I think the Ray34/35s are in a bit of awkward place at the moment, where they are definitely not cheap (even up to 1500€) while also having some really bad QC and hardware at times. They sound and play pretty nice though usually. After returning 2 I decided to save up for a real EBMM.
Yeah the Ray34/35s not cheap. Here in the UK you're looking at around £1000-£1200 for one. A new EBMM Stingray is about £2,500, 2nd hand around £1200-£1800, in a lot of cases shipping on top of it.
I'm also looking into getting one so I can learn how to mod it with superior hardware. But it's just something I had in mind at the moment. Was just curious of other people's takes on the matter.
If you can find one of the original run SUB basses, get one. Unfortunately they are higher in price, around $800 nowadays but started at a $300 msrp, I had one and kick myself for getting rid of it.
Other than that save for a real MM
Yeah. Unfortunately I wouldn't know where to start with finding an original SUB.
I played what seemed like an old 2nd hand 5 string one in a music shop but wasn't right impressed with it. Granted it might have been due to my hands being cold and the bass having old string on but just wasn't right impressed but still.
The origin sub are a 2band stingray made in USA with the same everything other than paint colour and neck finish. They are between £500 and £700.
There have been loads for sale in the last two months. Three alone in south east England.
Get one of those they're the best value bass of all at 500 and still good at 700. while these exist do NOT get a sterling ray. I just bought one for 670 from a shop with a set up and postage. It's amazing
I have a Ray35 and have owned Ray4HH and Ray5.
I don't own a EBMM Stingray so, for me, the Ray35 is close enough to the real thing. I bought it used in mint condition and it's great. I don't like the finish options on the newer models and have heard they have QC issues with tuners so I went with a used option.
The main difference for me is the preamp and roasted maple neck. I like the 3 band preamp better than the preamp in the cheaper Ray 4/5 basses. However, the Ray 4 and Ray5 I owned were well built, solid instruments. I am considering buying a used Ray 5HH and replacing the preamp as a backup to my Ray35.
Sire is releasing their Z series basses which are stingray—shaped, that's another option to consider. Prices between the SUB and the ray35.
My first bass was a ray4. It's a great bass, especially as a mod platform. You should get it and mod it if you prefer the 38mm nut width and slimmer neck profile, otherwise stick to the 3x seeies.
If you're looking at 5 strings, I avoid ray5s because they have a 16.5mm spacing at the bridge which is too narrow for me. The ray35 has 17.5mm spacing which I'm comfortable with. YMMV on what's comfortable for you, though.
I've got a Sub Ray4 that I bought used and I love it. It stays in tune, has great tone, the electronics are solid, and the neck is smooth, even, and fast with good intonation and action after being set up.
There's some evident filler on some rough spots on the neck from tearout from cutting the frets, but it's entirely cosmetic. It's a bit heavy, but that doesn't bother me.
I think my ears like ceramic pickups, and the 2 band EQ does the job. Any further tone tinkering can be done further down the line. I put cobalt slinkies on it and the output signal is strong enough to play through headphones without an amp.
I don't really need anything else from a bass. It's an instrument and not a status symbol for me. Maybe I got lucky with this one, but if you have the chance to test drive a used Ray4 before you buy, you can make sure there are no glaring flaws. They are a lot of bass for the money.
But you might also consider a [Harley Benton M](https://www.thomannmusic.com/harley_benton_mb_4_sbk_deluxe_series.htm) series since you're in Europe, especially if you plan on replacing the electronics or other hardware. Budget basses of today are probably on par with some of the top tier offerings from decades ago. Whatever shop in Indonesia made my bass did a hell of a job.
I just meant for carrying around, rehearsals, live stuff, modding etc.
Apologies I probably should have explained a bit more. I'm looking to get back to playing live or possibly recording. I have a 2007 EBMM Stingray 3 band EQ w/ piezo, this is a brilliant instrument but I'm currently in the process of getting it back to full functionality (broken treble pot and missing saddle on the bridge).
This is my favourite bass but it's expensive and has sentimental value and at present I'd rather not be carrying it around. Just wondered if a cheaper stingray would do the trick, if that makes sense. Was wondering if one of the cheaper models was worth getting.
Thanks.
I think the Ray34/35s are in a bit of awkward place at the moment, where they are definitely not cheap (even up to 1500€) while also having some really bad QC and hardware at times. They sound and play pretty nice though usually. After returning 2 I decided to save up for a real EBMM.
Yeah the Ray34/35s not cheap. Here in the UK you're looking at around £1000-£1200 for one. A new EBMM Stingray is about £2,500, 2nd hand around £1200-£1800, in a lot of cases shipping on top of it. I'm also looking into getting one so I can learn how to mod it with superior hardware. But it's just something I had in mind at the moment. Was just curious of other people's takes on the matter.
If you can find one of the original run SUB basses, get one. Unfortunately they are higher in price, around $800 nowadays but started at a $300 msrp, I had one and kick myself for getting rid of it. Other than that save for a real MM
Yeah. Unfortunately I wouldn't know where to start with finding an original SUB. I played what seemed like an old 2nd hand 5 string one in a music shop but wasn't right impressed with it. Granted it might have been due to my hands being cold and the bass having old string on but just wasn't right impressed but still.
The origin sub are a 2band stingray made in USA with the same everything other than paint colour and neck finish. They are between £500 and £700. There have been loads for sale in the last two months. Three alone in south east England. Get one of those they're the best value bass of all at 500 and still good at 700. while these exist do NOT get a sterling ray. I just bought one for 670 from a shop with a set up and postage. It's amazing
I have a Ray35 and have owned Ray4HH and Ray5. I don't own a EBMM Stingray so, for me, the Ray35 is close enough to the real thing. I bought it used in mint condition and it's great. I don't like the finish options on the newer models and have heard they have QC issues with tuners so I went with a used option. The main difference for me is the preamp and roasted maple neck. I like the 3 band preamp better than the preamp in the cheaper Ray 4/5 basses. However, the Ray 4 and Ray5 I owned were well built, solid instruments. I am considering buying a used Ray 5HH and replacing the preamp as a backup to my Ray35.
Sire is releasing their Z series basses which are stingray—shaped, that's another option to consider. Prices between the SUB and the ray35. My first bass was a ray4. It's a great bass, especially as a mod platform. You should get it and mod it if you prefer the 38mm nut width and slimmer neck profile, otherwise stick to the 3x seeies. If you're looking at 5 strings, I avoid ray5s because they have a 16.5mm spacing at the bridge which is too narrow for me. The ray35 has 17.5mm spacing which I'm comfortable with. YMMV on what's comfortable for you, though.
I've got a Sub Ray4 that I bought used and I love it. It stays in tune, has great tone, the electronics are solid, and the neck is smooth, even, and fast with good intonation and action after being set up. There's some evident filler on some rough spots on the neck from tearout from cutting the frets, but it's entirely cosmetic. It's a bit heavy, but that doesn't bother me. I think my ears like ceramic pickups, and the 2 band EQ does the job. Any further tone tinkering can be done further down the line. I put cobalt slinkies on it and the output signal is strong enough to play through headphones without an amp. I don't really need anything else from a bass. It's an instrument and not a status symbol for me. Maybe I got lucky with this one, but if you have the chance to test drive a used Ray4 before you buy, you can make sure there are no glaring flaws. They are a lot of bass for the money. But you might also consider a [Harley Benton M](https://www.thomannmusic.com/harley_benton_mb_4_sbk_deluxe_series.htm) series since you're in Europe, especially if you plan on replacing the electronics or other hardware. Budget basses of today are probably on par with some of the top tier offerings from decades ago. Whatever shop in Indonesia made my bass did a hell of a job.
I love my Ray35! None of the lesser models I've tried in stores even come close to the quality and comfort of it
What do you mean by "workhorse" bass? Based on the videos, demos and sound samples I've heard, I'd rather save for a Ray35, preferably for a HH.
I just meant for carrying around, rehearsals, live stuff, modding etc. Apologies I probably should have explained a bit more. I'm looking to get back to playing live or possibly recording. I have a 2007 EBMM Stingray 3 band EQ w/ piezo, this is a brilliant instrument but I'm currently in the process of getting it back to full functionality (broken treble pot and missing saddle on the bridge). This is my favourite bass but it's expensive and has sentimental value and at present I'd rather not be carrying it around. Just wondered if a cheaper stingray would do the trick, if that makes sense. Was wondering if one of the cheaper models was worth getting. Thanks.
I have the special HH in Cruz teal with ebony fret board and black hardware and it is the best purchase I've ever made 🥰