Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,032
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man Ray35". 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
The Sterling by Music Man Ray35 is a powerhouse 5-string electric bass that embodies both style and substance, making it an ideal choice for bassists who demand versatility and clarity. Crafted with a spalted maple veneer top over a robust nyatoh body, this bass guitar is as visually striking as it is sonically impressive. The roasted maple neck not only provides exceptional stability and a smooth feel but also adds a touch of warmth to your playing experience.
Equipped with a 3-band active preamp, the Ray35 allows you to dial in the perfect tone for any musical scenario. Whether you're laying down deep grooves or cutting through with articulate lines, the ceramic humbucker delivers a punchy and defined sound that's sure to stand out. The rosewood fingerboard, adorned with white dot inlays, ensures comfort across its 22 medium frets, while the precision-engineered bridge and open machine heads keep your tuning rock-solid.
Ideal for stage and studio alike, the Ray35 is a versatile instrument designed to meet the needs of modern bassists. Its ergonomic design and thoughtful features make it a reliable partner for any musical journey.
Key Features:
- 5-String Bass
- Nyatoh Body with Spalted Maple Veneer Top
- Roasted Maple Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard
- 3-band Active Preamp
- Ceramic Humbucker Pickup
- 22 Medium Frets
- Sterling by Music Man Designed Bridge
- Open Machine Heads
- Scale Length: 864 mm (34")
- Nut Width: 45 mm (1.77")
Product specs
| Available since | August 2024 |
| Colour | Sunburst |
| Soundboard | Nyatoh |
| Neck | Roasted Maple |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 22 |
| Scale | Long Scale |
| Pickup System | H |
| Elektronic | Active |
| Incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the body of the Sterling by Music Man Ray35?
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The body of the Sterling by Music Man Ray35 is made from Nyatoh wood, which contributes to its balanced tone and resonance.
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How many frets does the Sterling by Music Man Ray35 have?
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The Sterling by Music Man Ray35 features 22 frets, providing a wide range for playing various musical styles.
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What kind of pickups does the Sterling by Music Man Ray35 use?
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The Sterling by Music Man Ray35 is equipped with a single H (humbucker) pickup, offering a powerful and punchy sound ideal for cutting through mixes.
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Is the Sterling by Music Man Ray35 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Sterling by Music Man Ray35's active electronics and robust build make it well-suited for live performances, delivering consistent and dynamic sound.
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Does the Sterling by Music Man Ray35 come with a case or gig bag?
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No, the Sterling by Music Man Ray35 does not include a case or gig bag, so you may want to purchase one separately for protection during transport.
Videos
The Bass Hang
Sterling by Music Man Ray 35 Overview
Sterling by Music Man Ray 35 Overview
The Bass Hang
Guitar Club Live - Audio Test - Bass Sterling Ray 35 by Music Man
GuitarClub Magazine
![Video thumbnail for Sparkle & Shine! - Sterling By Music Man Ray35 [Demo] by Patrick Hunter](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Te2neaGh9VI/mqdefault.jpg)
Sparkle & Shine! - Sterling By Music Man Ray35 [Demo]
Patrick Hunter
Sterling Ray35- it is basically a Stingray bass
ebenhandoko
Punchy! Sterling Stingray Ray 35 by Musicman review
the wetter bass
Musicman - Sterling Ray 35 by Music Man
Andibassmania
Sterling by Music Man RAY35 Bass: Preamp Warranty and Dealer Experience
Bassguitarist1985
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man Ray35.
Comparisons
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A user compared the Ray35 to an Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special, preferring the Ray35's tone and smoothness despite its lower price.
Source
User experience
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One owner found the Ray35's tone control exceptionally pleasing, favoring it over a more expensive model after side-by-side testing.
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Users transitioning from a 4-string bass may find the 5-string disorienting initially, particularly in string orientation and muting needs.
Source -
One owner reported the original gig bag couldn't handle the Ray35's weight, breaking under its 11 lb load.
Source -
After fixing poor fret dressing and dead humbuckers, owners found significant playability improvements.
Source
Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
Build quality
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The Ray35 is noted to be over 10 pounds, which may require a wide strap for comfort.
Source -
The purple sparkle finish has black tuners, which have been noted to be problematic and may require replacement.
Source -
Some Sterling models have been reported to have subpar pots, switches, and wiring that might require replacement.
Source
Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings
347
Very solid instrument
I purchased my stingray 35 about a year ago, and it has become my primary bass. These instruments far exceed others in there price range. Originally I was hesitant to go sterling rather than ernie ball, but after I was able to A/B them there werent enough differences to justify paying around $1,400 more.
With that being said I would still love to have an American version. My recommendation would be if you have the money for an Ernie Ball, buy the Sterling, and whatever you dont spend use to upgrade amplification/studio gear.
397
Great bass for the money
The Sterling Ray35 is on par with the USA Stingray 5 except for the compensated nut. The bass is remarkably well built and nothing like the cheapo S.U.B. series. These are Indonesian and setup in the USA and is a fantastic deal. You could work as a pro musician with two of these for the price of one Stingray 5.
632
Great instrument
Little lighter then the big brother stingray ... more mid- bass sounding. Perfect for my need.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
EQ flat for studio and just a little fine- tuning with the mids live.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sterling by Music Man Ray35, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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