Clearly a good player, and doesn’t play a bunch of nonsense show off bullshit to demonstrate, and keeps true to the mission of letting the differences and similarities of these instruments that both are perceived and which actually exist, speak for themselves. TREMENDOUS value in that kind of authenticity and transparency. Subscribe. I did.
@LowEndLobster2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Brad! I really appreciate it. That's exactly what I'm going for!
@klaymeister3 жыл бұрын
The winner? All of us who get to watch.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Klay :D
@harrievandennieuwenhuizen2123 жыл бұрын
Old Smoothie
@chrisneyman3 жыл бұрын
Agreed
@goozrat3 жыл бұрын
God Stingrays has always been one of my favorite Basses EVER!!!!!! This video is just making want one over a jazz bass more and more!!!!!!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
ONE OF US. ONE OF US. ;)
@martinheath59473 жыл бұрын
Ibanez ATK810 Lobster reviewed one, could be the best of all possible worlds for you!
@bassimprovjams37723 жыл бұрын
Ye!!! Join us!!!!
@danielarcaris89653 жыл бұрын
My son has a J-bass, I prefer my stingray.
@MarcG74242 жыл бұрын
Why not get both who said I have to many guitars.....no one ever
@Sumbibebe2 жыл бұрын
This was a Stingray Buffet to the MAX!! I loved it and it’s my second time watching it. In about a year I’ll watch it again. “Lobster Mode” so cool👍🏽
@LowEndLobster2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Sumbi Sumbi!
@dogbert7193 Жыл бұрын
Man, the fretboard on that fretless bass is IMMACULATE. Extremely jealous.
@bobt57783 жыл бұрын
With today's snow storm, I finally got a moment to watch this fantastic video. It's like taking a tour of a stingray museum with each piece expertly demonstrated. Fabulous job. Keep you claw out of the snow today!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Bob! Gotta get up early to snow blow ahahaha
@greganderson2239 Жыл бұрын
All of them sound great 👍. I’m actually going to buy my first bass soon and it’s a stingray 34 HH with a burl top and trans black satin. It look knarley and sounds freaking amazing. Best tone with a huge punch. Can’t wait ❤
@theshepster9012 жыл бұрын
Musicman has its own tone that most basses don't. Great video
@LowEndLobster2 жыл бұрын
Indeed! I can't get enough of em!
@djencode3 жыл бұрын
That Pink Champagne Stingray Special is a bucketlist bass for me!
@djencode3 жыл бұрын
That fretless also sounds amazing!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Donald!
@scke37173 жыл бұрын
Suggestion Box: For those of us who haven't developed "Stingray Fatigue" would love to see your take on the Stringray Short Scale passive. All the current reviews are coming from the folks trying to Sell rather than with your with critical and honest take.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you and YES! Trying to snag a sterling one, and my friend just got an EBMM one... I wonder if he'll send it my way.
@SuperBillsykes3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this great comparison demo! I've ordered a Ray34 single p up and soooo excited !!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
You're very welcome! Congrats on your new bass :)
@TheBeardofDOOM3 жыл бұрын
When Lobster breaks out with Primus, the Gods smile.
@russellzauner3 жыл бұрын
#terrans #metalistruth #thekidsarealright #thankyoueddievanhalen kzfaq.info/get/bejne/brGaodeb1dTSZ4k.html We're gonna be okay. There doesn't even have to be any gods, just another generation that wants to tear it up as bad as we did.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Hey babbeh where did my reply go
@TheBeardofDOOM3 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster it laid down by my side
@xMTLKx2 жыл бұрын
Just bought a used Ray34... can't wait to receive it !!!
@willisthebird3 жыл бұрын
You deserve so many more subs, the quality of your videos and edits are fantastic. Keep keeping on!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@marcoesposito87533 жыл бұрын
I think he likes stingray
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Just a little.... ;P
@sethnicholls78613 жыл бұрын
He's definitely one huge Stingray fan here on KZfaq, w a sweet collection, and dedication to such a unique and amazing bass design. Ironically, during this sound test I liked the SUB and Ray34 just as much as any of the American examples. I'm sure the USA models feel and play much better, and that HH is of course the winner. But I'd be happy to take any of them on a gig and be just fine. (Says a lot about the lower end models, especially against say Mexican standard Jazz bass for example.)
@revlewisrees98803 жыл бұрын
They all have their unique qualities. But Mint-o-Ray was my favourite. Followed by the sparkly one, then Old Smoothie, then the 34.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Rev! Yeah Minty really came out great.
@heftyjo28933 жыл бұрын
Just go the Harley Benton 'Stingray'. Used your advice on the tone for my EQ pedal and totally dig it.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Congrats Jo! Enjoy :)
@juliangramajo70103 жыл бұрын
man, you are definitely one of the best bass players of the bass content channels
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Julian! That really means a lot :) I'm so glad you're enjoying the content
@juliangramajo70103 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster thank you man, great videos. I am almost stalking you :p
@keithpasculli74653 жыл бұрын
That HH ruled the other ones IMO. Interesting to hear them side by side.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Keith!
@mrebear97582 жыл бұрын
Agree
@stefanc22422 жыл бұрын
Oh my gosh I'm so glad I watched until the end. PRICELESS!!!
@LowEndLobster2 жыл бұрын
I totally forgot what was at the end of this and had to rewatch ahahahaha. Now I want onion rings.
@RayRay-vv7fw3 жыл бұрын
I dig the Darkglass Preamp over the Mojotone for my SUB project,but the Ray34 sounds the closest to a USA EBMM We thank you for this comparison.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ray Ray! The Darkglass project had the goal of trying to get away from the "traditional" stingray sound and image while maintaining some of the stingray character. The Ray34 and pre-facelift 2017 are definitely very similar in sound, and that difference definitely fades further in a mix. The differences at that point start to come down to personal preference in terms of feel. However, it's night and day between the pre and post facelift 'rays. I have a ton more stingray content coming, stay tuned my friend :)
@geertmeeme3 жыл бұрын
Great job again lobster! Friday i received the FGN JMJ-ASH-M. with the mm seymour duncan pickup, what sounds great!
@joecasa853 жыл бұрын
I've the exact same bass man: I've owned several basses but that FGN is the best instrument I've ever had! Everything is insane on it, from the manual craftmanship to the finishes, all in the sign of a monster tone! FGN Guitars never disappoint, at the actual state of things they're waaaaaaaaaay better than any other brand in the World for me! Cheers & have fun with your new 1st class toy, Jöe
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Congrats on the new bass! :)
@coolaxe-dw48403 жыл бұрын
That Ray 34 us the Truth. Thanks for putting me up on some game🎸
@gbvoul3 жыл бұрын
11lbs though
@downsouthgeorgiaboy76603 жыл бұрын
That project Mint-o-Ray sounds and looks incredible! I really like that one. You’re getting some really nice tones out of that bass. I think I need one of those with the same mods. I hope you don’t mind me copying you
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Copy away my friend! I'm honestly stoked at how good it sounds. I sold the Mold Smoothie SUB and my Ray34, but Minty is a special project that isn't going anywhere (and isn't done yet ;) )
@PushSueAside2 жыл бұрын
Well…I finally found one I like, and couldn’t leave the store without it. All the “sterling by MM” I tried, just didn’t “do it”for me. I just came to terms that I’m not a MM fan. So I figured the US MM couldn’t be that much better, so didn’t bother worrying how much they are…and DAMN! they are pricey. …but, the way we as humans are wired…you find what you really need/want/ connect with in a special way, is there, waiting for you to stop looking for what isn’t there, and to see what is! I normally prefer maple fretboards and passive circuitry, but WHAM!!!! Rosewood and active!!! Anyway, I don’t know if you still read older posts, but…Cheers, Lobster Will! I finally get it..at least, I finally found one I like. I don’t know if it’s even considered “decent, in comparison” but it’s a 2003 Music Man SUB and it plays real nice. I don’t think you have done a video on one (that is, I don’t remember if you did) but I’m curious, what your thoughts on them are? Cheers
@LowEndLobster2 жыл бұрын
Congrats!
@matthewreynolds18782 жыл бұрын
WOW seriously what a great video and your intonation on the fretless made it sound like a fretted bass. Well done!
@sira.scottascot88652 жыл бұрын
Man... That ol' smoothy just changes everything. No spiking out and it just has such a growl.
@johnnysguitarcorner55102 жыл бұрын
Really cool comparison. I really enjoyed it😎🤟. I just ordered a 4 string special in snowy night and already own a black stealth 4 and 5 string. They are such iconic bass guitars. I cannot choose between my Fender jazz custom 5 string/Spector USA NS-2/Ibanez ATK 1200 prestige and my Music mans. They all have their iconic and recognizable sound.
@cmcarley3 жыл бұрын
Nice comparison! I really liked the old smoothie and stingray special HH. My Stingray special HH should arrive any day! I went with the classic natural with maple fretboard.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you and congrats on your new bass! Enjoy it my friend!
@kitsvn3 жыл бұрын
Lobster! I love your videos, man. Thank you! Just picked up my 2nd bass - a Ray34 =)
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Congrats :)
@sandz9b3 жыл бұрын
Love the "hifi-ish" sound of the delano pickups.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Sandy! I agree, they sound great and "hifi-ish". Well said :)
@sethnicholls78613 жыл бұрын
Are the Delano MM humbuckers alnico or ceramic magnet, and how naturally hot are they before the active preamp boosts everything? I'm intrigued and genuinely curious what aftermarket humbucker between $50-$70 to drop in my new Walnut stained S.U.B. Stingray. I can't decide whether the stock pickup, or the stock 2 band preamp's got to go first. It's not bad stock, but it's definitely not there yet when plugged in. Any advice guys?
@donh57943 жыл бұрын
Nice comparison Lobster! Can't go wrong with any of those basses. I like the fretless since I never played one and it looks and sounds very good.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Don!
@Bass.Player3 жыл бұрын
They all sound like Rays except for the tone glass Mint-o-Ray and the fretless.... The neck on the fretless is great looking and the BFR (BFE?) looks like a piece of candy, great color....
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I don't think you could tell from the camera angle but there are several bite marks... for... reasons.. on an unrelated note, it's not candy.
@jeffevangelho99093 жыл бұрын
Very fun video to watch! I don't own a Stingray but I definitely want one now. Thanks for the great demo.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jeff! Glad you enjoyed this :)
@ChipsA173 жыл бұрын
So i went to guitar center and played a bunch of basses. I ended up not liking the fenders which suprized me. I found a music man sting ray 34. Im in love. The best bass i have ever played. Im getting the black ash maple neck ray 34 in a few months.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Nice! Those black ash ones are suhweeeet.
@OlandoMcCall3 жыл бұрын
That would be a Sterling Ray 34..not MM
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
@@OlandoMcCall DOH! I misread. Thanks XD
@81Treez4 ай бұрын
Man I hope to see you come back to KZfaq. Really like your videos.
@celestelongway73153 жыл бұрын
Wow! pink champagne. Suuuuuuuper nice bass ! From mtw - super frequent jam nighter in LA. 2013-2019.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you :)
@daelowkey3 жыл бұрын
The fretless was one of the best to me, sounded so beautiful! I also wonder if anybody could tell the difference between the cheapest sub vs the american special in a mix... Very nice basses
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! It's funny, the SUB stock is very different sounding to a USA Stingray, but some mods can get you VERY close without breaking the bank.
@shuruff9042 жыл бұрын
Extremely hard to tell, if set up right. My sterling sounds just as good as most ernie balls. Be careful what you hear online, try them out for yourself. I paid 500 for mine, (it's mint color with white pick guard, but I'm looking at the black pick guard) but it sounds great with D'darrio strings (which most videos don't show how great they sound with decent strings) buy do your research before spending 2500 on an ernie ball
@timtheflyguy3 жыл бұрын
I have a chance to buy the BFR pink champagne stingray.......you are tempting me lol, the only problem I have is that I would have to play it, not put it away as a collectible!! Thanks for the comparison video....and I loved the sterling with the dark glass preamp!!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Playing is part of caring! Enjoy the instrument as it's intended to be enjoyed :)
@timtheflyguy3 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster Absolutely!!
@seanpowell14963 жыл бұрын
Your bass playing really impressed me today. Loved the slap ditty you did on the fretless. Sounded like some Les Claypool stuff! I want a fretless 6 string bongo so bad. Think ima save up for one or sell my soul one of the two. My 2 favs were the fretless and the champagne special.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! It was a Les Claypool ditty, Tommy the Cat (or my attempt at it haha). Good ear :). I really really like that new Bongo BFR.
@PhullyNo13 жыл бұрын
Lobster, I can’t make up my mind, I love the smoothie, love the sterling, love the stingray. I have a 2005 stringray 5 and I really love it because you have the pickup selector and the tone. I’m really more of a four string guy, but the stringray doesn’t have the selector for series, parallel and single. Not really interested in a multi pickup version of music man bass. What do you suggest for a a 4 string starter into the stingray line up? Cost isn’t really the factor, it’s just getting a piece I’m gonna love and keep forever.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Great question! IMO the Ernie Ball Music Man USA Sterling is essentially a 4 string version of the Stingray 5 that you have. I have a full review of that coming, but here's a vid I did comparing it to the Stingray 4 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b9JlpZxnsai6omw.html
@RobertoAlferi Жыл бұрын
I own a 5 string StingRay 5, cheap? Maybe but I AM IN LOVE WITH IT. I was curious about your video thinking... ok, good... now somebody will show me how really things are and how one bass sounds and how the other sounds and so on... but since you are a GREAT player, they all play GREAT. So I am a bit confused, but happy with the bass I got :) Good video Lobster, good video and wonderful basses!
@jonmuir133 жыл бұрын
I bought my 2006 MM SR5 HH for $1080 and it was the cheapest I’ve ever seen one. It only had one little ding and it’s fantastic.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Nice! What color is yours?
@calvincurry84963 жыл бұрын
Years ago I got a 76 silver stingray (77) with the Foam mutes on the Bridge. I hated that Bass( did not know much about proper set ups) could never get it to feel right. Never played traded it for a 1984 FODERA mornarch. Loved my Fodera but always regretted selling the Stingray. Like them Now. That Bass was a Classic!!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Calvin! If you ever get a chance, check out the SR Classic. Mine is easily top 5 basses of all time for me. Don't ask me to pick where it stands in that 5, too hard ;P
@donenzoworld-canada94603 жыл бұрын
thanks for this channel man.. i saw my EBMM stingray 2000 model natural finish.. cheers
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Don Enzo!
@coolaxe-dw48403 жыл бұрын
That BFR Fretless is awesome 🎸
@bochafish3 жыл бұрын
Everything sounded really good, but I think you and that BFR fretless are a perfect match. Man do you sound good on that thing.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@alansamsmusic3 жыл бұрын
I just picked up the Sterling 24CA. In the Sterling line they are the middle ground between the SUB and the Ray 34 and so far I'm really enjoying it. Great video.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@RedGalaxyFishbone3 жыл бұрын
How are you enjoying it? Question for me is change electronics in my s.u.b or get a ray24 for 200 more..
@alansamsmusic3 жыл бұрын
@@RedGalaxyFishbone I'm still enjoying my 24CA.The upgrade to your SUB is a good idea if you intend to keep the bass. Just keep in mind it may be difficult to recover the cost when try to trade or resale the bass
@RedGalaxyFishbone3 жыл бұрын
@@alansamsmusic Thanks for answering! I love the bass itself yea, has a bit of a fret buzz.. But yea could be my finger placement too, and it`s my first bass. So it`ll stay with me haha :)
@alansamsmusic3 жыл бұрын
@@RedGalaxyFishbone that's awesome! Enjoy the ride
@williamdeming8533 жыл бұрын
Honestly I like the Mint-o-Ray the best I think. The slap tone was rad. Has me want to do a Ray HH with the same mods.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I was just telling my friend that the Minty sounded incredible in this vid. It punches WELL above its weight and that Delano pickup sounds so great paired with the darkglass.
@shuruff9042 жыл бұрын
I love my Sterling Minty....it's all stock, but it sounds great stock! I even bought the floor model brand new as opposed to one in a box since the Guitar Center I went to had it set up perfectly. No other bass (not even more expensive ones) sounded as good as it did
@xkxwrdbboixkx3 жыл бұрын
While it holds true for all instruments, I feel like MM, Sterling ray basses are less forgiving with bad sound setup. Having owned ray, sub4, sterling sub, none of them sounded good on my crappy setup while I could get a semi decent tone on a squire bass. I gotta say these do sound phenomenal with good pre/amp.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Kay! The Ray4/Sub especially due to the really crappy pickup. I did a video recently where we just swapped out the pickup for an Aguilar and kept the stock preamp. Huge difference.
@richardrichard54092 жыл бұрын
Very good point.
@bretthines10206 ай бұрын
Benjamin Orr put the Stingray into the imaginations of a new generation of Bass Players.
@ChipsA173 жыл бұрын
I can't wait to get my sterling ray 34. I really want a charcoal sparkle eb mm but i am going to have to settle for the ray 34 ash black
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
EB does such a great job with the sparkles, makes me drool every time. I'm excited for you to get your Ray as well my friend :).
@ChipsA173 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster honestly the thing is price. They are both awesome basses but 2 grand for the color i want just to play around is a little steep But there is a new ash black with white wood grain out for the ray34 and it looks so good. You are right about the sparkle. Eb just has a way with eye catching.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
@@ChipsA17 Indeed! I remember you had mentioned the black ash one. How much longer until she's in your hands? :)
@ChipsA173 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster i have $250 so far and i bought a fender rumble 500. So hopefully Christmas if not my birthday in January. Are you using the stock strings. They sound pretty good
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
@@ChipsA17 All the rounds on here were MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105 :)
@philipmcadam53392 жыл бұрын
I too really enjoyed the sound of the fretless though for my part I wouldn't be slapping it, if it were mine. Thanks for another great video.
@albertjennings30593 жыл бұрын
Great video lobster! I like The Music Man bass guitars; Sterling and Sub Basses. However, I bought a used passive OLP 4 banger and it sounds better than any 4 string passive musicman bass I've ever played in guitar center. However, a Preamp bass like Turbo charged car will always have an advantage over a Passive bass! I liked the Mint Mman bass!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Albert! oh man, those OLPs bring me back
@anpcm2 жыл бұрын
What are the passive Musicman at GC?
@tigerscott29662 жыл бұрын
The $300.00 Sterling. I had one just like that! It's the one bass I had the most fun playing too.
@LowEndLobster2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tiger!
@veerchasm13 жыл бұрын
Keep the claw and become Rock Lobster 🦞 Nice Simon Gallup shoutout!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
:)
@official_Leonard19573 жыл бұрын
Great Comparisons! And thanks for the history lesson...
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching :)
@DrSpeener3 жыл бұрын
How many basses do you have in your collection? Do they get donated to you for these reviews? Fantastic channel and great reviews!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Hey Speener! Going to make a video about this. I buy like 99% of the basses I review and sell them afterwards so my money is on the line vs having manufacturers send me stuff with strings attached. I have friends send me instruments as well, and we talk with some smaller builders and try to feature their stuff on here as well.
@braddietzmusic24293 жыл бұрын
Love to see you do the same test and same playing examples with the 5 string versions and various series/parallel selector switch settings, etc…
@LowEndLobster2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Brad! That's a great idea
@paulevans43343 жыл бұрын
They have got two of those HH specials in Andertons in the UK. I'd pull the trigger on one but £3,299,00 is a bit over my budget
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
How many kidneys are you working with ;P?
@glennkubik37743 жыл бұрын
Sterling states that their H-1 Ceramic Humbucker pickup is wired in Series on SUB Basses, so hotter and more distorted than MM's Parallel configuration
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Indeed!
@JustinVan19863 жыл бұрын
Great intro. Got the 👍 up right there. Thanks for this comparison.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Van! Glad you liked it :)
@JustinVan19863 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster I’d be interested in your opinion on the PRS SE line. I’ve been hearing and seeing them a bit more, but there’s not much information outside of sellers. I’ve got a bit of a biased perspective because I love their guitars, having minimal if any issue w/ their SE line and zero issue w/ American made, so it’d be nice to have an honest review of them.
@cleebo13223 жыл бұрын
I’ve never seen someone slap a fretless and have it sound that good!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Cleebo :)
@cleebo13223 жыл бұрын
LowEndLobster anytime! Also about the fretless are there any fretless stingrays out there with lines where the frets would be? Because I wanna start playing fretless bass and I love the sound of that fretless stingray but I wanna start with a Fretless with lines on the neck as well?
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
@@cleebo1322 That's a tough one. Most of the Stingray fretlesses are unlined, but you could snag a Ray24CA and have it defretted (or try it yourself!).
@cleebo13223 жыл бұрын
LowEndLobster That’s a good idea, and thank you for the info! Love your vids man!
@rasmillion3 жыл бұрын
Man that fretless is sick I’m super jealous of your whole collection. I barely have one instrument in playable condition. Must work harder at my day job! They sold the ehb at my local store so I can’t go see her anymore :( That champagne finish is gorgeous !
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ras! Aw bummer you can't fiddle on that EHB anymore :(. Wishing you a big raise in the name of BASS!
@rasmillion3 жыл бұрын
LowEndLobster here in Canada you can get 2000$ plus per monthif you lose your job due to covid, I don’t make thaaaaat much more $$ than that which kinda makes me a little bitter, since I lost about 10k $ per year due to COVID-19 (not a great time to ask for a raise) I am a machinist so I will always find work but I live in the city of Vancouver, all the jobs keep moving out into the suburbs where real estate prices are more reasonable. Thanks for the well wishes. All the best
@tonymickens88033 жыл бұрын
I would have LOVED to hear Jaco Play that Fretless and Louis Johnson on the Ray34!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks George! I agree, that would be a sound to behold :)
@bastianchavezalavez64833 жыл бұрын
Hey lobster, i need your advice, i'm in a band and we play a lot of rock styles from 60's rock and ballads to grunge and even trash metal. I would like to know which kind of bass would be better for me, i've been playing a p bass style for a few years
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
If we're talking in context of Rays in this vid, Minty or a Ray34 would fit the bill nicely (even HH). Outside of Rays, you have tons of possibilities depending on your budget... I'm biased but I'd say go for the FGN Mighty Power- kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rZ2cfbuirZzbqmQ.html. This thing will do everything you want while sounding and playing incredibly.
@bastianchavezalavez64833 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster thanks
@cskeise3 жыл бұрын
Whoop whoop found it Lobster. Fretless...💙👊😎
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
:D Yeah that fretless rules
@mikeplefka96883 жыл бұрын
This video is awesome. I've been window shopping and sitting down at some music stores during the year and that ray 34 is the coolest that they have had in-store to play. As far as budget, that is probably the one I'm going to go with. That fretless is soooo gnarly tho. Really dig the old smoothie too. Is it possible to mod that ray 34 with the newer electronics?
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike! You could, however sourcing the pickup and preamp would be $$, and you'd need to mod the body for a second battery box as the new preamp is 18v.
@1983nanenane3 жыл бұрын
yesterday I bought the first bass guitar of the test: in my opinion for the price range it is the one that sounds best.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Congrats on your new bass :)
@jaxonvictoria43453 жыл бұрын
I think the best value for money is the Sterling Ray24CA (or 25) for $499 ($550 for the 5-string). But that only has a 2-band preamp. Not a problem for me.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Looking to try one of those out! It's not the same two band as the SUB from what I understand, and it has an upgraded pickup. Hopefully I'll snag one soon :)
@jaxonvictoria43453 жыл бұрын
LowEndLobster yeah I’m looking for one used as well! No luck yet, but I may just pull the trigger on a brand new one.
@donh57943 жыл бұрын
@@jaxonvictoria4345 I just purchased a brand new Sterling by MM Ray24CA for $349.99.
@jaxonvictoria43453 жыл бұрын
@@donh5794 what a steal! Now slap on a Nordstrand on it and it will SLAPP
@donh57943 жыл бұрын
@@jaxonvictoria4345 Might eventually do that. The Ray24CA feels noticeably better to hold and play than the Sub4 ($299.99). The Ray24 is worth the extra money over the Sub4 and waiting to try out the Ray24 and Ray34 first saved me money when the sale started and temporarily made the price difference between the Ray24 and Sub4 only $50. The feel and play between the Ray24 and Ray34 seemed narrow compared to the wider feel and play difference between the Ray24 and the Sub4.
@joacobass24663 жыл бұрын
epic video, love you lobster
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Love you too
@juaco051972 Жыл бұрын
excellent video!!! your reviews are out of this world. You mentioned the olp brand. I saw a special model "olp tony levin signature". It is a real "tony levin supervised" bass? or just a name made for marketing? have you tried that bass? thanks!!
@InGrindWeCrust20103 жыл бұрын
40th Anniversary Old Smoothie was easily my favorite. Like a more open, sweet version of the others. And now I'm considering replacing my broken fretless with an MM style....
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Do it! You won't be disappointed
@Superplexmusic3 жыл бұрын
Mojo and 2017 sound pretty mean. Dark glass is so clear with mids that sparkle. Fretless is very unorthadox and sounds like a blast to play. Stingrays are amazing all Around but those stand out to me.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you :) I really enjoy them all!
@PorchBass3 жыл бұрын
The bfr fretless really sounds the best balanced IMHO. Lots of everything. The top end seems notably smoother on 18v.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks James! That's been the biggest takeaway from the change to the 18v. Some like it, others don't (I love it).
@everready19373Ай бұрын
I have one of the older SUB basses. According to Sterling it was made in 2013. It doesn't have the string tree nor the silver plate over the controls. I think it might be rare. I haven't found any like mine on the web. The pick-up on it is hot. I play mine in nearly the same sound configuration as Lobster. I'm not sure if I'm going to mod it or not. I have a set of Ernie Ball Slinky 100-45 on the way.
@LowEndLobsterАй бұрын
That's an SB4!
@CorrosionAudio3 жыл бұрын
Nice comparison! I have a Ray4 project bass too with a Duncan SMB-4D (ceramic) to kinda imitate the tone of a MM Sterling bass and it does get very close. Kinda a shame not so many people know about the Sterling though, so that could be a cool comparison in the future :)
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! You're right, and I'm looking to snag a Sterling. My friend back in the day had a sweet black one with maple neck, awesome bass and very different from the 'Ray. You'll see one on here eventually, don't you worry ;).
@boomerbassmeme3 жыл бұрын
Call me a crazy Boomer but: Old Smoothie was my favorite. That impromptu song to your lady was a smooth move BTW 😎👍
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Boomer :D, haha she enjoyed that as well. My songwriting skills are vastly underrated ;P
@boomerbassmeme3 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster You have seriously rare ones BTW. My rarest is a 1 of 300 Takamine arrow bass from the 80s. No idea which one of the 300 it is though.
@TrollingstonJohn3 жыл бұрын
7:55 nice groove here, sounds kinda dorian
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Stando powah! Thank you!
@lexdecs82943 жыл бұрын
I would love to see you compare your P-basses!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Lex, that's a GREAT idea and I honestly didn't even think of that. I can call it the P-ing contest :P
@horrorshowbass3 жыл бұрын
Lobster, is the ray34 worth 2x the sub in your excellent opinion?
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Hi Michael! Great question. Yes, I think the Ray34 is definitely worth it. The 24 shares some components with the SUB, but the 34 does not.
@horrorshowbass3 жыл бұрын
The ray34 has the same preamp as the sub? Thanks man
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
@@horrorshowbass the 24 does, 34 is its own 3 band
@horrorshowbass3 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster thanks, that might be the clincher
@18hot303 жыл бұрын
emg has that high mid/ trebly sound and not enough low end imo to compensate, not just on mm , I also got a humbucker in bridge and j in neck, no preamp tho, just the batteries for the pickups and I can hear the exact frequencies though it's a different flavour of tone, I dunno, they grew on me as I mostly play distorted and low end doesn't like distortion as well as the other registers :)
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
First and foremost.... your user handle XD. Second, great comment! You're definitely right that it's a different flavor of tone, EMGs have been growing on me quite a bit for certain types of builds. Thank you!
@18hot303 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster Thanks man, I wanted something that's stupid but also funny to the right people :D I know they're not the bees knees any more, but like you said, they got a use and bring that tone, don't get me wrong I love how it sounds for cutting through a mix with the mids or when I listen to Wooten, he def. has that tone. Keep up the great work, I was looking for a channel like yours for a long time, glad I've found it
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
@@18hot30 Glad you're here! Thank you and welcome :)
@trishelliott2539 Жыл бұрын
I have an old smoothy in green I agree it's the closest sound to what I had an 1979 from new the fret wire is about the same
@jdmarino3 жыл бұрын
LobsterTone(tm). The fretless has a nice tone. Quit slapping her. 3.02k subscribers! Woo hoo!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Haha thanks John! I had to hesitate a lil ;P
@djjack22802 жыл бұрын
I like the last one. I believe the pink one sounds the best
@ObraBass3 жыл бұрын
My favorite is Pre EB
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Hope to try one someday
@facedowngaming3 жыл бұрын
I just came back from GC and played a Ray 34 after GASSING for a Ray 24... Now I want a RAY 34!!! Is the Ray 34 wired in parallel unlike the Ray 24 being wired in series?
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Yes, Ray34 is wired in Parallel from what I understand w/ an Alnico pickup. Pretty much as close as you can get to a USA (non-special) 'Ray.
@facedowngaming3 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster Thank you for your fast reply! Time to sell off some Jazz and Ibanez Basses 😈
@geertmeeme3 жыл бұрын
favorite: The fretless!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Geert! I got that because of Donny Benet. He transmitted the Ray bug to me, and now I'm a super-spreader.
@brettb70003 жыл бұрын
@LowEndLobster Another amazing video. Props to you for all the work you'd have put into doing this! I have a fairly new Ray34, my 1st dip into the Stingray pool & I was just wondering if any of these mods would be a significant upgrade or more of a "side-grade"? Being in Australia modding isn't cheap so not sure if it will be worth it. Love the channel man & my wife loves your cat, keep up the great work!
@LowEndLobster2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Brett! I'd ask yourself what the stock Ray34 is missing to your ears and go from there. There are many directions to take a Stingray!
@brettb70002 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster Thats the thing mate, for a none US made bass, it's amazing & the blue PB finish is beautiful. I still haven't touched it apart from strap locks but have been considering upgrading tuners &/or bridge but as I said, not sure if it would be worth the $ as there's nothing wrong with the current hardware. I'm sure many of us have had a good Bass, thought by making some mods we'd make it great & it ended up not being what you thought it would be. I know I have & I just dont know if I wanna risk it with this beauty.
@LowEndLobster2 жыл бұрын
@@brettb7000 I think that's your answer. Leave it unless/until you feel it's lacking something. Though I definitely sometimes mod just for the hell of it, most of the time I try to 'address' something, be it ergonomics and balance with lighter weight tuners, or trying to take the tone somewhere the stock electronics simply can't go. I hope that helps!
@brettb70002 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster Yeah I think considering I've now had it probably a year & not touched it or even really seriously considered it probably answers the question. Don't really wanna mess with its mojo! Thanks heaps for the response mate & a bigger thanks for really convincing me to get a Stingray in the 1st place. Next stop will be to add a US one to my collection 😊
@raffaelecrupi93473 жыл бұрын
I prefer the first bass .Sunburst with black pickguard and 2 band eq !! best sound !!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Raffaele! :)
@RumblinMan3 жыл бұрын
Man, your camera image looks really good!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Don't say that, you haven't seen me in real life ;P
@daviddesmond21433 жыл бұрын
What strings are you using? I have USA SR 5HH and had other USA SRs. I also have a Sterling Sub 5 and an HH one as well. They are very good inexpensive basses even stock. Enjoyed your video!
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thank you David! I'm using MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel strings, gauges 45-105 (125 for low B)
@bassimprovjams37723 жыл бұрын
That natural sounds great, I just love the size of a stingray sterling is to sell for me
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jeremy! The Ray34 is definitely a solid package, especially on sale.
@carlosdeno Жыл бұрын
Great video, I’ve just purchased a Sterling Sub. I’ve played guitar for over 30 years and only just tried a bass, I love it! I’m interested in your comment about the pickup height, I play with a plectrum and I sometimes struggle on the D and G strings, as the plectrum occasionally touches the pickup and it’s very frustrating. I’ve tried watching Cliff Williams of AC/DC as he plays a Stingray, are the pickups lower on the US models? It’s difficult to find a dealer where I live, current financial times etc. The big stores are 100’s of miles away.
@Eierkneifer693 жыл бұрын
1. I was somewhat expecting you to play with that lobster hand on and was slightly disappointed. 2. Darn, I need to practice a lot to not even come close to your playing. 3. Apart from sound, what are the differences in playability (except for the fretless of course)? Do they all play equally smooth?
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
heheh great question! I felt that the Ray34 and '17 Ray were very close in feel, though the Sterling had a bit of a rougher neck finish (can be fixed with some 0000 steel wool). The "Classic" rays like the Smoothie, Stingray Classic, Sabre classic, etc. with the thick gloss on the neck has one sort of feel, where the satin finished modern necks are very different. I've actually been on a huge SR Classic kick, and my ray and sabre classic have been my favorites as of late (vids coming on them soon). Overall, they're all in the same ballpark of playability. They're comfortable, well built instruments and they've been able to maintain those aspects across the entire lineup. The lower end models use cheaper materials (basswood in the SUBs, cheap electronics in the SUB, no compensated nut on the sterlings, no headstock gloss, etc.), but they're able to offer up a wide range of instruments at different price points that all still feel familiar.
@ironrangerw6r13 жыл бұрын
Hey brother, is there a difference in the pickups from the EB musicman to the sterling Ray 34?
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Yes, a BIG difference. Ray34 pickup is Alnico and very similar to USA Stingray. Ray24 and SUB use Ceramic
@ironrangerw6r13 жыл бұрын
@@LowEndLobster awesome thabk you so much for responding. I was going to grab a sub today but sprung for the ray 35 natural like you have. Sounds very nice. I normally play a 5 but want to get better with my slap and so wanted to get a stingray 4 string because I can't think of a better slapper then the stingray
@stevem-h35622 жыл бұрын
That fretless is bloody gorgeous.
@stevec64273 жыл бұрын
Well I was going to replace my SUB 5 with a Ray35 but I think the Mint-O-Ray sounds better. Time to get modding.
@LowEndLobster3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Martin! The SUBs get underestimated but they're such great mod platforms. We'll definitely be doing a 5 stringer mod, as there's a lot more things to consider on the 5 vs the 4. The 4 stringer uses a lot more 'standard sized' parts, and the string spacing and pickup shape doesn't vary too much between variants of SBMM and USA EBMM. The 5'er is all over the place in both string spacing and pickup shape which I think we should address with mods. The stock SUB5 has 16.5mm spacing where the Ray35 and USA models have 17.5mm. Quality 5 string replacement bridges of this spacing aren't that readily available (I need to do some digging).
@maciejbrusio8321Ай бұрын
It's unbelievable how much the price of Ray34 increased last years :( I compared one in a music shop with a Stingray Special and liked the Ray34 better.