Sterling by Music Man Sterling StingRay Ray34FM

$979.99 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 25, 2026.

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4.5 (3)

$979.99

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4.0 (6)

$979.99 3 available New

$495.00 1 available Used

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Average Price: $818

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Sterling StingRay Ray34FM is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Sterling StingRay Ray34FM". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Sterling StingRay Ray34FM bass guitar is a blend of classic craftsmanship and modern innovation, designed to command attention both visually and sonically. This instrument boasts a captivating flame maple top that sits atop a resonant mahogany body, creating a perfect harmony of aesthetics and sound. The roasted maple neck, a hallmark of contemporary design, offers superb stability and resistance to environmental changes, ensuring a consistent performance whether you're on stage or in the studio.

At the heart of the Ray34FM's sound is a Music Man-designed alnico humbucker, meticulously engineered to deliver a rich, vintage-tinged tone that cuts through any mix. The onboard 9-volt active preamp, along with a 3-band EQ, provides versatile tone shaping capabilities, allowing you to tailor your sound with precision.

With 21 medium-sized frets and a contoured body, playability is effortless, encouraging fluid movement across the fretboard. The top-loading bridge and open gear tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability, so you can play with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned touring musician or an aspiring bassist looking for a reliable instrument, the Sterling StingRay Ray34FM is a remarkable choice that bridges the gap between classic allure and modern playability.

Key Features:

Flame maple top with a mahogany body for a resonant sound
Roasted maple neck for enhanced stability and reduced neck dive
Music Man-designed alnico humbucker for vintage-style tone
9V active preamp with a 3-band EQ for comprehensive tone shaping
21 medium frets on a smooth neck for easy playability
Top-loading bridge and open gear tuners for reliable tuning stability

Product specs

Brand	Sterling
Model	StingRay Ray34FM
Year	2022 - 2023
Made In	Indonesia
Categories	4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups	Active Pickups
Active Preamp	Active Preamp
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Blue, Red
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple
Fretboard Radius	9.5"
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	4-String
Nut Width	1.69"
Pickup Configuration	H
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	34"
Top Material	Maple
Wood Top Style	Flamed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Sterling StingRay Ray34FM have?: The Sterling StingRay Ray34FM features an active humbucking pickup, which provides a powerful and versatile sound ideal for various playing styles, including slap and finger-style.
Is the Sterling StingRay Ray34FM suitable for beginner bass players?: While it offers professional features like an active preamp and a roasted maple neck, the Sterling StingRay Ray34FM can be suitable for dedicated beginners who want a high-quality instrument that will grow with their skills.
What is the neck profile of the Sterling StingRay Ray34FM like?: The Sterling StingRay Ray34FM features a bolt-on roasted maple neck with a 34" scale length, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience with a 9.5" fretboard radius.
How does the Sterling StingRay Ray34FM handle different music genres?: The Sterling StingRay Ray34FM is versatile, making it suitable for a range of genres from rock and funk to jazz, thanks to its active electronics and robust tonal capabilities.
What materials are used in the construction of the Sterling StingRay Ray34FM's body?: The body of the Sterling StingRay Ray34FM is made from nyatoh with a flame maple top, providing a visually striking appearance and resonant sound quality.

Reviews

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PROS

Classic StingRay sound with adjustable 3-band EQ for sound perfection
Satin finish neck is fast and sleek to the touch
Substantial hardware built to last, feels high quality
Offers remarkable similarity to the original Music Man StingRay at a fraction of the price
Superior sound output compared to passive basses
Achieves at least 95% of the Music Man StingRay experience
Beautiful action and feel, especially with DR Hi Beams strings
Lightweight for an active bass, weighing around 9 pounds

CONS

Heavier than some may prefer, though not excessively so
Pickup height may rise due to vibration when played aggressively
Some users report lower output than cheaper alternatives like the Ray 4 Sub Series

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling StingRay Ray34FM.

Build quality

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Some models reportedly have issues with the tuners breaking, especially the black tuners, though replacements are possible.
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It's noted that the right mounting bolt on the bridge can be loose, requiring a quick fix with a hex wrench.
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A user mentioned minor roughness under the 13th fret, suggesting that the neck finish isn't perfectly smooth in that area.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners recommend checking the truss rod and tuners thoroughly before purchase due to reported quality assurance issues.
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Features and functionality

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The neck on the Ray34 is wider with a 43mm nut width, which might feel bulky compared to other models like the Squier Jaguar with a 38mm width.
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The Neptune Blue finish was a point of interest, distinguishing it from the Teal version mentioned by owners.
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The Ray24 is noted for its brighter pickup sound, offering less growl and more sparkle, which may appeal to players looking for a modern tone.
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Comparisons

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The Sterling Ray34 is often compared to the EBMM version, with the main differences being finish options and branding.
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The Ray34's 3-band EQ and wider neck offer a closer approximation to a real Stingray compared to the Ray24's 2-band EQ and slimmer neck.
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A Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass is suggested as an alternative to the Ray24 for those preferring a similar neck size and tone without the need for a battery.
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User experience

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One owner found the weight of the Ash version heavy at 11 lbs, which might not be ideal for all players.
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A Teal version was reported to be functional out of the box, with only minor setup issues easily addressed.
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Some owners believe the finish may smooth out over time with regular play, indicating expectations for gradual improvement.
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A user expressed strong personal preference for the Ray4, citing its playability and sound quality as superior within its price range, even over more expensive models.
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