It’s been a while since we’ve mentioned this specific bass, but due to the fact we get repeated requests about it, we’re talking about it again.
The bass seen above has the unnecessarily long title of “Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Ray4”, which most bass players simply refer to as “Sterling SUB Ray4” or even the super-short “SUB Ray4” just to keep things nice and simple.
This is not an expensive instrument, and at the time of this writing can be bought for 300 USD new. It even comes in 5 different colors (Satin Walnut w/rosewood fingerboard, Mint Green w/maple fingerboard, Satin Blue w/rosewood fingerboard, Satin Black w/rosewood fingerboard, Black w/maple fingerboard).
What’s the big deal about this bass? It’s an officially licensed Music Man design you can get for cheap.
The only issue with this particular bass is the electronics. They’re not bad electronics, but they are what you would expect out of a $300 bass, which isn’t saying much…
…and this is where upgrades come in.
There are two specific upgrades BBG sells that make this bass sound a whole lot better:
The total cost of these parts combined with the cost of the SUB Ray4 is still far cheaper than regularly priced Music Man basses with similar specifications.
When you want Music Man, want it all-new and want it for less, the Sterling SUB Ray4 combined with the two parts above is the way to go.
I’m trying to find out what pickup fits in a sterling sub ray 5
Nordstrand makes one
I ordered this combo for my SUB Ray4 a few months ago and couldn’t be happier with the results.
I bought my bass from Guitar Center and as noted above and elsewhere, the build quality is great but the pickup and preamp left a lot to be desired. The volume knob was essentially an on/off switch. It went from 0 to 100 when turned only a little. The output was so hot my amp kept clipping.
After breaking out my soldering iron and installing the new pickup and preamp it was like playing a different, much more expensive instrument. The replacement knobs and pots are much higher quality and I now have a lot more tonal range than with the stock electronics.
One note:
I found the online instructions from Delano confusing. I had more wires coming from the pickup than I knew what to with. I’m by no means an expert, so your mileage may vary.
Sounds awesome! Would this preamp and pickup combination be an easy mod for the Ray 24? In other words, I don’t want to have to modify the routing and/or pick guard. Just wanna slap it in the control cavity and go. Thank you.
I have a 2015 Ernie Ball Music man sting Ray H , my basement got flooded, now my pre amp board is shorted any body here know anybody that reap air them , thanks