All user reviews for the Sterling by Music Man Ray34CA

I bought my Ray34CA on Eb ..., used in the United States. Leprix shown includes low ($ 350), shipping ($ 75) and the tax on arrival (€ 70). This is obviously a low "Frankenstein", the body is "mint green" (color pistachio, I would say) and the handle has a maple fingerboard. However, this configuration is not sold, it is therefore two bass mixed.
This is apparently a classic Stingray 4 string, 21 frets, 2-band preamp, without notches and body weight ... quite high: 5,1 kg! I suppose it is ash, but not "lightweight" as stated on their site!
For the preamp, the tone knobs available seems reversed acute side handle, low side bridge. The handle is similar to a Sterling or Jazz Bass, Stingray therefore thinner than standard (or Precision Bass).

UTILIZATION

The handle is ideal for anyone who feels comfortable on the handle of a Jazz bass (38 mm at the nut). And in my case, that's why I was lusting over this model for almost a year. At most I would criticize the fret ends that hang a little, but when I play, I do not get this part. My model has a small fart at the fifth fret, again, it has no impact on the game, because it is a place that does not naturally.
Low immediately takes an ideal location, it is easy to play. On the other hand its weight and lack of indentation probably make it difficult to maintain an entire concert, given my back problems repeatedly.

SOUNDS

The sound for me is that of a Musicman, I found the sound of Tony Levin or old disc Paul Young on which work generally Pino Palladino. I get the impression that there is a good sound, but what a sound! Claps! I have not tried to find a sound closer to that of Paul Denman de Sade, which is a little less bright, less slamming. I confirm AF test: the treble knob does all the work of his and let the bass knob almost to bottom or bottom, if the sound is a little weak. I noticed that lowering the treble, very quickly, it was a sound that seemed "muffled". However, if I use a Stingray, this is not the sound of bass!
This bass is the fifth of my collection, the third fretted. It complements a Precision and a Jazz. Clearly, I'm not looking for bass that can play everything, but one that sounds like a Stingray Stingray, all with a handle end and a reasonable price. With this third bass, I expanded my palette to the music sound less soul, motown or "on" Pink Floyd for a more modern sound, or as like my singing, less vintage.
This is exactly what this bass.

OVERALL OPINION

I have this bass for 5 days and I still can not believe not being able to acquire this instrument for less than 400 € ...
The value for money is indecent. Good for me!
I probably will not use it as main low, mainly because of its weight and tone wrong with all music, but I'll take it regularly. My 75 Jazz Bass Ash 3.9 kg is very hard to dethrone ...
It is likely that I do (or make do) indentations like my Jazz Bass, which could be beneficial in terms of weight and comfort of playing it will probably also take a Hipshot Extender which would allow me to attack a small "Killing in the Name of" history to please my singer!
I know you can find on the internet for about $ 700, with shipping and VAT on arrival is roughly € 700. At this rate, it is still worth the time, especially because it is hard to find sold in Europe under 900 €. If it is a lighter version, then yes it is totally it!