Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (1)
$879.99
Amazon
5.0 (1)
$879.99
Reverb
4.0 (8)
$879.99 New
$350.00 Used
Thomann
$874.00 $859.00 $15.00 · All time low

Average Price: $811

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 Electric Bass Guitar". 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 StingRay RAY34 Electric Bass Guitar is the perfect blend of iconic sound and modern craftsmanship, bringing you an instrument that feels as good as it sounds. With a music man-designed alnico humbucker, this bass delivers that legendary StingRay growl, renowned for its powerful and deep tone. The RAY34 is equipped with a robust 3-band active preamp, letting you precisely sculpt your sound with dedicated controls for bass, midrange, and treble. Whether you're laying down a classic Motown groove or driving a modern rock rhythm, this bass offers the versatility to match.

Crafted with a lightweight nyatoh body, the RAY34 provides comfort during extended playing sessions, featuring a contoured design for easy handling. The roasted maple neck not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves stability and sustain, making it resistant to warping and perfect for any gig or studio session. This neck is paired with a smooth satin finish, ensuring quick and effortless transitions across the 21-fret fingerboard.

Ideal for both seasoned bassists and newcomers, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 is a road-ready instrument that promises to deliver both in performance and in style. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this bass stands as a testament to quality and innovation, ready to help you craft your signature sound.

Key Features:

  • Single Music Man-designed alnico humbucking pickup
  • 3-band active preamp for comprehensive tone control
  • Roasted maple neck with enhanced stability and sustain
  • Contoured nyatoh body for comfort and playability
  • 21 frets for extended range
  • Open gear tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • Top-loading bridge for ease of string changes

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape StingRay RAY34
Body Material Nyatoh
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Roasted Maple
Neck Joint 6-way Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay White Dots
Number of Frets 21, Medium
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.69"
Nut Material Polyphenylene Sulfide
Bridge/Tailpiece Sterling by Music Man-Designed Bridge
Tuners Open Gear
Bridge Pickup Sterling Alnico Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 3-band EQ
Strings Ernie Ball 2834 Super Slinky, .045-.100
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34's pickup?

The Sterling Alnico Humbucker pickup on the RAY34 delivers a powerful and punchy sound, known for its clarity and depth, making it ideal for rock, funk, and pop genres.

Is the Sterling StingRay RAY34 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the RAY34 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build, reliable tuning stability, and versatile 3-band EQ, allowing for effective tonal adjustments on stage.

How does the neck of the Sterling StingRay RAY34 feel for playing?

The roasted maple neck with a 9.5" radius and medium frets offers a smooth and comfortable playing experience, making it suitable for both fast playing styles and intricate bass lines.

What materials are used in the construction of the Sterling StingRay RAY34?

The RAY34 features a nyatoh body with a gloss finish, a roasted maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, providing a balanced tone and a classic look.

Does the Sterling StingRay RAY34 come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Sterling StingRay RAY34 does not include a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to protect your instrument.

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray34 - Better than a used EBMM USA Stingray?! - LowEndLobster Review

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray34 - Better than a used EBMM USA Stingray?! - LowEndLobster Review by LowEndLobster

Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray34 - Better than a used EBMM USA Stingray?! - LowEndLobster Review

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for All The Feel For Half The Price? STERLING BY MUSIC MAN StingRay RAY34 Bass Review | GEAR GODS by Trey Xavier

All The Feel For Half The Price? STERLING BY MUSIC MAN StingRay RAY34 Bass Review | GEAR GODS

Trey Xavier

Trey Xavier

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Musicman Bass with a Roasted Maple Neck! - The New Ray34 Stingray by Marcelo Feldman - The Bass Wizard

Sterling by Musicman Bass with a Roasted Maple Neck! - The New Ray34 Stingray

Marcelo Feldman - The Bass Wizard

Marcelo Feldman - The Bass Wizard

Video thumbnail for STERLING by MUSIC MAN 🎸 Stingray Ray34 🔥 TEST by Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

STERLING by MUSIC MAN 🎸 Stingray Ray34 🔥 TEST

Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

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 StingRay RAY34 Electric Bass Guitar.

Comparisons

  • EBMM Stingrays are noted for lighter weight and superior hardware compared to Sterling Ray34 models, with tighter build tolerances and higher-quality electronics.

    Source
  • The Ray34 is described as having punchy mids and a solid low end, sitting uniquely between Precision and Jazz bass tones.

    Source
  • Compared to Fender-style basses, StingRay RAY34 offers a unique growly tone but may lack the versatility of a Jazz or P bass for varied music styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite hardware issues, the Ray34's tone and feel receive high praise, leading users to overlook other shortcomings.

    Source
  • The thick neck profile has been criticized by some, who prefer the slimmer feel of a Jazz bass neck.

    Source
  • Heavy weight, particularly in the ash version, noted at around 11 lbs, which may not be comfortable for all players.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Hipshot tuners are a popular upgrade to address perceived quality issues with stock hardware.

    Source
  • Owners frequently mod Sterling Rays with aftermarket preamps and tuners, enhancing tone and playability while maintaining affordability.

    Source

Build quality

  • Recent batches have been noted for cheap-feeling tuners, prompting users to consider upgrades to brands like Hipshot for better reliability.

    Source
  • The roasted maple neck and fretboard are highly praised for their feel, but the 43mm nut width can feel too wide for some players.

    Source
  • Early 2000s US-built Musicman S.U.B. basses are praised for their matte finishes and robust construction, offering a unique blend of affordability and quality.

    Source
  • Recent models have reported tuner issues, especially with black tuners breaking, though these can be replaced under warranty.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners have faced truss rod issues after restringing, requiring neck replacement under warranty due to non-adjustability.

    Source
  • Check for dead spots on the G string, especially around frets 5-7, as it is a known issue with StingRay basses.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Sterling Ray34s from 2005-2018 are considered more reliable, with opportunities to find them mislisted and sold at lower prices.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Retro '70s StingRay model replicates a '77 StingRay, complete with long pole pickups and a hand-wired PCB, offering an authentic vintage sound.

    Source
  • An HH model is recommended for those seeking more tonal versatility beyond the typical "StingRay sound."

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The StingRay RAY34 is celebrated for its distinctive sound that fits well in mixes, though it may not suit all musical genres.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sterling By Music Man Ray34 (PSK) bass review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 bass guitar is a standout choice for serious amateur musicians seeking professional-grade quality without breaking the bank. With its excellent tone, sustain, and versatile EQ, it offers a rich sound palette suitable for rock, funk, and jazz. The build quality is top-notch, featuring a nyatoh body, roasted maple neck, and a 3-band active preamp. While the review doesn't list any drawbacks, the absence of any cons might suggest a lack of critical assessment. Nonetheless, for those valuing a reliable, well-crafted, and stylish instrument, the RAY34 is hard to fault.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

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

More Sterling by Music Man Electric Basses

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides