Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$1,199.99
Guitar Center
$1,199.99
Amazon
$1,199.99
Reverb
4.0 (4)
$889.49 New
$600.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$1,199.99
zZounds
4.5 (4)
$1,199.99
Thomann
$1,169.00 $1,165.00 $4.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£1,399.00

Average Price: $1,082

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling StingRay Ray35HH". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

For bassists seeking a harmonious blend of iconic tone and modern versatility, the Sterling StingRay Ray35HH is your ticket to sonic excellence. This 5-string bass guitar captures the essence of the legendary StingRay sound while offering an expansive tonal palette. The dual Sterling-designed Alnico humbuckers are the heart of this instrument, delivering the punchy, growling lows and articulate highs that cut through any mix. With a 5-way pickup selector and a 3-band active EQ, you have complete control over your sound, allowing you to effortlessly transition from fat funk grooves to aggressive rock growls.

Crafted with a lightweight nyatoh body, the Ray35HH offers impressive resonance and sustain, complemented by the bright, clear tones of its roasted maple neck. The roasting process not only enhances stability against environmental changes but also improves the neck's playability, providing a smooth, fast feel that’s perfect for long gigs or studio sessions. The contoured body fits comfortably whether you’re seated or standing, ensuring a fatigue-free performance.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring bassist, the Ray35HH combines classic design with modern innovation, making it an indispensable instrument in any musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Dual Sterling-designed Alnico humbuckers for a bold, versatile tone
  • 5-way pickup selector switch for a wide range of sonic options
  • Active 3-band EQ for detailed tone shaping
  • Roasted maple neck for enhanced stability and bright tone
  • Nyatoh body offers warm resonance and sustain
  • 22 medium frets on a rosewood fingerboard
  • Open gear tuners for reliable tuning stability

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape StingRay RAY35
Body Material Nyatoh
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Roasted Maple
Neck Joint 6-way Bolt-on
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
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
Neck Pickup Sterling Alnico Humbucker
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 StingRay Ray35HH's pickups?

The Sterling StingRay Ray35HH features two Alnico humbucking pickups that deliver a powerful and versatile tone. With the 5-way pickup selector switch, you can achieve a range of sounds from deep, punchy lows to bright, articulate highs, making it suitable for various music genres.

Is the Sterling StingRay Ray35HH suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Sterling StingRay Ray35HH is designed with features that appeal to advanced players, such as a roasted maple neck for smooth playability, a 3-band active EQ for precise tonal control, and a robust build quality that ensures reliability for both stage and studio use.

How does the roasted maple neck affect the playability of the Sterling StingRay Ray35HH?

The roasted maple neck offers enhanced stability and a smooth playing surface, which contributes to a comfortable playing experience. This feature also provides a sleek aesthetic and can improve the overall tonal response of the bass.

What is the purpose of the 3-band EQ on the Sterling StingRay Ray35HH?

The 3-band EQ allows you to adjust the bass, mid, and treble frequencies independently, giving you the ability to shape your tone precisely to fit different musical contexts and personal preferences, whether you're performing live or recording in the studio.

Is the Sterling StingRay Ray35HH a good choice for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Sterling StingRay Ray35HH is well-suited for slap bass techniques due to its responsive pickups, active EQ for tonal shaping, and comfortable neck profile, which together provide the punchy and articulate sound often desired for slap playing.

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth neck enhances playability and comfort

  • HH configuration with 5-way selector offers diverse tonal options

  • 3-band EQ allows precise tone customization

  • Gig bag with sturdy exterior and plush interior for secure transport

  • Affordable alternative to US StingRay with comparable quality

  • Beautiful pearl white finish adds visual appeal

  • Factory setup is near perfect for many players

  • Aggressive sound with impressive tonal flexibility

  • Low B string maintains clarity and avoids muddiness

  • Solid build quality with excellent fret work

CONS

  • Heavy neck causes neck diving issues

  • Original StingRay sound not fully replicated with HH configuration

  • Neck pickup placement may interfere with slapping technique

  • Tuning keys are of average quality, may require upgrading

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling StingRay Ray35HH.

Build quality

  • Some models with black hardware may have tuner gear issues due to oversized headstock holes causing tuning instability. This is noted in purple and blue sparkle models.

    Source
  • Some owners note the electronics can be scratchy, indicating cheaper components compared to MIA Stingray models.

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  • The pickup casing does not feel cheap, suggesting durable construction despite concerns about materials.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck humbucker can hinder slap technique due to limited space between the pickup and the neck.

    Source

User experience

  • The B string on the 34" scale is praised for its solidity and performance, making it a standout feature among 5-string basses.

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  • The Ray35 is noted to be significantly heavier than other 4 and 5-string basses, sometimes exceeding 11 lbs, which can affect comfort during long sessions.

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  • A user mentioned using a Scotch Brite pad to smooth the neck finish due to stickiness over time.

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  • Transitioning from a 4-string to a 5-string can be disorienting due to string position changes and increased muting requirements.

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  • A wide strap mitigates discomfort from the bass's weight, which is over 10 lbs, during extended play.

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Value and pricing

  • The price of a new Ray35HH is approaching that of a used EBMM Stingray, potentially affecting its value proposition.

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Comparisons

  • EBMM Stingray offers more usable tones compared to the SBMM Ray35HH, particularly in diverse pickup usage beyond the rear pickup.

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  • Build and value of Ray35 is comparable to MIM Fenders, offering an affordable alternative to the EBMM Stingray5.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It’s been reported that the pots can have high friction initially, but adjusting the screw and height resolves this easily.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest wiring the pickup in parallel for improved tonal versatility.

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Use cases and applications

  • The 5th string facilitates playing two full octaves within four frets, enhancing versatility in musical performance.

    Source

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