Brother, I don’t know you from Adam, but just the vibe I get from your posts, I think you’re going into this with the right mindset. Having the very same bass that you’re looking at, I would say you’ll be pleased with it. Whether the Ray or the Tribby will be the keeper is up to you, your hands, and your ears. I see too many on here discounting the SUB series because they’re focused on what it isn’t. Play it and learn what it is, then decide for yourself.So I took the dive: I ordered it yesterday.
Bummer though: got an email this morning informing me they're back order after all...
In any case, I know a Ray35 would be a much better instrument. Except I'm not into investing these days. This is a nice shiny toy I just bought myself, and I can afford it immediately. If I like it enough, there'll be other occasions to upgrade in the future.
Full disclosure, I don’t disagree that the Ray35 is an objectively higher quality bass. I’m just saying that IMO, the Ray5HH is an excellent instrument in its own right and especially at the current sale price, an extraordinary value.
There’s my 0.02