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 (5)
$1,138.80 New
$900.00 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
£1,199.00

Average Price: $1,150

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM is a bass guitar that embodies the essence of Music Man's classic design, while offering modern enhancements for today's musicians. This 5-string electric bass features a lightweight nyatoh body, delivering a warm and resonant tone that pairs beautifully with its dual alnico humbucking pickups. These pickups, designed by Music Man, are known for their powerful and punchy sound, providing a wide tonal palette that ranges from deep, rumbling lows to crisp, articulate highs.

The Ray35HHSM stands out with its roasted maple neck, a hallmark of stability and smooth playability. The roasting process not only strengthens the neck but also imparts a bright, clear tone, complementing the body’s rich sound. With its sleek neck profile and 22 medium frets, players will find it easy to navigate complex bass lines and solos.

For those seeking precise control over their sound, the Ray35HHSM does not disappoint. Equipped with an active 3-band EQ and a 5-way pickup selector switch, this bass allows for meticulous tone shaping, ensuring you can dial in the perfect sound for any genre or playing style. Whether you're laying down a funky groove or shredding a rock riff, the Ray35HHSM delivers unwavering performance.

Key Features:

  • Nyatoh body for warm, resonant tones
  • Dual Music Man-designed alnico humbuckers for dynamic sound
  • Active 3-band EQ for versatile tone shaping
  • 5-way pickup selector switch for a range of sounds
  • Roasted maple neck for stability and bright tone
  • 22 medium frets for effortless playability
  • Lightweight design for comfortable extended playing sessions

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 Ray35HHSM for different music genres?

The Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM offers a versatile tonal palette, thanks to its dual Alnico humbucking pickups and 3-band active EQ. It delivers punchy lows, clear mids, and crisp highs, making it suitable for genres ranging from rock and funk to jazz and metal.

How does the 5-way pickup selector switch on the Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM enhance its sound versatility?

The 5-way pickup selector switch allows you to choose between various pickup combinations, providing a wide range of tonal options. This flexibility lets you tailor your sound for different playing styles and musical contexts.

Is the Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM suitable for advanced bass players?

Yes, the Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM is designed with advanced players in mind, featuring a roasted maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability, along with a robust tonal range suitable for professional performances.

What is the neck profile of the Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM like, and how does it affect playability?

The Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM features a 6-way bolt-on roasted maple neck with a 12" radius, offering a comfortable and fast playing experience. This design is ideal for intricate bass lines and fast finger movements.

Does the Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM does not come with a case or gig bag. These must be purchased separately to ensure the bass is protected during transport.

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth neck for effortless playability

  • Versatile HH configuration with 5-way selector

  • 3-band EQ for enhanced tone customization

  • Sturdy and plush gig bag included

  • Close to US StingRay sound at a lower price

  • Beautiful pearl white and Neptune Blue finishes

  • Superb fret work and effortless playability

  • Amazing sustain, especially on the low B string

  • Aggressive tone with great flexibility

  • Well-built and solidly constructed

CONS

  • Heavy neck causes neck dive

  • Doesn't fully capture the original StingRay sound

  • Tuning keys could be improved

  • Pickup slider switch has subtle effect

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling StingRay Ray35HHSM.

Build quality

  • The black tuners on the purple sparkle finish are known to be problematic and may require replacement.

    Source
  • Despite concerns, the pickup casing is generally not considered cheap by users, indicating acceptable quality for the price.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some pots have initial friction, easily fixed by loosening the screw and adjusting the height.

    Source
  • A wide strap is recommended to mitigate discomfort from the weight, enhancing playability during extended sessions.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the bass is significantly heavier than other 4 and 5 string models, often over 10 lbs, potentially causing initial discomfort.

    Source
  • Transitioning from 4 to 5 strings can be disorienting; it requires acclimation to new string placements, especially for those accustomed to orienting by the E string.

    Source
  • Some owners find the G string spacing on the Ray35 more comfortable than on the MM 5-string, avoiding the issue of the string being too close to the fretboard edge.

    Source
  • The weight of EBMM and Sterling basses can vary significantly, with some Ray5 models being the lightest solid body basses owned by users.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 3-way pickup selector offers parallel, series, and series with mid-pass filter settings, providing versatile tonal options for live shows.

    Source
  • Some owners find the Ray35 easier for reggae due to its smooth tone and the practical range offered by the 5th string.

    Source
  • Owners often receive compliments on the Ray35's tone, suggesting its suitability for live performances where sound quality is prominently noticed.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's recommended to wire the pickup in parallel and adjust knobs for better center position awareness.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The craftsmanship and sound are comparable to MIA Stingray, though electronics may be slightly scratchier.

    Source
  • Compared side-by-side, the Ray35's tone control and smoothness can surpass the more expensive Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special, appealing especially to reggae players.

    Source
  • It's observed that the Ray35 has a "tighter" B string, maintaining clarity even when tuned down to G#.

    Source
  • The Ray5 is noted as having a cheaper finish compared to the SR5, though the Ray35 is considered somewhere in between these two models in terms of finish quality.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Sterling by Music Man Electric Basses

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides