SAINTE-GENEVIÈVE-DES-BOIS, France
About this listing
Carefully inspected and set up by our in-house luthier, this is a brand-new B-Stock bass, never used, with a few tiny clear-coat bubbles on the back (see the last picture).Original packaging and accessories included.STERLING by Music Man RAY34FM-PPS Purple Sunset4-string StingRay solid-body electric bassSerial Number: SR80008Weight: 4.090 kgBody: NyatohTop: Flame Maple VeneerNeck: Roasted MapleConstruction: Bolt-on neck, 6-bolt attachmentFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard Radius: 9.5" / 240 mmScale Length: 34" / 864 mmFrets: 21 MediumNut Width: 43 mmInlays: White dot markersPickup: 1 × Alnico H-1 HumbuckerElectronics: Active 3-band preampControls: Volume, 3-band EQBridge: Sterling by Music Man, proprietary designTuners: Open GearOriginal Strings: Ernie Ball Super Slinky 45–105It is difficult to talk about the modern electric bass without mentioning the Music Man StingRay. Born in the 1970s through the work of Leo Fender and his associates, it left a lasting mark on the history of the instrument with its powerful humbucker, active electronics and instantly recognisable attack, allowing the bass to cut through virtually any mix. From funk and rock to pop, disco and more contemporary styles, the StingRay has become a true benchmark, embraced by generations of bass players. With Sterling by Music Man, this legendary formula becomes far more accessible without sacrificing the essential ingredients that define the original.The RAY34FM is a superb example of this approach, featuring a particularly striking finish that gives it a distinctive visual identity.The first thing that catches your eye on this Purple Sunset version is undoubtedly its beautiful flame maple top, enhanced by a purple finish that is as original as it is elegant. The wood grain and changing reflections give the instrument genuine visual depth, while the black pickguard accentuates the StingRay's iconic lines. The result is particularly successful: you immediately recognise the legendary Music Man silhouette, presented here with a more spectacular, contemporary look. This finish gives the bass plenty of personality and will appeal both to lovers of beautiful wood and to musicians looking for an instrument that stands out on stage.Beyond its looks, the RAY34FM benefits from solid construction and a particularly attractive specification for its price range. Its nyatoh body provides a solid foundation, while the flame maple top adds the premium visual appeal that immediately catches the eye. The roasted maple neck is another major asset. The heat treatment gives the wood an attractive amber appearance and helps improve its dimensional stability. Combined with a rosewood fingerboard, it creates an appealing visual contrast and delivers a particularly comfortable playing feel. With its traditional 34-inch scale, 9.5-inch fingerboard radius and 21 Medium frets, this bass offers a familiar playing experience, equally suited to fingerstyle, slap or pick playing.Of course, a StingRay must ultimately be judged when plugged in, and this is precisely where the RAY34 reveals its true personality. Its Alnico H-1 humbucker, paired with an active 3-band preamp, follows the principles that established Music Man's reputation. Expect a strong, articulate attack, generous lows, prominent mids and the characteristic brightness that allows every note to cut through with authority. The sound is full-bodied, punchy and highly present, while retaining the definition needed when the bass has to hold its own in a complete band mix.The active 3-band preamp makes it easy to adapt the instrument's tonal character to suit the player's needs. Boosting the bass produces a powerful, deep foundation; adjusting the mids lets you emphasise presence and character in the mix; and opening up the treble delivers the crisp, percussive attack that works so well for slap playing. This tonal flexibility allows you to move from a warm, rounded sound to something far more aggressive without changing instruments. The StingRay is renowned precisely for its ability to retain a strong sonic identity, even when the EQ settings are changed considerably.This is also a bass that fits naturally into a wide variety of musical settings. In funk, it delivers a percussive, dynamic response that immediately brings out the nuances of your picking hand. In rock, it can sound thick, aggressive and authoritative, with enough presence to stand up to heavily overdriven guitars. In pop and studio work, its precise attack and excellent note definition make the bassist's job easier, while the active electronics provide plenty of tonal adjustment to suit the rest of the arrangement. The single-humbucker configuration also contributes to its straightforward operation: no unnecessary controls or complicated pickup combinations, just a proven, direct and highly effective design.The RAY34FM therefore delivers everything you would expect from a good StingRay: an instantly recognisable tonal identity, versatile electronics, a comfortable neck and a finish that genuinely stands out from the crowd. It will appeal both to bassists looking to capture the iconic StingRay character in an accessible instrument and to players seeking an expressive active bass for live performances, rehearsals or recording. The Purple Sunset finish adds an extra layer of personality without compromising the instrument's fundamentally musical purpose.Ultimately, this Sterling RAY34FM-PPS is a particularly compelling choice for anyone looking for a powerful, versatile and visually striking four-string bass. It combines the spirit of a true electric bass classic with a more distinctive presentation, featuring its flame maple top, roasted maple neck and active 3-band electronics. Without claiming to be an American-made Music Man, it intelligently incorporates the essential elements of this legendary design to deliver a convincing StingRay experience at a more accessible price.An excellent choice for bassists who want character, punch and presence in an instrument that refuses to go unnoticed, both for its looks and for the authority of its sound when plugged in.
Original Pricekr16,352.69
31% price drop
New Pricekr11,443.38
Incl. VAT
+ kr923.42 Shipping
