SAINTE-GENEVIÈVE-DES-BOIS, France
About this listing
Carefully inspected and professionally set up by our guitar workshop, this instrument is a showroom model in like-new condition.Original cardbox and accessories included.STERLING by Music Man RAY35 VSB Vintage SunburstSerial Number: S110726Weight: 4.160 kg5-string StingRay solid-body electric bassBody: NyatohNeck: Roasted Hard MapleConstruction: Bolt-on neck, 6-bolt attachmentFingerboard: Roasted MapleRadius: 12" / 305 mmScale Length: 34" / 864 mmFrets: 22 Medium / Medium Jumbo depending on distributor sourcesNut Width: 45 mmInlays: Black dot inlaysPickup: 1 × Alnico H-1 humbuckerElectronics: Active 3-band preampSelector: 3-position switchControls: Volume + 3-band EQBridge: Sterling by Music Man, proprietary designTuners: Open GearFactory Strings: Ernie Ball Slinky (.045–.130)Pickguard: BlackFinish: GlossIt is difficult to talk about the modern electric bass without mentioning the Music Man StingRay. Introduced in the mid-1970s under the direction of Leo Fender, it profoundly influenced the history of the instrument with its oversized humbucker, active electronics and instantly recognizable attack that allows the bass to cut through virtually any mix. From funk and rock to pop, disco and more modern styles, the StingRay has become a true reference instrument, embraced by generations of bass players. With Sterling by Music Man, this legendary concept becomes much more accessible while retaining the essential ingredients that made the StingRay 5 so successful. The RAY35 is a superb example, with the added bonus of a particularly elegant Vintage Sunburst finish.Visually, this RAY35 immediately impresses with its perfect balance between vintage character and a decidedly high-end appearance. The Vintage Sunburst beautifully highlights the iconic lines of the StingRay 5, while the black pickguard and roasted maple neck give it a sleek and distinctive look. This is a bass that faithfully embraces the original's design language without trying to artificially modernize it, with a silhouette that is instantly recognizable and has become an integral part of electric bass history.Build quality is another major strength of this Sterling. The roasted maple neck offers an exceptionally pleasant feel and a level of comfort that immediately makes you want to play. Its satin finish allows the hand to glide naturally along the neck, while the roasted maple fingerboard provides a precise and solid playing feel. The six-bolt neck attachment also contributes to excellent overall rigidity and reinforces the impression of solidity and precision that becomes apparent from the very first minutes of playing. At this price point, the overall level of quality is genuinely impressive.But of course, a StingRay really has to be judged once it is plugged in, and that is where the RAY35 truly reveals its personality. Its Alnico humbucker combined with the active 3-band preamp immediately delivers the characteristic tone that has made Music Man famous: solid, deep lows, particularly present and punchy mids, and precise, sparkling highs that are perfect for slap playing. The pickup remains highly dynamic and responsive to the player's touch, allowing you to move from a powerful, rounded tone to a much more aggressive attack simply by changing your playing style and adjusting the EQ.The active 3-band electronics also make it extremely easy to adapt the bass's character to different musical situations. In a band setting, the RAY35 maintains excellent definition and naturally finds its place in the mix, with that typically StingRay ability to produce a sound that is massive, precise and aggressive without ever becoming muddy. In slap, it reveals its full percussive character, while fingerstyle or pick playing can bring out a much denser and more authoritative voice. This combination of power, dynamics and simplicity is precisely why the StingRay concept has remained so successful for decades.The RAY35 also benefits from a 34-inch scale length that is perfectly suited to a 5-string bass, providing excellent string tension and clear definition on the low B string. The overall design remains highly ergonomic and the instrument immediately inspires confidence, whether used in the studio or on stage. It has that very particular StingRay feel: a bass that always seems ready to respond instantly to every nuance of your playing, with a sharp attack and an impressive amount of power in reserve.Ultimately, this Sterling by Music Man RAY35 achieves exactly what it sets out to do: it offers a genuine StingRay 5 experience at a much more accessible price than the American-made Music Man model, without sacrificing the essential qualities that define its character. Its roasted maple neck, Alnico humbucker, active 3-band preamp, solid construction and instantly recognizable looks make it an exceptionally appealing bass. Above all, it has that rare quality of making you want to play immediately: plug it in, hit a few notes and you instantly discover that famous StingRay punch that has left such a mark on bass history. An outstanding value for anyone looking for a powerful, versatile 5-string bass with a truly distinctive personality.
Original Price€1,499
35% price drop
New Price€979
Incl. VAT
+ €59 Shipping
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