Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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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 StingRay Ray35". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 is a formidable 5-string bass that combines classic design with modern enhancements to meet the needs of today’s bassists. With its iconic silhouette, the Ray35 features a stunning spalted maple top that not only captivates the eye but also contributes to the instrument's rich tonal character. The body is crafted from nyatoh for a comfortable playing experience, featuring a curved armrest and belly cut that ensures ease during long sessions.
At the heart of the Ray35 is a Music Man-designed alnico humbucking pickup, providing a powerful and articulate tone that can cut through any mix. The inclusion of a 9-volt active preamp with a 3-band EQ offers extensive tonal shaping capabilities, allowing players to customize their sound across a wide range of genres. Whether you're boosting the lows for a thunderous presence, adding mids for punch, or accentuating the treble for clarity, the Ray35 adapts effortlessly.
The roasted maple neck enhances playability, offering a smooth, stable, and warp-resistant surface that feels broken-in from the first play. With 21 medium-sized frets and a 12" fingerboard radius, this neck is designed for fluid playability, accommodating intricate passages and wide intervals with ease. The instrument’s top-loading bridge and open gear tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability, making it a reliable choice for both studio sessions and live performances.
Key Features:
- 5-string bass with a spalted maple top for enhanced aesthetics and tone
- Music Man-designed alnico humbucker for vintage-tinged, powerful sound
- 9V active preamp with 3-band EQ for detailed tone shaping
- Roasted maple neck for improved stability and smooth playability
- Contoured nyatoh body with ergonomic armrest and belly cut
- 21 medium-sized frets and 12" fingerboard radius for fluid playability
- Top-loading bridge and open gear tuners for stable tuning reliability
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | StingRay RAY35 |
| Body Material | Nyatoh (body), Spalted Maple (top) |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Roasted Maple |
| Neck Joint | 6-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Medium |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.77" |
| 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 2836 Regular Slinky, .045-.130 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 for rock or funk music?
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The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 is equipped with a Sterling Alnico Humbucker and a 3-band EQ, providing versatile tones suitable for rock, funk, and more. Expect punchy lows, clear mids, and bright highs, characteristic of the classic StingRay sound.
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Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 suitable for beginner bass players?
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While the StingRay Ray35 offers professional-level features and build quality, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners willing to invest in a quality instrument.
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How does the neck profile of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 affect playability?
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The StingRay Ray35 features a roasted maple neck with a 12" radius and a comfortable medium fret size, providing smooth playability suitable for fast playing styles and easy access across the fretboard.
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What is the body material of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 and how does it affect sound?
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The StingRay Ray35 has a Nyatoh body with a Spalted Maple top, contributing to a balanced tonal response with a warm, resonant sound and a visually striking appearance.
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Does the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 come with a gig bag or case?
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The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 does not include a gig bag or case; these must be purchased separately to protect the instrument during transport.
Videos
The Bass Hang
Sterling by Music Man Ray 35 Overview
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 Ray35.
Build quality
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The pickup casing feels sturdy, contradicting some concerns about it being cheap.
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The Ray35's tuning keys are frequently reported as problematic, especially in purple sparkle models, suggesting potential replacement is needed.
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Some Sterling instruments may have subpar pots, switches, and wiring, which could benefit from replacement for improved reliability.
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Features and functionality
User experience
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Owners note that the Ray35 can weigh over 10 lbs, recommending a wide strap for comfortable play.
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Transitioning from a 4-string to a 5-string can be disorienting due to extra string placement and required muting efforts.
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Some owners note the neck can feel sticky; a Scotch Brite pad can remedy this by smoothing the finish.
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Owners note a potential slippery slope with upgrades, cautioning that extensive mods might approach the cost of a used EBMM Stingray.
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Comparisons
Setup and maintenance
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Owners recommend adjusting pot height if initial friction is experienced; a simple screw adjustment resolves stiffness.
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Mods and upgrades
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Wiring the pickup in parallel is a suggested mod for improving tonal clarity.
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Consider swapping the preamp for a Darkglass Tone Capsule and pickups for Barts to elevate the Ray35's sound quality to higher-end basses.
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Seymour Duncan alnico Stingray pickups are recommended for enhancing the Ray35's sound quality.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
632
Musicman sound like nothing else......
iI was looking for a sound i found it in the Sterling Ray 35........
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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