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Description

Elevate your bass playing with the Sterling StingRay Ray35PB, a remarkable instrument that marries classic design with modern innovation. This 5-string electric bass is engineered for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians, delivering a powerful and resonant sound that can cut through any mix. With its roasted maple neck, the Ray35PB ensures stability and a smooth playing experience, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the rosewood fingerboard.

The bass's modern contoured body provides comfort during long sessions, while the 3-band active preamp gives you precise control over your tone, enabling you to shape your sound with clarity and precision. Modeled after the legendary Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay, the bridge offers exceptional sustain and reliability, making it perfect for both studio sessions and live performances. Complete with a burl top and a matching gig bag, the Ray35PB is as visually stunning as it is sonically impressive.

Whether you're laying down grooves or taking the lead, the Sterling StingRay Ray35PB is your ticket to a dynamic and expressive playing experience.

Key Features:

  • 5-string electric bass
  • Roasted maple neck for enhanced stability
  • Rosewood fingerboard for a smooth playing feel
  • Modern contoured body design for comfort
  • 3-band active preamp for precise tone control
  • Bridge modeled after the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay
  • Includes a matching gig bag for easy transport

Product specs

Brand Sterling
Model StingRay Ray35PB
Year 2019 - 2023
Made In Indonesia
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Red
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 5-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Top Material Poplar
Wood Top Style Burled

FAQs

What kind of wood is used in the body of the Sterling StingRay Ray35PB?

The body of the Sterling StingRay Ray35PB is made from mahogany with a poplar burl top, providing a warm tone with a visually appealing finish.

Does the Sterling StingRay Ray35PB have active or passive pickups?

The Sterling StingRay Ray35PB is equipped with active pickups, offering a powerful and dynamic sound suitable for various music styles.

How many frets does the Sterling StingRay Ray35PB have?

The Sterling StingRay Ray35PB features 22 medium frets on a rosewood fingerboard, allowing for comfortable playability across its 34" scale length.

Is the Sterling StingRay Ray35PB suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Sterling StingRay Ray35PB is well-suited for slap bass techniques, thanks to its active EQ and humbucker pickup configuration, which deliver punchy and clear tones.

What is the neck material of the Sterling StingRay Ray35PB?

The neck of the Sterling StingRay Ray35PB is made from roasted maple, providing stability and a smooth playing experience.

Music Arms

Music Arms

เบสไฟฟ้าเสียงแน่นมาก ฟังก์ชั่นเยี่ยม Sterling StingRay Ray35PB

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เบสไฟฟ้าเสียงแน่นมาก ฟังก์ชั่นเยี่ยม Sterling StingRay Ray35PB

Music Arms

Music Arms

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling StingRay Ray35PB.

Mods and upgrades

  • Wiring the pickup in parallel is recommended for enhanced tonal options, alongside adjusting knobs to easily identify the center detent position.

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User experience

  • Some variations in weight have been reported, suggesting potential buyers should check the specific bass's weight before purchasing to avoid discomfort.

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  • The thick poly finish on the back of the neck can become sticky, but a Scotch Brite pad can remedy this for smoother playability.

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  • Transitioning from a 4 to a 5-string can be disorienting as there's an extra string to manage, affecting both plucking and fretting hand coordination.

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Use cases and applications

  • A Ray35 tuned half a step down and dropped to G# maintains tonal clarity, suiting players who prefer alternate tunings without sacrificing sound quality.

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Comparisons

  • The Ray35's tone is perceived by some to be inferior to both the Ray34 and genuine Music Man models, attributed to compromised electronics for affordability.

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  • While the Ray35 offers 90% of a Music Man Stingray's tone, the electronics are slightly scratchier, suggesting lower-quality components.

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  • The build and value of the Ray35 are comparable to mid-range MIM Fenders, offering a close alternative to the more expensive Ernie Ball Stingray5.

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  • The Ray35's tone control and smoothness are preferred over the Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special by some users, despite the latter's higher cost.

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Features and functionality

  • The G string spacing on the Ray35 is considered better as it's not too close to the fretboard edge, unlike some Music Man 5-string models.

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  • The 3-way pickup selector offers parallel, series with a mid-pass filter, and series options, expanding tonal versatility for live play.

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  • The Ray35 provides two full octaves within four frets across all five strings, enhancing note accessibility for complex play styles.

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Build quality

  • The Ray35 is noted for having a cheaper finish compared to higher-end models, which could impact durability over time.

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  • The bass runs on the heavier side, often exceeding 10 lbs, which could be a concern for long playing sessions.

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  • Owners note that the matte black version has problematic tuners that often fall apart, requiring replacements for reliable performance.

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Value and pricing

  • A used Ray35 can be found for around $300, offering significant value when purchased in mint condition.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting the pots by loosening screws can resolve initial friction issues, allowing for smoother control adjustments.

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