Clearly a good player, and doesn’t play a bunch of nonsense show off bullshit to demonstrate, and keeps true to the mission of letting the differences and similarities of these instruments that both are perceived and which actually exist, speak for themselves. TREMENDOUS value in that kind of authenticity and transparency. Subscribe. I did.
With today's snow storm, I finally got a moment to watch this fantastic video. It's like taking a tour of a stingray museum with each piece expertly demonstrated. Fabulous job. Keep you claw out of the snow today!
Suggestion Box: For those of us who haven't developed "Stingray Fatigue" would love to see your take on the Stringray Short Scale passive. All the current reviews are coming from the folks trying to Sell rather than with your with critical and honest take.
Well…I finally found one I like, and couldn’t leave the store without it. All the “sterling by MM” I tried, just didn’t “do it”for me. I just came to terms that I’m not a MM fan. So I figured the US MM couldn’t be that much better, so didn’t bother worrying how much they are…and DAMN! they are pricey. …but, the way we as humans are wired…you find what you really need/want/ connect with in a special way, is there, waiting for you to stop looking for what isn’t there, and to see what is! I normally prefer maple fretboards and passive circuitry, but WHAM!!!! Rosewood and active!!! Anyway, I don’t know if you still read older posts, but…Cheers, Lobster Will! I finally get it..at least, I finally found one I like. I don’t know if it’s even considered “decent, in comparison” but it’s a 2003 Music Man SUB and it plays real nice. I don’t think you have done a video on one (that is, I don’t remember if you did) but I’m curious, what your thoughts on them are? Cheers
All of them sound great 👍. I’m actually going to buy my first bass soon and it’s a stingray 34 HH with a burl top and trans black satin. It look knarley and sounds freaking amazing. Best tone with a huge punch. Can’t wait ❤
I've the exact same bass man: I've owned several basses but that FGN is the best instrument I've ever had! Everything is insane on it, from the manual craftmanship to the finishes, all in the sign of a monster tone! FGN Guitars never disappoint, at the actual state of things they're waaaaaaaaaay better than any other brand in the World for me! Cheers & have fun with your new 1st class toy, Jöe
I own a 5 string StingRay 5, cheap? Maybe but I AM IN LOVE WITH IT. I was curious about your video thinking... ok, good... now somebody will show me how really things are and how one bass sounds and how the other sounds and so on... but since you are a GREAT player, they all play GREAT. So I am a bit confused, but happy with the bass I got :) Good video Lobster, good video and wonderful basses!
Really cool comparison. I really enjoyed it😎🤟. I just ordered a 4 string special in snowy night and already own a black stealth 4 and 5 string. They are such iconic bass guitars. I cannot choose between my Fender jazz custom 5 string/Spector USA NS-2/Ibanez ATK 1200 prestige and my Music mans. They all have their iconic and recognizable sound.
The fretless was one of the best to me, sounded so beautiful! I also wonder if anybody could tell the difference between the cheapest sub vs the american special in a mix... Very nice basses
Extremely hard to tell, if set up right. My sterling sounds just as good as most ernie balls. Be careful what you hear online, try them out for yourself. I paid 500 for mine, (it's mint color with white pick guard, but I'm looking at the black pick guard) but it sounds great with D'darrio strings (which most videos don't show how great they sound with decent strings) buy do your research before spending 2500 on an ernie ball
That project Mint-o-Ray sounds and looks incredible! I really like that one. You’re getting some really nice tones out of that bass. I think I need one of those with the same mods. I hope you don’t mind me copying you
Thank you! Copy away my friend! I'm honestly stoked at how good it sounds. I sold the Mold Smoothie SUB and my Ray34, but Minty is a special project that isn't going anywhere (and isn't done yet ;) )
Thanks Ray Ray! The Darkglass project had the goal of trying to get away from the "traditional" stingray sound and image while maintaining some of the stingray character. The Ray34 and pre-facelift 2017 are definitely very similar in sound, and that difference definitely fades further in a mix. The differences at that point start to come down to personal preference in terms of feel. However, it's night and day between the pre and post facelift 'rays. I have a ton more stingray content coming, stay tuned my friend :)
Are the Delano MM humbuckers alnico or ceramic magnet, and how naturally hot are they before the active preamp boosts everything? I'm intrigued and genuinely curious what aftermarket humbucker between $50-$70 to drop in my new Walnut stained S.U.B. Stingray. I can't decide whether the stock pickup, or the stock 2 band preamp's got to go first. It's not bad stock, but it's definitely not there yet when plugged in. Any advice guys?
So i went to guitar center and played a bunch of basses. I ended up not liking the fenders which suprized me. I found a music man sting ray 34. Im in love. The best bass i have ever played. Im getting the black ash maple neck ray 34 in a few months.
Nice comparison! I really liked the old smoothie and stingray special HH. My Stingray special HH should arrive any day! I went with the classic natural with maple fretboard.
Hey Amr, thank you! The Matte sunburst SUB is a standard finish, you can get them from any retailer that sells the Sterling SUB Ray4 (that's the model)
#terrans #metalistruth #thekidsarealright #thankyoueddievanhalen ruclips.net/video/8Kjntjpnn7U/видео.html We're gonna be okay. There doesn't even have to be any gods, just another generation that wants to tear it up as bad as we did.
@@LowEndLobster I’d be interested in your opinion on the PRS SE line. I’ve been hearing and seeing them a bit more, but there’s not much information outside of sellers. I’ve got a bit of a biased perspective because I love their guitars, having minimal if any issue w/ their SE line and zero issue w/ American made, so it’d be nice to have an honest review of them.
Hey lobster, i need your advice, i'm in a band and we play a lot of rock styles from 60's rock and ballads to grunge and even trash metal. I would like to know which kind of bass would be better for me, i've been playing a p bass style for a few years
If we're talking in context of Rays in this vid, Minty or a Ray34 would fit the bill nicely (even HH). Outside of Rays, you have tons of possibilities depending on your budget... I'm biased but I'd say go for the FGN Mighty Power- ruclips.net/video/w7lJXqH6wz0/видео.html. This thing will do everything you want while sounding and playing incredibly.
@@LowEndLobster honestly the thing is price. They are both awesome basses but 2 grand for the color i want just to play around is a little steep But there is a new ash black with white wood grain out for the ray34 and it looks so good. You are right about the sparkle. Eb just has a way with eye catching.
@@LowEndLobster i have $250 so far and i bought a fender rumble 500. So hopefully Christmas if not my birthday in January. Are you using the stock strings. They sound pretty good
Lobster, I can’t make up my mind, I love the smoothie, love the sterling, love the stingray. I have a 2005 stringray 5 and I really love it because you have the pickup selector and the tone. I’m really more of a four string guy, but the stringray doesn’t have the selector for series, parallel and single. Not really interested in a multi pickup version of music man bass. What do you suggest for a a 4 string starter into the stingray line up? Cost isn’t really the factor, it’s just getting a piece I’m gonna love and keep forever.
Thank you! Great question! IMO the Ernie Ball Music Man USA Sterling is essentially a 4 string version of the Stingray 5 that you have. I have a full review of that coming, but here's a vid I did comparing it to the Stingray 4 - ruclips.net/video/9l5r96LBVr8/видео.html
I have a chance to buy the BFR pink champagne stingray.......you are tempting me lol, the only problem I have is that I would have to play it, not put it away as a collectible!! Thanks for the comparison video....and I loved the sterling with the dark glass preamp!!
Your bass playing really impressed me today. Loved the slap ditty you did on the fretless. Sounded like some Les Claypool stuff! I want a fretless 6 string bongo so bad. Think ima save up for one or sell my soul one of the two. My 2 favs were the fretless and the champagne special.
They all sound like Rays except for the tone glass Mint-o-Ray and the fretless.... The neck on the fretless is great looking and the BFR (BFE?) looks like a piece of candy, great color....
Thank you! I don't think you could tell from the camera angle but there are several bite marks... for... reasons.. on an unrelated note, it's not candy.
Hey lobster I have a sterling S.U.B. WITH 5 SCREWS IN THE NECK but truss rod is cooked do you know where I can find replacement neck 4-string/ has Delano sonar 3 band and Delano humbucker pickup
I just picked up the Sterling 24CA. In the Sterling line they are the middle ground between the SUB and the Ray 34 and so far I'm really enjoying it. Great video.
@@RedGalaxyFishbone I'm still enjoying my 24CA.The upgrade to your SUB is a good idea if you intend to keep the bass. Just keep in mind it may be difficult to recover the cost when try to trade or resale the bass
@@alansamsmusic Thanks for answering! I love the bass itself yea, has a bit of a fret buzz.. But yea could be my finger placement too, and it`s my first bass. So it`ll stay with me haha :)
Years ago I got a 76 silver stingray (77) with the Foam mutes on the Bridge. I hated that Bass( did not know much about proper set ups) could never get it to feel right. Never played traded it for a 1984 FODERA mornarch. Loved my Fodera but always regretted selling the Stingray. Like them Now. That Bass was a Classic!!
Thanks Calvin! If you ever get a chance, check out the SR Classic. Mine is easily top 5 basses of all time for me. Don't ask me to pick where it stands in that 5, too hard ;P
excellent video!!! your reviews are out of this world. You mentioned the olp brand. I saw a special model "olp tony levin signature". It is a real "tony levin supervised" bass? or just a name made for marketing? have you tried that bass? thanks!!
Thank you! I was just telling my friend that the Minty sounded incredible in this vid. It punches WELL above its weight and that Delano pickup sounds so great paired with the darkglass.
I love my Sterling Minty....it's all stock, but it sounds great stock! I even bought the floor model brand new as opposed to one in a box since the Guitar Center I went to had it set up perfectly. No other bass (not even more expensive ones) sounded as good as it did
Great video lobster! I like The Music Man bass guitars; Sterling and Sub Basses. However, I bought a used passive OLP 4 banger and it sounds better than any 4 string passive musicman bass I've ever played in guitar center. However, a Preamp bass like Turbo charged car will always have an advantage over a Passive bass! I liked the Mint Mman bass!
While it holds true for all instruments, I feel like MM, Sterling ray basses are less forgiving with bad sound setup. Having owned ray, sub4, sterling sub, none of them sounded good on my crappy setup while I could get a semi decent tone on a squire bass. I gotta say these do sound phenomenal with good pre/amp.
Thanks Kay! The Ray4/Sub especially due to the really crappy pickup. I did a video recently where we just swapped out the pickup for an Aguilar and kept the stock preamp. Huge difference.
Amazing! What happened with the mold smoothie project? resent buy the exactly bass sub in sunburst, hear in Argentina is nearly imposible buying a expensive one, I want to modify a cheep. Abrazo grande de Argentina!!
He's definitely one huge Stingray fan here on RUclips, w a sweet collection, and dedication to such a unique and amazing bass design. Ironically, during this sound test I liked the SUB and Ray34 just as much as any of the American examples. I'm sure the USA models feel and play much better, and that HH is of course the winner. But I'd be happy to take any of them on a gig and be just fine. (Says a lot about the lower end models, especially against say Mexican standard Jazz bass for example.)
I just came back from GC and played a Ray 34 after GASSING for a Ray 24... Now I want a RAY 34!!! Is the Ray 34 wired in parallel unlike the Ray 24 being wired in series?
Hey Speener! Going to make a video about this. I buy like 99% of the basses I review and sell them afterwards so my money is on the line vs having manufacturers send me stuff with strings attached. I have friends send me instruments as well, and we talk with some smaller builders and try to feature their stuff on here as well.
@LowEndLobster Another amazing video. Props to you for all the work you'd have put into doing this! I have a fairly new Ray34, my 1st dip into the Stingray pool & I was just wondering if any of these mods would be a significant upgrade or more of a "side-grade"? Being in Australia modding isn't cheap so not sure if it will be worth it. Love the channel man & my wife loves your cat, keep up the great work!
@@LowEndLobster Thats the thing mate, for a none US made bass, it's amazing & the blue PB finish is beautiful. I still haven't touched it apart from strap locks but have been considering upgrading tuners &/or bridge but as I said, not sure if it would be worth the $ as there's nothing wrong with the current hardware. I'm sure many of us have had a good Bass, thought by making some mods we'd make it great & it ended up not being what you thought it would be. I know I have & I just dont know if I wanna risk it with this beauty.
@@brettb7000 I think that's your answer. Leave it unless/until you feel it's lacking something. Though I definitely sometimes mod just for the hell of it, most of the time I try to 'address' something, be it ergonomics and balance with lighter weight tuners, or trying to take the tone somewhere the stock electronics simply can't go. I hope that helps!
@@LowEndLobster Yeah I think considering I've now had it probably a year & not touched it or even really seriously considered it probably answers the question. Don't really wanna mess with its mojo! Thanks heaps for the response mate & a bigger thanks for really convincing me to get a Stingray in the 1st place. Next stop will be to add a US one to my collection 😊
@@LowEndLobster awesome thabk you so much for responding. I was going to grab a sub today but sprung for the ray 35 natural like you have. Sounds very nice. I normally play a 5 but want to get better with my slap and so wanted to get a stingray 4 string because I can't think of a better slapper then the stingray
What strings are you using? I have USA SR 5HH and had other USA SRs. I also have a Sterling Sub 5 and an HH one as well. They are very good inexpensive basses even stock. Enjoyed your video!
Great video, I’ve just purchased a Sterling Sub. I’ve played guitar for over 30 years and only just tried a bass, I love it! I’m interested in your comment about the pickup height, I play with a plectrum and I sometimes struggle on the D and G strings, as the plectrum occasionally touches the pickup and it’s very frustrating. I’ve tried watching Cliff Williams of AC/DC as he plays a Stingray, are the pickups lower on the US models? It’s difficult to find a dealer where I live, current financial times etc. The big stores are 100’s of miles away.
Hey 👋 thank you for the review. I have always had different models of Fender American Jazz Bass and I’m planning to shift to a Musicman. My choice till now has been 40th anniversary. Is there any better option? Im looking for a funky versatile Musicman. What do you suggest?
Thanks Alborz! That's a tough question as there are so many stingrays that check so many boxes for me. The Special is more versatile and modern sounding, but the SR Classic just sounds and feels soooo good. I can't decide ;P
I have one of the older SUB basses. According to Sterling it was made in 2013. It doesn't have the string tree nor the silver plate over the controls. I think it might be rare. I haven't found any like mine on the web. The pick-up on it is hot. I play mine in nearly the same sound configuration as Lobster. I'm not sure if I'm going to mod it or not. I have a set of Ernie Ball Slinky 100-45 on the way.
Hi lobster , I wanna ask you is it possible to use the bridge from the Stingray 24/34 on the stingray 4 model? The screws look a like from a distance. Thank you
Heyo! Sort of, the two large 'nub' screws on the left and right sides of the bridge require additional holes. I personally prefer the Albridge drop in replacement for the Ray4 basses. It has a fender screw pattern (which the 3 in line screws in on the SUB match, just need to drill for the other two - very easy) and covers the screw holes for the two 'side' screws of the stock SUB bridge.
After a quick glance, I can't find the question: what amp set up are you using? My Sting Ray Special 4HH arrives Friday, and I'm wondering if my Fender Rumble 200 will do it justice. I essentially learned bass on my pal's old Sting Ray through a GK 4-something-or-other amp. Loved the sound and can't duplicate it on my passive Geddy Lee J-bass knock off through that Rumble.
I think the best value for money is the Sterling Ray24CA (or 25) for $499 ($550 for the 5-string). But that only has a 2-band preamp. Not a problem for me.
Looking to try one of those out! It's not the same two band as the SUB from what I understand, and it has an upgraded pickup. Hopefully I'll snag one soon :)
@@jaxonvictoria4345 Might eventually do that. The Ray24CA feels noticeably better to hold and play than the Sub4 ($299.99). The Ray24 is worth the extra money over the Sub4 and waiting to try out the Ray24 and Ray34 first saved me money when the sale started and temporarily made the price difference between the Ray24 and Sub4 only $50. The feel and play between the Ray24 and Ray34 seemed narrow compared to the wider feel and play difference between the Ray24 and the Sub4.
@@TFEnright5 damn. I bought an american performer jazz bass more than a month ago, and it hasn't arrived yet. I'll keep an eye on mf as soon as I have enought money saved. Thanks!
This video is awesome. I've been window shopping and sitting down at some music stores during the year and that ray 34 is the coolest that they have had in-store to play. As far as budget, that is probably the one I'm going to go with. That fretless is soooo gnarly tho. Really dig the old smoothie too. Is it possible to mod that ray 34 with the newer electronics?
Thanks Mike! You could, however sourcing the pickup and preamp would be $$, and you'd need to mod the body for a second battery box as the new preamp is 18v.
Man that fretless is sick I’m super jealous of your whole collection. I barely have one instrument in playable condition. Must work harder at my day job! They sold the ehb at my local store so I can’t go see her anymore :( That champagne finish is gorgeous !
LowEndLobster here in Canada you can get 2000$ plus per monthif you lose your job due to covid, I don’t make thaaaaat much more $$ than that which kinda makes me a little bitter, since I lost about 10k $ per year due to COVID-19 (not a great time to ask for a raise) I am a machinist so I will always find work but I live in the city of Vancouver, all the jobs keep moving out into the suburbs where real estate prices are more reasonable. Thanks for the well wishes. All the best
LowEndLobster anytime! Also about the fretless are there any fretless stingrays out there with lines where the frets would be? Because I wanna start playing fretless bass and I love the sound of that fretless stingray but I wanna start with a Fretless with lines on the neck as well?
@@cleebo1322 That's a tough one. Most of the Stingray fretlesses are unlined, but you could snag a Ray24CA and have it defretted (or try it yourself!).
Have you taken a look at the Short Scale versions of both the Sterling and Musicman stingrays? I picked up the Sterling Short Scale in Olympic White, and man do I love it! (It’s my first bass though so I don’t have much to compare it to)
Thanks Martin! I do have a SBMM Short Scale that will be getting a vid next week alongside a borrowed EBMM shorty! :) That's going to be a good one, I haven't taken the US one out yet!
@@LowEndLobster Looking forward to it! I’ll probably buy one of the EBMM versions of the shorty once they release some new colors in the coming year! Should be interesting :)
Great work! By the way, I really like that bass, but I'm not really sure if there is any difference between Music Man S.U.B. Ray 4 and Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray 4 except the inscription on their head?
I guess I was expecting to see your US Sterling. Maybe I overlooked it in this video. Do you still have it? Just thinking, that's not really a Stingray. Or is it?
I did a separate video comparing the Sterling to the Stingray, but the Sterling isn't in this vid (I am not sure if I had it at this time or not). I sold it somewhat recently only because I never really played it much. I hate having instruments sit around and collect dust and want them to go to good homes :)
Hey Lobster, out of curiosity, what flats do you use? I've strung my 'Ray with D'Addario Flats for the longest time and have been pretty happy with them. Not sure if I should move around or not.
1. I was somewhat expecting you to play with that lobster hand on and was slightly disappointed. 2. Darn, I need to practice a lot to not even come close to your playing. 3. Apart from sound, what are the differences in playability (except for the fretless of course)? Do they all play equally smooth?
heheh great question! I felt that the Ray34 and '17 Ray were very close in feel, though the Sterling had a bit of a rougher neck finish (can be fixed with some 0000 steel wool). The "Classic" rays like the Smoothie, Stingray Classic, Sabre classic, etc. with the thick gloss on the neck has one sort of feel, where the satin finished modern necks are very different. I've actually been on a huge SR Classic kick, and my ray and sabre classic have been my favorites as of late (vids coming on them soon). Overall, they're all in the same ballpark of playability. They're comfortable, well built instruments and they've been able to maintain those aspects across the entire lineup. The lower end models use cheaper materials (basswood in the SUBs, cheap electronics in the SUB, no compensated nut on the sterlings, no headstock gloss, etc.), but they're able to offer up a wide range of instruments at different price points that all still feel familiar.
Though I really appreciate your reviews I need a little clarification please (nicely please!) You seem to be going directly into a Focusrite Scarlett interface yet your sound is significantly different from mine using the same Stingray and Focusrite... I realise the player and strings make a difference but not enough to explain this. Are you using compression or any other devices? I bought a bass on the strength of your review so any help with the above questions would help. Thanks, joe
I used the line out of my orange amp (which had built in heavy compression) into my Focusrite. Now I have a different setup in my newer vids that is better
Hey Lobster you got any Fender custom shops in your massive arsenal? I played my first one this past Saturday,if you find the EMPIRE music video about the 66 custom reissue,that's the actual bass I played when I was there,now I can't get enough fender custom shop in my brain,I NEED MORE CUSTOM SHOP!!! LOL
I know this video is old, but hopefully you see this. Looking for a new short scale and kinda torn between the sire u5 and the sterling short scale. Is one clearly better than the other ? I don’t have the chance to play the u5 before I buy it wich makes me hesitant to pull the trigger
Hey Gabriel! Good choices. The U5 is a bit more 'traditional' in its tones. Does a great, P, PJ, and bridge J tone. The Stingray IMO is a little more tonally limited, and IMO slightly worse on the hardware front (but not terrile). Both are very well rounded, but IMO the Sire really shines at the price point.
@@LowEndLobster good to hear. My band is a southern rock/ blues band so I’m sure I’ll enjoy using a passive bass as opposed to the active one I have now. Just feels like I have *too* many options when it comes to tone haha
Mojo and 2017 sound pretty mean. Dark glass is so clear with mids that sparkle. Fretless is very unorthadox and sounds like a blast to play. Stingrays are amazing all Around but those stand out to me.
Clearly a good player, and doesn’t play a bunch of nonsense show off bullshit to demonstrate, and keeps true to the mission of letting the differences and similarities of these instruments that both are perceived and which actually exist, speak for themselves.
TREMENDOUS value in that kind of authenticity and transparency.
Subscribe.
I did.
Thank you Brad! I really appreciate it. That's exactly what I'm going for!
The winner? All of us who get to watch.
Thanks Klay :D
Old Smoothie
God Stingrays has always been one of my favorite Basses EVER!!!!!! This video is just making want one over a jazz bass more and more!!!!!!
ONE OF US. ONE OF US. ;)
Ibanez ATK810 Lobster reviewed one, could be the best of all possible worlds for you!
Ye!!! Join us!!!!
My son has a J-bass, I prefer my stingray.
Why not get both who said I have to many guitars.....no one ever
With today's snow storm, I finally got a moment to watch this fantastic video. It's like taking a tour of a stingray museum with each piece expertly demonstrated. Fabulous job. Keep you claw out of the snow today!
Thanks Bob! Gotta get up early to snow blow ahahaha
This was a Stingray Buffet to the MAX!!
I loved it and it’s my second time watching it.
In about a year I’ll watch it again.
“Lobster Mode” so cool👍🏽
Thank you Sumbi Sumbi!
Man, the fretboard on that fretless bass is IMMACULATE. Extremely jealous.
man, you are definitely one of the best bass players of the bass content channels
Thank you Julian! That really means a lot :) I'm so glad you're enjoying the content
@@LowEndLobster thank you man, great videos. I am almost stalking you :p
Musicman has its own tone that most basses don't. Great video
Indeed! I can't get enough of em!
You deserve so many more subs, the quality of your videos and edits are fantastic. Keep keeping on!
Thank you!
Thanks for this great comparison demo! I've ordered a Ray34 single p up and soooo excited !!
You're very welcome! Congrats on your new bass :)
Just bought a used Ray34... can't wait to receive it !!!
And how is it? I can't wait for mine one factory fresh to come to me. Have just ordered
@@ingmar4ty You won't regret, great instrument for the price
Oh my gosh I'm so glad I watched until the end. PRICELESS!!!
I totally forgot what was at the end of this and had to rewatch ahahahaha. Now I want onion rings.
Suggestion Box: For those of us who haven't developed "Stingray Fatigue" would love to see your take on the Stringray Short Scale passive. All the current reviews are coming from the folks trying to Sell rather than with your with critical and honest take.
Thank you and YES! Trying to snag a sterling one, and my friend just got an EBMM one... I wonder if he'll send it my way.
Well…I finally found one I like, and couldn’t leave the store without it. All the “sterling by MM” I tried, just didn’t “do it”for me. I just came to terms that I’m not a MM fan. So I figured the US MM couldn’t be that much better, so didn’t bother worrying how much they are…and DAMN! they are pricey. …but, the way we as humans are wired…you find what you really need/want/ connect with in a special way, is there, waiting for you to stop looking for what isn’t there, and to see what is! I normally prefer maple fretboards and passive circuitry, but WHAM!!!! Rosewood and active!!!
Anyway, I don’t know if you still read older posts, but…Cheers, Lobster Will! I finally get it..at least, I finally found one I like. I don’t know if it’s even considered “decent, in comparison” but it’s a 2003 Music Man SUB and it plays real nice. I don’t think you have done a video on one (that is, I don’t remember if you did) but I’m curious, what your thoughts on them are? Cheers
Congrats!
All of them sound great 👍. I’m actually going to buy my first bass soon and it’s a stingray 34 HH with a burl top and trans black satin. It look knarley and sounds freaking amazing. Best tone with a huge punch. Can’t wait ❤
That Ray 34 us the Truth. Thanks for putting me up on some game🎸
11lbs though
That Pink Champagne Stingray Special is a bucketlist bass for me!
That fretless also sounds amazing!
Thanks Donald!
Just go the Harley Benton 'Stingray'. Used your advice on the tone for my EQ pedal and totally dig it.
Congrats Jo! Enjoy :)
WOW seriously what a great video and your intonation on the fretless made it sound like a fretted bass. Well done!
Great job again lobster! Friday i received the FGN JMJ-ASH-M. with the mm seymour duncan pickup, what sounds great!
I've the exact same bass man: I've owned several basses but that FGN is the best instrument I've ever had! Everything is insane on it, from the manual craftmanship to the finishes, all in the sign of a monster tone!
FGN Guitars never disappoint, at the actual state of things they're waaaaaaaaaay better than any other brand in the World for me!
Cheers & have fun with your new 1st class toy,
Jöe
Thank you! Congrats on the new bass! :)
Lobster! I love your videos, man. Thank you! Just picked up my 2nd bass - a Ray34 =)
Thank you! Congrats :)
I own a 5 string StingRay 5, cheap? Maybe but I AM IN LOVE WITH IT. I was curious about your video thinking... ok, good... now somebody will show me how really things are and how one bass sounds and how the other sounds and so on... but since you are a GREAT player, they all play GREAT. So I am a bit confused, but happy with the bass I got :)
Good video Lobster, good video and wonderful basses!
That HH ruled the other ones IMO. Interesting to hear them side by side.
Thanks Keith!
Agree
Man... That ol' smoothy just changes everything. No spiking out and it just has such a growl.
Really cool comparison. I really enjoyed it😎🤟. I just ordered a 4 string special in snowy night and already own a black stealth 4 and 5 string. They are such iconic bass guitars. I cannot choose between my Fender jazz custom 5 string/Spector USA NS-2/Ibanez ATK 1200 prestige and my Music mans. They all have their iconic and recognizable sound.
Nice comparison Lobster! Can't go wrong with any of those basses. I like the fretless since I never played one and it looks and sounds very good.
Thanks Don!
They all have their unique qualities. But Mint-o-Ray was my favourite. Followed by the sparkly one, then Old Smoothie, then the 34.
Thanks Rev! Yeah Minty really came out great.
The fretless was one of the best to me, sounded so beautiful! I also wonder if anybody could tell the difference between the cheapest sub vs the american special in a mix... Very nice basses
Thanks! It's funny, the SUB stock is very different sounding to a USA Stingray, but some mods can get you VERY close without breaking the bank.
Extremely hard to tell, if set up right. My sterling sounds just as good as most ernie balls. Be careful what you hear online, try them out for yourself. I paid 500 for mine, (it's mint color with white pick guard, but I'm looking at the black pick guard) but it sounds great with D'darrio strings (which most videos don't show how great they sound with decent strings) buy do your research before spending 2500 on an ernie ball
That project Mint-o-Ray sounds and looks incredible! I really like that one. You’re getting some really nice tones out of that bass. I think I need one of those with the same mods. I hope you don’t mind me copying you
Thank you! Copy away my friend! I'm honestly stoked at how good it sounds. I sold the Mold Smoothie SUB and my Ray34, but Minty is a special project that isn't going anywhere (and isn't done yet ;) )
I dig the Darkglass Preamp over the Mojotone for my SUB project,but the Ray34 sounds the closest to a USA EBMM We thank you for this comparison.
Thanks Ray Ray! The Darkglass project had the goal of trying to get away from the "traditional" stingray sound and image while maintaining some of the stingray character. The Ray34 and pre-facelift 2017 are definitely very similar in sound, and that difference definitely fades further in a mix. The differences at that point start to come down to personal preference in terms of feel. However, it's night and day between the pre and post facelift 'rays. I have a ton more stingray content coming, stay tuned my friend :)
Very fun video to watch! I don't own a Stingray but I definitely want one now. Thanks for the great demo.
Thanks Jeff! Glad you enjoyed this :)
Everything sounded really good, but I think you and that BFR fretless are a perfect match. Man do you sound good on that thing.
Thank you!
My favorite one here is the 40th anniversary, maybe it's just flat wounds but such a rich sound made me feel astonished
Love the "hifi-ish" sound of the delano pickups.
Thanks Sandy! I agree, they sound great and "hifi-ish". Well said :)
Are the Delano MM humbuckers alnico or ceramic magnet, and how naturally hot are they before the active preamp boosts everything?
I'm intrigued and genuinely curious what aftermarket humbucker between $50-$70 to drop in my new Walnut stained S.U.B. Stingray.
I can't decide whether the stock pickup, or the stock 2 band preamp's got to go first.
It's not bad stock, but it's definitely not there yet when plugged in.
Any advice guys?
So i went to guitar center and played a bunch of basses. I ended up not liking the fenders which suprized me. I found a music man sting ray 34. Im in love. The best bass i have ever played. Im getting the black ash maple neck ray 34 in a few months.
Nice! Those black ash ones are suhweeeet.
That would be a Sterling Ray 34..not MM
@@OlandoMcCall DOH! I misread. Thanks XD
epic video, love you lobster
Thank you! Love you too
Nice comparison! I really liked the old smoothie and stingray special HH. My Stingray special HH should arrive any day! I went with the classic natural with maple fretboard.
Thank you and congrats on your new bass! Enjoy it my friend!
Hello nice video as always, the sterling stingray sunburst Matt from where to buy one & what is the model exactly
Hey Amr, thank you! The Matte sunburst SUB is a standard finish, you can get them from any retailer that sells the Sterling SUB Ray4 (that's the model)
@@LowEndLobster thank you so much
Wow! pink champagne. Suuuuuuuper nice bass ! From mtw - super frequent jam nighter in LA. 2013-2019.
Thank you :)
When Lobster breaks out with Primus, the Gods smile.
#terrans #metalistruth #thekidsarealright #thankyoueddievanhalen
ruclips.net/video/8Kjntjpnn7U/видео.html
We're gonna be okay. There doesn't even have to be any gods, just another generation that wants to tear it up as bad as we did.
Hey babbeh where did my reply go
@@LowEndLobster it laid down by my side
Great intro. Got the 👍 up right there. Thanks for this comparison.
Thanks Van! Glad you liked it :)
@@LowEndLobster I’d be interested in your opinion on the PRS SE line. I’ve been hearing and seeing them a bit more, but there’s not much information outside of sellers. I’ve got a bit of a biased perspective because I love their guitars, having minimal if any issue w/ their SE line and zero issue w/ American made, so it’d be nice to have an honest review of them.
Hey lobster, i need your advice, i'm in a band and we play a lot of rock styles from 60's rock and ballads to grunge and even trash metal.
I would like to know which kind of bass would be better for me, i've been playing a p bass style for a few years
If we're talking in context of Rays in this vid, Minty or a Ray34 would fit the bill nicely (even HH). Outside of Rays, you have tons of possibilities depending on your budget... I'm biased but I'd say go for the FGN Mighty Power- ruclips.net/video/w7lJXqH6wz0/видео.html. This thing will do everything you want while sounding and playing incredibly.
@@LowEndLobster thanks
I can't wait to get my sterling ray 34. I really want a charcoal sparkle eb mm but i am going to have to settle for the ray 34 ash black
EB does such a great job with the sparkles, makes me drool every time. I'm excited for you to get your Ray as well my friend :).
@@LowEndLobster honestly the thing is price. They are both awesome basses but 2 grand for the color i want just to play around is a little steep
But there is a new ash black with white wood grain out for the ray34 and it looks so good. You are right about the sparkle. Eb just has a way with eye catching.
@@ChipsA17 Indeed! I remember you had mentioned the black ash one. How much longer until she's in your hands? :)
@@LowEndLobster i have $250 so far and i bought a fender rumble 500. So hopefully Christmas if not my birthday in January. Are you using the stock strings. They sound pretty good
@@ChipsA17 All the rounds on here were MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105 :)
Lobster, I can’t make up my mind, I love the smoothie, love the sterling, love the stingray. I have a 2005 stringray 5 and I really love it because you have the pickup selector and the tone. I’m really more of a four string guy, but the stringray doesn’t have the selector for series, parallel and single. Not really interested in a multi pickup version of music man bass. What do you suggest for a a 4 string starter into the stingray line up? Cost isn’t really the factor, it’s just getting a piece I’m gonna love and keep forever.
Thank you! Great question! IMO the Ernie Ball Music Man USA Sterling is essentially a 4 string version of the Stingray 5 that you have. I have a full review of that coming, but here's a vid I did comparing it to the Stingray 4 - ruclips.net/video/9l5r96LBVr8/видео.html
I have a chance to buy the BFR pink champagne stingray.......you are tempting me lol, the only problem I have is that I would have to play it, not put it away as a collectible!! Thanks for the comparison video....and I loved the sterling with the dark glass preamp!!
Playing is part of caring! Enjoy the instrument as it's intended to be enjoyed :)
@@LowEndLobster Absolutely!!
Your bass playing really impressed me today. Loved the slap ditty you did on the fretless. Sounded like some Les Claypool stuff! I want a fretless 6 string bongo so bad. Think ima save up for one or sell my soul one of the two. My 2 favs were the fretless and the champagne special.
Thank you! It was a Les Claypool ditty, Tommy the Cat (or my attempt at it haha). Good ear :). I really really like that new Bongo BFR.
Great Comparisons! And thanks for the history lesson...
Thanks for watching :)
They all sound like Rays except for the tone glass Mint-o-Ray and the fretless.... The neck on the fretless is great looking and the BFR (BFE?) looks like a piece of candy, great color....
Thank you! I don't think you could tell from the camera angle but there are several bite marks... for... reasons.. on an unrelated note, it's not candy.
Hey lobster I have a sterling S.U.B. WITH 5 SCREWS IN THE NECK but truss rod is cooked do you know where I can find replacement neck 4-string/ has Delano sonar 3 band and Delano humbucker pickup
Sounds like you got an SB4 that has the Sterling shaped body. Not sure where you can go to get a new neck, but I wish you luck!
I just picked up the Sterling 24CA. In the Sterling line they are the middle ground between the SUB and the Ray 34 and so far I'm really enjoying it. Great video.
Thank you!
How are you enjoying it? Question for me is change electronics in my s.u.b or get a ray24 for 200 more..
@@RedGalaxyFishbone I'm still enjoying my 24CA.The upgrade to your SUB is a good idea if you intend to keep the bass. Just keep in mind it may be difficult to recover the cost when try to trade or resale the bass
@@alansamsmusic Thanks for answering! I love the bass itself yea, has a bit of a fret buzz.. But yea could be my finger placement too, and it`s my first bass. So it`ll stay with me haha :)
@@RedGalaxyFishbone that's awesome! Enjoy the ride
Years ago I got a 76 silver stingray (77) with the Foam mutes on the Bridge. I hated that Bass( did not know much about proper set ups) could never get it to feel right. Never played traded it for a 1984 FODERA mornarch. Loved my Fodera but always regretted selling the Stingray. Like them Now. That Bass was a Classic!!
Thanks Calvin! If you ever get a chance, check out the SR Classic. Mine is easily top 5 basses of all time for me. Don't ask me to pick where it stands in that 5, too hard ;P
excellent video!!! your reviews are out of this world. You mentioned the olp brand. I saw a special model "olp tony levin signature". It is a real "tony levin supervised" bass? or just a name made for marketing? have you tried that bass? thanks!!
I bought my 2006 MM SR5 HH for $1080 and it was the cheapest I’ve ever seen one. It only had one little ding and it’s fantastic.
Nice! What color is yours?
Honestly I like the Mint-o-Ray the best I think. The slap tone was rad. Has me want to do a Ray HH with the same mods.
Thank you! I was just telling my friend that the Minty sounded incredible in this vid. It punches WELL above its weight and that Delano pickup sounds so great paired with the darkglass.
I love my Sterling Minty....it's all stock, but it sounds great stock! I even bought the floor model brand new as opposed to one in a box since the Guitar Center I went to had it set up perfectly. No other bass (not even more expensive ones) sounded as good as it did
Great video lobster! I like The Music Man bass guitars; Sterling and Sub Basses. However, I bought a used passive OLP 4 banger and it sounds better than any 4 string passive musicman bass I've ever played in guitar center. However, a Preamp bass like Turbo charged car will always have an advantage over a Passive bass! I liked the Mint Mman bass!
Thanks Albert! oh man, those OLPs bring me back
What are the passive Musicman at GC?
That BFR Fretless is awesome 🎸
While it holds true for all instruments, I feel like MM, Sterling ray basses are less forgiving with bad sound setup. Having owned ray, sub4, sterling sub, none of them sounded good on my crappy setup while I could get a semi decent tone on a squire bass. I gotta say these do sound phenomenal with good pre/amp.
Thanks Kay! The Ray4/Sub especially due to the really crappy pickup. I did a video recently where we just swapped out the pickup for an Aguilar and kept the stock preamp. Huge difference.
Very good point.
Amazing! What happened with the mold smoothie project? resent buy the exactly bass sub in sunburst, hear in Argentina is nearly imposible buying a expensive one, I want to modify a cheep. Abrazo grande de Argentina!!
We just had an update to that. I sold it but the owner sent it over for an upgrade. He is very happy!
@@LowEndLobster Great! You are building a great community hear, love the content, keep the good work.
thanks for this channel man.. i saw my EBMM stingray 2000 model natural finish.. cheers
Thanks Don Enzo!
Man I hope to see you come back to RUclips. Really like your videos.
I think he likes stingray
Just a little.... ;P
He's definitely one huge Stingray fan here on RUclips, w a sweet collection, and dedication to such a unique and amazing bass design.
Ironically, during this sound test I liked the SUB and Ray34 just as much as any of the American examples.
I'm sure the USA models feel and play much better, and that HH is of course the winner. But I'd be happy to take any of them on a gig and be just fine.
(Says a lot about the lower end models, especially against say Mexican standard Jazz bass for example.)
I just came back from GC and played a Ray 34 after GASSING for a Ray 24...
Now I want a RAY 34!!! Is the Ray 34 wired in parallel unlike the Ray 24 being wired in series?
Awesome! Yes, Ray34 is wired in Parallel from what I understand w/ an Alnico pickup. Pretty much as close as you can get to a USA (non-special) 'Ray.
@@LowEndLobster Thank you for your fast reply! Time to sell off some Jazz and Ibanez Basses 😈
How many basses do you have in your collection? Do they get donated to you for these reviews? Fantastic channel and great reviews!
Hey Speener! Going to make a video about this. I buy like 99% of the basses I review and sell them afterwards so my money is on the line vs having manufacturers send me stuff with strings attached. I have friends send me instruments as well, and we talk with some smaller builders and try to feature their stuff on here as well.
yesterday I bought the first bass guitar of the test: in my opinion for the price range it is the one that sounds best.
Congrats on your new bass :)
I too really enjoyed the sound of the fretless though for my part I wouldn't be slapping it, if it were mine. Thanks for another great video.
Lobster, is the ray34 worth 2x the sub in your excellent opinion?
Hi Michael! Great question. Yes, I think the Ray34 is definitely worth it. The 24 shares some components with the SUB, but the 34 does not.
The ray34 has the same preamp as the sub? Thanks man
@@horrorshowbass the 24 does, 34 is its own 3 band
@@LowEndLobster thanks, that might be the clincher
@LowEndLobster Another amazing video. Props to you for all the work you'd have put into doing this! I have a fairly new Ray34, my 1st dip into the Stingray pool & I was just wondering if any of these mods would be a significant upgrade or more of a "side-grade"? Being in Australia modding isn't cheap so not sure if it will be worth it. Love the channel man & my wife loves your cat, keep up the great work!
Thanks Brett! I'd ask yourself what the stock Ray34 is missing to your ears and go from there. There are many directions to take a Stingray!
@@LowEndLobster Thats the thing mate, for a none US made bass, it's amazing & the blue PB finish is beautiful. I still haven't touched it apart from strap locks but have been considering upgrading tuners &/or bridge but as I said, not sure if it would be worth the $ as there's nothing wrong with the current hardware. I'm sure many of us have had a good Bass, thought by making some mods we'd make it great & it ended up not being what you thought it would be. I know I have & I just dont know if I wanna risk it with this beauty.
@@brettb7000 I think that's your answer. Leave it unless/until you feel it's lacking something. Though I definitely sometimes mod just for the hell of it, most of the time I try to 'address' something, be it ergonomics and balance with lighter weight tuners, or trying to take the tone somewhere the stock electronics simply can't go. I hope that helps!
@@LowEndLobster Yeah I think considering I've now had it probably a year & not touched it or even really seriously considered it probably answers the question. Don't really wanna mess with its mojo! Thanks heaps for the response mate & a bigger thanks for really convincing me to get a Stingray in the 1st place. Next stop will be to add a US one to my collection 😊
Hey brother, is there a difference in the pickups from the EB musicman to the sterling Ray 34?
Yes, a BIG difference. Ray34 pickup is Alnico and very similar to USA Stingray. Ray24 and SUB use Ceramic
@@LowEndLobster awesome thabk you so much for responding. I was going to grab a sub today but sprung for the ray 35 natural like you have. Sounds very nice. I normally play a 5 but want to get better with my slap and so wanted to get a stingray 4 string because I can't think of a better slapper then the stingray
The $300.00 Sterling. I had one just like that! It's the one bass I had the most fun playing too.
Thanks Tiger!
What strings are you using? I have USA SR 5HH and had other USA SRs. I also have a Sterling Sub 5 and an HH one as well. They are very good inexpensive basses even stock. Enjoyed your video!
Thank you David! I'm using MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel strings, gauges 45-105 (125 for low B)
Great video, I’ve just purchased a Sterling Sub. I’ve played guitar for over 30 years and only just tried a bass, I love it! I’m interested in your comment about the pickup height, I play with a plectrum and I sometimes struggle on the D and G strings, as the plectrum occasionally touches the pickup and it’s very frustrating. I’ve tried watching Cliff Williams of AC/DC as he plays a Stingray, are the pickups lower on the US models? It’s difficult to find a dealer where I live, current financial times etc. The big stores are 100’s of miles away.
Whoop whoop found it Lobster. Fretless...💙👊😎
:D Yeah that fretless rules
Hey 👋 thank you for the review.
I have always had different models of Fender American Jazz Bass and I’m planning to shift to a Musicman. My choice till now has been 40th anniversary. Is there any better option? Im looking for a funky versatile Musicman. What do you suggest?
Thanks Alborz! That's a tough question as there are so many stingrays that check so many boxes for me. The Special is more versatile and modern sounding, but the SR Classic just sounds and feels soooo good. I can't decide ;P
I have one of the older SUB basses. According to Sterling it was made in 2013. It doesn't have the string tree nor the silver plate over the controls. I think it might be rare. I haven't found any like mine on the web. The pick-up on it is hot. I play mine in nearly the same sound configuration as Lobster. I'm not sure if I'm going to mod it or not. I have a set of Ernie Ball Slinky 100-45 on the way.
That's an SB4!
Hi lobster , I wanna ask you is it possible to use the bridge from the Stingray 24/34 on the stingray 4 model? The screws look a like from a distance.
Thank you
Heyo! Sort of, the two large 'nub' screws on the left and right sides of the bridge require additional holes. I personally prefer the Albridge drop in replacement for the Ray4 basses. It has a fender screw pattern (which the 3 in line screws in on the SUB match, just need to drill for the other two - very easy) and covers the screw holes for the two 'side' screws of the stock SUB bridge.
@@LowEndLobster sounds great thank you
After a quick glance, I can't find the question: what amp set up are you using? My Sting Ray Special 4HH arrives Friday, and I'm wondering if my Fender Rumble 200 will do it justice. I essentially learned bass on my pal's old Sting Ray through a GK 4-something-or-other amp. Loved the sound and can't duplicate it on my passive Geddy Lee J-bass knock off through that Rumble.
Hey MB! Here you go! ruclips.net/video/QtZdeV7Ngv0/видео.html
Hope this helps :)
@@LowEndLobster Spiffy! Thanks! BTW, the StingRay sounds pretty good through the Rumble. Learning how to get different tones...
I think the best value for money is the Sterling Ray24CA (or 25) for $499 ($550 for the 5-string). But that only has a 2-band preamp. Not a problem for me.
Looking to try one of those out! It's not the same two band as the SUB from what I understand, and it has an upgraded pickup. Hopefully I'll snag one soon :)
LowEndLobster yeah I’m looking for one used as well! No luck yet, but I may just pull the trigger on a brand new one.
@@jaxonvictoria4345 I just purchased a brand new Sterling by MM Ray24CA for $349.99.
@@donh5794 what a steal! Now slap on a Nordstrand on it and it will SLAPP
@@jaxonvictoria4345 Might eventually do that. The Ray24CA feels noticeably better to hold and play than the Sub4 ($299.99). The Ray24 is worth the extra money over the Sub4 and waiting to try out the Ray24 and Ray34 first saved me money when the sale started and temporarily made the price difference between the Ray24 and Sub4 only $50. The feel and play between the Ray24 and Ray34 seemed narrow compared to the wider feel and play difference between the Ray24 and the Sub4.
How did you find that Ray 34 so cheap? I wish i could buy one, but i see the used price at around US$750
MF has these for sale every now and then for $599! I keep an eye on em.
On sale right now at MF for $599. Guitar Center will match that price since they own MF.
@@TFEnright5 damn. I bought an american performer jazz bass more than a month ago, and it hasn't arrived yet. I'll keep an eye on mf as soon as I have enought money saved. Thanks!
I have an old smoothy in green I agree it's the closest sound to what I had an 1979 from new the fret wire is about the same
This video is awesome. I've been window shopping and sitting down at some music stores during the year and that ray 34 is the coolest that they have had in-store to play. As far as budget, that is probably the one I'm going to go with.
That fretless is soooo gnarly tho. Really dig the old smoothie too. Is it possible to mod that ray 34 with the newer electronics?
Thanks Mike! You could, however sourcing the pickup and preamp would be $$, and you'd need to mod the body for a second battery box as the new preamp is 18v.
They have got two of those HH specials in Andertons in the UK. I'd pull the trigger on one but £3,299,00 is a bit over my budget
How many kidneys are you working with ;P?
Man that fretless is sick
I’m super jealous of your whole collection. I barely have one instrument
in playable condition. Must work harder at my day job!
They sold the ehb at my local store so I can’t go see her anymore :(
That champagne finish is gorgeous !
Thanks Ras! Aw bummer you can't fiddle on that EHB anymore :(. Wishing you a big raise in the name of BASS!
LowEndLobster here in Canada you can get 2000$ plus per monthif you lose your job due to covid, I don’t make thaaaaat much more $$ than that which kinda makes me a little bitter, since I lost about 10k $ per year due to COVID-19 (not a great time to ask for a raise)
I am a machinist so I will always find work but I live in the city of Vancouver, all the jobs keep moving out into the suburbs where real estate prices are more reasonable. Thanks for the well wishes. All the best
Man, your camera image looks really good!
Don't say that, you haven't seen me in real life ;P
I’ve never seen someone slap a fretless and have it sound that good!
Thanks Cleebo :)
LowEndLobster anytime! Also about the fretless are there any fretless stingrays out there with lines where the frets would be? Because I wanna start playing fretless bass and I love the sound of that fretless stingray but I wanna start with a Fretless with lines on the neck as well?
@@cleebo1322 That's a tough one. Most of the Stingray fretlesses are unlined, but you could snag a Ray24CA and have it defretted (or try it yourself!).
LowEndLobster That’s a good idea, and thank you for the info! Love your vids man!
I like the last one. I believe the pink one sounds the best
Have you taken a look at the Short Scale versions of both the Sterling and Musicman stingrays? I picked up the Sterling Short Scale in Olympic White, and man do I love it! (It’s my first bass though so I don’t have much to compare it to)
Thanks Martin! I do have a SBMM Short Scale that will be getting a vid next week alongside a borrowed EBMM shorty! :) That's going to be a good one, I haven't taken the US one out yet!
@@LowEndLobster Looking forward to it! I’ll probably buy one of the EBMM versions of the shorty once they release some new colors in the coming year! Should be interesting :)
Keep the claw and become Rock Lobster 🦞 Nice Simon Gallup shoutout!
:)
Great work!
By the way, I really like that bass, but I'm not really sure if there is any difference between Music Man S.U.B. Ray 4 and Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray 4 except the inscription on their head?
*that bass - Sterling SUB (either Mold Smoothie or Mint-o-Ray) :)
Heyo! They're the same, just different 'branding'. The SBMM Stingray Ray4 and SUB Ray are the same
I guess I was expecting to see your US Sterling. Maybe I overlooked it in this video. Do you still have it? Just thinking, that's not really a Stingray. Or is it?
I did a separate video comparing the Sterling to the Stingray, but the Sterling isn't in this vid (I am not sure if I had it at this time or not). I sold it somewhat recently only because I never really played it much. I hate having instruments sit around and collect dust and want them to go to good homes :)
Hey Lobster, out of curiosity, what flats do you use? I've strung my 'Ray with D'Addario Flats for the longest time and have been pretty happy with them. Not sure if I should move around or not.
I use LaBella deep talkin flats 45-105
1. I was somewhat expecting you to play with that lobster hand on and was slightly disappointed.
2. Darn, I need to practice a lot to not even come close to your playing.
3. Apart from sound, what are the differences in playability (except for the fretless of course)? Do they all play equally smooth?
heheh great question! I felt that the Ray34 and '17 Ray were very close in feel, though the Sterling had a bit of a rougher neck finish (can be fixed with some 0000 steel wool). The "Classic" rays like the Smoothie, Stingray Classic, Sabre classic, etc. with the thick gloss on the neck has one sort of feel, where the satin finished modern necks are very different. I've actually been on a huge SR Classic kick, and my ray and sabre classic have been my favorites as of late (vids coming on them soon). Overall, they're all in the same ballpark of playability. They're comfortable, well built instruments and they've been able to maintain those aspects across the entire lineup. The lower end models use cheaper materials (basswood in the SUBs, cheap electronics in the SUB, no compensated nut on the sterlings, no headstock gloss, etc.), but they're able to offer up a wide range of instruments at different price points that all still feel familiar.
Test on the ray24? 🤔
It arrives tomorrow :)
🤟🤟🤟🤟
Though I really appreciate your reviews I need a little clarification please (nicely please!)
You seem to be going directly into a Focusrite Scarlett interface yet your sound is significantly different from mine using the same Stingray and Focusrite...
I realise the player and strings make a difference but not enough to explain this. Are you using compression or any other devices?
I bought a bass on the strength of your review so any help with the above questions would help. Thanks, joe
I used the line out of my orange amp (which had built in heavy compression) into my Focusrite. Now I have a different setup in my newer vids that is better
@@LowEndLobster Many thanks- that really helps and goes a long way to explaining the sound difference.
keep up the good work! joe
Hey Lobster you got any Fender custom shops in your massive arsenal? I played my first one this past Saturday,if you find the EMPIRE music video about the 66 custom reissue,that's the actual bass I played when I was there,now I can't get enough fender custom shop in my brain,I NEED MORE CUSTOM SHOP!!! LOL
Hey Aaron, I do not. Would love to check one out in the future though!
4:36 where can you buy one of these?
I prefer the first bass .Sunburst with black pickguard and 2 band eq !! best sound !!
Thanks Raffaele! :)
I know this video is old, but hopefully you see this. Looking for a new short scale and kinda torn between the sire u5 and the sterling short scale. Is one clearly better than the other ? I don’t have the chance to play the u5 before I buy it wich makes me hesitant to pull the trigger
Hey Gabriel! Good choices. The U5 is a bit more 'traditional' in its tones. Does a great, P, PJ, and bridge J tone. The Stingray IMO is a little more tonally limited, and IMO slightly worse on the hardware front (but not terrile). Both are very well rounded, but IMO the Sire really shines at the price point.
@@LowEndLobster good to hear. My band is a southern rock/ blues band so I’m sure I’ll enjoy using a passive bass as opposed to the active one I have now. Just feels like I have *too* many options when it comes to tone haha
Mojo and 2017 sound pretty mean. Dark glass is so clear with mids that sparkle. Fretless is very unorthadox and sounds like a blast to play. Stingrays are amazing all Around but those stand out to me.
Thank you :) I really enjoy them all!
That fretless is bloody gorgeous.