(UPDATE: Yes, we can also give you fantastic upgrade options for the 5-string model S.U.B., just email or call us and ask, we can help.)
At the time of this writing, the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Ray4 model has a street price of about $300 USD.
We do routinely get requests asking what upgrades are available for an inexpensive instrument like this. And for this specific instrument, the question usually is something to the effect of, “How do I get that pre-Ernie Ball Stingray sound?”
Where we can help you out is with the electronics. Namely, these two items:
John East MMSR
(note: control plate not included)
These two items are a significant upgrade to stock electronics that the S.U.B. Ray4 comes with. The pickup will really bring out low and middle range response, and provide a much better top end to cut through the mix. It also works very nicely with the right preamp, and that’s where the John East MMSR comes in. These two items when used together make one heck of nice upgrade for a S.U.B. Ray4.
If you buy these two together, we’ll give you a discount – but only if you ask. Email or call us direct.
Agreed! But let’s not forget the nordstrand preamp specifically made for the stingray bass. I know a couple of people installed them in their stingrays and I was like “WOW!” But the John East and the Delano combo is a good choice.
I have a sub and I put the bartolini 2band 3 knob preamp and the punch is amazing
Me too! The bartolini 2-band 3 knob a/p preamp and the stock sub pickup is all you need for this bass!!
I have one of those basses, but please considered that hardware replaced such as Hipshot HW and Dtuner, Bartolini Pickups and BadAss Brigde ¡¡¡¡
You can typically pick up a used American made Stingray for $700 to $800 (I did), so bear that in mind before dumping a few hundred dollars into a SUB. $300 for the bass plus pickups, preamp and bridge will get you close to the used American price.
I agree 100% I know that John East and Delano Pup by themselves will be at least 500-600 bucks. Might as well save a little more and get an actual stingray
We have a Zero Mod coming out for the SUB in the near future!
How near is near future?
That’s what I came looking for.
We have a prototype being tested now, so we’re probably looking at early March availability.
I own a SUB Ray 4 and a SUB Ray 5, and have received many positive comments from both audience members and even the sound crew with just the stock guitars, no mods. Yes, a used American made, or an actual Sterling MM will cost close to what one could pay for upgrades to the pickups, preamps, bridge, and/or tuners, but I don’t mind modding less expensive projects. When all is said and done, you can have a really solid, great sounding gigging bass that you won’t be afraid to take out on the road. Yes, I would also like some recommendations for Hipshot tuner upgrades for this bass as well!
What about some upgrade options for a Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Ray 5 bass?
I own one of the SUB Ray 4, the black model with maple fretboard. So together with my friend the guitar tech we came up with the following upgrade: Bartolini Deep Tone MMC pickup and the EMG BTS CONTROL preamp. The result of this combination is awesome. The bass sings beautifully with lots of sustain.
What size replacement tuner does a S.U.B Ray4 take? And how much weight do Ultralights save compared to stock?
Hello, if you can get in touch with us at sales@bestbassgear.com to continue the conversation so we do not load up this subject with our conversation. HB1’s should be the Hipshot Vintage replacement.
Anyone consider the Sterling Ray 14? Not the S.U.B. I had one at about 500$. Great bass. As close to the real one as you can get. Good workmanship and sound. The S.U.B is good for a beginner or a “Don’t care what happens to it” bass. The other is a keeper. If you can compare ..the G&L Tribute to the real one.. made in America. The Tribute would be the Sterling to the American made Musicman.
Anyone know where I can find gold hardware for a RAY35CA? I just purchased this the other day and I think it would look really awesome on the vintage cream body..
Hey Jon, Some parts are available and some are not. The bridge is non-standard and no retrofit bridge exists that I know of. The control plate can be found on eBay. Knobs and tuners are no problem.
Hi! Do you know wheter this EMG pickup:
http://www.emgpickups.com/bass/mm-models/passive/mmhz.html
could be ok for my S.U.B Ray4?
Size, sound, etc…
THANX!
Hie,
Do you know if the EMG MMCS pick up could fit sit with my SUB 4 (dimensions)
Thanks!!
I put a Seymour Duncan SMB-4DS for $219.00 (pickup, preamp, and pots)
Very nice upgrade and the sound is awesome. Make sure you go though a authorized dealer for Seymour Duncan
I need to replacement the pickup on a sterling sub ray 5 what are my options
Anybody know where I can get a Ray 5 neck with maple fretboard?
I’m looking to upgrade the tuners in my sterling sub stingray 5. Any recommendations? The regular stingray tuners don’t fit.
Has anybody considered a string-thru bridge ?
On all the basses I’ve ever owned, string-thru bodies have added a lot of vibes and sustain.
You can probably drill the Sterling bridge and add ferrules to the body. Music Man and Sterling bridges are quite large, and direct replacement bridges are not very common.