Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$1,149.99
Guitar Center
$1,149.99
Amazon
$1,149.99
Reverb
4.0 (3)
$849.99 New
$575.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$1,149.99
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$1,199.00

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

What kind of tones can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 for rock or funk music?

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.

Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 suitable for beginner bass players?

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.

How does the neck profile of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 affect playability?

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.

What is the body material of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 and how does it affect sound?

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.

Does the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 come with a gig bag or case?

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.

The Bass Hang

The Bass Hang

Sterling by Music Man Ray 35 Overview

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man Ray 35 Overview by The Bass Hang

Sterling by Music Man Ray 35 Overview

The Bass Hang

The Bass Hang

Video thumbnail for Guitar Club Live - Audio Test - Bass Sterling Ray 35 by Music Man by GuitarClub Magazine

Guitar Club Live - Audio Test - Bass Sterling Ray 35 by Music Man

GuitarClub Magazine

GuitarClub Magazine

Video thumbnail for Sparkle & Shine! - Sterling By Music Man Ray35 [Demo] by Patrick Hunter

Sparkle & Shine! - Sterling By Music Man Ray35 [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Musicman -  Sterling Ray 35 by Music Man by Andibassmania

Musicman - Sterling Ray 35 by Music Man

Andibassmania

Andibassmania

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

  • The pickup casing feels sturdy, contradicting some concerns about it being cheap.

    Source
  • The Ray35's tuning keys are frequently reported as problematic, especially in purple sparkle models, suggesting potential replacement is needed.

    Source
  • Some Sterling instruments may have subpar pots, switches, and wiring, which could benefit from replacement for improved reliability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Ray35 offers two full octaves within four frets across all five strings, enhancing note accessibility.

    Source
  • The 3-way pickup selector allows for parallel, series with a mid-pass filter, and series configurations, enhancing tonal versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • 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

  • Considered on par with MIM Fenders in terms of build and value, the Ray35 is praised for its tone, rivaling the higher-priced Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray.

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  • The Ray35 HH is described as a darker and heavier-sounding version of the c.2013 EBMM Stingray, with a modern tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend adjusting pot height if initial friction is experienced; a simple screw adjustment resolves stiffness.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Wiring the pickup in parallel is a suggested mod for improving tonal clarity.

    Source
  • Consider swapping the preamp for a Darkglass Tone Capsule and pickups for Barts to elevate the Ray35's sound quality to higher-end basses.

    Source
  • Seymour Duncan alnico Stingray pickups are recommended for enhancing the Ray35's sound quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A Ray35ca was purchased for $300 in mint condition on the used market, highlighting potential for budget-friendly acquisitions.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sterling RAY35 5-String Bass

houstonmusicreviews.com

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray35 is a standout in its class, offering impressive build quality, sound, and setup for its price. Its active electronics and variety of tones emulate its higher-end siblings, providing a meaty, thick presence. While the longer scale and wider string spacing may require some adjustment, the instrument's immaculate finish and responsive EQ make it a joy to play. The only minor inconvenience is its weight and the need for a spare 9V battery. Overall, it's a top contender for those seeking a budget-friendly, modern 5-string bass.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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shifter_bass

Musicman sound like nothing else......

iI was looking for a sound i found it in the Sterling Ray 35........

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