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Ben Jones

New member
Joined
Aug 17, 2012
Messages
1
Location
Liverpool, United Kingdom
I've just bought my first Music Man bass, a Sterling SUB Ray4 (ok, ok, it's not a real MM, but funds dictated and it's a lovely bass all the same.)

I really like the look of the Ray5s, especially the scratchplate, but as I can't play a 5'er yet, I was thinking of modding my Ray4 with a custom plate.

Has anyone done this? Could it be done?

Cheers!
Ben
 
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Gravesend Black

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Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Messages
427
It is better to leave the original pg IMO. Every MM bass has it's own original beauty. Why can't you play 5string if you like it?) And I guess you can't install SR5 pg to SR4 bass without damaging the wood and finish. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

BTW according to the thread name you have Sterling by Musicman but then you called it SUB. So do you have SUB or SbMM?)
 
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Jules

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Joined
Aug 12, 2012
Messages
71
Location
Cairo, Georgia, United States
I've just bought my first Music Man bass, a Sterling SUB Ray4 (ok, ok, it's not a real MM, but funds dictated and it's a lovely bass all the same.)

I really like the look of the Ray5s, especially the scratchplate, but as I can't play a 5'er yet, I was thinking of modding my Ray4 with a custom plate.

Has anyone done this? Could it be done?

Cheers!
Ben

I feel just the opposite. I don't care for the oversized pickguard, myself. If I ever get a five, it will probably be a Classic.
 

jlepre

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Joined
Dec 30, 2007
Messages
3,020
Location
Parsippany, NJ, United States
I am with you Jules. I like the look of the oval PG much more than the SR5 current one. My problem is that I'm not a fan of glossy necks.

As far as fitting an RAY35 PG to a RAY34, I would think it may not fit correctly to the body, but I am talking out my A$$
 

drTStingray

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Joined
Aug 25, 2007
Messages
1,833
Location
Kent, United Kingdom
I really like the look of the Ray5s, especially the scratchplate, but as I can't play a 5'er yet, I was thinking of modding my Ray4 with a custom plate.

Has anyone done this? Could it be done?

Cheers!
Ben

Congrats on your new bass. You must be the first person in history to ask this question - in the past many people asked about having a normal oval pickguard on an SR5...............which you can get with the SUB and Classic SR5s.

I think it would be difficult to do this unless you retain the SR4s chrome control plate cover - you would still have to drill holes round the bass the fit the new pg - so as has been said, it may be a better bet to leave it as stock, particularly if you may wish to sell the bass at a later date (say to part fund buying a Musicman bass) - you may find that people don't share your taste in the modification and you can't find a buyer.
 

njhammer

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 18, 2008
Messages
625
Location
Central NJ
Looks to me like there will be an issue converting a Ray 35 PG, which has the 3 band EQ, to work with a Sterling SUB 4, which has the 2 band if I'm not mistaken. Messy.
 
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