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Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA

$500.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (3)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

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9 community setups

0 wishlisted

7 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Price

$500.00 1 available Used

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Average Price: $500

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Experience a blend of vintage flair and modern precision with the Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA. This electric bass guitar is a tribute to the iconic StingRay, delivering the unmistakable tone and style that has shaped countless musical genres. With a lightweight slab ash body and a slender hard maple neck, the Ray34CA is designed for both comfort and sonic complexity, making it a joy to play for extended sessions. At its core lies a Music Man alnico humbucker paired with a versatile 2-band active EQ, offering a dynamic range of tones that can adapt to any musical setting, from the studio to the stage.

The Ray34CA is not just about looks and sound—it's crafted with precision and durability in mind. The Music Man-designed bridge and saddles ensure tuning stability, so you can focus on unleashing your creativity without distractions. This bass embodies the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Sterling by Music Man is renowned for, all at a price point that makes it accessible to musicians of all levels. Whether you're laying down grooves in a funk ensemble or driving the rhythm in a rock band, the Ray34CA is your reliable companion on your musical journey.

Key Features:

Classic Music Man StingRay design
Lightweight slab ash body for rich, complex tone
Hard maple neck with a narrow nut for comfort and sustain
Music Man alnico humbucker for powerful bass and clear mids
Active preamp with 2-band EQ for versatile tone shaping
Music Man-designed bridge and saddles for stable tuning
Includes a padded gig bag for easy transport

Product specs

Brand	Sterling
Model	StingRay Ray34CA Classic
Finish	3 Tone Sunburst, Black, Mint Green, Silver Metallic, Tobacco Sunburst, Vintage Cream
Year	2011 - 2017
Made In	Indonesia
Categories	4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups	Active Pickups
Active Preamp	Active Preamp
Body Material	Ash
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Black, Brown, Green, Silver, White
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	12"
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	4-String
Nut Width	1.5"
Pickup Configuration	H
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	34"
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA use?: The Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA features active pickups, providing a punchy and dynamic sound ideal for various music genres.
Is the Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA suitable for slap bass techniques?: Yes, the Ray34CA's active electronics and ash body deliver a bright and responsive tone, making it well-suited for slap bass techniques.
What materials are used in the construction of the Ray34CA's neck and fretboard?: The Ray34CA features a maple neck and a fretboard made of either maple or rosewood, offering a smooth playing experience with a classic feel.
How does the Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA compare to the original Music Man StingRay?: The Ray34CA offers a similar tonal character and playability to the original Music Man StingRay but at a more accessible price point, maintaining the iconic StingRay sound.
What is the scale length of the Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA?: The Ray34CA has a 34-inch scale length, which is the standard for most electric bass guitars, providing a balanced tension and feel across the strings.
Does the Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA come in different finishes?: Yes, the Ray34CA is available in various finishes, including 3 Tone Sunburst, Black, Mint Green, Silver Metallic, Tobacco Sunburst, and Vintage Cream, allowing for personal aesthetic preference.

Videos

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The Bass Hang

Sterling by Music Man Ray 34 Ca Overview

The Bass Hang

Sterling by Music Man Ray 34 CA Fretless Demo Review

The Bass Hang

Sterling by Music Man Ray 34 CA performed by Victor Levchenko

Victor Levchenko

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA.

User experience

0 0

The Ray34CA's slab body may initially feel awkward for wrist placement, but multiple owners adjusted within days and found it comfortable over time.
Source
0 0

The Ray34CA weighs approximately 9.5 lbs, while the Music Man Retro70 is just over 10 lbs but balances well, minimizing noticeable weight difference during play.
Source

Comparisons

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Despite its vintage look, the Ray34CA features a neck profile similar to a Jazz Bass, which contrasts with the classic Ray's thicker neck designs.
Source
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The Sterling Ray34CA features a maple cap fingerboard, whereas the Music Man Retro70 has a one-piece neck.
Source

Build quality

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Weighing approximately 9.5 lbs, the Ray34CA is considered slightly heavy, though this does not affect all users negatively.
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Owners report excellent build quality, with positive interactions noted with Sterling by Music Man's support for setup specs and original documentation.
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Owners note the aesthetic difference in finishes; the Ray34CA has a tobacco burst with a yellow tint, while the Retro70 boasts a deeper sunburst with more red.
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The Ray34CA's tuners are considered less refined compared to the upgraded ones on the Music Man Retro70, which are highlighted as superior.
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Features and functionality

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The Ray34CA has a three-knob configuration (volume, treble, bass), and adjusting these can significantly affect tonal brightness and volume, especially when switching playing styles.
Source

Critic Reviews

Sterling Ray 34 CA Mini Review : Ray Issue… - Audiofanzine

audiofanzine.com

The Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA delivers a commendable performance, replicating the classic Stingray tone at a fraction of the price. Its sturdy construction and comfortable playability for smaller hands stand out, making it a solid choice for both stage and studio. However, the high-frequency range can be overly sharp when recording directly, and the neck may feel too thin for larger hands. Additionally, some may question its price point considering its Indonesian manufacturing. Overall, the Ray34CA is an attractive option for budget-conscious players seeking quality sound without breaking the bank, though it is not without its quirks.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

jeremy_crockett

7007

over 2 years ago

Amazing Bass, Fantastic Tone, Completely Happy!

For many years, I had a nearly incurable itch for a Stingray. Unfortunately for me, they have been out of my price range for just about as long.

Two years ago, I got a Ray24CA and did not get along with it. It was nicely made, however, the sound was far too bright and the two-band EQ did not shape the tone nearly enough.

Thanks to the information that the website TalkBass provided, it turns out that the older generation of Ray34s was most likely what I was looking for; slab body, alnico pickups, two-band EQ. It was widely reported that those particular axes were much closer to the more expensive USA Stingrays.

My initial impression is that this thing is a beast! I am used to passive instruments so I need to learn how to use the active features. But there is an incredible range of sounds this bass is capable of producing.

As well, I don't know if it's the alnico as compared to the ceramic pickups, or if the active electronics are significantly different but the tone is far more customizable when compared to the Ray24CA. It can be incredibly bright or more mellow and low.

If you have been Jonesing for a Stingray but do not want to shell out +$2,400 for a new one, check this ax out. It may be just what you are looking for.

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Rock Blues Jazz

From Gear Setup

colin_marcum

670

about 3 years ago

Great bass for the money

I loved this bass while I had it the only thing I hated was the color but I did get it used for about the same price as a new ray4

Roles:

Singer Bassist

Genres:

Rock Southern rock Metal

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Folk, World, & Country

Electronic

Alternative Rock

Indie Rock

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Yamaha TRBX304 Electric Basses

Community setups

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jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

Similar

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1 alternative for Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA, curated by the Equipboard community.

Sterling Stingray Classic Ray24CA Electric Basses

$549.99 - $679.00

8 available stores

4.5 (3)

newer

The Ray24CA is the latest iteration of the SBMM Classic Active line.

Similar to the re-branding of the Sterling SUB to Ray4. The Ray24CA has the same 2-band eq, upgraded bridge, and machine heads.

Changes include new body wood material, from Ash to Mahogany, and an arguable downgrade from an alnico pickup on the Ray34CA to a less-expensive ceramic one in the Ray24CA.

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