hey great licks. i was wondering for that higher stuff on the fretboard, did you learn the whole fretboard or are you just good at counting like 12 frets up? lol
I just bought a used 2011 Sterling Ray34 "Custom." (they called it custom because it's white) I'm a professional gigging bass player in my 50s, and have owned everything from Fender to Alembic and yes EBMM as well. To my astonishment the Ray34 plays, sounds & looks like an American Stingray. I felt like buying an American MM or Fender but after playing this my search is over and I saved a TON of money over the American made originals. So is this a professional level gigging bass ... Hell YES!
hey, my Ray34 doesn't sound anything like yours. What settings have you on your amp. Also my volume control has 2 settings. Twist it once to a stop and then it can be turned again. Do you know what this does as I didn't get a manual
the ray costs around 650$ at musiciansfriend. that's like 500 euros i think? maybe less? at most european music stores these cost nearly 1000 euros. now that STINKS x(
Loving your bass reviews, being a big fan of the Musicman Stingray basses, I LOVE the classic Stringray finger style sound. but the Musicman Stingrays are a bit out of my league. I'm wondering if these two basses can produce that classic tone?
@BassGuitarMag Well, compare to the Musicman Classic Stingrays video, I think the Ray 34 sounds close, I'm also wondering if there's any trick you can do you the amp settings to make it sound closer to a stringray?
I bought the Ray34 Natural and it is great but the Sunburst is awesome too. It is a matter of personal preference because they both will sound the same. However, make sure you hook it up to a good amp. I got an Acoustic B100 Amp and it makes it sound incredible!
@Encreuh - You are French? Sorry, I can't help you with that! (Joking). The CA has a narrower neck, more like a Jazz bass, and 2-band boost-only eq instead of 3 band boost/cut. They both sound great, but those are the differences.
hey as i got my ray 34 ca mint green bass a few days ago, i noticed that i have a fret buzz on the e string. both with open notes and without. it is pissing me off. I've never had this issue before. Do you have this problem? and didn't Musicman setup the bass before they shipped it off? i do like to play moderately hard while playing, (fingerstyle) which does make it more susceptible to the fret buzz, but even when i play lightly it is still there(just barely, but noticeable).
hi, how similar would your say the ray 34 is to the music man stingray in terms f playability and action ect. because i played a musicman in my local music shop and it was just the most jizifying ever. thanks
@bassguitarmag - Have you tried Spector Legend classic 4? Between spector legend and ray34, which in your opinion would be better? Im undecided between the two. Any opinions?
@kaz3kag3gaara - Well, string spacing is fairly standard on MM basses and available on their website. Weight... well, that varies greatly from one bass to the next. If I told you "this bass weighs 8lbs." and you bought one that weighed 12lbs... you'd be pissed at me. With a production line bass... there's too much weight variation for me to make a selling point out of it.
@kaz3kag3gaara String spacing on 4 strings is almost always 19mm, so they're no need to mention it unless its unusual. If you're that concerned about weight you'll probably just want to avoid large bodied basses like Stingrays.
Would you say they are tonally comparable? I've had a tribute l2000 for years but never really got on with the neck, it's like playing a an elephant compared to my Aerodyne but tonally blows it out the water so in constant dilemma! A slimmer neck is appealing.
@BassGuitarMag I traded my G & L L2000 Tribute in for the Ray 34. To me there is no comparison, The Ray 34 is a much much better playing & sounding bass!
Hi BassGuitarMag: I just bought yesterday an MIA Fender Highway One Jazz.. but I had difficulty choosing between the Sterling 34 (MI Indonesia) you played and the one I picked. Your sound is really cool. Now I don't know if I made the right choice. What's your opinion about MIA Fender Highway One Jazz?
@moronslave - The Highway one is a great bass. Probably a step up from the Ray 34 in pure quality terms, but a very different animal. They sound completely different, so you can always get one next and have more sounds available.
also are they big in size? i have a fender jazz bass and i am wondering what the size comparison is neck length wise and body size wise? my fender jazz bass is a little big for me because i am a small guy, but i really like playing a bass that fits my size
@Metaldudehere mexican made jazz bass. same price and if you havent noticed, almost all punk rock bassists use fenders. i own both basses and i always use my jazz bass over my sterling
@yomammaonastick well yeah I have my fender jazz bass, and I use it alot, however, Mine is Korean and I don't get the tone I'm looking for, so i was either looking at buying one of these to go a little cheaper, or buying a fender precision bass. Depends on What I can find though :P
@Metaldudehere guitar center for sure would have both basses in stock if theres a store near you so you can always check there. what bands are looking to mimic the tones of?
@yomammaonastick Well rancid is my fav tone, which is a fender precision lol but im also looking for like a casualties bass tone, like the one on the song fallen heroes, im also trying to get a unique heavy but thick sound
@Metaldudehere unless you can afford to have a pbass just for the hell of it i wouldnt get one. jazz basses have more tonal variety because of it having 2 pickups. i have covers on my channel which are of pretty good sound qualtiy where i use a sterling ray 34 and my mexican jazz bass if youd like a sound demo. im sure you would know that if you turn the neck pickup off on a jazz bass it sounds like a p bass and i did that in my cover of Misery so you can hear what that sounds like if you want.
hi ed, theres been something that recently has been confusing me and id quite like to know why its happening and how it can be solved ( if you know why and how), basicly i play with a squier jazz through an ashdown mag 300 and when i stand near the amp it has allot of bottom end and power, but then when i walk away (probably up to about 6 meters) allot of the volume, power and bottom end goes and it leaves it sounding quite tinny, thanks allot if you can help.
@cheeseperson03 - The closer you stand to the amp, the louder it will sound. Pretty simple. The highs are blowing past your knees, but when you get out in front of the amp, you hear them. Low frequencies radiate more, highs are more directional. Then, there is the effect of whatever room you happen to be in.
@cheeseperson03 - Not necessarily. A lot depends on the room you're in. But it's a good idea to step way out in front of your amp to check what you're getting. If it needs more lows, add some, but be careful - over boosting lows puts a lot of strain on your speakers, and can cover up a lot of sound. Sometimes you need more low mids.
@andrssxbassplayer - Do you mean it's out of synch? That might be a Youtube issue. I always make sure everything is synched up, but I've read that some people have problems with this. Look in the help section, there may be an answer for you there.
any chance of a tab for the intro tune its awesome, anyways i got a sterling sb14 in black a while ago and its amazing, so comfy to play and fantastic for funk
@TraitorBagel - No, I just made it up at the time. There is nothing written down. But it's a great opportunity for you to exercise your ears and learn it yourself. Not as hard as you think!
Was wondering, what would be better, the sterling SB14 or a MM Sub (even though they are discontinued)? Going for sound, which has the edge, or are they both the same?
@thizzxordie - From what I remember, most of the SUBS were passive. (I think). Anyway, they were good basses, but I can't really compare them as I've never played one.
@thizzxordie I've played SUB guitars, lol. Qualitywise they are great. And as Ed said, there are some passive ones, but active as well (2 band). Now, Sterling basses are awesome as well. Same quality probably, but different specs. So you have to play both and pick.
Quick question: in terms of sound, how well does the Sterling fare up to the Stingray? In other words, does the Sterling have the famous Stringray-style tone?
I am confused. Does active pre-amp and pickups mean 2 different things which means the Bass needs 2 batteries? or are the same thing and the whole bass just takes one battery?
I've been playing on the Fender Affinity that my parents bought me for about 8 months now and i was looking to upgrade. For funk, hip hop, and jazz would you recommend the ray 34 or the SB 14?
@afromann2point0 - Really either one will do. If you like a P neck, get the Ray, if you like a J neck, get the SB14. The SB is kind of cool because of the 3-way switch, gives you some more tones... and the fingerboard has one more fret - 22 (which I prefer).
Hey Ed, I just picked up the honeyburst Ray34 last week. Very good tone especially for slap and i think its one of the best basses in its class. I would of got the classic active model but im not a fan of narrow necks(even though i own a jazz bass) i prefer the chunkier ones like the one on the standard ray34s. Anyways, your review really gave me some insight on the bass and i thank you for that.
@AmishParadice - No, they are really about the same in terms of quality. In terms of personal preference, I tend to like the SB14, but that was just between those two particular basses. I have both types of bass in my collection (but the MM versions), so... either one. It depends on if you like a Jazz neck (SB14) or P neck (Ray34) and if you want the three way switch or not.
Awesome basses :) i was thinking about getting the 34 for a while. Another bass I've been looking at though is the BC Rich Mockingbird Heritage Classic, do you know how it compares? And if possible, could you do a review? :D
@Piehead99 - Sorry, but I only review things that get assigned to me by my editor at Guitar World, or that are contracted by the manufacturer. Bottom line, someone has to pay me.
Comparing those two basses is like comparing apples and pickup trucks... they are only similar in that they have 4 strings. So... sorry, I got nothing.
Dear Mr. Friedland if you review acoustic electric basses i was wondering if you could make a video for the Ibanez EWB20WNE plugged and unplugged? I have been back and forth between it and the Ibanez AEB10E and was wondering if it's worth the extra money for the EWB20.
Dear Mr Friedland, thank for your reviews, which I really like. I hope you don't mind if ask for a recommendation. I have a GB 1200 which I am running with 10x10 marshall dynamic bass system speakers. However, I would like to fit some GB 410T-UB-8 to it. There is no retail for this product in Germany so I have to order them via an US retailer. Do you think it would be good choice instead of the XB Series?
@FunkyDebob - I haven't tried the XB cabs, so I can't really compare them. However, the UB410 is an awesome cab, and not nearly as heavy as the other.
Ah nice, i have a Musicman sub passive bass at the moment, i would like to hear your oppinion on that bass, is it wise to buy the Sterling by Music Man Ray34 RW SVB Limited Silverburst or should i just stick with the sub passive bass? Thanks!
Hey man, i need a new bass for my band, we play punk-ish music like sum 41, blink 182 , i was thinking about getting a Sterling by Music Man Ray34 RW SVB Limited Silverburst, but i play with plectrum, does it sound nice with a plectrum and is it good for the punk-ish music? Thanks
@arran8910 - I can't say "how much" the rig determines the tone. The amp itself is fairly neutral, but it IS a great setup. I would say this amp probably colors the tone a lot less than other amps, like an Ampeg. I don't mean that's BAD, Ampeg has a signature tone. This amp is relatively uncolored, so you're hearing more of a true sound from the bass.
@BassGuitarMag i did that O.o showed my mates.. it's remarkably awesome. by the way im just asking your opinion on MIM J v RAY34(would go Sb14 but not avilible)
@sp00nf33d - You can't really compare the two basses, they are night and day. A passive two single-coil bass vs. an active 3-band eq with a Humbucker? Totally different sound. It's up to you to decide which tone you want.
Hi Ed! I bought a black Ray 34 mainly based on your review. Im 99.9% happy with it except the fret buzz I cant totaly eliminate. However there seems to be a bit of fret buzz from all MM basses including your review , other YouTube postings and of course Flea's crazy tuition video. Is fret buzz an expected aspect of the bass or is there any tips you can give? Thanks
@baceace - Any bass will buzz if the strings are too low for how hard you play. It might need to have the neck a little straighter, you might need to raise the action, you might need to play a little lighter, you might need to put on a stiffer string. All possible solutions.
Hi Ed, I've been studying your videos for about 2 years ago, I decided to buy a new bass guitar the next week a Musicman Classic Sterling. I need that it can provide me a wide range of sound. I'm starting a proyect with my band, to play Rock and Funk. Please can you tell me ¿What do I have to check before buying the bass guitar? and if you reccomend ¿what Musicman series is closer to what I'm looking for?
@Nextorgd - If you're going to a store, play as many basses as you can. You might want to compare a Stingray Classic with a modern Ray with 3-band eq... One of them is bound to feel better to you than the others. Of course this bass will sound great for rock and funk!
@BassGuitarMag Hi Ed! Finally I bought my new bass, after playing a lot of different Musicman Basses and checking details, I decided to buy an Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 5 made in USA and I love it! I will start recording in studio next week with my band. Thank you, you helped me a lot.
Just picked up the Classic Active version of this bass today and I'm loving it. Plays great, sounds great, I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you're into slap and funk.
@78coupdegrace Fantastic bass man! It's my current one. Went into a Music Store looking for a Fender Jazz or Ibanez or Warwick in the same price range. Played all those, liked them all, but the Ray 34 blew 'em all out of the water! It's essentially a real MusicMan. Sound almost identical. Great buy!!
Hey Ed, I first want to say thanks, your reviews are great, I actually bought a Sb14 because of this review. But I was wondering, do you think flatwounds would give a Sterling a good sound? Thanks
Hi Ed, i`ve listen to your videos and you are a great bass player.. I have one question and i hope you can help me, i`m going to buy a bass and im between a fender american deluxe jazz bass V, a Sterling ray 34, and a G&L L-2500 tribute.. I play in a alternative rock band but im getting interested in funky style and also i play heavy metal..now the question, if you were me wich of those you`ll get? Hope you can help me, Thanks for your time!
@nicoberna28 - Well, pretty much any of them would work. The Fender is the most expensive out of the 3. The G&L is probably the most aggressive sounding. The Ray is also aggressive, but only has one pickup. Not a problem, just a fact. My first suggestion is to play all of them and decide based on your preference of the feel and sound. I can't make the choice for you. But, based on your description, I lean toward the G&L.
Ed I'm just wondering... Do you or someone else do a setup on the basses you review (if they need it that is)? Do you get the instruments direct from the manufacturer? The reason I ask is I have played a few of the basses you've reviewed ( sterlings included) and many of them just don't sound as good. Many need a proper setup. I spose it also could be your rig, talent and excellent playing ability. I just want to know why the basses you play sound better than the one in the stores!?
@CSAN33 - Occasionally I will do some setup on a bass... the weather in Texas is variable, and sometimes a bass may be setup fine at the factory and everything changes when it gets here. And in some cases, the bass is not setup at the factory at all. The basses you see in most stores are not setup well at all. GC is notoriously bad for that. And then every 12 year old comes in and plays them after eating pizza. Yes, the rig, the hands, and knowing how to record bass also helps.
@BassGuitarMag Ok thanks, I'm am looking at purchasing a new bass and I had been thinking about trying a Sterling. So I went to my local GC and played two Ray34's and they just sounded horrible, so then I jumped on your channel to look at the review and it sounds great on the video.
@BassGuitarMag Yea I will most likely do that. One more question, I know you probably get this alot ( asking for your preferance between basses) and I imagine it might get annoying but... you are the bass whisperer. So, in your opinion which bass do you believe is superior, in terms of construction, playability and tonal versatility: the Sterling Ray34, G&L Tribute L-2000, or the Lakland 55-01? These are the basses I've been looking at though I'm not able to play the G&L or the Lakland.
@CSAN33 - Well, out of the 3, I would say the Lakland wins in terms of the actual build quality. The cheaper Barts and preamp are a shortcoming on the 55-01, but they are not bad. Just a little bright in my opinion. That is easily replaced. Slap some Nordys in there with a good preamp and you've got a stellar bass. The Ray 34 and Tribute are both great instruments for the price too, but I would say the Lakie is a little bit higher up the build scale.
@BassGuitarMag I will do just that. Now, I know you must get this alot, and I can see how it might become annoying but... you are the Bass Whisperer. So, which bass do you feel is superior, in terms of: construction, playability, value, and tonal versatility? The Sterling Ray34, G&L Tribute L-2000, or the Lakland 55-01? These are the basses I've been considering purchasing, but my local GC only has the Ray34, so I haven't played the other two. You input would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Ed! Is the Sb14 the lesser quality instrument to the Ray? I've played the sb14 and loved the neck but the bass didn't seem to have the gutsy sound of my Cort Gb(somthing) with mighty mite MM pup. Is the ray eq and pup better? Cheers
@baceace - No the SB14 is not lesser to the Ray, just a slightly different design. Also, the Ray34 is Ash, the SB is basswood. They both have their good points.
I'm thinking on buying a Sterling By Musicman Ray 35. My question and doubt is this: i like playing a lot progressive metal like Dream Theater but i also really like to play music like Jamiroquai or Red Hot Chili Peppers. The thing i don't know is that that bass have enough versatility for playing those different styles of music.
I will really apreciate your answer, thank you so much and sorry for my english! Regards.
hey great licks. i was wondering for that higher stuff on the fretboard, did you learn the whole fretboard or are you just good at counting like 12 frets up? lol
beefcakes8528 1 week ago
might be great if Ed compared with the actual model MM StingRay and Sterling.
LeeHJay89 1 month ago
I just bought a used 2011 Sterling Ray34 "Custom." (they called it custom because it's white) I'm a professional gigging bass player in my 50s, and have owned everything from Fender to Alembic and yes EBMM as well. To my astonishment the Ray34 plays, sounds & looks like an American Stingray. I felt like buying an American MM or Fender but after playing this my search is over and I saved a TON of money over the American made originals. So is this a professional level gigging bass ... Hell YES!
rrlavigne1 1 month ago
Would you call the Ray34 a beginner or an intermediate bass
MyBassBobAndI 1 month ago
0:26 was soooo smooth damn!
BrewskiBassist 1 month ago
hey how do you think this amp would sound with a modulus flea??please answer i really like your videos
andreasgreekrhcp 1 month ago
hey, my Ray34 doesn't sound anything like yours. What settings have you on your amp. Also my volume control has 2 settings. Twist it once to a stop and then it can be turned again. Do you know what this does as I didn't get a manual
g4geetar 1 month ago
the ray costs around 650$ at musiciansfriend. that's like 500 euros i think? maybe less? at most european music stores these cost nearly 1000 euros. now that STINKS x(
Apemopo 1 month ago
@Apemopo buy it used
samwhich99 1 month ago in playlist More videos from BassGuitarMag
hi Ed,
i just want to know, which of those two basses is better??
i really want a MusicMan bass, but i don't know which is better
i hope your answer,
Greetings From Mexico
EDieDGreat 1 month ago
Ed
I do think there is a slight difference in tone .
Have you ever done a review on the EB musicman stingray 5? That would be great.
dslapster64 1 month ago
Comment removed
zTampa1337 2 months ago
Basswood is great.My Lyte bass is basswood.
TheJagzy 2 months ago
Hi Ed,
Loving your bass reviews, being a big fan of the Musicman Stingray basses, I LOVE the classic Stringray finger style sound. but the Musicman Stingrays are a bit out of my league. I'm wondering if these two basses can produce that classic tone?
Thanks!
Greetings from Australia.
xiaoxiaochuchu 2 months ago
@xiaoxiaochuchu - Well... after watching the video - what do you think?
BassGuitarMag 2 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Well, compare to the Musicman Classic Stingrays video, I think the Ray 34 sounds close, I'm also wondering if there's any trick you can do you the amp settings to make it sound closer to a stringray?
xiaoxiaochuchu 2 months ago
@xiaoxiaochuchu - I don't know. To me it sounds exactly like one.
BassGuitarMag 2 months ago
I bought the Ray34 Natural and it is great but the Sunburst is awesome too. It is a matter of personal preference because they both will sound the same. However, make sure you hook it up to a good amp. I got an Acoustic B100 Amp and it makes it sound incredible!
HWolfeIII 2 months ago
Don't know if I buy the Ray34 natural or the Ray34 CA sunburst ?
Can someone help me ? (I'm french)
Thank you.
Encreuh 2 months ago
@Encreuh - You are French? Sorry, I can't help you with that! (Joking). The CA has a narrower neck, more like a Jazz bass, and 2-band boost-only eq instead of 3 band boost/cut. They both sound great, but those are the differences.
BassGuitarMag 2 months ago 3
@BassGuitarMag
HEAHEaHeaHeaHeaHEa. that first line is hilarious...
tsiggy 2 months ago
What is the fretboard radius of the Ray34?
rotvalo 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
hey as i got my ray 34 ca mint green bass a few days ago, i noticed that i have a fret buzz on the e string. both with open notes and without. it is pissing me off. I've never had this issue before. Do you have this problem? and didn't Musicman setup the bass before they shipped it off? i do like to play moderately hard while playing, (fingerstyle) which does make it more susceptible to the fret buzz, but even when i play lightly it is still there(just barely, but noticeable).
FunkySpunky91 3 months ago
hi, how similar would your say the ray 34 is to the music man stingray in terms f playability and action ect. because i played a musicman in my local music shop and it was just the most jizifying ever. thanks
cheeseperson03 3 months ago
@cheeseperson03 - They are very similar. In fact with a proper setup, I doubt you could tell the difference.
BassGuitarMag 3 months ago
@BassGuitarMag thanks for that, i might save myself 700 quid or so:)
cheeseperson03 3 months ago
you think, what is the best bass??
wuflea 4 months ago
do you think the SB14 would handle Drop C well?
Merick365 4 months ago
this bass sounds like sex if you couple it with sansamp bass driver haha
yomammaonastick 5 months ago
The good point is that they sound exactly the same as a US built Musicman,
so if you like the sound of Musicman basses you will love 'em.
Unfortunately I hate Musicman(men?). That middley gutteral sound puts my nerves on edge! No,really,I'm serious.
Give me a Precision any day of the week.
kingstumble 5 months ago
The 34 sounds a lot livelier - more musical.
boddumblues 5 months ago
@bassguitarmag - Have you tried Spector Legend classic 4? Between spector legend and ray34, which in your opinion would be better? Im undecided between the two. Any opinions?
Cheers :)
PseudoMattifie 6 months ago
@PseudoMattifie - I haven't tried the Spector, so I can't compare.
BassGuitarMag 6 months ago
Comment removed
PseudoMattifie 6 months ago
G&L L2000 RULES
nirgam1 6 months ago
@nirgam1 I owned the G &L L2000, nice bass but I bought The Ray 34 and love it! I'm a
previous owner of an pre-Ernie MM Stingray!
HWolfeIII 5 months ago
im getting this bass for my birthday in september, i cnt wait =]
ryank7x 6 months ago
Would you recommend one of these or the Fender Standard Jazz?
cursedswordsman 6 months ago
@cursedswordsman these. The fender standard series is not good at all. if you've got the money, you should definentaly go for one of these :)
newborn1o1 6 months ago
@cursedswordsman i like both
cheeseperson03 5 months ago
This review made my decision to order my new Ray35 online (there are no MM's or Sterlings at the music stores around here).
I got the bass, and I'm now as happy as never before! :-)
Thanks, Ed (@BassGuitarMag)! Keep up with your great work and reviews!
yordaniy 7 months ago
You never seem to mention weight, or string spacing, or anything.
Which is especially important on Musicman type basses.
kaz3kag3gaara 7 months ago
@kaz3kag3gaara - Well, string spacing is fairly standard on MM basses and available on their website. Weight... well, that varies greatly from one bass to the next. If I told you "this bass weighs 8lbs." and you bought one that weighed 12lbs... you'd be pissed at me. With a production line bass... there's too much weight variation for me to make a selling point out of it.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago 10
@BassGuitarMag
Alright, I just wanted to make sure it wasn't because you just hadn't thought of it or it was written somewhere else and I didn't read it.
And ironically, I did just buy one of these. And it does weigh 12 lbs.
Thank you for replying.
kaz3kag3gaara 7 months ago
@kaz3kag3gaara String spacing on 4 strings is almost always 19mm, so they're no need to mention it unless its unusual. If you're that concerned about weight you'll probably just want to avoid large bodied basses like Stingrays.
iunnox666 5 months ago
MAN, I wish I can play like that.
ghostyman666 7 months ago
sorry, yes I meant the Tribute one. :-)
yokoloko85 7 months ago
In terms of cost x benifit, how this bass would compare to L2000 ?
yokoloko85 7 months ago
@yokoloko85 - I assume you are referring to the Tribute series L2000? If so, pretty much the same.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag L2000 G&L ??
setmonciul 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag L2000 G&L ??
setmonciul 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag
Nice review!
Would you say they are tonally comparable? I've had a tribute l2000 for years but never really got on with the neck, it's like playing a an elephant compared to my Aerodyne but tonally blows it out the water so in constant dilemma! A slimmer neck is appealing.
krazyolie 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag - yes, I was referring to the Tribute series. :-) did you have the chance to compare Ray35 and L2500 (Tribute) ?
yokoloko85 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag I traded my G & L L2000 Tribute in for the Ray 34. To me there is no comparison, The Ray 34 is a much much better playing & sounding bass!
HWolfeIII 3 months ago
@HWolfeIII I was just between this two basses. Don't know which one buy.
Know, I don't know if I buy the Sterling Ray 34 natural, or the sunbursh Ray34 CA ?
Encreuh 2 months ago
@Encreuh I chose the natural, but it is a matter of preference, they both will sound the same! The sunburst is cool too!
HWolfeIII 2 months ago
stock strinks? i like how bright yours are
yomammaonastick 7 months ago
@yomammaonastick - Yes, stock strings.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
Hi BassGuitarMag: I just bought yesterday an MIA Fender Highway One Jazz.. but I had difficulty choosing between the Sterling 34 (MI Indonesia) you played and the one I picked. Your sound is really cool. Now I don't know if I made the right choice. What's your opinion about MIA Fender Highway One Jazz?
moronslave 7 months ago
@moronslave - The Highway one is a great bass. Probably a step up from the Ray 34 in pure quality terms, but a very different animal. They sound completely different, so you can always get one next and have more sounds available.
BassGuitarMag 7 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Thanks so much. I hope you have a demo also of highway one Jazz. Cheers!
moronslave 7 months ago
which is the best for funk/rock/punk ray-34 or sb -14
bassmastrn 7 months ago
also are they big in size? i have a fender jazz bass and i am wondering what the size comparison is neck length wise and body size wise? my fender jazz bass is a little big for me because i am a small guy, but i really like playing a bass that fits my size
Metaldudehere 8 months ago
Hey would it be a good punk rock bass? I am looking to play very complex punk rock?
Metaldudehere 8 months ago
@Metaldudehere mexican made jazz bass. same price and if you havent noticed, almost all punk rock bassists use fenders. i own both basses and i always use my jazz bass over my sterling
yomammaonastick 7 months ago
@yomammaonastick well yeah I have my fender jazz bass, and I use it alot, however, Mine is Korean and I don't get the tone I'm looking for, so i was either looking at buying one of these to go a little cheaper, or buying a fender precision bass. Depends on What I can find though :P
Metaldudehere 7 months ago
@Metaldudehere guitar center for sure would have both basses in stock if theres a store near you so you can always check there. what bands are looking to mimic the tones of?
yomammaonastick 7 months ago
@yomammaonastick Well rancid is my fav tone, which is a fender precision lol but im also looking for like a casualties bass tone, like the one on the song fallen heroes, im also trying to get a unique heavy but thick sound
Metaldudehere 7 months ago
@Metaldudehere unless you can afford to have a pbass just for the hell of it i wouldnt get one. jazz basses have more tonal variety because of it having 2 pickups. i have covers on my channel which are of pretty good sound qualtiy where i use a sterling ray 34 and my mexican jazz bass if youd like a sound demo. im sure you would know that if you turn the neck pickup off on a jazz bass it sounds like a p bass and i did that in my cover of Misery so you can hear what that sounds like if you want.
yomammaonastick 7 months ago
If it were me I'd probably add the little extra $ and buy a nice used USA musicman It would be a better investment.
MrBasswelder 8 months ago
@MrBasswelder a little?
yomammaonastick 7 months ago
傻逼14 lol
Robinhood2318 8 months ago
howed you do that awesome mute-thing at 5:56??
illfortune921 8 months ago
@illfortune921 - It's a right hand triplet - slap-pop-slap.
BassGuitarMag 8 months ago
hi ed, theres been something that recently has been confusing me and id quite like to know why its happening and how it can be solved ( if you know why and how), basicly i play with a squier jazz through an ashdown mag 300 and when i stand near the amp it has allot of bottom end and power, but then when i walk away (probably up to about 6 meters) allot of the volume, power and bottom end goes and it leaves it sounding quite tinny, thanks allot if you can help.
cheeseperson03 8 months ago
@cheeseperson03 - The closer you stand to the amp, the louder it will sound. Pretty simple. The highs are blowing past your knees, but when you get out in front of the amp, you hear them. Low frequencies radiate more, highs are more directional. Then, there is the effect of whatever room you happen to be in.
BassGuitarMag 8 months ago
@BassGuitarMag ah cool thanks, so basicly boost the lows and cut the highs??
cheeseperson03 8 months ago
@cheeseperson03 - Not necessarily. A lot depends on the room you're in. But it's a good idea to step way out in front of your amp to check what you're getting. If it needs more lows, add some, but be careful - over boosting lows puts a lot of strain on your speakers, and can cover up a lot of sound. Sometimes you need more low mids.
BassGuitarMag 8 months ago
@BassGuitarMag thanks for the tip :) your like a guru or something
cheeseperson03 8 months ago
@cheeseperson03 - Or something.
BassGuitarMag 8 months ago
@BassGuitarMag lol
cheeseperson03 8 months ago
@andrssxbassplayer - Do you mean it's out of synch? That might be a Youtube issue. I always make sure everything is synched up, but I've read that some people have problems with this. Look in the help section, there may be an answer for you there.
BassGuitarMag 8 months ago
any chance of a tab for the intro tune its awesome, anyways i got a sterling sb14 in black a while ago and its amazing, so comfy to play and fantastic for funk
TraitorBagel 8 months ago
@TraitorBagel - No, I just made it up at the time. There is nothing written down. But it's a great opportunity for you to exercise your ears and learn it yourself. Not as hard as you think!
BassGuitarMag 8 months ago 2
@BassGuitarMag hehe ive nearly got it, although i can't get the sound you do, sounds like a muted pop?
TraitorBagel 8 months ago
i just bought a ray 34 and loving it!!!! =)
dillydean 9 months ago
Was wondering, what would be better, the sterling SB14 or a MM Sub (even though they are discontinued)? Going for sound, which has the edge, or are they both the same?
thizzxordie 9 months ago
@thizzxordie - From what I remember, most of the SUBS were passive. (I think). Anyway, they were good basses, but I can't really compare them as I've never played one.
BassGuitarMag 9 months ago
@BassGuitarMag
The sub I have in mind has a 2 band eq, but if you've never played them then I understand. But thanks anyway.
thizzxordie 9 months ago
@thizzxordie I've played SUB guitars, lol. Qualitywise they are great. And as Ed said, there are some passive ones, but active as well (2 band). Now, Sterling basses are awesome as well. Same quality probably, but different specs. So you have to play both and pick.
hasegawamiki 9 months ago
Awesome riff at the beginning!
FinnishBassBoy 9 months ago
@MusicJunkiez69 - I'd probably go with the used Ray, but then... condition is a factor. HOW used is it? Is the neck in good shape? etc....
BassGuitarMag 9 months ago
Never should of sold my Ray34. Absolutely amazing bass for the price.
jmattbassplaya90 9 months ago
Quick question: in terms of sound, how well does the Sterling fare up to the Stingray? In other words, does the Sterling have the famous Stringray-style tone?
MrIpenguin12 9 months ago
I have a bongo hs for exposed stuff, but I want the mint green ray 34 to wale on it.
anthonyiodice 9 months ago
mr. ed, i want you to review sterling ray35...
for play metal.... is Ray35 recommended?
antonfernandez78 9 months ago
@antonfernandez78 - Yes, it would work great for metal. It has an edgy cutting tone, and lots of deep bottom. And they come in black.
BassGuitarMag 9 months ago 11
does the db14 use active pickups or passive, i'd like to get the sb14 but acitve pickups are annoying :L
MORGAN1992FREEM4N 9 months ago
@MORGAN1992FREEM4N - Annoying? The SB14 has a passive pickup with active electronics.
BassGuitarMag 9 months ago
@BassGuitarMag oh ok so does the bass still require battery's being changed every so often?
MORGAN1992FREEM4N 9 months ago
sterling by musicman......it is like squier by fender?
hbalazs09 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I am confused. Does active pre-amp and pickups mean 2 different things which means the Bass needs 2 batteries? or are the same thing and the whole bass just takes one battery?
ZombieSlayer93 10 months ago
I can't get mine to sound like this D:
FergusPateman 10 months ago
650 buck?! Costs 650 pounds here in the uk.
robbie1yermaw 10 months ago
@robbie1yermaw ikr
cheeseperson03 10 months ago
Thanks for all your advice in the end i went with a AMerican Special J bass.
sp00nf33d 10 months ago
That SB14 looks really easy to play
RadioMasterDude 10 months ago
I've been playing on the Fender Affinity that my parents bought me for about 8 months now and i was looking to upgrade. For funk, hip hop, and jazz would you recommend the ray 34 or the SB 14?
afromann2point0 10 months ago
@afromann2point0 - Really either one will do. If you like a P neck, get the Ray, if you like a J neck, get the SB14. The SB is kind of cool because of the 3-way switch, gives you some more tones... and the fingerboard has one more fret - 22 (which I prefer).
BassGuitarMag 10 months ago
what tuning are you in on the sb14?
hackford12345 10 months ago
@hackford12345 - In the beginning I have the E string dropped to D.
BassGuitarMag 10 months ago
Hey Ed :) could you review a Galien Kruger (hope I wrote it right .. )
and I wanter to know which you prefer more .. Genz Benz or the Galien Kruger ?
einavi279 10 months ago
@einavi279 - No GK on the menu, but that could always change. Your answer is right in front of you.
BassGuitarMag 10 months ago
@BassGuitarMag I agree, and would love to hear some of the MB stuff, including the MB Fusion
groovingrover32 10 months ago
Hey Ed, I just picked up the honeyburst Ray34 last week. Very good tone especially for slap and i think its one of the best basses in its class. I would of got the classic active model but im not a fan of narrow necks(even though i own a jazz bass) i prefer the chunkier ones like the one on the standard ray34s. Anyways, your review really gave me some insight on the bass and i thank you for that.
bassplayer1494 10 months ago
So of these two basses, is there one that you would say is better than the other?
AmishParadice 10 months ago
@AmishParadice - No, they are really about the same in terms of quality. In terms of personal preference, I tend to like the SB14, but that was just between those two particular basses. I have both types of bass in my collection (but the MM versions), so... either one. It depends on if you like a Jazz neck (SB14) or P neck (Ray34) and if you want the three way switch or not.
BassGuitarMag 10 months ago
Awesome basses :) i was thinking about getting the 34 for a while. Another bass I've been looking at though is the BC Rich Mockingbird Heritage Classic, do you know how it compares? And if possible, could you do a review? :D
Piehead99 10 months ago
@Piehead99 - Sorry, but I only review things that get assigned to me by my editor at Guitar World, or that are contracted by the manufacturer. Bottom line, someone has to pay me.
Comparing those two basses is like comparing apples and pickup trucks... they are only similar in that they have 4 strings. So... sorry, I got nothing.
BassGuitarMag 10 months ago
Dear Mr. Friedland if you review acoustic electric basses i was wondering if you could make a video for the Ibanez EWB20WNE plugged and unplugged? I have been back and forth between it and the Ibanez AEB10E and was wondering if it's worth the extra money for the EWB20.
afromann2point0 10 months ago
@afromann2point0 - I don't know either of those basses I'm afraid. Most likely I won't be reviewing them, sorry.
BassGuitarMag 10 months ago
Can Someone Please Tell Me What Each Knob Is?
JesnBass 10 months ago
Fantastic instruments (i own with extreme satisfaction a ray34), fantastic review :-)
metallus85 10 months ago
Would you say that this bass is good enough for professional work?
IntellectualAmy 11 months ago
Dear Mr Friedland, thank for your reviews, which I really like. I hope you don't mind if ask for a recommendation. I have a GB 1200 which I am running with 10x10 marshall dynamic bass system speakers. However, I would like to fit some GB 410T-UB-8 to it. There is no retail for this product in Germany so I have to order them via an US retailer. Do you think it would be good choice instead of the XB Series?
FunkyDebob 11 months ago
@FunkyDebob - I haven't tried the XB cabs, so I can't really compare them. However, the UB410 is an awesome cab, and not nearly as heavy as the other.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
@BassGuitarMag thank you very much for your quick response. I'll think I'll go for the UB410.Weight, is always a good argument. All the best to you.
FunkyDebob 11 months ago
I have to say, ed does a fantastic job demo-ing gear. he's really thorough.
mcneely2818 11 months ago
Well i'm just wondering if i should get the ray34 for the sound, is it any better then a SUB bass ?
cellarena 11 months ago
@cellarena - They are roughly the same quality.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Ok, i'll stick with the SUB bass for now, thanks!
cellarena 11 months ago
Ah nice, i have a Musicman sub passive bass at the moment, i would like to hear your oppinion on that bass, is it wise to buy the Sterling by Music Man Ray34 RW SVB Limited Silverburst or should i just stick with the sub passive bass? Thanks!
cellarena 11 months ago
@cellarena - The SUB is a nice bass for the money. So is the SBMM, should you get one? I can't say, depends on if you want active or not.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
Hey man, i need a new bass for my band, we play punk-ish music like sum 41, blink 182 , i was thinking about getting a Sterling by Music Man Ray34 RW SVB Limited Silverburst, but i play with plectrum, does it sound nice with a plectrum and is it good for the punk-ish music? Thanks
cellarena 11 months ago
@cellarena - Sure, they sound great with a pick. They definitely cut through any band.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
My next bass will be a Music Man Ray 35 :D
RawrForMyBassGuitar 11 months ago
Hey man, can i just ask how much of the tone on this video is down to your amp and head?
arran8910 11 months ago
@arran8910 - I can't say "how much" the rig determines the tone. The amp itself is fairly neutral, but it IS a great setup. I would say this amp probably colors the tone a lot less than other amps, like an Ampeg. I don't mean that's BAD, Ampeg has a signature tone. This amp is relatively uncolored, so you're hearing more of a true sound from the bass.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
Man, can you review this wal mart elasic band on a tube. you woulc be able to still convince me to buy it T_T amazing skills
sp00nf33d 11 months ago
@sp00nf33d - thanks. But seriously, check out the dude on YT playing balloon bass, he rocks.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
@BassGuitarMag i did that O.o showed my mates.. it's remarkably awesome. by the way im just asking your opinion on MIM J v RAY34(would go Sb14 but not avilible)
sp00nf33d 11 months ago
@sp00nf33d - You can't really compare the two basses, they are night and day. A passive two single-coil bass vs. an active 3-band eq with a Humbucker? Totally different sound. It's up to you to decide which tone you want.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
@BassGuitarMag thanks :)
sp00nf33d 11 months ago
Hi Ed! I bought a black Ray 34 mainly based on your review. Im 99.9% happy with it except the fret buzz I cant totaly eliminate. However there seems to be a bit of fret buzz from all MM basses including your review , other YouTube postings and of course Flea's crazy tuition video. Is fret buzz an expected aspect of the bass or is there any tips you can give? Thanks
baceace 11 months ago
@baceace - Any bass will buzz if the strings are too low for how hard you play. It might need to have the neck a little straighter, you might need to raise the action, you might need to play a little lighter, you might need to put on a stiffer string. All possible solutions.
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
Hi Ed, I've been studying your videos for about 2 years ago, I decided to buy a new bass guitar the next week a Musicman Classic Sterling. I need that it can provide me a wide range of sound. I'm starting a proyect with my band, to play Rock and Funk. Please can you tell me ¿What do I have to check before buying the bass guitar? and if you reccomend ¿what Musicman series is closer to what I'm looking for?
Thank you.
Daniel.
Nextorgd 11 months ago
@Nextorgd - If you're going to a store, play as many basses as you can. You might want to compare a Stingray Classic with a modern Ray with 3-band eq... One of them is bound to feel better to you than the others. Of course this bass will sound great for rock and funk!
BassGuitarMag 11 months ago
@BassGuitarMag Hi Ed! Finally I bought my new bass, after playing a lot of different Musicman Basses and checking details, I decided to buy an Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 5 made in USA and I love it! I will start recording in studio next week with my band. Thank you, you helped me a lot.
Nextorgd 11 months ago
Just picked up the Classic Active version of this bass today and I'm loving it. Plays great, sounds great, I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you're into slap and funk.
imstoned6 1 year ago
I bought a sterling, the cusstom ray 34, what are ur views on it?
78coupdegrace 1 year ago
@78coupdegrace - Nice bass!
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@78coupdegrace Fantastic bass man! It's my current one. Went into a Music Store looking for a Fender Jazz or Ibanez or Warwick in the same price range. Played all those, liked them all, but the Ray 34 blew 'em all out of the water! It's essentially a real MusicMan. Sound almost identical. Great buy!!
Jalreal 1 year ago
Hey Ed, I first want to say thanks, your reviews are great, I actually bought a Sb14 because of this review. But I was wondering, do you think flatwounds would give a Sterling a good sound? Thanks
MexEatxDead 1 year ago
@MexEatxDead - Yes, absolutely! I had flats on my SB14 and it was awesome.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
Hi Ed, i`ve listen to your videos and you are a great bass player.. I have one question and i hope you can help me, i`m going to buy a bass and im between a fender american deluxe jazz bass V, a Sterling ray 34, and a G&L L-2500 tribute.. I play in a alternative rock band but im getting interested in funky style and also i play heavy metal..now the question, if you were me wich of those you`ll get? Hope you can help me, Thanks for your time!
nicoberna28 1 year ago
@nicoberna28 - Well, pretty much any of them would work. The Fender is the most expensive out of the 3. The G&L is probably the most aggressive sounding. The Ray is also aggressive, but only has one pickup. Not a problem, just a fact. My first suggestion is to play all of them and decide based on your preference of the feel and sound. I can't make the choice for you. But, based on your description, I lean toward the G&L.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag Thank you very much, i´ll keep that in mind! Keep rockin!
nicoberna28 1 year ago
Ed I'm just wondering... Do you or someone else do a setup on the basses you review (if they need it that is)? Do you get the instruments direct from the manufacturer? The reason I ask is I have played a few of the basses you've reviewed ( sterlings included) and many of them just don't sound as good. Many need a proper setup. I spose it also could be your rig, talent and excellent playing ability. I just want to know why the basses you play sound better than the one in the stores!?
CSAN33 1 year ago
@CSAN33 - Occasionally I will do some setup on a bass... the weather in Texas is variable, and sometimes a bass may be setup fine at the factory and everything changes when it gets here. And in some cases, the bass is not setup at the factory at all. The basses you see in most stores are not setup well at all. GC is notoriously bad for that. And then every 12 year old comes in and plays them after eating pizza. Yes, the rig, the hands, and knowing how to record bass also helps.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag Ok thanks, I'm am looking at purchasing a new bass and I had been thinking about trying a Sterling. So I went to my local GC and played two Ray34's and they just sounded horrible, so then I jumped on your channel to look at the review and it sounds great on the video.
CSAN33 1 year ago
@CSAN33 - Well... the basses themselves are very good, you should make GC give you a fresh set of strings and/or a setup with the bass.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag Yea I will most likely do that. One more question, I know you probably get this alot ( asking for your preferance between basses) and I imagine it might get annoying but... you are the bass whisperer. So, in your opinion which bass do you believe is superior, in terms of construction, playability and tonal versatility: the Sterling Ray34, G&L Tribute L-2000, or the Lakland 55-01? These are the basses I've been looking at though I'm not able to play the G&L or the Lakland.
CSAN33 1 year ago
@CSAN33 - Well, out of the 3, I would say the Lakland wins in terms of the actual build quality. The cheaper Barts and preamp are a shortcoming on the 55-01, but they are not bad. Just a little bright in my opinion. That is easily replaced. Slap some Nordys in there with a good preamp and you've got a stellar bass. The Ray 34 and Tribute are both great instruments for the price too, but I would say the Lakie is a little bit higher up the build scale.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
@BassGuitarMag I will do just that. Now, I know you must get this alot, and I can see how it might become annoying but... you are the Bass Whisperer. So, which bass do you feel is superior, in terms of: construction, playability, value, and tonal versatility? The Sterling Ray34, G&L Tribute L-2000, or the Lakland 55-01? These are the basses I've been considering purchasing, but my local GC only has the Ray34, so I haven't played the other two. You input would be greatly appreciated.
CSAN33 1 year ago
its funny when you close your eyes everytime you play, as if you are soo into it and thank you for the video review it helps me a lot :)
LiieZMuang 1 year ago
Hi Ed! Is the Sb14 the lesser quality instrument to the Ray? I've played the sb14 and loved the neck but the bass didn't seem to have the gutsy sound of my Cort Gb(somthing) with mighty mite MM pup. Is the ray eq and pup better? Cheers
baceace 1 year ago
@baceace - No the SB14 is not lesser to the Ray, just a slightly different design. Also, the Ray34 is Ash, the SB is basswood. They both have their good points.
BassGuitarMag 1 year ago
great review but cant help but feel like he rushed the ray 34 waaaaay too much...
gunryobassist 1 year ago
Wouldn't exchange it for Warwick Thumb NT, but it seems this is a decent bass.
FleshStarvingBass 1 year ago
Hi, how are you?
I'm thinking on buying a Sterling By Musicman Ray 35. My question and doubt is this: i like playing a lot progressive metal like Dream Theater but i also really like to play music like Jamiroquai or Red Hot Chili Peppers. The thing i don't know is that that bass have enough versatility for playing those different styles of music.
I will really apreciate your answer, thank you so much and sorry for my english! Regards.
aeakd 1 year ago