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Average Price: $1,500

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Sterling Ray34 Left-Handed bass guitar is a testament to the iconic Music Man legacy, seamlessly blending style, sound, and playability for the discerning left-handed bassist. This remarkable instrument captures the essence of the original StingRay line, featuring a lightweight ash body and contoured edges that promise comfort during those long jam sessions or live gigs. Its robust maple neck delivers rich sustain and an added punch that brings your bass lines to life.

Equipped with a Music Man alnico humbucker, the Ray34 offers thunderous lows and crystal-clear mids, ensuring your sound cuts through any mix. The active 3-band EQ empowers you to sculpt your tone precisely, whether you're laying down a smooth jazz line or driving a rock anthem. With its meticulously designed bridge and saddles, this bass provides exceptional tuning stability, accommodating even the most dynamic playing styles.

This instrument is not just about performance; it's about capturing the authentic Music Man vibe at an accessible price. The six-bolt neck joint enhances tone transfer, fitting snugly into the body for superior resonance and durability. Perfect for players who crave the Music Man experience without compromise, the Sterling Ray34 is a finely crafted piece of musical artistry.

Key Features:

  • Left-handed design with iconic StingRay aesthetics
  • Lightweight and contoured ash body for comfort and complex tone
  • Hard maple neck for sustained richness and punch
  • Music Man alnico humbucker delivers deep bass and clear mids
  • Active preamp with 3-band EQ for versatile tone shaping
  • Music Man designed bridge and saddles for excellent tuning stability
  • Included 30mm padded gig bag for protection and transport

Product specs

Brand Sterling
Model StingRay Ray34 Left-Handed
Year 2009 - 2019
Made In Indonesia
Categories 4-String Basses, Left-Handed Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Brown, Natural
Finish Features Matching Headstock
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 1.69"
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Left Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Sterling Ray34 Left-Handed bass?

The Sterling Ray34 Left-Handed bass delivers a punchy and bright tone thanks to its Music Man-designed humbucking pickup and active 3-band preamp, making it ideal for rock, funk, and pop genres.

Is the Sterling Ray34 Left-Handed bass suitable for beginners?

While the Sterling Ray34 Left-Handed bass is a high-quality instrument typically favored by intermediate to advanced players, its comfortable neck and accessible controls can also suit dedicated beginners looking for a long-term investment.

How does the neck profile of the Sterling Ray34 Left-Handed bass affect playability?

The Sterling Ray34 features a maple neck with a 12" fretboard radius, providing a smooth playing experience with easy access across all 21 frets, suitable for both fast playing and intricate bass lines.

What is the body material of the Sterling Ray34 Left-Handed bass, and how does it impact sound?

The body of the Sterling Ray34 Left-Handed bass is made from swamp ash, contributing to its bright and resonant tone with good sustain, which is well-suited for various musical styles.

Does the Sterling Ray34 Left-Handed bass come with a gig bag?

Yes, the Sterling Ray34 Left-Handed bass includes a gig bag, providing convenient protection and transport for the instrument.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling Ray34 Left - Handed.

Features and functionality

  • The Ray34 features an Alnico pickup wired in parallel with a 42mm nut, replicating post-80s Stingrays, unlike the Ray24/4 with ceramic, series pickups and a 38mm nut.

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User experience

  • Owners of both Ray34 and USA Stingray report negligible quality differences, with some preferring the Ray34 for its authentic tonal characteristics and frequent playability.

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  • Users note that left-handed Stingrays are scarce, making them a rare find, with limited availability even on platforms like Reverb.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners recommend modding the Ray4 with a Nordstrand MM4.2 pickup and a 3B3 preamp to enhance sound quality, despite retaining the 38mm nut.

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Comparisons

  • While the Sire Z series is praised for a Stingray-like sound, it is noted that only a true Stingray will fully capture the iconic tone, emphasizing the need for brand authenticity.

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  • The Sterling Ray4 is reputed for its extremely deep, rumbly tone, potentially too hot and causing distortion, contrasting with the more balanced P-Bass sound.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite some perceptions, the Ray34 is considered by several owners to punch above its price point, offering a close approximation to higher-priced Stingrays.

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  • For a truly custom left-handed bass experience, consider a Maruszczyk custom build, which offers personalized specifications and quality akin to higher-priced models.

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Use cases and applications

  • Jazz basses with flat wound strings like LaBella DTBs are recommended for deep reggae and R&B tones, especially when playing fingerstyle over the fretboard.

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  • A P-Bass is described as having a thicker tone than a Jazz Bass, making it suitable for players seeking a deeper, rumblier sound.

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