I installed a nordstrand pickup, and paired it with a John East mmsr preamp on my 1992 US Stingray 5. What a world of difference. Your videos helped me decide on this.
Someone in the comments called this a studio bass with this preamp. On reflection I think they nailed it! About brightness, I always thought it was better to have it and take it out when not needed, instead of not having it and suddenly needing more. (For me, same argument applies to Telecasters.) It was also impressive that preamp was able to do that with stock pickup!
This one I think would make a very good recording bass. Seemed to have a very clean "studio" quality sound right out of the output jack, and that mid sweep gives it a lot of added versatility. I personally liked the Nordstrand and Aguilar mods better as I mostly play live and I feel the tone would cut better in a live mix. This is excellent information! Keep up the good work!
I have to thank you so much for these videos. I had a sterling in the late 90s and I miss it. Going to buy a Sterling RAY34 soon and I have been thinking of possibly upgrading the electronics. This series is just fantastic. I also appreciate that you take the time to respond to your comments. Thank you!
I've done this mod on my ray24ca. I love it 💥 Do you recommend a pickup upgrade if so, which pickup do you recommend. Also, what do you tjink about a dim switch for series/parallel ? Thanks phil
I’m not a big Ernie ball sterling kinda bass player I’ve been watching your videos Lobster and if I got one it would be this bass for a different sound,, I watch you and Bully’s videos and they’re very informative
The midrange is awesome and you’re right I’m hearing better pickups to really bring the monster out paired with the John east preamp thank you again for sharing lobster👍😎🌈🎸
I enjoyed this preamp, I remember you saying that this bass would benefit from a better preamp and it did. This combo and the last combo you did had a great mid tone that I realy enjoyed
I installed the John East 2-band into my old '77 Stingray when the original failed. Closest thing to the original I've ever heard. Might drop one of those into my Ray34CA as I've never been a fan of the 3-band.
Awesome review, that is a really versatile preamp! The mid controls are reminiscent of a Bongo for sure. Everything centered sounded brilliant. Glad John East offers a 2 band version. So, so good.
I love this mod , with sweeter overall tone it will fit in mixes and can be very versatile ( at time stingrays aren't very versatile ) and that yellow and maple combo !!!! .....want this !!!!
Thanks to your beautiful videos, I just ordered a John East Preamp and a Ceramic Seymour Duncan SMB-4D for my Sub 4 😘 I have high hopes for this combo 😍
I love John East preamps. Never considered one for a stingray bass. Heard John East in Bass-Mods Basses and they sound tight and focused. The stingray sounds great with that preamp. Put a Nordy or SD MM pickup with it? Oh Yeah! 😌🎶👍🏾
Lowend Lobster, I suggest changing your stage name to "Dr. Stingray". :-) Sounds like a USA stingray to me. Best Bass Gear suggested a Delano MC4 AL 4 with the John East preamp as a possible upgrade for Sterling SUBS. However, it sounds like the John East works extremely well with the stock Sterling Ray 24 pickup. I'd be more than happy leaving that stock pickup in place.
That John East would SLAY in the Mint-o-Ray. This is actually making me consider pairing it with a Delano MC 4 HE/M2 (Quad Coil version) for some sweet single coil tones (Parallel/Series/Single switch).
@@LowEndLobster I don't have a John East (soon!) in front of me, but going by the pictures, it seems such switch would fit between Volume and B/T pots. Right where the P/S switch is on Minto, I believe.
We just finished this mod. WOW THIS THING IS A MAJOR GAME Changer , Thanks for this video...Mr Lobster It sounds way better at my house, in person, Happy Sailing PS:I recommend this "very easy mod" this ray 24 sounded good when right out the box, but now it.. SOUNDS Powerfully LEGENDARY..... 😂 . 🎶😋🎵
Great lobster 🦞, which brand of passive pick up should I buy to combine it with John east mm 3 band preamp and Sterling ray 4 to sound like 70 stingray? I don’t like the stock pu cause is to boomy and string noisy! Thanks lot ! Your job is just great!
Hey Lobster, love the John East Preamp that I got after watching your vid! Since you mentioned the stock PU could stand an upgrade, what is the best music man pickup in your opinion to pair up with this preamp? I'm currently pairing it up with the stock SBMM PU wired in parallel and looking for an upgrade. Thanks!
Sounded good LowEndLobster! John East is the first name that came into my mind when I started to think about installing a preamp into my bass and then I saw Audere preamps on the net for half the price... But guess what? I'm still not sure which one to chose!
Hello Lobster. I've been following your channel and I gotta blame you for making me switch to bass from playing a guitar lol. Hey man, I hope you can see this message as I need to know if the plate that comes with the knobs is a drop in replacement or you just bought the knobs and use the existing plate. Thanks in advance.
I was planning on putting in a darkglass tone capsule in my sub... But it's kind of a hassle to install, plus ordering extra parts... The John East just dropping right in is really awesome! I have bartolini pick up in there now, how do you suppose they'll match?
Hi Lobster. as mentioned before you have inspired me. I purchased an OLP MM bass for £150. Just trying to decide what Pre amp and Pickup to put in it. I like both the Darkglass and John East. Pickup wise maybe an Aguilar DCB maybe or a good MM Alnico pickup. John east at least i don't have to do any soldering or buy additional B50K pots to put in. What would you suggest ?. May upgrade neck at some point to a Status Graphite . Great work, still watching what you do, you are an inspiration , If i was in USA i might have commisioned you to build me a control plate as you did in the "Delano MC4 & Darkglass Tone Capsule" review as love that setup too. think cost to ship to UK maybe too high Hmmmmmm.!!!! Love the FGN PP bass too. Stay safe.
Thanks Stu! Both are great choices, with the East being mostly (if not completely) solderless and a true drop in (where the Darkglass needs the additional pots and stuff like you said). Happy modding!
Hey fella, I have an East PA in my Marcus Miller and that I sent you a note on before. Really great and turned a potential trade in to a turn on. I just got a US professional 11 Jazz. Do you think the East PA would be a welcome swap into that bass as well? I almost want it to have that easy pickup blend ... Let me know what you think. Best Rob
Hi. I'm thinking about the Delano pickup and John East three-band preamp configuration for a sub. Do you think I'll be successful? Could I have any problems installing it?
Hey Lobster! Thank you for these great videos! Subscribed imidiatly. This inspired me to put a East in my Ray 34 and im loving it. I'm only not shure about the black an white wire coming from the stock pu, which is 'hot' and which is 'cold'? Can't find it anywhere on the internet.
That bright switch is great. It sounds natural, much better than boosting the treble control. Overall, a great preamp - and that comes from someone who's not a big fan of typical bass/mid/treble active alectronics. No wonder it costs an arm and a leg. However, is there a point dropping something as expensive in a rather inexpensive Sterling? Well, I'm not the one to answer that question ;-)
Thank you! Great comment and question. I guess the purpose of this was not to specifically showcase these upgrades for Sterlings, but moreso just to show possible upgrade paths for SBMMs and EBMMs together. The Stingray is a very interesting instrument because it leans the electronics a lot more than a traditional J or P bass (essentially wood choice has less of an impact here because of how the electronics are setup). I didn't want to defile 8x USA Stingrays ;P
Love these basses and you have some great style! I have recently picked up a sterling stingray HH 4 string sub series. I love it but would like to upgrade the pre-amp, I can't find a john east for the 2 pick up HH series...do you have any suggestions?? I have gone through a few of your vids on this subject ..Music man basses...but can't find any good options.. May be a great set of vids just sayin.. Thanks for what you do!
Heyo! Thanks Hayden! You can use the John East with the HH bass no problem. The output on the 5-way switch is what will go into the preamp and should work just fine. Hope that helps! Happy modding!
Huh...To my ears the best of the bunch so far and I’m really surprised by that. Gotta imagine this combo’d with something more like the Nordy pup would be ::chef’s kiss:: Is it just me or does this have the most serviceable treble boost so far? Agreed that max treble boost was a bit harsh but seems a universal truth and I got the sense it was the least harsh of them so far. The 50% treb boost that followed sounded great, and a lot of preamps still sound kinda rough to me even with smaller increments of treble boost. Honestly this has me a bit interested. At the same price as the SUB (before necessary pup upgrade...pupgrade?) it gives me pause but sure seems like the cost can be justified compared to other preamps. Looking forward to the rest!
Thanks so much for your videos on the Ray24 Lobster%. A US made SLO special is no longer available from MM, so based on your review, I went with a Ray24. I would like to upgrade the pick up and preamp to get as close as possible to the original Stingray tone. None of the John East option seem to be available at the moment. What would your next recommendation be for pick up and preamp. I was thinking about the Aguilar alnico pick up and their generic OPB-1 preamp (Aguilar does not specify Stingray or any other brand with that one). Thanks again,
Honestly, I prefer ray24ca stock mm sound on your previous review more. Meanwhile, I watch this review after your L1000 and Cutlass comparison, this mod Ray24ca just sound like lacking some Ommph and stingray growl... Anyway, great review AMD great channel . Appreciate your reviews.
I’m about to buy this bass but want to mod it with a cheaper pre-amp and better pick up. What combo would you recommend to make this bass sound better than stock and give it good versatility for recording?
Hi. Great reviiew. Would be nice to see what this is like with the Aguilar DCB-M pickup with and without the East pre-amp. Is it worth modding or just pay the extra for the 2020/2021 Ray34? Also prefer the slimmer neck on the CA version 38mm nut
Thanks Stuart! You must be some sort of psychic, as I actually yanked the east preamp out of this a few days ago for .... another project.... and I have a DCB pickup on my desk! (I also ordered a second east preamp... you know, for science or something). Great comment, stay tuned :)
@@LowEndLobster Great Cannot wait to see your review of this Combination and your thoughts on the Pickup itself, Still is it worth modding a SUB or just pay extra for a RAY24/34 or even Modding a Ray24/ or RAY34 which is I believe equivalent to the old USA pre 2019 Stingray ? Stay safe
Hi again. I watched the ray34 review. Seems as I thought almost same as 2017 or older usa model. In this price bracket is the Fender Deluxe Preocion . Mexican PJ active. Have you had any experience of this bass. This is another on my radar. Thanks again Stu
@@stushwartz Hey Stu, I have not played the fender so I wouldn't be able to offer any opinion on it. The Ray34 is very close to the USA non special tonally, if that's what you're after then the Sterling is a great value.
Hey lobster do you know if the 3b4k has the bright mode? I can't find that answer I would like to put this in my 2011 stingray especially if it has that bright mode
That John East preamp sounds very nice - I like it. I notice more tone range than the stock preamp. Also, I thought the Sub 4 and RAY24CA had the same pickup since Sterling MM lists both as H-1 Ceramic Humbucker. Are there different types of H-1 Ceramic Humbuckers?
Bass sounds awesome! It definitely doesn’t sound like mine, but I am not sure if that’s the preamp or a much more accomplished bass player. Probably a mixture of both. The preamp is a little out of my price range, would you have a suggestion of less expensive drop in preamp that would sound “good” with stock pickup? As always thank you for your informative videos and giving me great ideas to mod my basses! You Rock Lobster!
Thanks Andrew! Great question. Though it's not part of the series, I know Audere makes really nice and affordable preamps and I bet a Ray24 would sound great with one :)
Thanks Chase! I'm going to be selling most of these basses after the series is over with the current electronics, but the Aguilar + JE combo does sound killer.
Great question Mauricio! Choices are limited to those that give you access to the individual coils, so the Aguilar is out (as is the EMG passive unless you get into not using the EMG provided pots and soldering). We have a 4HH coming that we plan to mod extensively :)
@@LowEndLobster I talked to a Bartolini rep. Told me, they are getting complains about their pickups not fitting in the new models of Sterling basses. He wanted me to send him pictures of the bass.
Thanks Kevin! Indeed, they didn't let the treble control on this thing run wild too much, which is a good thing on an instrument like a stingray. You'll see that this is one of those preamps built around the instrument, where some others in the series are generic 3 bands from the big brands that could go in anything. Not necessarily a good or bad thing, but the John East is a very good stingray preamp here, if that makes sense.
I bought a used beat up Stingray and put a Bartolini PU and John East MMSR 3-Knob 3-Band Vol in it,... absolutely marvelous. Thanks for thee info sir.
I installed a nordstrand pickup, and paired it with a John East mmsr preamp on my 1992 US Stingray 5. What a world of difference.
Your videos helped me decide on this.
Awesome! Enjoy it :)
Which nordstrand did you go with?
Someone in the comments called this a studio bass with this preamp. On reflection I think they nailed it! About brightness, I always thought it was better to have it and take it out when not needed, instead of not having it and suddenly needing more. (For me, same argument applies to Telecasters.) It was also impressive that preamp was able to do that with stock pickup!
Thanks Matthew! I agree, VERY flexible and even makes the stock pickup sound good!
This one I think would make a very good recording bass. Seemed to have a very clean "studio" quality sound right out of the output jack, and that mid sweep gives it a lot of added versatility. I personally liked the Nordstrand and Aguilar mods better as I mostly play live and I feel the tone would cut better in a live mix.
This is excellent information! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Michael :)
Great review on the on the preamp thanks, I'm considering, the Thump 👍 tone did it for me thanks.
I have to thank you so much for these videos. I had a sterling in the late 90s and I miss it. Going to buy a Sterling RAY34 soon and I have been thinking of possibly upgrading the electronics. This series is just fantastic. I also appreciate that you take the time to respond to your comments. Thank you!
Thanks Campfires :) Glad you're enjoying the series! I had a blast making it
Great sounding combination, Lobster you`ve done it again...💙👊😎
Thank you :)
I have this pre in my Ray 4, with Nordstrand MM 4.2 Dual coil. Transforms this into an awesome bass that IMHO, competes with a USA Ray.
The mid sweep takes my breath away
😅😅😅
I bet that is a great feeling after that mod. Congrats 👏
I've done this mod on my ray24ca. I love it 💥
Do you recommend a pickup upgrade if so, which pickup do you recommend. Also, what do you tjink about a dim switch for series/parallel ? Thanks phil
John East The Best Preamps!!!!!
I’m not a big Ernie ball sterling kinda bass player I’ve been watching your videos Lobster and if I got one it would be this bass for a different sound,, I watch you and Bully’s videos and they’re very informative
Thanks Sid! Glad you're enjoying the content :)
The midrange is awesome and you’re right I’m hearing better pickups to really bring the monster out paired with the John east preamp thank you again for sharing lobster👍😎🌈🎸
Thank you Sam! I looooove these preamps.
I enjoyed this preamp, I remember you saying that this bass would benefit from a better preamp and it did. This combo and the last combo you did had a great mid tone that I realy enjoyed
Thanks Ryan! I agree, I think this preamp is well suited for this bass.
I installed the John East 2-band into my old '77 Stingray when the original failed. Closest thing to the original I've ever heard. Might drop one of those into my Ray34CA as I've never been a fan of the 3-band.
Thanks Brad! Nice! I heard great things about the two band as well. I will probably check that one out separately, big fan of the JE stuff :)
I've got one in my American Standard Jazz and it sounds really great.
Nice! I would love to hear that preamp with the Nordy pickup!
Thanks Bizi!
Hi Lobster, I loved the tone of this preamp. I agree a better pickup would sound killin! Nice playing. 👍🏾😊
Thanks Trevor!
Awesome review, that is a really versatile preamp! The mid controls are reminiscent of a Bongo for sure. Everything centered sounded brilliant. Glad John East offers a 2 band version. So, so good.
Thanks Taconeko!
I love this mod , with sweeter overall tone it will fit in mixes and can be very versatile ( at time stingrays aren't very versatile ) and that yellow and maple combo !!!! .....want this !!!!
:)
My volume pot is dying on my sub 5 string....this is certainly a really great option that I want try out. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you! Glad you found the video helpful :)
Thanks to your beautiful videos, I just ordered a John East Preamp and a Ceramic Seymour Duncan SMB-4D for my Sub 4 😘 I have high hopes for this combo 😍
Man, I dig that 'Ray slap sound! And that preamp sounds great. Very versatile.
I'd like to hear it with an alnico pickup. Nice grooving Low!
Thanks Jeff!
I love John East preamps. Never considered one for a stingray bass. Heard John East in Bass-Mods Basses and they sound tight and focused. The stingray sounds great with that preamp. Put a Nordy or SD MM pickup with it? Oh Yeah! 😌🎶👍🏾
Thanks :)
Can t wait for that EMG in the back. Finaly we are going to have peoper EMG MM review
:) That'll be dropping later today (maybe a little late). I was just playing it. It's VERY good.
Preamp sound quite a bit "sweeter" than the original. That mid frequency sweep is very powerful indeed.
Thanks flipper :)
Sounds awesome! Very nice upgrade!
Lowend Lobster, I suggest changing your stage name to "Dr. Stingray". :-)
Sounds like a USA stingray to me. Best Bass Gear suggested a Delano MC4 AL 4 with the John East preamp as a possible upgrade for Sterling SUBS. However, it sounds like the John East works extremely well with the stock Sterling Ray 24 pickup. I'd be more than happy leaving that stock pickup in place.
XD Thanks Ratt!
The Nordstrand MM 2 band is half the money and spot on for 1970's Stingray.
Holy crap! You have so many stingrays!
A lil bit ;P
I’m diggin’ that bright mode with the mid sweep capability
Thanks! Yeah I dig it too :)
It's my favorite feature on my EHB
@@rl-ub9hx same here
I do love that preamp!
That John East would SLAY in the Mint-o-Ray. This is actually making me consider pairing it with a Delano MC 4 HE/M2 (Quad Coil version) for some sweet single coil tones (Parallel/Series/Single switch).
Now THAT'S an idea! Thanks Francis! I have a bart pickup slated to be installed in this bad larry, but that Delano Quad would be KILLER!
@@LowEndLobster I don't have a John East (soon!) in front of me, but going by the pictures, it seems such switch would fit between Volume and B/T pots. Right where the P/S switch is on Minto, I believe.
@@DotteeG True, I'd just be worried about the ribbon cable there as those are somewhat fragile.
Just ordered this bass and this is definitely a mod that I will be looking into to!
We just finished this mod. WOW THIS THING IS A MAJOR GAME Changer , Thanks for this video...Mr Lobster It sounds way better at my house, in person, Happy Sailing
PS:I recommend this "very easy mod" this ray 24 sounded good when right out the box, but now it.. SOUNDS Powerfully LEGENDARY..... 😂 . 🎶😋🎵
Wow! Just got a j retro in the mail. Thinking of wiring it up with some Bartolini J 9 s.
Congrats William! That sounds like a great combo. I had a J retro in my daily driver frankenjazz for about 8 or 9 years. Great preamp!
Great lobster 🦞, which brand of passive pick up should I buy to combine it with John east mm 3 band preamp and Sterling ray 4 to sound like 70 stingray? I don’t like the stock pu cause is to boomy and string noisy! Thanks lot ! Your job is just great!
Salutations Lobster! Great video as always. I'd really love a review of Schecter Stiletto Custom-4
Hi Lucas! More Schecter reviews coming in the new year :)
@@LowEndLobster You're tha man. Merry Xmas Lobster!
Wow. Not bad. Considering one for mine now.
Thanks Robert!
Hey Lobster, love the John East Preamp that I got after watching your vid! Since you mentioned the stock PU could stand an upgrade, what is the best music man pickup in your opinion to pair up with this preamp? I'm currently pairing it up with the stock SBMM PU wired in parallel and looking for an upgrade. Thanks!
Heyo Karen! Check out my Ultimate Stingray Mod Guide, we try 6 different pickups. For classic tones, I liked the Aguilar and Nordstrand.
@@LowEndLobster Thank you so much! Love your videos!
Sounded good LowEndLobster! John East is the first name that came into my mind when I started to think about installing a preamp into my bass and then I saw Audere preamps on the net for half the price... But guess what? I'm still not sure which one to chose!
Decisions decisions ;)
I have a sterling sub that I modified with nordstrand bass pickups and john east preamp mmsr-1 this is a great sounding bass now
Hello Lobster. I've been following your channel and I gotta blame you for making me switch to bass from playing a guitar lol. Hey man, I hope you can see this message as I need to know if the plate that comes with the knobs is a drop in replacement or you just bought the knobs and use the existing plate. Thanks in advance.
I was planning on putting in a darkglass tone capsule in my sub... But it's kind of a hassle to install, plus ordering extra parts...
The John East just dropping right in is really awesome! I have bartolini pick up in there now, how do you suppose they'll match?
Hey Charles! You won't be disappointed. I really like the Bart mm pickup, and I think the East will pair very nicely
@@LowEndLobster yout videos are what helped me decide which pickup to get, I would have just gotten seymour duncan.
Love your stuff, dude
Nice video!! Would you recomend this preamp with a alnico pickup to achieve 1992 Sting Ray sound?
Hi Lobster. as mentioned before you have inspired me. I purchased an OLP MM bass for £150. Just trying to decide what Pre amp and Pickup to put in it. I like both the Darkglass and John East. Pickup wise maybe an Aguilar DCB maybe or a good MM Alnico pickup. John east at least i don't have to do any soldering or buy additional B50K pots to put in. What would you suggest ?. May upgrade neck at some point to a Status Graphite . Great work, still watching what you do, you are an inspiration , If i was in USA i might have commisioned you to build me a control plate as you did in the "Delano MC4 & Darkglass Tone Capsule" review as love that setup too. think cost to ship to UK maybe too high Hmmmmmm.!!!! Love the FGN PP bass too. Stay safe.
Thanks Stu! Both are great choices, with the East being mostly (if not completely) solderless and a true drop in (where the Darkglass needs the additional pots and stuff like you said). Happy modding!
Hey fella, I have an East PA in my Marcus Miller and that I sent you a note on before. Really great and turned a potential trade in to a turn on. I just got a US professional 11 Jazz. Do you think the East PA would be a welcome swap into that bass as well? I almost want it to have that easy pickup blend ... Let me know what you think. Best Rob
Hey Rob! Great question, I think the East preamps are a great addition to any bass. Go for it!
Not bad, not bad at all. Nice preamp very versatile and pairs well with the stock pickup. However I still prefer the combo of the nordy so far.
Thanks Dalton :) More to come!
Hi. I'm thinking about the Delano pickup and John East three-band preamp configuration for a sub. Do you think I'll be successful? Could I have any problems installing it?
You'll have a great time
It sounds great i do love the sound of the black one with the EMG better tho thats more of my growl tone, I love the ceramic magnets the most
Thanks, I agree this is one of my faves as well
Hey Lobster! Thank you for these great videos! Subscribed imidiatly. This inspired me to put a East in my Ray 34 and im loving it. I'm only not shure about the black an white wire coming from the stock pu, which is 'hot' and which is 'cold'? Can't find it anywhere on the internet.
Heyo! White is hot, black is ground
That bright switch is great. It sounds natural, much better than boosting the treble control. Overall, a great preamp - and that comes from someone who's not a big fan of typical bass/mid/treble active alectronics. No wonder it costs an arm and a leg. However, is there a point dropping something as expensive in a rather inexpensive Sterling? Well, I'm not the one to answer that question ;-)
Thank you! Great comment and question. I guess the purpose of this was not to specifically showcase these upgrades for Sterlings, but moreso just to show possible upgrade paths for SBMMs and EBMMs together. The Stingray is a very interesting instrument because it leans the electronics a lot more than a traditional J or P bass (essentially wood choice has less of an impact here because of how the electronics are setup). I didn't want to defile 8x USA Stingrays ;P
Sounds like a super powered ray sound. Very cutting
Thanks James :)
Hey Lobster!! Great video!!
This preamp have a passive mode??
It does not, but the Uni does
@@LowEndLobster sorry Lobster! What is “Uni”, Tks! I love your Channel!
Love these basses and you have some great style! I have recently picked up a sterling stingray HH 4 string sub series. I love it but would like to upgrade the pre-amp, I can't find a john east for the 2 pick up HH series...do you have any suggestions?? I have gone through a few of your vids on this subject ..Music man basses...but can't find any good options.. May be a great set of vids just sayin.. Thanks for what you do!
Heyo! Thanks Hayden! You can use the John East with the HH bass no problem. The output on the 5-way switch is what will go into the preamp and should work just fine. Hope that helps! Happy modding!
Huh...To my ears the best of the bunch so far and I’m really surprised by that. Gotta imagine this combo’d with something more like the Nordy pup would be ::chef’s kiss:: Is it just me or does this have the most serviceable treble boost so far? Agreed that max treble boost was a bit harsh but seems a universal truth and I got the sense it was the least harsh of them so far. The 50% treb boost that followed sounded great, and a lot of preamps still sound kinda rough to me even with smaller increments of treble boost.
Honestly this has me a bit interested. At the same price as the SUB (before necessary pup upgrade...pupgrade?) it gives me pause but sure seems like the cost can be justified compared to other preamps. Looking forward to the rest!
Thanks Joe! We have plans for this bass :)
Far more versatility than I’d ever need. I’m a volume at 10, tone at 0 kinda guy!!
Thanks Rev! Yeah this one has all the bells and whistles
Thanks so much for your videos on the Ray24 Lobster%. A US made SLO special is no longer available from MM, so based on your review, I went with a Ray24. I would like to upgrade the pick up and preamp to get as close as possible to the original Stingray tone.
None of the John East option seem to be available at the moment. What would your next recommendation be for pick up and preamp. I was thinking about the Aguilar alnico pick up and their generic OPB-1 preamp (Aguilar does not specify Stingray or any other brand with that one). Thanks again,
Honestly, I prefer ray24ca stock mm sound on your previous review more.
Meanwhile, I watch this review after your L1000 and Cutlass comparison, this mod Ray24ca just sound like lacking some Ommph and stingray growl...
Anyway, great review AMD great channel . Appreciate your reviews.
Thanks Totomo :)
Great pre. Any plans to to do a review on the latest BFR Stingray 5 ?
Oooh.... Good question... hahaha
The bass boost sounds very buxom. I like how it moves the whole sound south. But this sounds very jazz bass like. Is it still a Ray?
Thanks James!
Do you think this would work well with a Nordstrand MM4.2. I’m trying to tame that weird high end my 05 Stingray has and warm it up some.
I’m about to buy this bass but want to mod it with a cheaper pre-amp and better pick up. What combo would you recommend to make this bass sound better than stock and give it good versatility for recording?
If you're looking for the classic ray tone, the John East 2-band and an Aguilar/Nordstrand/SD alnico pickup would do the trick wonderfully.
With clutched fists. Yes,yes!YES!
Glad you liked this one :)
Love that color
Thanks Ryan!
Hi. Great reviiew. Would be nice to see what this is like with the Aguilar DCB-M pickup with and without the East pre-amp. Is it worth modding or just pay the extra for the 2020/2021 Ray34?
Also prefer the slimmer neck on the CA version 38mm nut
Thanks Stuart! You must be some sort of psychic, as I actually yanked the east preamp out of this a few days ago for .... another project.... and I have a DCB pickup on my desk! (I also ordered a second east preamp... you know, for science or something). Great comment, stay tuned :)
@@LowEndLobster Great Cannot wait to see your review of this Combination and your thoughts on the Pickup itself, Still is it worth modding a SUB or just pay extra for a RAY24/34 or even Modding a Ray24/ or RAY34 which is I believe equivalent to the old USA pre 2019 Stingray ? Stay safe
Hi again. I watched the ray34 review. Seems as I thought almost same as 2017 or older usa model. In this price bracket is the Fender Deluxe Preocion . Mexican PJ active. Have you had any experience of this bass. This is another on my radar. Thanks again Stu
@@stushwartz Hey Stu, I have not played the fender so I wouldn't be able to offer any opinion on it. The Ray34 is very close to the USA non special tonally, if that's what you're after then the Sterling is a great value.
Thanks for reply. I will keep watching. To see what else you come on with. Especially the DCB-M pickups 🤘🦂🎸
Is that my impression or this bass has more lowend than the Ray 4 Sub?
Great video as always
The pickup is far superior to the Ray4 SUB pickup, which is not a good fit IMO. This Ray24 pickup is quite solid.
Hey lobster do you know if the 3b4k has the bright mode? I can't find that answer I would like to put this in my 2011 stingray especially if it has that bright mode
It does!
@@LowEndLobster oh wow!! Thanks for the reply lobster!! Your the nan!! Would love to see more how to mod videos! Thanks for all the amazing content!
That John East preamp sounds very nice - I like it. I notice more tone range than the stock preamp. Also, I thought the Sub 4 and RAY24CA had the same pickup since Sterling MM lists both as H-1 Ceramic Humbucker. Are there different types of H-1 Ceramic Humbuckers?
Hey Don! They list the pickup as the same, but they're actually different pickups entirely. Both Ceramic, but the Ray24 is superior.
@@LowEndLobster Thanks!
@@LowEndLobster What makes the Ray24 the better pickup?
sounds really good! like buttah!
Thanks Jeremy :)
Hello friend,the Pick Up are wired in series or parallel?
Bass sounds awesome! It definitely doesn’t sound like mine, but I am not sure if that’s the preamp or a much more accomplished bass player. Probably a mixture of both. The preamp is a little out of my price range, would you have a suggestion of less expensive drop in preamp that would sound “good” with stock pickup? As always thank you for your informative videos and giving me great ideas to mod my basses! You Rock Lobster!
Thanks Andrew! Great question. Though it's not part of the series, I know Audere makes really nice and affordable preamps and I bet a Ray24 would sound great with one :)
Would the Ray24 pickup sounds good with a Mojo Tone preamp?
Nice presence, wonder how a Lindy Fralin MM pick-up with a John East pre-amp would sound like?
Thanks Ralph! I didn't think Lindy made MM pickups, but I know he's flexible :)
@@LowEndLobster I'm guessing Lindy Fralin possibly makes MM pu's, Prephas via special order.
Alright, one of these may be going in one of my Ray 34’s..
:)
I'd like to hear this preamp with the Aguilar MM pickup that you demo'd earlier.
Thanks Chase! I'm going to be selling most of these basses after the series is over with the current electronics, but the Aguilar + JE combo does sound killer.
@@LowEndLobster Anyways, solid reviews. I bought an Ibanez EHB1005MS because of your demo.
Hello,
What would be your top 2 pickup/preamp set ups for a Sterling Ray4HH?
Thanks
MM
Great question Mauricio! Choices are limited to those that give you access to the individual coils, so the Aguilar is out (as is the EMG passive unless you get into not using the EMG provided pots and soldering). We have a 4HH coming that we plan to mod extensively :)
@@LowEndLobster I talked to a Bartolini rep. Told me, they are getting complains about their pickups not fitting in the new models of Sterling basses. He wanted me to send him pictures of the bass.
Impressive, most impressive.😁
Thanks Jason!
If you center the mids,will it cancel them out?
Were you able to use the control plate that comes with the East preamp?
The one I bought did not come with the control plate. Very easy to install on the stock plate however.
And ahhh let’s goooooo
:)
Mmmm, I think I'm still in love with that Sub + Aguilar combo.... My wallet is hopping me to not find any a SUB bargain out there...
:)
I didn’t click like and your hand still turned back to normal. I’m beginning to think there’s no connection between the two. 😜
;P
It worked because I clicked like
i cannot explain how similar it sounds to a USA stingray!
Thanks Francisco :)
The JE's got the BEEF
BEEEEEF
So sterlings come woth the ceramics?
Ray34 has an Alnico pickup but the Ray24 and SUB have Ceramic pickups. USA EBMM Sterlings also have Ceramic pickups.
How about using rosewood fb. ?? Just curious how it sounds
I really don't like rosewood boards with unmatched headstocks. Only exception is natural finishes. Just a taste thing.
I have a sterling sub with a Delano MC 4 and 500k pots and no preamp, 2 volumes and tone....You can do anything with it, really.
Awesome!
Holy ...did a truck drop a case of Ray 4's off the back of the truck..
LOL, ey I know a guy who knows a guy! forgettaboutit!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
WOOO!
I prefer the SUB preamp.
Thanks dafxtone! That's why I provide both clips, let people make up their own minds :).
First! Yes
:)
Is it Sterling by MusicMan or MusicMan Sterling?
Sterling by Music Man here :)
@@LowEndLobster thanks! I really don't understand why they did so confusing naming in these series)
can help me with the wiring preamp and pickup please!!
Join the discord channel linked in the description!
Can you do a video teaching how to do mods? I need to learn and you have the basses I want to mod, thanks 🦞
Thanks Jeremy! I will be doing a vid using the EMGs as an example (though I don't go through modding the cavity)
Wish I could comment on TV UTUBE.. Love your videos...
Love my Sterling Ray 4, but would really like a Short Scale with upgraded preamp and pickup...
I'm guessing you like Music Man basses. :)
Just a weee bit ;)
I usually cringe when I hear the terms "bright" and "StingRay" together, but that was not as overly trebly as I was afraid it would be.
Thanks Kevin! Indeed, they didn't let the treble control on this thing run wild too much, which is a good thing on an instrument like a stingray. You'll see that this is one of those preamps built around the instrument, where some others in the series are generic 3 bands from the big brands that could go in anything. Not necessarily a good or bad thing, but the John East is a very good stingray preamp here, if that makes sense.
Sold me this
To bad they don't make a left handed version.🥺
That's really lame! Do you have to go USA to get your stingray fix?
@@LowEndLobster hi low-end lobster , there is a sterling stingray34 version left handed 899 in natural ash
not a fan of the wood look at all 🤣😂
Oh yes in the Musicman shop is a Beauty Left handed stingray 2399. Right now with COVID my wife would pack my bags if I show up with that one🤣😂
So Nice 💘💘💘💘💘💘
Thank you Nikolas :)