The best starter Stingray (Poll)

[ghostdog93]

Lately, I've been having the itch to try a Stingray. My main squeeze for the last bunch of years has been a Mustang, which I love. But I have almost zero playing time with Stingrays in any form, so I really don't know where to begin.

Before running off to the LMS, I'm curious as to where y'all would suggest I start. Passive? 2 band? 3 band? Stick with short scale? RayRay with an HH?

And yes, I've already watched just about every video review of every model in the poll, so I'm already exhausted.

 

[Doctor Morbius]

If you're used to a Mustang and it feels like "home" you may find a full scale bass a bit of a challenge. Also, if you're used to a Squier CV or MIM P/J Mustang with a 38mm nut width you will find a Ray 34 a REAL challenge. Not saying you won't be able to negotiate the neck/fretboard with some practice, but it's something to think about.

The short scale SBMM Ray has both a 30" scale and a 1/5" nut width so it's a super easy transition from a Squier CV or MIM P/J Mustang. However, IMO, it won't sounds like an active preamp Ray.

 

[ghostdog93]

If you're used to a Mustang and it feels like "home" you may find a full scale bass a bit of a challenge.

The Mustang is my daily player, but I also have a 32" and a 34" in the quiver. The standard scale is a VM Jag that I've had/played for more than a decade, so I don't think I'll have much of a problem moving to a Ray. In all honesty, I really don't notice that much of a difference in my playing style when moving around between the three scale lengths. The 34" is much more of a stretch than the 30", obviously, but it's nothing a little shifting can't handle.

Yes, the shorter scale on the Mustang is one reason why I like it, but it's not the only reason.

 

[Eternal Day]

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

As my main bass, HH would be my natural choice for versatility. As a specialized tool, I'd prefer an H model.

 

[oldcatfish]

I voted for the short scale, because you’re used to that as your daily player. But, since you’re adaptable, really any of them would be great. I have the SUB ray 4, and it gets close enough to the classic stingray sound that I am happy with it. That being said, I would not mind having an intro passive one….but that’s because I don’t really use the preamp eq too much on the SUB (I leave it flat), and I don’t like fooling with batteries—though they do last a long time. I had the battery clip break one time, so I had to repair it. It was an easy fix, but that’s another reason that I prefer passive instruments. Honestly, I would try to go play the different models and see what feels best to you.

 

[cannedsardines]

I had my heart set on a Ray34 a few years ago but the particular (used) model on display at my local Guitar Center had several issues and a Ray24 sitting next to it felt and sounded great! I bought the Ray24 and really enjoy playing it except for the slab body, which can feel a little bulky at times.

 

[Brandon Shea]

Ray34 gets my vote, especially if you find a good one in purple.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Go for the model that is closest to real deal original StingRay. If it was me , I’d buy a used USA SUB . Make sure to get active one. They did make some passive . From your list…. Ray34.

 

[Nunovsky]

Sire Z3

 

[shirojiro]

I voted SBMM Ray34.
I have one as well as an EBMM SR5 and a USA active SUB 4.

The Ray34 gets most of the playing time. It's a great bass.

I tried out a few of the other offerings from the Sterling import line, and I found that the Ray34 basses felt much nicer to me.

 

[Lo-E]

Go for the model that is closest to real deal original StingRay. If it was me , I’d buy a used USA SUB . Make sure to get active one. They did make some passive . From your list…. Ray34.

^^See her screen name?^^ Listen to her!

Seriously, though, to me a Stingray is one pickup, alnico, full scale and active. I also prefer the two-band pre but that’s just my personal preference. From your list I’d look at the Ray 24 but a used US SUB is a better option.

In my opinion - and we all know what opinions are worth - a Stingray has a distinct, signature sound. Recent variants, all of which are enjoying a lot of popularity recently, such as Specials, passives, short-scales and HH models, sound decidedly “less Stingray” to me than the sound I hear in my head when I think of a MM Stingray. While they’re all still great instruments, I don’t really get why one would choose to play a Stingray and opt to have it sound less like a Stingray. Maybe that makes me a curmudgeon, an old grouch, a purist or a snob (maybe all of the above) but I can’t imagine playing a ‘ray that doesn’t sound like the originals.
I’ll just take a minute to put on my flame-proof undies now….

 

[JC BASS 91]

I voted Ray24 because I have one and found that out of the box it was quite nice. However, for me, it didn't have the tone I was looking for...and I hated the tort pickguard on the blue. I also love the narrower width at the nut.

So, I tinkered. First, that horrible tort pickguard was replaced with white pearl, which made it look amazing in my opinion. Dunlop dual design strap locks are a must on all my basses (except my Rics).

Tone wise, though, I just couldn't get it to sound like what I expected in my head, so I did some research and found out that the pickup was wired in series, instead of parallel like the original Stingrays were, so I corrected that in the hopes it would help. It still didn't get me there.

Ended up replacing the pickup with a Nordstrand MM4.2 pickup and that got me within spitting distance of what I was looking for tone wise, and I was happy with that for a long time, but then stumbled across a guy on Reverb selling copies of the original Stingray preamp for $100. I figured I'd give it a go and that nailed it for me.

So, yes, I will state that out of the box the bass was great and got a good modern Stingray tone, but it just wasn't what I was wanting, so I made some changes. This is NOT to say that it might be exactly what you're looking for, though.

 

[Cory rich40]

I’m going to agree with what others have said. A USA SUB is going to be your best bet. You will have the real thing and they usually cost $850 in close to mint condition..

 

[bassbrad]

Like a Pbass a Sting Ray is a one trick pony but what an amazing trick they do. I am satisfied with my Sub Ray 4 after missing my early EBMM Sting Ray for far too long. I do often daydream of having a HH 5 string but I really don't need another. If after owning and playing the Sub Ray 4 for a while and feel you need higher quality or more options then venture on.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

I've had all of the above except the SS (which intrigues me...). At one point I had all 4 at the same time and enlisted the help of my stepson (also a bassist) to do a blind test. He sat in the hall while I played all 4 through the same small amp. His preference:
Ray 4 (with SD Blackouts preamp)
Ray 2
Ray 34 HH
Ray 34 H

I gave him the Ray 2. Kept the Ray 4. (Swapped the necks on those). Sold both 34's.

BBB

 

[ghostdog93]

Go for the model that is closest to real deal original StingRay. If it was me , I’d buy a used USA SUB . Make sure to get active one. They did make some passive . From your list…. Ray34.

I was also thinking used, but the possibilities seemed endless and I didn't know where to start. Thanks for the tip, I'll be keeping my eyes peeled.

Ray34 gets my vote, especially if you find a good one in purple.

Well, I do love that purple. Sparkly, sparkly purple. Mmmmm.

Sire Z3

Not going to lie, I was already considering this as an option. Sadly, there are no Sire dealers nearby so I'd have to buy without trying.

 

[Brandon Shea]

Sadly, there are no Sire dealers nearby so I'd have to buy without trying.

Sire is one of the few brands I'd feel comfortable buying sight unseen, assuming the weight is reasonable. The Z3 in particular really seems to nail the classic StingRay tone without the classic StingRay budget. The finish options are pretty mid compared to SBMM and EBMM though.

 

[Schpeaker]

I went from a Ray4 to a Ray24 to a Ray34 to an EBMM StingRay Special. At one point I owned all 4.

I haven't played a Ray2 but it seems pointless to me. It may be a decent bass, but without a preamp, it's not an "entry-point" to the StingRay line because it doesn't allow you to experiment with the preamp's range of tones.

A Ray4 is an excellent entry point. They are *well-built* basses. Where SBMM cheaped out is on the pickups (trash) and preamp (acceptable). A $17 BQLZR pickup fixes the pickup problem and you have a seriously giggable bass.

A Ray24 is pointless. You get nicer colors and a better pickup.

A Ray34 has a number of upgrades. Roasted maple neck, contoured body, better electronics. It sounds more like a "real" EBMM StingRay (or StingRay Special) but isn't completely there. Crucially, though, it has the wider 43mm nut that's identical to the real EBMM StingRays, unlike the narrower 38mm nut width that's on the Ray4 and Ray24. This may be a positive or negative for you.

A used EBMM StingRay or StingRay Special may also be a good answer, depending on your budget. If you buy carefully, you can get something that won't depreciate much, if at all.

 

[ghostdog93]

A Ray4 is an excellent entry point. They are *well-built* basses. Where SBMM cheaped out is on the pickups (trash) and preamp (acceptable). A $17 BQLZR pickup fixes the pickup problem and you have a seriously giggable bass.

I got to play a Ray4 at GC today. It was a good looking bass in transparent black satin. The neck felt pretty nice, it was easy enough to play. I probably annoyed anyone within earshot as I fiddled with the electronics - not being used to an active bass I was not sure what to expect. The 2 band preamp seems versatile enough. All in all, it's a pretty solid package for under $400.

One reason I didn't walk out with it? I found a 2003 MM SUB active at a shop about 90 miles from me. I'll be driving over to see it Wed or Thurs.