Upgraded Sub vs Ray34

[Nuage420]

The Ray34 is the same as the older US EBs.
@LowEndLobster has 1 zillion and 3 really informative videos on Ray's of all shapes and sizes..

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Hi, I am looking for a budget friendly 4 string as my "covers" bass. I have the option to buy a second hand Sterling by MM Sub in black finish with maple neck and fretboard with the following upgrades: Black Hipshot bridge, including body routed for string through body, black Hipshot tuners, Nordstrand MM 4.2 pickup and John East MM 3-band pre and a black control plate.
I am wondering if you think this would be a good choice over a stock Ray34.

Interested to hear your thoughts, Thanks.

Stock 34. Then if you want to, drop one of either of these pickups in it

Or not.


But, buying a used Sterling SUB, which is the most bottom barrel thing to ever leave their factory, that someone drilled straight through the body from the back to front, is probably the worst "should I buy it" thread I think I've ever seen on here as an actual question.

Get the stock Ray34. It's a good bass. Or, someone else mentioned a USA sub you should check in to also.

 

[CBRXJ]

get the USA MM SUB.

 

[DISCOSTUVW]

US SUB? Get that! Those are killer basses!

 

[CoffeeLove]

Hi, I am looking for a budget friendly 4 string as my "covers" bass. I have the option to buy a second hand Sterling by MM Sub in black finish with maple neck and fretboard with the following upgrades: Black Hipshot bridge, including body routed for string through body, black Hipshot tuners, Nordstrand MM 4.2 pickup and John East MM 3-band pre and a black control plate.
I am wondering if you think this would be a good choice over a stock Ray34.

Interested to hear your thoughts, Thanks.

Definitely the Ray34. I had a Ray35 and it felt/sounded very similar to my actual Stingray 5. I can't speak to the SUB you are looking at, but I am not a huge fan of mods, especially extensive ones like the string through bridge. Best wishes on your search

 

[SgtHulka]

You want a good out of the box bass for $128 bucks? This would be my choice for a budget MM beater.

https://www.thomannmusic.com/harley_benton_mb_4_sbk_deluxe_series.htm

 

[Rnr..........4]

I went with the Ray24CA for the slab body, 2 band and narrow nut. Plan to upgrade just the tuners and pickup. Will probably try the Nordstrand one. Wanted a Stingray closer to the classic without the hefty price tag. I used to have a Ray34 mind but didn't really care for the 3 band. 2 band is warmer and doesn't have a filter.