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Average Price: $550
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Description
The Sterling StingRay Ray35QM is a powerhouse in the world of electric basses, merging classic design with versatile modern features. Its mahogany body, topped with an elegant quilted maple, not only exudes sophistication but also delivers a rich and resonant tone that's a hallmark of the StingRay series. Beneath its striking exterior, the Ray35QM houses a Music Man alnico humbucker and a 3-band active EQ, offering a spectrum of tones from deep, thunderous lows to bright, articulate highs. This bass is crafted for musicians who crave both style and substance without breaking the bank.
The Ray35QM’s playability is enhanced by its smooth, hard maple neck, which provides the perfect blend of sustain and punch. Its distinctive oval pickguard and contoured body make it comfortable for long gigs or studio sessions, while its Music Man-designed bridge and saddles ensure rock-solid tuning stability. This is more than just an instrument; it’s a reliable companion for any musical journey, offering the iconic StingRay experience at an accessible price point.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring bassist, the Sterling StingRay Ray35QM promises to deliver impeccable performance and style that are sure to make you stand out on stage.
Key Features:
- Contoured mahogany body with quilt maple top for rich tone and aesthetics
- Hard maple neck for enhanced sustain and punch
- Music Man alnico humbucker for powerful and clear sound
- Active preamp with 3-band EQ for versatile tone shaping
- Music Man-designed bridge and saddles for superior tuning stability
Product specs
| Brand | Sterling |
| Model | StingRay Ray35QM |
| Year | 2015 - 2023 |
| Made In | Indonesia |
| Categories | 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Active Pickups |
| Active Preamp | Active Preamp |
| Body Material | Ash, Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Blue, Brown, Tan |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 5-String |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Quilted |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Sterling StingRay Ray35QM's pickups?
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The Sterling StingRay Ray35QM features active pickups that deliver a powerful and punchy tone, ideal for rock, funk, and pop genres. The active preamp enhances tonal versatility, allowing for deep lows and bright highs.
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Is the Sterling StingRay Ray35QM suitable for beginners?
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While the Sterling StingRay Ray35QM is a high-quality instrument suitable for players of all levels, its features and price point might be better suited for intermediate to advanced bassists looking for a reliable 5-string bass.
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What is the neck profile of the Sterling StingRay Ray35QM like?
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The Sterling StingRay Ray35QM features a comfortable maple neck with a 12" fretboard radius, providing a smooth playing experience that accommodates both fast runs and intricate fingerstyle playing.
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Does the Sterling StingRay Ray35QM work well for slap bass techniques?
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Yes, the Sterling StingRay Ray35QM's active electronics and responsive pickups make it an excellent choice for slap bass, offering bright and articulate tones that cut through the mix.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Sterling StingRay Ray35QM?
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The Sterling StingRay Ray35QM is crafted with an ash or mahogany body, a quilted maple top, and a maple neck, providing a balance of durability and resonant tone.
Videos
Ernie Ball
Sterling by Music Man: StingRay Bass Demo (ft. Matt Kirkwood) - Ray35QM
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling StingRay Ray35QM.
Build quality
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The Ray35 has been noted to sometimes have quality control issues, particularly with the black tuners, which have reportedly been resolved in recent models.
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Some owners note that Sterling Ray34 tuners are janky, especially on black hardware with purple sparkle finishes, but replacements like Hipshot HB7s improve stability.
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User experience
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The Ray35 is reported to weigh over 10 lbs, but a wide strap can mitigate discomfort during extended play sessions.
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Transitioning from a 4-string to the 5-string Ray35 can be disorienting initially, due to the additional string affecting hand placement and muting techniques.
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A Sterling Ray34 owner found the bass to be boomy with centered pots, needing bass pot adjustments to achieve clarity similar to an EBMM.
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Comparisons
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Owners have compared the Ray35 with the Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special, noting the Ray35 offers comparable tone control and smoothness despite being significantly less expensive.
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The Ernie Ball Music Man neck is smoother with better fretwork compared to Sterling, but Sterling's pots have a smoother resistance.
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Use cases and applications
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The Ray35 is favored by some users over a Fender Jazz Bass, particularly for genres requiring a versatile tone like reggae and jazz.
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Setup and maintenance
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A user reported having to adjust pickup height significantly to balance string volume, particularly with D and G strings being quieter.
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Mods and upgrades
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One user highly recommends installing Hipshot HB7 tuners as a drop-in replacement for stock tuners to enhance tuning stability.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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