 string with a roasted maple FB instead of a 4 string with rosewood, but this thing was 500 bucks down from $980. So I said what the hell and even sprung 20 bucks for overnight shipping (I've been having issues with shipping lately in general, not even just "the holidays" but literally the last few months).

And while the bass looks great (haven't had a chance to plug it in yet to see how it sounds), the setup is again one of the worst I've ever seen on any new bass, regardless of price. I lowered the sky high action and adjusted the intonation accordingly, but it still could use a truss rod tightening, but the wheel just doesn't seem to go that way at all. And it needs a nut filing as well.

So this one will be going back and I'll give them one more chance to send me a non dud otherwise I'm out forever. Like, why make a nice looking $1000 bass and then jerk off the setup which is one of the most key things? Honestly it puts me off the legit ones too even though I love the MM sound and vibe (Tony Levin, Louis Johnson, etc...).

Has anyone else had similar experiences, or has anyone actually been blown away by getting a really great one (especially if you like nice low action)? Is there a consensus on if these are worth it or not? I think I played a pretty good 4 string in GC at one point, but every one I've personally gotten my hands on has been TERRIBLE.

The interesting thing about this post is this:
I've owned 2 of the SUB series - obviously way less expensive than these you are talking about.
My Ray4 was perfect almost immediately. My Ray5 needed maybe 15 minutes of action/relief adjustment and was good to go. The build quality was great with the lower tier, and I was prepared to replace the electronics right away because that's where they cheap out.
The couple of 34 series I tried in stores didn't seem that much better than the lower tier stuff. (strictly build quality speaking)

 

[five7]

I have owned a dozen SBMM ones or so. All needed a setup and work except a short scale one. Most of the ernie ball ones I have had also needed a setup.
E.B. are much better quality though and I recommend trying one.

 

[JC BASS 91]

I bought a Ray24CA several months back and other than the pickup being wired series instead of parallel, it was great right out of the box from Sweetwater. However, it didn't quite have the tone I was hearing in my head. I put in a Nordstrand MM4.2 and there it was. No other changes necessary (other than strap locks).

I stopped ordering from Musician's Friend almost 20 years ago after a series of problems with orders from them. I know that Guitar Center and Musician's Friend are two sides of the same coin, so what I see at GC I feel translates to what MF would send out. My local GC is a joke. About half of the basses are damaged in some way, yet they are still out on the wall for people to buy. There was one I was interested in (and my wife was pushing me to get) and when I pointed out the problems that I would want repaired by them before I paid for it and left the store, the sales guy LAUGHED at me and said, "Yeah, that's not going to happen." I should mention that it was full list price, even with the problems. Yeah...no. Had it not been a "Guitar Center Exclusive" I would have ordered one from Sweetwater and been happy.

 

[CharlieGrove]

Earlier this year I ordered a Sterling from Chicago Music Exchange and they refused to ship it to me due to it being poor quality. They gave me a full refund and apologized. I very much appreciated their honesty and not selling me a subpar bass.

 

[rojo412]

I'm sure there will be quite a few defenders of these, as well as haters, but I'd definitely say that as an owner of numerous EBMM basses made between 89-2000, versus repairing quite a few of these since they came out, I'd be saving any money for the real deal because the QC on these is pretty lacking.

The most egregious one was a fancy-topped, limited edition Ray35 that came across my bench a couple years back. This was a "deluxe" model of some sort, roasted maple neck and board, not a cheap version of these by any means. A friend purchased it used and it needed to have the neck adjusted.
The bow forward was WAY too much, so I attempted a normal truss rod adjustment, to no avail.
I went harder on it and manhandled it a little bit, using techniques that were kind of extreme to adjust it (clamping the body to the bench, bending the neck back beyond "normal" range and adding truss tension), but also to no avail.

That's when I went to the nuclear option, which was heat treating the neck:
clamped the body down on an elevated surface, used a clamp on the headstock to bend the neck back VERY far, then wrapped it in a heating pad for hours and let it cool overnight, under tension.
This method has worked for me on every bass I've ever tried... EXCEPT this bass.

I contacted Sterling and they said it was out of warranty and there were no neck options to be purchased, so it was out of their hands. Mind you, this was a bass that was only about 8 years old at the time.
(I currently own an SR5 that is 34 years old and it's fine, just as a comparison.)

The bass got set up as best it could be and he sold it to GC to get rid of it. But that was enough info for me to swear off of these. Others I've seen were fair to middling at best when it came to QC, but when an instrument promising to be "better" with upgraded features doesn't last 8 years and is unfixable, while starting at a street price of $900... well, I'd rather spend my money on something else.
At the time, a USA SUB was about the same price or less and that would have been a vastly improved instrument from this one, hands down. Granted, a rarer find and less "ornate," but certainly a better buy.

YMMV.

 

[Egg250]

One of the very first things I do with a new or new to me bass is perform a setup. I'm not super picky but I change the strings which generally requires some setup work, if only intonation.

I do prefer a low action, I like the E string around .065". It seems the factory may have different specs on the setup than what you prefer. If you paid somebody to do a setup and they didn't do it to your liking, I think your complaint is with the tech, not the factory. What was the string height measured at the nut? I don't file the nut, but it does seem reasonable the factory might leave it slightly high to allow for a more personal setup.

I think you might need to manage your expectations and either learn how to setup a bass to your liking or find a tech that does.

 

[JazznFunk]

It seems the crux of your dismay is the setup of the basses when they arrive. I agree that for what SBMM's are going for now in terms of price - especially the ones with a fancy top, etc. - the setup should at least be in the ballpark. BUT - one could also argue that the cost benefit of the SBMMs is in the materials and fit/finish (which seem to be pretty good if you ignore the setup issues).

I don't really care what brand or price point of bass it is, I ALWAYS do a setup on a new axe when it arrives, and evaluate what I need to do (or not do) to make it play the way I want. If, after doing a basic setup and evaluating the truss rod, fit/finish, nut filing, etc. I find that there's something extreme that I shouldn't have to do to a new bass right out of the box, then I consider returning/exchanging it. The only time I've ever done that was when a bass arrived out of the box with a decidedly mis-aligned bridge. It went right back the next day.

There are a lot of unknowns with any bass shipped from a larger retailer like Musicians Friend, and climate changes in storage and shipping can wreak havoc on even a well-constructed bass. It's something to consider, especially this time of year with the extreme weather changes we can see. If the setup is the ONLY factor, and it needs minor tweaks to make it great, then I think you might want to consider managing your expectations just a hair more.... or buy some tools and learn how to do your own setups so you save $ doing those adjustments yourself.

My personal experience with the SBMM Ray34 natural/roasted maple neck bass I bought in 2021 was fantastic. It arrived quickly, and had a great setup right out of the box... and was still mostly in tune. I could have gigged with it that day without any adjustments. That being said, I did end up filing a nut slot or 2 down on the D and G strings, and the truss rod is a bit sticky. Outside of that, and the usual string height and intonation adjustments, the bass was great right out of the box, and has been great since. I only paid maybe $400 or $500 for it at the time, so I was very pleased.

 

[moon-bass]

Earlier this year I ordered a Sterling from Chicago Music Exchange and they refused to ship it to me due to it being poor quality. They gave me a full refund and apologized. I very much appreciated their honesty and not selling me a subpar bass.

+1 on CME. I've bought a bunch of stuff from them over the years and they are a great bunch of folks. TOP NOTCH setups.

 

[ElectricBass72]

I bought a new Sterling Stingray 5 HH Sub series from AMS... and it required some tweaking on arrival. Had to adjust neck and saddles. But for $450 it's been a solid bass with freakish active pickup/preamp output. Definitely my "hottest" bass and I have to run volume at half or I get guitar-like feedback from my Rumble and Portaflex amps. The Subs are not as nice as the Ray35s. Sucks that there's QC issues with those models.

 

[Jeremy Crockett]

I have only had experience with two of these. The first was a 2019 or 2020 Ray24CA. It was beautifully made, I just did not get along well with the ceramic pickup. It was too bright and I just could not find the sound I wanted.

The other is a 2013 Ray34CA that I traded a Player Jazz for and it is fantastic. No issues whatsoever.

Hopefully, SBMM works through whatever kinks they are having.

 

[6-3-2]

The only big gorilla on line seller I'd buy a bass from at tis point is Sweetwater. I'd have a sales rep who plays bass lay hands on it and consider their PLEK/ full setup option.

I got an instrument from Sweetwater that needed a set-up. They put up $85 for me to get it set up locally. I still prefer local shops or buying second-hand, but hard to argue with that customer service from Sweetwater.

 

[Pings Bass]

My sub ray 4 was a ridiculously good deal for <$200. I'm not fussy about setup, but it plays pretty good, sounds great, and looks good enough.

Sounds like op is looking for a premium product and buying experience at a midrange mail-order price, which will generally yield disappointing results.