Sterling34, need some opinions

[cjames83]

So we have Fenders and Squiers, Gibson and Epiphone, Warwick and Rockbass, etc, etc.

We used to have Musicman and OLP, but now its Sterling.

So here is my thing. I've played a lot of Fenders and prefer them in this order Japanese>Mexican>American>Squier. Yet, when it comes to Gibson, I can't stand Epiphones, I think they feel cheap and low quality. But I prefer the supposedly cheaper Japanese and Mexican Fenders to their American counterparts.

I've never played and OLP or a Sterling. I'm not necessarily one to think that because its made somewhere other than the USA its low quality, however, some guitars I do find less appealing.

Based on some financial reasons I feel as though I'm going to have some difficulty affording a real Stingray. I'm going to be recording, gigging and eventually (not nationwide or anything). Therefore, what can I expect in a Sterling? How similar is it going to be and not going to be from a real Stingray. If I grabbed a Seymour Duncan Bass Line pickup, would that improve anything.

Since in my location, I probably won't be able to test one out, I'm looking for a detailed description. I would really appreciate people's thoughts and takes on them. All the reviews I've read are great, but I prefer hearing it from people who know a lot about EB's.

Thanks in advance!

 

[agplate]

I have a Ray34, and absolute love it. I have a Bongo and SR5 too, and the Ray34 is a direct competitor in my experience. For what it's worth, I'm a pro player with 20+ years experience, am a bit of a tone freak and went on a limb to try the new Sterling.

I can tell you it's extremely well built, solid and a slightly heavy, but not as heavy as the mighty SR5. The tone is every bit Stingray and I personally wouldn't even consider replacing any of the electronics. The OLP was a dog in that department, but alot cheaper too.

I've also owned two EBMM Stingrays in the past, and feel I'm fairly comparing the SBMM; some people have said that many SR's have a quirky quiet spot on the neck, but I can tell you the Ray34 has no such thing either. I would hear it

In my opinion, you'll do very very well to buy an SBMM bass, if you can't yet afford the real deal.

 

[TheAntMan]

I have a SR4H and I tried a SBMM Ray34. I can tell you that the Ray34 is an EXCELLENT choice. I competes with my SR4H for tone and feel. If I were to blindfold you and let you try one then the other, you would not be able to tell.

My advice is to get the Ray34, it is worth the investment.

--Ant

 

[cjames83]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the replies! My P-Bass is now for sale. I think I may go ahead and order the Ray34 prior to selling my bass! Once again, thank you so much!

 

[TNT]

Sometimes it's just the electronics, which is cool. You can always change those out, and very simply and cost effectively.

E.g., I have several OLP's that play exceptional right from the factory. I purchased some Dimarzio's (that I prefer), did some slight mod's, and wall-la -one "hot" guitar for a great price.

Of course, it does not replace the "genuine article"

 

[oli@bass]

I tested two SBMM Ray34 at a local store, side by side to some of my StingRays. They are very close to the original. I couldn't tell a difference from the electronics or sound (AFAIK, the pickups and electronics are the same) or feel, but there are some details that are different:

- PU uses newer cover (like on the dual PU StingRays)
- Hardware is different, the tuners are not made by Schaller
- Battery compartment is cheaper (but works)
- No compensated nut (which is not a biggie, the SR didn't have it for 30 years or so)
- The used wood (ash) is very heavy -- I'd say they were in the 11lb league
- Limited colour choice

But if you're on a budget, or just want to test the waters whether the StingRay is something for you, then go for it! One thing though: The international prices are not as favorable as the US prices. You can find many original EBMMs on the used market that are lower priced than a new SBMM.

 

[OutToPlayJazz]

I bought a black SBMM Ray 34 a few weeks ago. I usually play Status basses & the odd Jazz bass professionally & in a recording capacity & I love the sound of this bass! So much so that I'm picking up a Stingray Piezo on Saturday. I've got the bug!

To me, it sounds just like a Stingray. It plays like one. It has the same "snarl" to it & it's got masses of power/clarity. What's not to like?

Have a look at Ed Friedland's video on the SBMM basses. That's what sold it to me!

 

[Powman]

I bought a black SBMM Ray 34 a few weeks ago. I usually play Status basses & the odd Jazz bass professionally & in a recording capacity & I love the sound of this bass! So much so that I'm picking up a Stingray Piezo on Saturday. I've got the bug!

To me, it sounds just like a Stingray. It plays like one. It has the same "snarl" to it & it's got masses of power/clarity. What's not to like?

Have a look at Ed Friedland's video on the SBMM basses. That's what sold it to me!

I played both the Ray34 and the SB14 last night. I am very impressed...so much so that I just might pick one up as a second bass.

I thought the Ray34 was a bit heavy compared to the Stingray. I would play a Stingray but not the Ray34 due to its weight.

Although the SB14 is also heavier than the Sterling, it was still an acceptable weight.

 

[patpark]

I played both the Ray34 and the SB14 last night. I am very impressed...so much so that I just might pick one up as a second bass.

I thought the Ray34 was a bit heavy compared to the Stingray. I would play a Stingray but not the Ray34 due to its weight.

Although the SB14 is also heavier than the Sterling, it was still an acceptable weight.

hey Thanks Powman,

the weight of the Ray34 body (swamp ash) will vary, some are lighter and some heavier. You just need to find the right one weight wise. During inspection we find some that are very light.

The SB14 being basswood tends to have a more consistent lighter weight across the board.

 

[Powman]

hey Thanks Powman,

the weight of the Ray34 body (swamp ash) will vary, some are lighter and some heavier. You just need to find the right one weight wise. During inspection we find some that are very light.

The SB14 being basswood tends to have a more consistent lighter weight across the board.

Interesting...

There's a SB14 thats calling me....

 

[rappa29]

SBMM Ray35

I bought an SBMM Ray35 today at GC. I'm very impressed with it. I took it straight to a recording session at our rehearsal space\studio. Plays very well. Built very well and sounds like a Stingray!

I own a USA Stingray 4H. I haven't had a chance to A\B them yet to give a REAL tone test, but I'm initially impressed after playing it at the session for 4 hours today.

I can't afford a USA Stingray 5H so this SBMM Ray35 seems to fit the bill for me! Even a used USA SR 5H is still $900, depending on condtion.

So for $699, I'm pretty happy!