Sterling by Music Man StingRay 5QM Electric Bass, 5-String
Capture that classic StingRay sound at a fantastic price with the 5QM from Sterling. This 5-stringer boasts a heavy-duty humbucking pickup for iconic tone.
Overall User Ratings (based on 2 ratings)
Submitted January 16, 2018 by Tom P in Memphis, TN
"Sterling Ray35qm Bass"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I have owned one of these now for 6 months and wanted to leave an objective review about my experience with this instrument. I have found very little buyer feedback on the newer Stingray copies, and figured that there must be others looking for the same.
Sound
The best feature of this Sterling Ray35 is it's big sound. Very versatile with it's MusicMan pre-amp, featuring a 3 band EQ and MusicMan 5 pole alnico humbucker with 3 way selector for series,single coil, and series w/filter switching. One can truly dial-in nearly any frequency needed or desired.
Features
*The tuners, well, can make it difficult to tune because they are "sticky" to turn. As if they are too tight, or need lubricating. But neither adjustment helped. Just the nature of the supplied tuners. Replaceable, but shouldn't have to.
*The nut, well, is a cheap looking plastic that is so small, that very low string action is the only option in order to have even height down the neck. Almost as if it were filed down too low during it's initial set up. Again, replaceable, but shouldn't have to.
*The neck, well, the feel and playability are okay, but the constant tuning and need for truss rod adjustment with string height and intonation adjustments are taking the enjoyment out of owning a new bass. The neck was needing adj. when I first got it.(dead frets, buzzing) This is mostly normal, but it just doesn't hold an adjustment. Not yet anyway. It has had a truss rod adjustment once by the vendor's shop, and twice by me. Each time it seems great, then within a month or so, it is back to fret buzzing and too much neck relief. I have owned many guitars and basses over 30 years, and I haven't seen this repeated issue before. Not in a new instrument.
Ease of Use
It's as easy as you want it to be.
Quality
I really want to like this bass. I bought it as a reliable back-up and for recordings. I enjoy the versatility in the pre-amp/ p'up section and I like the feel of the instrument. But, I am nearing the end of my patients in dealing with the neck issues. I know that my local vendor will make it right, but, again, I am leaving this review for others. I imagine that not all versions of the Sterling Ray35 have the same issues as mine, but with any instrument purchase, Buyer Beware!
Value
This bass is a good value, I believe. If for no other reason than the popularity of the Ernie Ball MusicMan basses. The resale value should hold.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't used them......yet.
The Wow Factor
The quilted maple top in deep blue against the contrast of the maple neck and black hardware is very appealing. Nice eye-catcher, but not gaudy by any means.
Musical Background:
30+ years playing acoustic, electric guitar, as well as, 4 & 5 string basses. I've played pro, recorded in studio and at home.
Musical Style:
Mostly Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Alternative & Blues. Some Hard Rock Originals, Country & Christian Contemporary. I love to I
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Submitted July 20, 2018 by Ken S in West Haven, UT
"Beautiful bass, terrible craftsmanship "
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I had to order two of these from zZounds. Granted, it's not zZounds fault and they have always been excellent to work with. Especially on returns. So the first bass I got had a reverse bow and with the truss rod completely loose wouldn't bow back the other way and had terrible fret buzz up and down the neck. Plus the gig bag showed up with a big cut down the side.
I ordered a replacement. Got in the usual 2 days. This one seemed much better. But like the other review, just when I think I've dialed it in and have the action and playability where I want it, it will start buzzing in spots. Fret buzzing. I'll have to again adjust the neck and work on getting it back to solid playing. It's been kind of a headache for me. I've been playing for 30+ years and I've never fought action on a bass like this. There must be something they aren't doing correctly when making these necks. I think it's a serious problem and needs to be addressed. Tuners are mediocre at best.
The sound: This bass sounds amazing. Just like a MusicMan should. It's punchy and bright, great for slap and funk but also amazing for any other style of music. It really cuts through the mix and it's a gorgeous instrument. That blue translucent maple paired with the blonde neck is really stunning. I love those two things. And maybe why I put up with the constant adjusting. It's a really a magnificent instrument when it's dialed in. Hopefully they will get the bugs worked out. But honestly, for sub 1000 dollar price range, this bass can hang with the upper echelon of bass guitars in the tone department.
Musical Background:
Professional musician with over 30 years of gigging and recording experience.
Musical Style:
All styles.
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