Just bought one these. Went to visit it and feel it. Ended up walking out with it. I'm a new bass convert and have a Squire 70s Vibe Jazz bass and this just plays better for sure. Rosewood fingerboard. Just sounded better than others in the store. Slap is so nice on it. I just wanted to say that I love when you do that joyful laugh after playing a groove. Thankee for these videos.
Tip for the Stingray Classic: Loosen the volume and tone control screws, rotate knobs and tighten them with screws in centre detent position for each pot. That way you have a visual cue looking down at them 👍
Going by this video, I actually like the sound of the Sterling a little bit better. Not that I'd ever turn away an EBMM, of course :) Thanks for the video!
Somebody in the Sterling by MusicMan factory probably brought an actual Stingray Classic and compared the tones and went “oh s#it! They sound more similar when the Sterling is in series!” That is the only logical explanation for them doing that 😂
Love all your video's but how can you dis a afford entry level bass sorry man, This was a bad review, kids starting out. cannot afford a $3000 plus for a metal flake Bass like i have, but you can find a used made in america sub bass for under $1000 i got my american sub Brand new one in 2003 for a little over $600 buc's with a hard shell case....
Mr. Lobster, I just got the Neural DSP parallax plugin. If you have tried this stuff, you gotta! Some of the most useful bass tones I’ve ever heard. It’s totally not just for metal. Check it out!
That Butterscotch color looks awesome. I've been pondering which one to buy for my next bass a ray24 or an s.u.b. I think i'm pretty well informed after watching this.
I can respect your criticisms in terms of the pricing. But I think it's better worth getting the 5-string Classic than the 4-string version. One reason is because the 5-string Classic still preserves the body and pickguard shapes of a regular 4-string StingRay. And they're rare to find if you like the looks of the 4-string version. Other than that, I slapped a like and already subbed to your channel. Thanks for your honest review, be well!
Thanks Joel! Great comment! The 5 string 'classic' also has the 17.5mm spacing at the bridge vs the 16.5mm spacing of the Ray5 SUB (for those who prefer a more traditional feel to their Ray). Welcome aboard!
Thomann prices for the affordable Stingrays as of 1/20/2022: Sub Ray4: 437 USD. Ray24: 748 USD. Not a good time for buying musical instruments and I live in Europe. Where is the power of Euros I've been promised? All prices high as crazy and you have to wait several weeks. I'm still in search for my 1st bass purchase. I gave you the 700th like on this video btw.
Just traded in my mint green sub for one of these. I like the tint in the neck! The sub neck was as pale as driftwood - not very appealing. This also has a very nice bridge and weighs less than my old sub, and the improved pickup makes the cheapie preamp seem a lot less harsh.
The Ray 24 doesn't sound half bad but lacks that Stingray punch. I'd probably rewire it or simply replace the pickup with a decent AlNiCo one. And, to be honest, basing on your test and description, it's not really worth the price difference between it and the Sub Ray. Especially that you can get the Sub in my absolutely favourite black/black/maple combo ;-) Your Stingray classic though... It sounds awesome and is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!
Thank you! Man, the classic is one of my absolute favorites. Definitely a trapped-on-a-desert-island bass. Very lucky to have snagged that one. She's never leaving my possession :)
I got my 25ca with a price cut of 120 bucks. I got my friend who works at the music store to buy it with his staff price benefit. And there's also a dent on the back of the bass so I bargained for a lower price on top of that lol. Saved me a lot of money.
Just picked up the Ray24ca at GC for $379, they matched MF price. This is my first MM, because I have been checking out all your videos and you speak very highly of them. I love it, great addition to my collection. Can’t wait to hear it in parallel, might have to get it adjusted if sounds good! As always keep those videos coming and thanks!
Thanks Andrew! Congrats on the bass! Parallel vid drops tomorrow morning, enjoy :). The difference is subtle, like it is in this video, but it's there.
I just got a SUB Ray4 and it has a 4 lead pup I was able to wire parallel. Can't be 100% sure it's factory because it was second hand, but I'm pretty sure it was
I like it. The one thing Im not crazy about is the way the tuners stick out so far from the head stock. On the US models, the tuners are a little more tucked in. I wonder if you can order the original tuners and stick them on the 24.
Wow! Extremely informative video, I'm new-ish to bass and I love the Stingray tone. Sounds like the way to go is to buy a cheapo SUB4 and upgrade the heck out of it with a J-Tone preamp and a really good parallel pickup, and save myself $1000!!
Thanks Capt! Yes, I agree- especially if you're new to Stingrays. Get a SUB, mod it and enjoy it. You can get very close to the USA stingray sound at a fraction of the price.
I have the Ray24CA & the EMG MMHZ pickups. In passive mode, with both pickups wired in series, the Ray24CA sounds very similar to the EMG (the EMG is little bit brighter)
Hey Lobbie!!🤜🏿💢🤛🏿!!🐱 Just came across a 24CA on sale TODAY!🙏🏿🤗!! I gotta do it.👍🏿😁 My First Stingray!🎉🎉 Yes, technically, still not really in "Stingray" country.😣(Ray34) But,you say it has a decent pickup.👍🏿 Good platform!👌🏿 I'll definitely take Mahogany over Basswood.😉 I'll have to check out the parallel circuit hack you mentioned.☝🏿 Already rewatching the Stingray Mod Videos again!📼👀 Thank You for your input and your candor🙏🏿🙏🏿!
Ok, im digging this. It blows me away at how many good basses we can buy sub 500 now days. This is a good bass, the sub is a good bass, I like my AIO telle bass, the list goes on and on. Realy been thinking about one of these, or the sub with a better pickup. Are the subs on sale? I'll check, or maybe I shouldn't, lol.
There is a lot of "Marketing" in the musical instrument business today. Lots of Codewords and catch phrases. I like the bridge much better on the Ray 24 then the Ray 4, I like the pickup on the Ray 34 its Alnico, maybe an aftermarket P/U will sound better in the Ray 24. The MM Sting Ray sounds better but not necessarily 4 times better the the Ray24.
Glad someone who reviews critical. Other who review, almost only review positive. Wich doesn't give me any view of how the instrument really is. Played an S.U.B. once, really hated the neck, it was like touching very dry wood.. So the tint to me does alot though.
So from watching your videos I was really thinking about getting a ray 24 but I actually got to try one at Guitar Center and I really didn't like it, the body was too thick and the tone didn't seem to be that much better or even better than the regular SUB, the bridge is definitely better on the ray 24 but I think with a pickup and preamp upgrade the sub would be the way to go over the ray 24
Man, you post videos faster than I can watch them! Great job! I will check it out later on. Also if I may add one thing - I purchased a Sterling by Musicman StingRay 5 last Momday, formely known as Ray35, and I gotta tell you. If it didnt say sterling on the headstock and on the bridge (and the country of origin wasn't printed on the backside of the headstock) I would say it was made in USA, that good the quality is! I was blown away
Thanks Richard! Glad you're enjoying the content. I agree, the 34/35 series is VERY nice and comes incredibly close to the pre facelift EBMM Rays. Excellent value and tons of cool finish options now plus roasted maple necks!
FINALLY!!!!!! A MM BASS REVIEW!!!!!! It seems like HOURS AND HOURS since you’ve done one. Thank you for sharing another MM (I’m really not complaining, every MM video is one less ibenez video) You make my day buddy. Cheers
Great review and the calling out of the components vs. the naming. I agree with your final assessment that it just leaves a negative impression for what is otherwise a nice sounding bass.
I find that I like both basses a lot in terms of their sound, but the EBMM gets the edge for being a bit more refined. It’s not five times better than the SBMM Ray34CA, though,
The big difference for me is I like jazz 1.5 necks and without all the gloss. The Sterling sounded just as good or at least not different enough to care. I already have 2 different SUB's though so I probably don't need this. hmm
Very informative video, thx for posting ! I also see your postings on TalkBass. I have a question: I currently have this ray24ca (toluca blue with rosewood fb) which will see a preamp change for the seymour duncan stc-3m3 and will also have the stock pickup wiring modified to paralell. Not looking to add value for resale, only modding it for my use. How close am I gonna be to a real Stingray ? (I would get an EBMM one, but their necks are not so comfortable for me, as opposed to the thinner ray24ca neck). Thx 🙂
I have been watching your Ray reviews non-stop for the past 3-4 days. I can’t decide between a Ray 4 with Seymour SMB-4a and john east preamp (2band) or a stock Ray24
Nice playing!! Slap sound better on Stingray. Do you know of any affordable music man who has a parallel pickup like the one on the Stingray? It bothered me to play on the pickup magnets and I ended up destroying it. Music man does not sell me the loose pickup.
Ok, I am brand spanking new to any instrument and chose to go with a bass guitar. There is a lot of jargon I'm not familiar with yet. So, I may have missed you clarifying the difference between a 24 and the 24CA..., but what's the difference?
$380 does seem more palatable...but of course CME now has a maple board SUB for $255 shipped and GC has a rosewood SUB for $229 now (again Dec 2020)...makes it kinda tough to go down the “Classic” route even when it’s on sale unless you *really* don’t wanna tinker. Currently looking for a cheap knock-about second bass to also learn to mod a smidge and wondering if the sale prices SUBs may be the ticket...Thanks for the great vid as always!
Hey Lobster, love the vids. I stumbled on the Ray4HH model stringray and i love the sound and its flexibility! however, I dont know how the preamp controls work. I am sad that there are no guides about this. Can you explain how to turn on/off a preamp in the Ray4hh?
I just discovered your channel while trying to figure out Sterling MM bass to buy and what the benefits that the different mods provide. Thanks for the unbiased reviews!
Literally just left GC playing this the sub and the ray34 hh I think it was. The 899 one. The 899 one felt and sounded like I'd rather pay for it than buy a classic or sub to build.
Forgot to mention in my previous comment that the neck radius on this a vintage 7.25 versus 9.5 on the sub 4. I think you statednthat the necks were the same except for the tint. This is actually a completely different neck and should be noted.
@@LowEndLobster www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/sterling-by-music-man-stingray-classic-electric-bass. I saw several websites with the 7.25, but yeah SBMM dies show 9.5. I just got a Ray 4 HH yesterday (based on your review) and it feels much different than the CA. Weird. Oh well, love them both, thanks!
The sterling has bouncy low mids that do give a vintage vibe. I preferred the slap tone on the sterling, I guess because its more like a precision up top. But how much do they weigh, Mr L. E. Lobster?
i weighed my ray 24 on a hanging scale & it said 4,3 kg / 9.48 lbs. personally i don't find that to be 𝘵𝘰𝘰 heavy, but if that weight seems a bit excessive to you look into the SUB
@@bro-im-just-walking-here My SUBs are all actually all within like .2 lbs of my Ray24. Weights can really vary from example to example. Honestly, if it's not exceptionally heavy or light then it's not worth mentioning IMO.
@@LowEndLobster A lot of people just want to know the weight. Straight up I would not buy a 10lb+ bass. I know a lot of people who feel the same. Same with 'is it neck heavy'? Just a basic factoid you'd want to know. The nearest affordable g&l clf to me in the UK is 350miles away, there is no way to even try one out without hours of travelling. Knowing is half the battle. Thanks Low for all these great videos
@@PorchBass Thanks! Man, I've been procrastinating on a neck-dive special looking at like 20+ basses in a context of simply whether or not they neck dive... in game show format... I will do it soon!
Just bought a sunburst Sterling Classic 24CA at my local Sam Ash. I fell in love with it the moment I picked it up. It plays great tho it needs a set-up because there's a buzz on the lower end of the neck. Otherwise the it's lightweight but punchy. Playability and sound are most important to me. It feels great and I don't have to fight with it to feel comfortable and get my desired sound. Still haven't put a battery in to access the preamp. Never had an active bass before.
Like the Ray 24, l think it has a jazz bass 1.5 nut .and a 7.5 radius according to the specs.. Good bass for a working man on a budget.. I played on at a store and was impressed very punchy almost bought it but I was shopping for a cab . Well worth the money..
@@LowEndLobster GC, MF and others specs say “Humbucker with Alnico magnets” not ceramic on the “Sterling by Music Man StingRay Classic Electric Bass Butterscotch Black Pickguard”.
Ray 24 CA was impressive, I had my eyes on the 5 string one wondering if I should get it or not, but thank's to your demonstration I think I will buy it, thank you so much.
Finally ive been waiting for the 24. This was my first stingray i ever played but i ended up falling for the ray34. The 34 just sounds better. I would rather have a sub than a 24
@@LowEndLobster i actually discovered a bass today for around the same price as the 34. I found a 2006 ebmm sterling 4h blue dawn for $1200. What do you know abiut the ebmm sterling classic
Indeed, that's basically what this is at the end of the day. For those who want to tinker, SUB is a great platform- but for those who want a set it and forget it beginner 'Ray, this is where it would be at (especially at the $380 sale price)
I have a new input jack. And I took off the pick guard. Looks way smoother and it plays better than my 2020 70s classic vibe Squier Jazz. The neck feels better too in my opinion.
I'm getting healthy enough to start playing a little again and man...learning to slap is more difficult than watching it. Watching Bully and JLL's clips rn on basic groove because I can fret like a madman but I'm stupid af with beats still. Also working on cascading harmonics because they sound cool on bass lol
12:15 *duo de twang occurs* and also I've been playing so little now that I'm able to start back in again doing long bass slides *B U R N* my tender digits.
I learned that a group of Sting Rays is called a Fever. I guess this confirms that you can only play Funk or Disco on these now.
too good to not be true
I have a FE-VAH and the only cure is more stingrays!
Your honesty in bass reviews is really appreciated. Don't ever sell out.
Thanks Russell! I don't plan on it :)
“He wears a tuxedo t-shirt. It says ‘I’m classy, but I also like to party’”
-Cal Naughton Jr.
Shake n' bake
@@LowEndLobster If this bass ain't first...it's last! lol
Just bought one these. Went to visit it and feel it. Ended up walking out with it. I'm a new bass convert and have a Squire 70s Vibe Jazz bass and this just plays better for sure. Rosewood fingerboard. Just sounded better than others in the store. Slap is so nice on it. I just wanted to say that I love when you do that joyful laugh after playing a groove. Thankee for these videos.
Tip for the Stingray Classic: Loosen the volume and tone control screws, rotate knobs and tighten them with screws in centre detent position for each pot. That way you have a visual cue looking down at them 👍
Thanks Martin, a true big brain play!
Going by this video, I actually like the sound of the Sterling a little bit better. Not that I'd ever turn away an EBMM, of course :) Thanks for the video!
Somebody in the Sterling by MusicMan factory probably brought an actual Stingray Classic and compared the tones and went “oh s#it! They sound more similar when the Sterling is in series!”
That is the only logical explanation for them doing that 😂
LOL, seriously.
Love all your video's but how can you dis a afford entry level bass sorry man, This was a bad review, kids starting out. cannot afford a $3000 plus for a metal flake Bass like i have, but you can find a used made in america sub bass for under
$1000 i got my american sub Brand new one in 2003 for a little over $600 buc's with a hard shell case....
That sale price is worth it. The $499 is not. SUB with an upgraded pickup is the way to go.
www.guitarcenter.com/Used/OLP/Ernie-Ball-OLP-Electric-Bass-Guitar.gc
LOL preSUB
I kinda wish I grabbed one couple weeks ago when it was 350 at GC
Hell my SUB5 with the stock pickup is extremely decent. For 325 ya cant really beat it.
Mr. Lobster, I just got the Neural DSP parallax plugin. If you have tried this stuff, you gotta! Some of the most useful bass tones I’ve ever heard. It’s totally not just for metal. Check it out!
Thanks Wes! LOL@ Russel, I had an OLP (actually two) 5 strings... the tighest spacing ever and it sounded like ass hahaha.
I have heard many bass tones, but the stingray is always one of my favorites.
A NEW CAT I HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT ONE
Hehe the black one is Goon, she is much more independent but still says hi every now and then :) (especially close to dinner time)
That Butterscotch color looks awesome. I've been pondering which one to buy for my next bass a ray24 or an s.u.b. I think i'm pretty well informed after watching this.
Thanks Arttu! That's what I hope to do :), glad you found this vid informative
I'm looking at a used Ray24CA in great shape for $299. What do you think, Lobsty?
I can respect your criticisms in terms of the pricing. But I think it's better worth getting the 5-string Classic than the 4-string version. One reason is because the 5-string Classic still preserves the body and pickguard shapes of a regular 4-string StingRay. And they're rare to find if you like the looks of the 4-string version. Other than that, I slapped a like and already subbed to your channel. Thanks for your honest review, be well!
Thanks Joel! Great comment! The 5 string 'classic' also has the 17.5mm spacing at the bridge vs the 16.5mm spacing of the Ray5 SUB (for those who prefer a more traditional feel to their Ray). Welcome aboard!
Honestly comparing the $500 Sterling against a real Stingray is harsh.
Really appreciate what you do, Lobster. Good stuff, bra
Thank you :) glad you're enjoying it!
Thomann prices for the affordable Stingrays as of 1/20/2022: Sub Ray4: 437 USD. Ray24: 748 USD. Not a good time for buying musical instruments and I live in Europe. Where is the power of Euros I've been promised? All prices high as crazy and you have to wait several weeks. I'm still in search for my 1st bass purchase. I gave you the 700th like on this video btw.
Thanks Jimmy! Yeah prices are nuts. I think with SBMM, the cost differential is due to the QC being done in USA.
Just traded in my mint green sub for one of these. I like the tint in the neck! The sub neck was as pale as driftwood - not very appealing. This also has a very nice bridge and weighs less than my old sub, and the improved pickup makes the cheapie preamp seem a lot less harsh.
Thanks Bob! Congrats on the new bass!
The Ray 24 doesn't sound half bad but lacks that Stingray punch. I'd probably rewire it or simply replace the pickup with a decent AlNiCo one. And, to be honest, basing on your test and description, it's not really worth the price difference between it and the Sub Ray. Especially that you can get the Sub in my absolutely favourite black/black/maple combo ;-)
Your Stingray classic though... It sounds awesome and is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!
Thank you! Man, the classic is one of my absolute favorites. Definitely a trapped-on-a-desert-island bass. Very lucky to have snagged that one. She's never leaving my possession :)
I got my 25ca with a price cut of 120 bucks. I got my friend who works at the music store to buy it with his staff price benefit. And there's also a dent on the back of the bass so I bargained for a lower price on top of that lol. Saved me a lot of money.
Wow what a deal! That's awesome
If you ever get your hands on an Ibanez SR Mezzo, would love to hear your thoughts. No worries if not. 😎 Cheers!
Thanks! I'll definitely be checking one of those out at some point :)
Just got this bass a good 2 weeks ago! love the tone! My favorite tone is 75% Treble and 100% bass. Love this bass!
Congrats!
In your Ray34 review you mentioned the bass weighed about 11lbs, how much does the Ray24 weigh in comparison?
Mine was in the low 9's
3 band is too nasally sounding when you play loud
Original Rays were 2 band,,,, Best~Regards
Lobster, did you 'burp' at the 9.47 minute mark? 😆
LOL yes I did... I'm a really good editor, you see ;P
@@LowEndLobster 🤣that's genius!!!!
I just ordered that “SLO Special” Styled StingRay Classic Bass because of your awesome demo :-) Thanks Lobster! $345.99 from GC
Awesome! Congrats Brent!
Slab bodies are more uncomfortable than running into your ex at the market with your new girlfriend. I'll never have one again.
LOL. I personally don't mind them, but they're not for everyone.
Just picked up the Ray24ca at GC for $379, they matched MF price. This is my first MM, because I have been checking out all your videos and you speak very highly of them. I love it, great addition to my collection. Can’t wait to hear it in parallel, might have to get it adjusted if sounds good! As always keep those videos coming and thanks!
Thanks Andrew! Congrats on the bass! Parallel vid drops tomorrow morning, enjoy :). The difference is subtle, like it is in this video, but it's there.
Get this one instead of the SUB or the MusicMan. Change the pick up and wiring and it's the same ass thing
9:45 nice sound
I just got a SUB Ray4 and it has a 4 lead pup I was able to wire parallel. Can't be 100% sure it's factory because it was second hand, but I'm pretty sure it was
Nice! The most recent SUB I got had a 4 lead too. I have several two lead ones that I use as fridge magnets haha
Im i crazy or the black vs de mustard are different dimension?
Visible cat = instant like
one guy gives the top ratings on technicality if you include a dog in the picture of your rig/gear.
But this vid had TWO cats!... I mean one that I magically transformed into another ;P
I like it. The one thing Im not crazy about is the way the tuners stick out so far from the head stock. On the US models, the tuners are a little more tucked in. I wonder if you can order the original tuners and stick them on the 24.
EB USA does sell replacement tuners, they're $30 a pop though. Thanks Burt :)
Wow! Extremely informative video, I'm new-ish to bass and I love the Stingray tone. Sounds like the way to go is to buy a cheapo SUB4 and upgrade the heck out of it with a J-Tone preamp and a really good parallel pickup, and save myself $1000!!
Thanks Capt! Yes, I agree- especially if you're new to Stingrays. Get a SUB, mod it and enjoy it. You can get very close to the USA stingray sound at a fraction of the price.
Suggest me best bass under 500-600$ funk style
Super groovy playing ,you get the crustation cool groove award
Thanks Jeffrey!
I have the Ray24CA & the EMG MMHZ pickups. In passive mode, with both pickups wired in series, the Ray24CA sounds very similar to the EMG (the EMG is little bit brighter)
Thank you for sharing!
@@LowEndLobster , You're welcome.
Hey Lobbie!!🤜🏿💢🤛🏿!!🐱
Just came across a 24CA on sale TODAY!🙏🏿🤗!!
I gotta do it.👍🏿😁
My First Stingray!🎉🎉
Yes, technically, still not really in "Stingray" country.😣(Ray34) But,you say it has a decent pickup.👍🏿 Good platform!👌🏿
I'll definitely take Mahogany over Basswood.😉
I'll have to check out the parallel circuit hack you mentioned.☝🏿
Already rewatching the Stingray Mod Videos again!📼👀
Thank You for your input and your candor🙏🏿🙏🏿!
Congrats! Enjoy it :)
I'm surprised how close the sound of the Ray24 was to real 'Ray. And it is in series!
Indeed, quite close. The parallel mod is very easy too, I did it right after I shot this vid. You'll see tomorrow :)
Thanks for the excellent review! FYI.. just snagged one @Guitar Center For $349.99 SWEEEET!!
Thanks Larry! Congrats, that's an awesome deal!
Ok, im digging this. It blows me away at how many good basses we can buy sub 500 now days. This is a good bass, the sub is a good bass, I like my AIO telle bass, the list goes on and on. Realy been thinking about one of these, or the sub with a better pickup. Are the subs on sale? I'll check, or maybe I shouldn't, lol.
$229 right now at GC if you like black on black (drool) with the rosewood fingerboard. I’m tempted.
Dam, as am I now! Sounds good!
The 24's are still on sale for $380 as well- www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/sterling-by-music-man-stingray-classic-electric-bass
There is a lot of "Marketing" in the musical instrument business today. Lots of Codewords and catch phrases. I like the bridge much better on the Ray 24 then the Ray 4, I like the pickup on the Ray 34 its Alnico, maybe an aftermarket P/U will sound better in the Ray 24. The MM Sting Ray sounds better but not necessarily 4 times better the the Ray24.
Thanks Michael! I agree. Someone else pointed out that the Ray34CA used to be a thing and was much more close to the "Classic" in specs and feel.
10.3k subs and counting !!!!! Let’s gooooo !!!
:)
Glad someone who reviews critical. Other who review, almost only review positive.
Wich doesn't give me any view of how the instrument really is.
Played an S.U.B. once, really hated the neck, it was like touching very dry wood.. So the tint to me does alot though.
Thanks Phlikker! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Pardon the ignorance but what is the difference between a Sterling Ray24CA vs A Sterling Ray24. Is the classic available for purchase in the states?
So from watching your videos I was really thinking about getting a ray 24 but I actually got to try one at Guitar Center and I really didn't like it, the body was too thick and the tone didn't seem to be that much better or even better than the regular SUB, the bridge is definitely better on the ray 24 but I think with a pickup and preamp upgrade the sub would be the way to go over the ray 24
This thing sounds amazing. Isn't the 38mm neck narrower than the "original" classic?
Yes! Forgot to mention the difference in nut width, sorry :)
I played this at GC and it sounds awesome for my alt rock/metal band. That being said I don’t know very much about this stuff.
Thanks PTH!
Man, you post videos faster than I can watch them! Great job! I will check it out later on. Also if I may add one thing - I purchased a Sterling by Musicman StingRay 5 last Momday, formely known as Ray35, and I gotta tell you. If it didnt say sterling on the headstock and on the bridge (and the country of origin wasn't printed on the backside of the headstock) I would say it was made in USA, that good the quality is! I was blown away
Thanks Richard! Glad you're enjoying the content. I agree, the 34/35 series is VERY nice and comes incredibly close to the pre facelift EBMM Rays. Excellent value and tons of cool finish options now plus roasted maple necks!
I went I subscribe, but found out I already subbed in the past. Nice! 👍🏻
Well welcome back :)
FINALLY!!!!!! A MM BASS REVIEW!!!!!!
It seems like HOURS AND HOURS since you’ve done one.
Thank you for sharing another MM (I’m really not complaining, every MM video is one less ibenez video)
You make my day buddy. Cheers
Thanks Tommy XD
MusicManificent Review........🦞 Well Done indeed my Friend #bassilicious
I try to click your link and it doesn't take me to your basses, just like a hone screen to reverb
Yup, Reverb shop is lower. Affiliate link is for you to buy anything anywhere and I get some commission.
Great review and the calling out of the components vs. the naming. I agree with your final assessment that it just leaves a negative impression for what is otherwise a nice sounding bass.
Thanks Taconeko :)
I find that I like both basses a lot in terms of their sound, but the EBMM gets the edge for being a bit more refined. It’s not five times better than the SBMM Ray34CA, though,
Thanks Sam! Indeed :)
I have this model and absolutely love it.
Thanks Robert! Great to hear!
Me too.
Isnt the ray24 a much thinner neck at the nut?
The big difference for me is I like jazz 1.5 necks and without all the gloss. The Sterling sounded just as good or at least not different enough to care. I already have 2 different SUB's though so I probably don't need this. hmm
What’s the actual difference between these and a SUB? Have ordered a sub for NZD $785 but the Ray24 comes in at NZD $1199 and is in stock.
The Sterling sounds fantastic. Only me here?
Thanks! Definitely not, it's a great sounding bass.
wich pot with humbucker in parallel? 250k or 500k? wich one is better with e better response wich 0.1mf tone cap?
Very informative video, thx for posting ! I also see your postings on TalkBass. I have a question: I currently have this ray24ca (toluca blue with rosewood fb) which will see a preamp change for the seymour duncan stc-3m3 and will also have the stock pickup wiring modified to paralell. Not looking to add value for resale, only modding it for my use. How close am I gonna be to a real Stingray ? (I would get an EBMM one, but their necks are not so comfortable for me, as opposed to the thinner ray24ca neck). Thx 🙂
I have been watching your Ray reviews non-stop for the past 3-4 days.
I can’t decide between a Ray 4 with Seymour SMB-4a and john east preamp (2band) or a stock Ray24
The neck on that classic is fookin gorgeous
Thank you!
Nice playing!! Slap sound better on Stingray. Do you know of any affordable music man who has a parallel pickup like the one on the Stingray? It bothered me to play on the pickup magnets and I ended up destroying it. Music man does not sell me the loose pickup.
Ok, I am brand spanking new to any instrument and chose to go with a bass guitar. There is a lot of jargon I'm not familiar with yet. So, I may have missed you clarifying the difference between a 24 and the 24CA..., but what's the difference?
I have 24CA, and just put flat wounds on it. Gorgeous
Awesome! I bet it sounds sweet with flats :)
Magic cat change was awesome!! Hahahaha
lol thanks Jeremy!
$380 does seem more palatable...but of course CME now has a maple board SUB for $255 shipped and GC has a rosewood SUB for $229 now (again Dec 2020)...makes it kinda tough to go down the “Classic” route even when it’s on sale unless you *really* don’t wanna tinker. Currently looking for a cheap knock-about second bass to also learn to mod a smidge and wondering if the sale prices SUBs may be the ticket...Thanks for the great vid as always!
Aaaaand I just got a price match at $229 shipped from a better-than-GC vendor for the black/black w/ maple neck version so guess no excuses, eh?
I think Shia Labeouf has a motivational video for situations like this ;P
I have the Toluca Lake blue model. It’s really nice. Looking to get this butterscotch model for different tunings for stage
Nice!
Interested in this base, but in Germany the price ATM ist 800 Euro, I think this is way too much for that bass..
Good looking bass sound is .........i think thats okay is the correct word no more keep on enjoing tbe good life buddy
When you cut the bass and boosted the treble my ears started bleeding! Arrg!
I should put a disclaimer ;P.
Hey Lobster, love the vids. I stumbled on the Ray4HH model stringray and i love the sound and its flexibility! however, I dont know how the preamp controls work. I am sad that there are no guides about this. Can you explain how to turn on/off a preamp in the Ray4hh?
Thank you! Great question, the preamp cannot be bypassed. It is always on.
@@LowEndLobster thanks for the quick response. Keep up the great work!
I just discovered your channel while trying to figure out Sterling MM bass to buy and what the benefits that the different mods provide. Thanks for the unbiased reviews!
Literally just left GC playing this the sub and the ray34 hh I think it was. The 899 one. The 899 one felt and sounded like I'd rather pay for it than buy a classic or sub to build.
Thanks Rob! Yeah those 34s are VERY nice basses, honestly I don't think there's much to upgrade (outside of the pickguard if you really wanted haha).
@@LowEndLobster I'm just saying... it's the only thing on my short list right now
good sound !!!!
2 eq control, the my favourite " stingray" sound
Thank you Raffaele :)
Forgot to mention in my previous comment that the neck radius on this a vintage 7.25 versus 9.5 on the sub 4. I think you statednthat the necks were the same except for the tint. This is actually a completely different neck and should be noted.
I just checked SBMM and the radiuses for both basses are listed as having identical radiuses. They felt identical too.
@@LowEndLobster www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/sterling-by-music-man-stingray-classic-electric-bass. I saw several websites with the 7.25, but yeah SBMM dies show 9.5. I just got a Ray 4 HH yesterday (based on your review) and it feels much different than the CA. Weird. Oh well, love them both, thanks!
Which model of ray24 would you recommend? 5 strings or 4 strings?
The sterling has bouncy low mids that do give a vintage vibe. I preferred the slap tone on the sterling, I guess because its more like a precision up top.
But how much do they weigh, Mr L. E. Lobster?
Thanks James! The classic is around 10 lbs, Ray24 is 9.
i weighed my ray 24 on a hanging scale & it said 4,3 kg / 9.48 lbs. personally i don't find that to be 𝘵𝘰𝘰 heavy, but if that weight seems a bit excessive to you look into the SUB
@@bro-im-just-walking-here My SUBs are all actually all within like .2 lbs of my Ray24. Weights can really vary from example to example. Honestly, if it's not exceptionally heavy or light then it's not worth mentioning IMO.
@@LowEndLobster A lot of people just want to know the weight. Straight up I would not buy a 10lb+ bass. I know a lot of people who feel the same. Same with 'is it neck heavy'? Just a basic factoid you'd want to know.
The nearest affordable g&l clf to me in the UK is 350miles away, there is no way to even try one out without hours of travelling. Knowing is half the battle.
Thanks Low for all these great videos
@@PorchBass Thanks! Man, I've been procrastinating on a neck-dive special looking at like 20+ basses in a context of simply whether or not they neck dive... in game show format... I will do it soon!
Lobster, this is a great review. I appreciate your honesty, and I like your dressed up tee shirt.
your style of playing has some "classic flea" vibes. \m/
Hmm…i really like the stock preamp/puckup!
Been looking around to get hold of a spare one, but really difficult to get hold of.
Just bought a sunburst Sterling Classic 24CA at my local Sam Ash. I fell in love with it the moment I picked it up. It plays great tho it needs a set-up because there's a buzz on the lower end of the neck. Otherwise the it's lightweight but punchy. Playability and sound are most important to me. It feels great and I don't have to fight with it to feel comfortable and get my desired sound. Still haven't put a battery in to access the preamp. Never had an active bass before.
Congrats! :)
Like the Ray 24, l think it has a jazz bass 1.5 nut .and a 7.5 radius according to the specs..
Good bass for a working man on a budget..
I played on at a store and was impressed very punchy almost bought it but I was shopping for a cab .
Well worth the money..
24 CA sounds nice and throaty because of the alnico pup.
🦞 is a little burpey because of a delicious meal. 😆
Thanks! 24CA is a ceramic pickup ;P
@@LowEndLobster goodness. I thought that was the one major upgrade from the SUB. Thank you for the correction.
@@LowEndLobster GC, MF and others specs say “Humbucker with Alnico magnets” not ceramic on the “Sterling by Music Man StingRay Classic Electric Bass Butterscotch Black Pickguard”.
the USA doesnt sound as harsh in my opinion. A tad bit warmer than the stirling.
Thanks Nigel! I agree, I think the US one has a bit more subtlety and warmth, the Ray24 is a bit hotter (because of the series config) all around.
@@LowEndLobster still decent for the money though.
Ray 24 CA was impressive, I had my eyes on the 5 string one wondering if I should get it or not, but thank's to your demonstration I think I will buy it, thank you so much.
i'll wait that series/parallel video
That drops tomorrow :). The different is slight but noticeable. Just a slight change in character, but IMO seems a hint more authentic.
Finally ive been waiting for the 24. This was my first stingray i ever played but i ended up falling for the ray34. The 34 just sounds better.
I would rather have a sub than a 24
Thanks Ross! The 34 is definitely the complete package from SBMM.
@@LowEndLobster i actually discovered a bass today for around the same price as the 34.
I found a 2006 ebmm sterling 4h blue dawn for $1200. What do you know abiut the ebmm sterling classic
How did u get my bass? Great comparison sir 👏
The Underground Cat Network ;P
Not a bad sounding bass thanks! for sharing this demo
Thanks John! Glad you enjoyed it :)
At the sale price a no brainer
Indeed, it's quite the healthy discount at $380!
Great starter bass but an upgraded sub is my way to go.
Indeed, that's basically what this is at the end of the day. For those who want to tinker, SUB is a great platform- but for those who want a set it and forget it beginner 'Ray, this is where it would be at (especially at the $380 sale price)
12:55 walkabout :)
:)
Music man got that punch love it
I think the difference in the neck in the ray24 is that it has a 1.5” nut width. They usually have around 1.7”, no?
Yeah, the standard is 41.3mm vs the 38 on here. This shares the same neck profile with the Ray4 SUB.
@@LowEndLobster oh wow, I didn’t know the SUBs were thinner too!
I own it and love it best bass for the money
Thanks Dylan! Is yours stock or did you mod it?
I have a new input jack. And I took off the pick guard. Looks way smoother and it plays better than my 2020 70s classic vibe Squier Jazz. The neck feels better too in my opinion.
@@dylannylund6945 nice!
💙👊😎
:)
Best reviewer ever . So glad I stumbled on this channel
Thanks Hugh :)
LEL: STERLING CLASSIC
Me: *trying to process sterling and classic in the same sentence*
I'm getting healthy enough to start playing a little again and man...learning to slap is more difficult than watching it. Watching Bully and JLL's clips rn on basic groove because I can fret like a madman but I'm stupid af with beats still. Also working on cascading harmonics because they sound cool on bass lol
10:21 the finish on the neck of the ray probably almost cost as much as the whole sterling
12:15 *duo de twang occurs* and also I've been playing so little now that I'm able to start back in again doing long bass slides *B U R N* my tender digits.
One step at a time budday! Speedy recovery my dude