Gearank Recommendation
The S.U.B. Ray4 appeared on our recommended list for Bass Guitars Under $300 from September 2016 until October 2018 due to a lack of availability.
Overview
“Sterling by Music Man” is a sub-brand of Ernie Ball Music Man, tasked to manufacture affordable instruments that can compete in the entry level market.
The SUB Ray4 is one of their standout instruments, a more affordable version of the original Music Man Stingray bass, the popular bass that pioneered the use of built-in active EQ controls on production line bass guitars.
The SUB Ray4 has one Sterling High-output Humbucker on the bridge position, which is wired to an active preamp with 2-band EQ, which allows for tone shaping via the treble and bass knobs.
It has a slightly narrower nut width for easier playability while retaining the long 34″ scale length and flat 12″ fingerboard radius.
If you’re favorite bassist plays a Music Man StingRay like Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Cliff Williams (AC/DC), John Deacon (Queen), Simon Gallup (The Cure) and more), then the Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray4 should be an automatic pick.
Specifications
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Maple (Bolt-on)
- Neck Profile:
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 34″
- Nut Width: 1.496″
- Fingerboard Radius: 12″
- Frets: 21 Medium Jumbo
- Bridge Pickup: Sterling High-output Humbucker
- Controls: Volume, Treble, and Bass knobs
- Bridge: Heavy-duty fixed bridge
- Tuners: Open Gear
- Weight: 10 lbs.
Demo
