Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $603
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling Stingray Classic Ray24CA". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Meet the Sterling Stingray Classic Ray24CA, a nod to the legendary Music Man StingRay bass that delivers vintage vibes with modern playability. This electric bass is crafted with a mahogany body, offering a warm, resonant tone that harks back to the 1970s. The H-1 ceramic humbucker is a powerhouse, providing a high-output tone with enhanced treble response, ideal for those looking to make their presence felt on stage or in the studio.
The Ray24CA is not just about nostalgia, though. Its 9-volt active preamp and 2-band EQ provide a straightforward yet versatile control over your sound, allowing you to fine-tune your tone effortlessly. The narrower 38mm nut width and maple neck ensure smooth playability, making it a favorite for bassists who appreciate a comfortable grip and agile fingerwork.
This bass features a Music Man-designed bridge with adjustable steel barrel saddles, ensuring precise intonation and maximum sustain. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring musician, the Stingray Classic Ray24CA offers a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and contemporary functionality, making it a standout choice for players of all genres.
Key Features:
- Mahogany body for warm, resonant tone
- Maple neck with a narrow 38mm nut width
- Rosewood fingerboard
- H-1 ceramic humbucker for powerful and clear sound
- 9V powered active 2-band EQ for versatile tone shaping
- Music Man-designed bridge with intonatable steel barrel saddles for excellent sustain and tone
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | StingRay |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Hard Maple |
| Neck Shape | StingRay |
| Neck Joint | 6-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 9.5" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White Dots |
| Number of Frets | 21, Medium |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.5" |
| Nut Material | Polyphenylene Sulfide |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Sterling by Music Man Designed |
| Tuners | Open Gear |
| Bridge Pickup | Sterling by Music Man Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 2-band active preamp |
| Strings | Super Slinky Bass, .045-.100 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray24CA?
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The Sterling StingRay Classic Ray24CA features a StingRay neck profile, which is designed for comfort and playability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced bass players.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray24CA humbucker pickup?
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The Sterling by Music Man humbucker delivers powerful, punchy tones with a strong low-end presence, ideal for a variety of music genres, including rock, funk, and blues.
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Is the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray24CA suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with its robust mahogany body, active 2-band preamp, and reliable hardware, the StingRay Classic Ray24CA is well-suited for live performances, offering both durability and dynamic sound.
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How does the active 2-band preamp on the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray24CA enhance its sound?
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The active 2-band preamp allows for precise control over bass and treble frequencies, enabling players to shape their tone to suit different musical styles and performance settings.
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What is the scale length of the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray24CA, and how does it affect playability?
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The Sterling StingRay Classic Ray24CA has a 34" scale length, which is standard for bass guitars, providing a balanced tension and feel that accommodates a wide range of playing techniques.
Videos
Patrick Hunter
A $500 Stingray Bass?! // Sterling By Music Man Ray24CA [Bass Demo]
![Video thumbnail for A $500 Stingray Bass?! // Sterling By Music Man Ray24CA [Bass Demo] by Patrick Hunter](https://img.youtube.com/vi/bbRaVEQMucs/mqdefault.jpg)
A $500 Stingray Bass?! // Sterling By Music Man Ray24CA [Bass Demo]
Patrick Hunter
Sterling by Music Man Ray24CA "Classic"- Is this worthy of the "Classic" name?- LowEndLobster Review
LowEndLobster
Why bother buying USA? | Sterling by Musicman Ray24CA Review/Demo
Jonny Dibble
Sterling by Music Man Ray24CA wired in Parallel! Why isn't this stock?- LowEndLobster Fresh Look
LowEndLobster
Sterling by Musicman Stingray Classic Ray24CA: Series or Parallel? Why not both?!
John Murren’s Magical World of Bass Guitar!
Sterling by Music Man StingRay Classic Ray24CA - Demo & Review
Hickies Music Store
Sterling By Music Man Ray24CA Bass | Unboxing
Nate Peters
Reviews
PROS
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Classic StingRay sound that's perfect for funk and groove styles
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Smooth, thin neck facilitates fast and easy playing
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Lightweight body enhances comfort during extended play
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Active electronics provide an aggressive tone with extra attack
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Excellent setup out of the box, saving users time and money
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Great value for the price, especially under $500
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Versatile tone suitable for a variety of music genres
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High-quality finish and build for its price category
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Ready to play immediately with stable tuning
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Powerful humbucker pickup cuts through the mix effectively
CONS
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Battery compartment latch is not very secure
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Volume and tone knobs may have alignment issues
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Some finishes show uneven staining
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Pickup wiring may require modification for traditional StingRay sound
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling Stingray Classic Ray24CA.
Comparisons
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The Ray24 is often compared unfavorably to the Ray34, which has a contoured body and a roasted maple neck that many find more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
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Users mention that the Ray4, despite being a less expensive model, can be significantly improved with pickup and preamp upgrades, potentially offering better value than the Ray24.
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The Ray24 and Ray4 share a 38mm nut width, while the Ray34 has a wider 43mm nut width, catering to different string spacing preferences.
Source
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
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It’s noted that the Ray24’s pickup is wired in series, which deviates from traditional Stingray wiring and may affect the expected tonal characteristics.
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Users recommend rewiring the Ray24's pickup to parallel for a more traditional Stingray sound, deviating from its stock series wiring.
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An owner plans to upgrade their Ray4 with an Aguilar pickup for $130, inspired by a specific tutorial video, enhancing its tonal capabilities.
Source
User experience
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Some owners highlight the aesthetic appeal of the Ray34's roasted maple neck, which also contributes to a more enjoyable playing experience.
Source
Value and pricing
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The Ray24 is perceived as less cost-effective compared to other Sterling models, particularly when considering the value offered by used Ray34 models.
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The Ray24 has been spotted on sale for $399 in butterscotch and mint green finishes, offering a more affordable entry point for those specific colors.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings
670
Great bass for the money
I bought this bass a little while back from my local music shop. It was used so that may affect my review but it was a great bass for what I got it for and sounded awesome, the only thing that I didn’t like about it was the color, but other than that this was a great bass
418
Solid bass. Got that classic and distinct 'Ray growl and tone.
My first 'Ray. Slab body, with SLO neck. 2 band EQ with classic/vintage stingray vibe to it (tinted neck/aged butterscotch finish). However, If you looking after a better budget/cheaper mod plaform, go with ray4 instead.
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Genre Usage
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Used With
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