Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $612
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Channeling the spirit of the iconic 1970s StingRay bass, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic is a masterful blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality. Designed for the discerning bassist, this instrument features a flat "slab" mahogany body that offers exceptional resonance and midrange warmth. The bolt-on maple neck, paired with a sleek rosewood fretboard, ensures smooth playability, while the narrower 38mm nut width offers a comfortable grip for both seasoned players and newcomers.
At the heart of the Ray24CA is the powerful H-1 ceramic humbucker, delivering a thumping tone with high output and enhanced treble response that's perfect for any genre. Coupled with a 9V powered active 2-band EQ, this bass provides effortless tone-shaping capabilities, allowing you to dial in the perfect sound every time. The Sterling by Music Man-designed bridge further enhances the instrument's sonic capabilities by ensuring optimal string vibration transfer.
Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or commanding the stage with its classic look, the StingRay Ray24CA Classic offers a timeless vibe that resonates with today's players.
Key Features:
- Flat "slab" mahogany body for vintage resonance
- Bolt-on maple neck with rosewood fretboard
- 38mm nut width for comfortable playability
- H-1 ceramic humbucker for powerful tones
- 9V active 2-band EQ for precise tone control
- Sterling by Music Man-designed bridge for enhanced string vibration transfer
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | StingRay |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Hard Maple |
| Neck Shape | StingRay |
| Neck Joint | 6-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 9.5" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White Dots |
| Number of Frets | 21, Medium |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.5" |
| Nut Material | Polyphenylene Sulfide |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Sterling by Music Man Designed |
| Tuners | Open Gear |
| Bridge Pickup | Sterling by Music Man Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 2-band active preamp |
| Strings | Super Slinky Bass, .045-.100 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic?
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The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic delivers a punchy and clear tone, characteristic of its humbucking pickup and active 2-band EQ. It is versatile enough for various genres, including rock, funk, and jazz.
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Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and straightforward controls, making it easy to play and adjust.
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What is the neck profile like on the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic?
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The neck profile of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic is designed for comfort and playability, featuring a hard maple neck with a medium fret size, ideal for fast playing.
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Does the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic come with a gig bag or case?
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The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic does not come with a gig bag or case; these must be purchased separately.
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What type of wood is used for the body of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic?
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The body of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm and resonant tone.
Videos
Patrick Hunter
A $500 Stingray Bass?! // Sterling By Music Man Ray24CA [Bass Demo]
![Video thumbnail for A $500 Stingray Bass?! // Sterling By Music Man Ray24CA [Bass Demo] by Patrick Hunter](https://img.youtube.com/vi/bbRaVEQMucs/mqdefault.jpg)
A $500 Stingray Bass?! // Sterling By Music Man Ray24CA [Bass Demo]
Patrick Hunter
Sterling by Music Man Ray24CA "Classic"- Is this worthy of the "Classic" name?- LowEndLobster Review
LowEndLobster
Sterling by Music Man Ray24CA wired in Parallel! Why isn't this stock?- LowEndLobster Fresh Look
LowEndLobster
Sterling by Musicman Stingray Classic Ray24CA: Series or Parallel? Why not both?!
John Murren’s Magical World of Bass Guitar!
Bass in Your Face # 37 Sterling by Musicman Ray 24 CA
The Bionic Bass Player
Reviews
PROS
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Classic StingRay sound delivers authentic funk tones right out of the box
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Thin neck design for easy and fast playing
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Lightweight construction enhances portability and comfort
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Powerful active electronics provide great attack and diverse tones
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Excellent setup out of the box, saving time and money
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Great bass for under $500 with impressive quality
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Well-finished with no sharp frets and good intonation
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Stays in tune exceptionally well, even with aggressive playing
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Offers a classic 2-band preamp with a variety of tones
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Plays and feels as good, if not better, than higher-end models
CONS
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Volume and sound knobs may be misaligned
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Some cosmetic flaws in stain finish, notably uneven color
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Battery compartment latch can open too easily
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Pickup wiring in series not aligned with classic StingRay specs
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Fingerboard material confusion, perceived as Indian laurel instead of rosewood
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray24CA Classic.
Features and functionality
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The Ray24's pickup is wired in series, which deviates from traditional Stingray wiring, affecting its tonal character.
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The Ray4's stock pickup and preamp are often criticized, leading to frequent upgrades for improved sound quality.
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The Ray24CA has a narrow "SLO" neck, measuring approximately 1.5 inches at the nut, making it comfortable for guitarists transitioning to bass.
Source
Comparisons
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The Ray24 features a slab body, whereas the Ray34 offers a more comfortable contoured body, enhancing playability for some users.
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The Ray4 has a narrower Jazz width neck at 38 mm, distinct from the Ray24, which some players prefer for comfort.
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The Ray34 is noted for its heavier weight, which might not be ideal for those with back issues.
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Compared to the Ibanez SR500E, the Ray24CA offers a simpler tonal palette but surprises with its playability, rivaling more expensive models.
Source
User experience
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Owners who have used both suggest the Ray34's roasted maple neck offers a superior feel compared to the Ray24.
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One owner mentioned the G string placement is too close to the neck, a common issue with Stingrays.
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The Ray24CA sustains well, with one owner noting it weighs 8.6 pounds.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Owners recommend rewiring the Ray25 pickup to parallel and upgrading the preamp for improved sound quality.
Source
Build quality
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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