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.
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.)
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 ❤
#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.
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 :)
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
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?
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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 :)
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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!
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!!
@@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
Sterling states that their H-1 Ceramic Humbucker pickup is wired in Series on SUB Basses, so hotter and more distorted than MM's Parallel configuration
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!).
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!
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.
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.
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.
40th Anniversary Old Smoothie was easily my favorite. Like a more open, sweet version of the others. And now I'm considering replacing my broken fretless with an MM style....
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?
@@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.
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 $$, and you'd need to mod the body for a second battery box as the new preamp is 18v.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but as far as I’m concerned a Musicman is going to sound like a Musicman whether you spend a few hundred or a few thousand on one. You either like the Musicman tone or you don’t. The have that in common with Precision Basses as far as they all kind of sound the same and most people wouldn’t be able to tell a cheap one from an expensive one in a mix. Unless you have money to burn, it pays to cheap out on these basses.
After a quick glance, I can't find the question: what amp set up are you using? My Sting Ray Special 4HH arrives Friday, and I'm wondering if my Fender Rumble 200 will do it justice. I essentially learned bass on my pal's old Sting Ray through a GK 4-something-or-other amp. Loved the sound and can't duplicate it on my passive Geddy Lee J-bass knock off through that Rumble.
Hey 👋 thank you for the review. I have always had different models of Fender American Jazz Bass and I’m planning to shift to a Musicman. My choice till now has been 40th anniversary. Is there any better option? Im looking for a funky versatile Musicman. What do you suggest?
Thanks Alborz! That's a tough question as there are so many stingrays that check so many boxes for me. The Special is more versatile and modern sounding, but the SR Classic just sounds and feels soooo good. I can't decide ;P
Man that fretless is sick I’m super jealous of your whole collection. I barely have one instrument in playable condition. Must work harder at my day job! They sold the ehb at my local store so I can’t go see her anymore :( That champagne finish is gorgeous !
LowEndLobster here in Canada you can get 2000$ plus per monthif you lose your job due to covid, I don’t make thaaaaat much more $$ 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
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
Nice comparison! I have a Ray4 project bass too with a Duncan SMB-4D (ceramic) to kinda imitate the tone of a MM Sterling bass and it does get very close. Kinda a shame not so many people know about the Sterling though, so that could be a cool comparison in the future :)
Thank you! You're right, and I'm looking to snag a Sterling. My friend back in the day had a sweet black one with maple neck, awesome bass and very different from the 'Ray. You'll see one on here eventually, don't you worry ;).
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.
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 :)
Hello crustacean. I apologize as this might be long. What I find fascinating, is that Leo Fender only invented three bases. The P bass, the j bass, and the mustang. Everything else base wise that he invented was him trying to perfect one of those three. The music man is the evolution of the p base. If you look at a Leo Fender made P bass the pickup is Right In the Sweet spot, as was his music man. (Music Man moved it) If you look at the G&l cl-1000, it is an improvement on the music man. I guess ultimately what my point is, is that you are asking what particular version of this version of the P-Bass is best. That's an honorable and noble question.
@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 😊
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.
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?
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 John! I usually don't mention weight unless it's of any significance as weight between examples of the same model can vary greatly. Most of my rays are ~9 lbs with the classic ones running at about ~10.
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 :)
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
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
Agreed
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
Man, the fretboard on that fretless bass is IMMACULATE. Extremely jealous.
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!
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.
Musicman has its own tone that most basses don't. Great video
Indeed! I can't get enough of em!
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 :)
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.)
That HH ruled the other ones IMO. Interesting to hear them side by side.
Thanks Keith!
Agree
That Pink Champagne Stingray Special is a bucketlist bass for me!
That fretless also sounds amazing!
Thanks Donald!
Just bought a used Ray34... can't wait to receive it !!!
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
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 ❤
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.
You deserve so many more subs, the quality of your videos and edits are fantastic. Keep keeping on!
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
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 ;) )
Just go the Harley Benton 'Stingray'. Used your advice on the tone for my EQ pedal and totally dig it.
Congrats Jo! Enjoy :)
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 :)
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.
That Ray 34 us the Truth. Thanks for putting me up on some game🎸
11lbs though
Man... That ol' smoothy just changes everything. No spiking out and it just has such a growl.
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!
WOW seriously what a great video and your intonation on the fretless made it sound like a fretted bass. Well done!
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?
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! :)
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.
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.
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!
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
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
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!
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.
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!
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?
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
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 :)
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
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
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
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!
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 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!!
Wow! pink champagne. Suuuuuuuper nice bass ! From mtw - super frequent jam nighter in LA. 2013-2019.
Thank you :)
I like the last one. I believe the pink one sounds the best
Man I hope to see you come back to RUclips. Really like your videos.
That BFR Fretless is awesome 🎸
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 :)
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.
The $300.00 Sterling. I had one just like that! It's the one bass I had the most fun playing too.
Thanks Tiger!
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?
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 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 :)
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.
Sterling states that their H-1 Ceramic Humbucker pickup is wired in Series on SUB Basses, so hotter and more distorted than MM's Parallel configuration
Indeed!
The bfr fretless really sounds the best balanced IMHO. Lots of everything. The top end seems notably smoother on 18v.
Thanks James! That's been the biggest takeaway from the change to the 18v. Some like it, others don't (I love it).
thanks for this channel man.. i saw my EBMM stingray 2000 model natural finish.. cheers
Thanks Don Enzo!
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!
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)
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!
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?
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!
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.
40th Anniversary Old Smoothie was easily my favorite. Like a more open, sweet version of the others.
And now I'm considering replacing my broken fretless with an MM style....
Thank you! Do it! You won't be disappointed
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 😈
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.
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.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but as far as I’m concerned a Musicman is going to sound like a Musicman whether you spend a few hundred or a few thousand on one. You either like the Musicman tone or you don’t. The have that in common with Precision Basses as far as they all kind of sound the same and most people wouldn’t be able to tell a cheap one from an expensive one in a mix. Unless you have money to burn, it pays to cheap out on these basses.
Great Comparisons! And thanks for the history lesson...
Thanks for watching :)
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...
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
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
I would love to see you compare your P-basses!
Thanks Lex, that's a GREAT idea and I honestly didn't even think of that. I can call it the P-ing contest :P
That natural sounds great, I just love the size of a stingray sterling is to sell for me
Thanks Jeremy! The Ray34 is definitely a solid package, especially on sale.
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
@@LowEndLobster Many thanks- that really helps and goes a long way to explaining the sound difference.
keep up the good work! joe
Nice comparison! I have a Ray4 project bass too with a Duncan SMB-4D (ceramic) to kinda imitate the tone of a MM Sterling bass and it does get very close. Kinda a shame not so many people know about the Sterling though, so that could be a cool comparison in the future :)
Thank you! You're right, and I'm looking to snag a Sterling. My friend back in the day had a sweet black one with maple neck, awesome bass and very different from the 'Ray. You'll see one on here eventually, don't you worry ;).
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.
I would have LOVED to hear Jaco Play that Fretless and Louis Johnson on the Ray34!
Thanks George! I agree, that would be a sound to behold :)
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 :)
Love to see you do the same test and same playing examples with the 5 string versions and various series/parallel selector switch settings, etc…
Thanks Brad! That's a great idea
All of them are beauties. I'd go with the Old Smoothie (the legit one :D) - never too much smoothness ('Sailing' playing in the background)
Hehe thank you!
I prefer the first bass .Sunburst with black pickguard and 2 band eq !! best sound !!
Thanks Raffaele! :)
That fretless is bloody gorgeous.
Hello crustacean. I apologize as this might be long. What I find fascinating, is that Leo Fender only invented three bases. The P bass, the j bass, and the mustang. Everything else base wise that he invented was him trying to perfect one of those three. The music man is the evolution of the p base. If you look at a Leo Fender made P bass the pickup is Right In the Sweet spot, as was his music man. (Music Man moved it) If you look at the G&l cl-1000, it is an improvement on the music man.
I guess ultimately what my point is, is that you are asking what particular version of this version of the P-Bass is best.
That's an honorable and noble question.
@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 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
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
Whoop whoop found it Lobster. Fretless...💙👊😎
:D Yeah that fretless rules
epic video, love you lobster
Thank you! Love you too
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!
MintoRay is so clear and defined. One thing that gets mentioned a lot with Stingrays is weight. Can you comment on that aspect? Thanks
Hey John! I usually don't mention weight unless it's of any significance as weight between examples of the same model can vary greatly. Most of my rays are ~9 lbs with the classic ones running at about ~10.
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 :)
Man, your camera image looks really good!
Don't say that, you haven't seen me in real life ;P
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