The Sterling by Music Man Ray34 represents an accessible entry point into the legendary StingRay bass design originally created by Leo Fender and made famous by Music Man. As a more budget-friendly alternative to the premium Music Man StingRay, the Sterling Ray34 aims to deliver the iconic StingRay experience at a more approachable price point. Let’s explore its features and performance in detail.

Key Features

Construction and Design

• Body: Solid basswood construction with the iconic StingRay contoured shape
• Neck: Maple neck with rosewood or maple fingerboard options
• Scale Length: 34″ (standard)
• Neck Joint: 5-bolt design for enhanced stability and sustain
• Finish Options: Available in several classic finishes including Black, Vintage Cream, and Ruby Red Burst

Electronics and Hardware

• Pickup: Single Sterling-designed humbucking pickup in the sweet spot position
• Controls: 3-band active EQ with volume, treble, mid, and bass controls
• Preamp: Active 9V powered preamp system
• Bridge: Traditional Music Man-style bridge with adjustable saddles
• Tuners: Die-cast, sealed tuning machines for reliable tuning stability
• Hardware: Chrome-plated for durability and classic appearance

Playability

• Neck Profile: Modern “C” shape for comfortable playability
• Fingerboard Radius: 9.5″ for comfortable fretting
• Frets: 21 medium-jumbo frets
• Nut Width: 1.5″ (38.1mm)

Performance Review

Tone

The Ray34 delivers the punchy, aggressive midrange that made the StingRay famous. The single humbucking pickup produces a rich, full tone that cuts through any mix, especially with the active 3-band EQ engaged. While not quite as refined as its Music Man counterpart, the Sterling version still captures the essential character that bassists seek from the StingRay design.

The active preamp provides significant tonal flexibility. With the EQ in neutral position, the bass produces a balanced, slightly scooped sound characteristic of the StingRay. Boosting the mids creates the classic StingRay growl that’s perfect for rock, funk, and slap techniques. Rolling back the tone controls yields a smoother sound suitable for more subdued playing styles.

Playability

The Ray34’s neck offers comfortable playability with its modern “C” profile that strikes a good balance between substantial feel and speed. The 5-bolt neck joint provides excellent stability and contributes to the bass’s impressive sustain. The slightly flatter fingerboard radius facilitates comfortable playing across all registers.

The weight is manageable, though slightly heavier than some contemporary designs. The body contours mitigate fatigue during extended playing sessions, making this a comfortable instrument for live performances.

Build Quality

For its price point, the Ray34 demonstrates solid construction. The finish application is generally good, though not quite at the level of precision found on American-made Music Man instruments. Hardware quality is respectable, with tuners that maintain stability and a bridge that allows for precise intonation adjustment.

The electronic components represent a noticeable step up from entry-level instruments, with a quiet operation that professionals will appreciate. The pots and switches feel substantial and should hold up well to regular use.

Value Proposition

The Sterling by Music Man Ray34 offers exceptional value for players seeking the iconic StingRay sound and feel without the premium price tag. While it doesn’t match every refinement of the American-made Music Man StingRay, it delivers approximately 80% of the experience at roughly half the cost—making it an attractive option for working musicians, recording artists, and enthusiasts alike.

Summing Up

The Sterling by Music Man Ray34 successfully captures the essence of the iconic StingRay bass while making it accessible to a wider range of players. Its combination of familiar design, versatile electronics, and solid construction makes it a standout option in its price category. For bassists seeking that distinctive StingRay punch and presence without breaking the bank, the Ray34 represents one of the most compelling options available today.

Whether you’re a funk enthusiast, rock bassist, or studio musician looking for that classic StingRay character, the Ray34 delivers a performance that punches above its price class, making it easy to recommend to bassists at nearly any skill level.