The best starter Stingray (Poll)

[triviani]

I’d just get a used MM Stingray 4H and be done with it.

Sterlings feel different to me, parts are cheaper, other replicas also have small changes. If you do it half-heartedly now, you'll still be wondering what a real ray sounds and feels like.

Also, a used MM Stingray will probably get your money back if you resell it.

 

[Brandon Shea]

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.

Those MM SUBs are really well regarded, I hope it's a keeper! Plus it should be easy enough to get your money back if you decide to move the bass along.

 

[Cory rich40]

As far as the sterling ray 34/35 goes we obviously know that it’s not the same as the real thing. Tone wise I’ve heard it’s 90 percent of the way there. Would you describe its tone as muffled almost sounding like it’s trying to get through but something is keeping it from fully sounding like a real stingray? The sterling darkray’s clean tone kind of could be described as that. It had a 2 band eq. The USA SUB has a 2 band eq and sounds a more full where the sterling sounded maybe a little too bassy. You notice more if you own the real thing. If you never played the real thing and buy a sterling odds are you might think you have found the perfect bass as long as it doesn’t have tuner or truss rod issues

 

[Schpeaker]

As far as the sterling ray 34/35 goes we obviously know that it’s not the same as the real thing. Tone wise I’ve heard it’s 90 percent of the way there. Would you describe its tone as muffled almost sounding like it’s trying to get through but something is keeping it from fully sounding like a real stingray?

It's more midrangey, less scooped than the Special. Probably from the serial wiring of the pickup. I'm comparing EQ-centered vs. EQ-centered on both basses. Once you start playing around with the EQ I'm sure there's regions where they overlap.

I've received multiple comments from sound engineers at gigs about how good the Ray34 sounded. This was with Cobalt Flats. After the show they wanted to know what pedals I was running, and I really had nothing but a preamp running very docile settings. My Special hasn't received any such compliments so far :-(.

 

[Cory rich40]

It's more midrangey, less scooped than the Special. Probably from the serial wiring of the pickup. I'm comparing EQ-centered vs. EQ-centered on both basses. Once you start playing around with the EQ I'm sure there's regions where they overlap.

I've received multiple comments from sound engineers at gigs about how good the Ray34 sounded. This was with Cobalt Flats. After the show they wanted to know what pedals I was running, and I really had nothing but a preamp running very docile settings. My Special hasn't received any such compliments so far :-(.

I actually got a compliment from my sterling darkray. With that particular bass, I think it’s 18v preamp makes a difference. I kind of wish all of the sterling rays would go 18v. At least the ray 34 and ray 35. Then again they may not need it

 

[jmattbassplaya]

If budget allows it, keep your eyes peeled and get an EBMM Ray of your choice (Classic, non Special, or Special). Only the first few years of the Ray34 come close. I’ve yet to play a more recent one that I thought was worth the asking price. YMMV.

 

[Wicked G]

I almost always say to get an HH, and in the OP's case I say definitely get an HH and here is why. Since you are new to a Stingray, you don't know if you are going to like the single H tone. Not everyone does. With the HH you not only get the H tone, you also have 4 other switch positions to play with giving many tones to choose from. If you find that you like the single H tone, great. If you don't you will definitely find it in one of the other positions.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Best Starter Stingray would be EBMM Stingray Special in basic finish new or mint used; a excellent condition Pre-Special good choice also

 

[ghostdog93]

Well, I got to play the used MM SUB yesterday and I really liked it. Really. A sweet player, lots of tonal options, great neck, and it just felt good in hand. A tip of the hat to @LadyLoveStingRay5 for the suggestion, it's a great bass. Comparing the SUB to the Ray4 (which I still think is decent player) is definitely an apples to crab apples comparison. Of course, the Ray4 is currently in production and is much cheaper, which brings me to...

I wasn't quite ready to pull the trigger at $900+. The seller wouldn't budge on the price, which I understand. I'm going to sit on it for a day or two before making a decision.

 

[Nebadon2000]

$900 is a good price if in very good condition

Regular version of that bass go for 3K + used
You are getting same preamp pickup and hardware

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Well, I got to play the used MM SUB yesterday and I really liked it. Really. A sweet player, lots of tonal options, great neck, and it just felt good in hand. A tip of the hat to @LadyLoveStingRay5 for the suggestion, it's a great bass. Comparing the SUB to the Ray4 (which I still think is decent player) is definitely an apples to crab apples comparison. Of course, the Ray4 is currently in production and is much cheaper, which brings me to...

I wasn't quite ready to pull the trigger at $900+. The seller wouldn't budge on the price, which I understand. I'm going to sit on it for a day or two before making a decision.

You are welcome!!!! Here is another great tip.....Buy it now!!!! That is a great price. $750 would be excellent. Anything less than $1K is great. You wont lose money on it and it will continue to appreciate In value.

 

[agplate]

I’ve owned both and I’m a believer in the Sterling Ray34! The earlier models with the “Ray34” circle logo have a less chunky neck than the USA Stingray, a nice matching headstock and rare quality control issues. There are a few models built in Korea (koa and pearl white) that are considered the best built and finished if you can find them. The newer models have beautiful roasted but thicker necks and sound great- though watch out for the tuner/truss rod issues. To my ears, the Ray34 sounds like what a Stingray should sound like but with more balls and growl, probably because of the series wiring. Best of all, I’ve never played a Ray34 with ANY weak G string or dead spots (which has been an issue on every USA I’ve owned-ymmv!). They may lack the prestige and mojo of the EBMM, but are a real players bass, and with the older models selling for $500-700 or less, it’s a great starting point (or keepers like mine, I have 5!).

 

[pb9717]

The best stingray is a Lakland 44-02.

But I am biased. Ive owned a USA Ernie Ball Stingray, Ray34CA, Ray4, and a Z7. This one beats em all. Truly.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The best stingray is a Lakland 44-02.
View attachment 7353498
But I am biased. Ive owned a USA Ernie Ball Stingray, Ray34CA, Ray4, and a Z7. This one beats em all. Truly.

That is a very nice bass. It is somewhat similar to my Sandberg Ida 5, but it’s no StingRay!!

 

[pb9717]

I defy anyone blindfolded to determine a 44-02 is not an exact stingray tone. They emulate the early Stingrays to a T. IMHO. Especially the early Lakland Korean Skylines, as the one above which has the US electrics. Slammin Stingray tone. SLAMMIN I SAY!!!!!

 

[Nebadon2000]

I defy anyone blindfolded to determine a 44-02 is not an exact stingray tone. They emulate the early Stingrays to a T. IMHO. Especially the early Lakland Korean Skylines, as the one above which has the US electrics. Slammin Stingray tone. SLAMMIN I SAY!!!!!

: If I couldn't tell the difference blindfolded I would still keep my Stingray and give kudos to Lakeland for being the best Stingray 'Wanna Be' compared to 3 other Wanna Be's you mentioned in other post

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I defy anyone blindfolded to determine a 44-02 is not an exact stingray tone. They emulate the early Stingrays to a T. IMHO. Especially the early Lakland Korean Skylines, as the one above which has the US electrics. Slammin Stingray tone. SLAMMIN I SAY!!!!!

I’m not sure what you mean by early StingRays but if you are referring to the original 2 band eq / mutes model then I strongly disagree.

It’s perfectly fine that you prefer the Lakland. To my ears they don’t sound the same. Similar and the same are 2 different things.

 

[five7]

Buy a real Ernie Ball stingray and put new strings on it and wah la. That is the real ray tone. I have owned many sbmm, usa subs and usa sterlings and rays.
The first one I bought cost $465. A friend on the EB forums talked me out of it and it is in England now. I would buy another one but not for $3K.

 

[brianrost]

Just say one of these at a local store…labeled as a SBMM Sub4.

Is it just an earlier version of the current Sub Series Ray 4 (which has a different headstock decal)? I don't see any for sale new online and used prices are all over the map from less than $300 to over $600. All I know it was made in Indonesia and in good cosmetic condition (I did not pull it off the wall to play cause I’m not in the market for a Stingray).

 

[Schpeaker]

Just say one of these at a local store…labeled as a SBMM Sub4.

Is it just an earlier version of the current Sub Series Ray 4 (which has a different headstock decal)? I don't see any for sale new online and used prices are all over the map from less than $300 to over $600. All I know it was made in Indonesia and in good cosmetic condition (I did not pull it off the wall to play cause I’m not in the market for a Stingray).

View attachment 7353875

Yes it’s an earlier version of the Ray4. I wouldn’t pay more than $200 for one.