Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $675
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the groove with the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA, a bass guitar that seamlessly blends vintage charm with modern performance. This 5-string electric bass embodies the spirit of the iconic StingRay models from the 1970s, featuring a nyatoh flat slab body that offers rich resonance and a comforting feel during those extended jam sessions. The hard maple neck, equipped with a skinnier nut width, delivers a smooth and fast playing experience, perfect for technical players who love to explore the full range of the fretboard.
The Ray25CA is powered by a robust 9-volt active preamp, delivering ample headroom and a versatile 2-band EQ for precise tone shaping. Whether you’re after vintage growl or modern punch, the ceramic humbucker in the bridge position is your ticket to powerful, thumping tones with an enhanced treble response. It’s a bass that doesn’t just produce sound; it creates an experience.
Constructed under stringent Sterling by Music Man specifications, this bass is designed to bring the revered Music Man quality to every player at an accessible price point. From its bold tones to its effortless playability, the StingRay Classic Ray25CA is a true testament to the enduring legacy of its predecessors while catering to today’s dynamic musicians.
Key Features:
- Nyatoh flat slab body for a vintage feel and resonant tone
- Bolt-on hard maple neck with a 38mm nut width
- Single ceramic humbucker pickup
- 2-band EQ and 9V active preamp for versatile tone shaping
- Sterling by Music Man-designed bridge for superior string vibration transfer
- 21 medium frets with black dot inlays on a maple fingerboard
- Open gear tuners and a dual-action truss rod
- Lightweight design for comfortable play during long performances
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | StingRay Classic RAY25 |
| Body Material | Nyatoh |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Hard Maple |
| Neck Joint | 6-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Material | Hard Maple |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Black Dots |
| Number of Frets | 21, 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 Ceramic Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x volume, 2-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 StingRay Classic Ray25CA's pickup?
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The Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA features a ceramic humbucker pickup, delivering a punchy and clear tone with strong mids and lows, ideal for rock, funk, and pop genres.
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Is the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA suitable for beginners?
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While the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA is designed with quality features that appeal to advanced players, its straightforward controls and comfortable neck make it accessible for beginners as well.
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What is the neck profile like on the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA?
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The Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA has a hard maple neck with a 12" radius and medium frets, providing a smooth and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.
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Does the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA require a battery for its electronics?
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Yes, the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA is equipped with a 9V powered 2-band active preamp, which requires a battery for operation, offering enhanced tonal control.
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How does the Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA compare to the original Ernie Ball StingRay?
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The Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA is modeled after the iconic Ernie Ball StingRay, offering similar aesthetics and tone at a more accessible price point, making it a great option for players seeking the classic StingRay sound.
Videos
Bassist Kamar
Sterling By Musicman Ray 25 CA
Reviews
PROS
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Captures essence of StingRay tone at a lower price
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Solid construction with slab body design
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Aesthetic appeal with 5-string oval pickguard
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Quality body finish
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Great foundation for upgrades and customization
CONS
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Neck and frets may require immediate attention and adjustments
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Humbucker wiring not true to classic StingRay sound
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Tuning machine issues, including sticking and misaligned screws
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Soft nut material may need replacement
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Shared electronics with lower-end models
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Rough fret ends can be uncomfortable
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Presence of debris in electronics compartment
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling StingRay Classic Ray25CA.
Features and functionality
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The Ray25CA uses a parallel-wired pickup similar to the SUB series, which may not deliver a true vintage tone, but is more suited for modern music styles.
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The Ray25CA reportedly has active electronics with a 2-band EQ, allowing for versatile tone shaping, especially beneficial for genres like funk and modern rock.
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Comparisons
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The Ray25CA and SUB series have minimal differences, primarily in the pickup quality; however, the Ray34 offers a more significant upgrade opportunity.
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User experience
Value and pricing
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Some suggest waiting for deals on higher models like the Ray34, which have been offered at similar prices during special promotions.
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Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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A few users have noted that the thick poly finish on the neck can have overspray, which can be easily smoothed with steel wool or a Scotch-Brite pad.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some players recommend using flatwound strings to mellow the tone, suggesting it can help achieve a more vintage sound.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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