The Ray34 is the best way to get that Stingray sound without spending EBMM money. I did a lot of research before buying one because I was after that sound specifically. The Ray34 gets you 90% of the way there for like 1/3 the price.
I have both a Ray34 with roundwound strings, and a p-bass with flats. I play them both regularly, no regrets on either, but I do really love the Stingray. I tend to reach for it just a little more often than the P, unless I know the P sound is for sure what I want in the moment.
No complaints about the build quality either - well, it’s running through batteries in 4-5 weeks, but I assume that’s fixable once I spend a little time on it. But in terms of fit and finish, how it feels in the hands, and how it plays, I have no complaints. The hardware feels solid, and it has less neck dive than the P. I think I prefer the matte finish on the neck to the grippier glossy finish of the p-bass too.
As for the color, I’m not a purple sparkle guy myself but I can’t deny it looks hot af. I’m a big advocate of black strings with blacked-out hardware to finish off the look, if that’s something you want to try.
Thanks, @Professor, intersting comments regarding the tone and finger positioning, by which I assume you mean rasping in the pick-up?
. Thanks @Al1885!! Re: flats, the three basses I tried them on, two I’ve owned and one belonging to a colleague, I really haven’t liked. There’s something about the feel that just doesn’t jive with me. I guess I’m just a rough guy that likes rough round-wounds
Which is always a bonus, and the primary reason I might look at one. That said, ChatGPT thinks I’m mad!
My honest “sunDog decision tree”:
BUY IT if:
you’ve quietly wanted a StingRay for ages
you want a fun second gigging flavour
you can absorb £xxx without later going “why did I do that…”
the finish genuinely makes you grin.
DON’T BUY IT if:
you’re buying because you’re on holiday / relaxed / browsing gear (VERY common trigger… )
you’re looking for rational justification
you’re secretly saving for something bigger.
My gut read, knowing you:
You’ll love this bass for about 3 months…
…then either:
a) it becomes your “grab the StingRay for certain songs” weapon.
or, more likely
b) you realise your Dingwalls still cover 95% of your needs and you move it on.
Final answer?
Head: 6/10 — probably no.
Heart: 9/10 — yes, because that purple sparkle StingRay is cool as hell.
One practical question before I give a firmer verdict:
As a bonus, the Ray34 also has the “Ramp” style pickup mounting tab. it’s really comfortable. Same comes on the Bongo. The only down side is if you want to switch out the pickguard then it’s harder to find the right fit without mod.
Yes. Plucking directly over the pickup vs further up the neck as well as how aggressive the plucks are. The concept is no different than other BGs, but I think the tone varies quite a bit more than other BGs - plus you can get that sweet stingray sound!
Right, I asked ChatGPT to help me assess my priorities. The upshot is that I won’t be buying the Ray 34. It seems multiscale really are my thing and I have different dream bass to chase - just need to surreptitiously add another £1,000 to the budget
You should have arrived to the point where you know what and how you want your bass for that amount why not go custom. Lignum is quite affordable option to dip your toes into. It’s literally at least 3 times cheaper than the last 3 custom I ordered.
Best thing is, you can pick it up in person you are just a few hours flight away.
A few of us here one Lignum and love it.
I designed and own 3 on that list.
The Summer’s Night line is spectacular and very very tempting.
I’d want the non-moon part of the body and the headstock to be deep indigo or midnight blue (but with that pattern). Dark rosewood or maybe ebony fretboard with star shaped inlays. Black hardware of course.
Dammit Al. It’s about the same price as a new prêt-à-porter Momose, Atelier Z, or other high end maker here, and much less than a custom - kind of sitting at the low end of the top tier price wise. Very tempting, what a cool maker.
Yeah! If they would have made some replica request, I’d own a few more by now. I asked for a neck through '51 P bass and the Nathan East 6 string Prototype but they want to stay in their lane, I respect that. Can you imagine a neck through P bass though.
Also, you’ve intrigued me with the Flea bridge! I’m new to the concept, would it knock out all resonance, or is it something you can apply then leave off, like a violin mute? Love the idea of being able to mute more easily, but wouldn’t want to not be able to play legato, can’t quite work it out. You really do have an enviable collection there!
may be worth looking at putting a darkglass tone capsule into it, and also a Emg EW pickup, i’ve got a music man dark ray and it sounds wicked, either with or without the distortion circuit on
1, 3, 5 are full humbucker mode
2 Jazz mode
4 is closest to a P mode.
Let me know if/ when you are getting one. Be sure to round off the sharp corners with file. It’s extremely dangerous when making adjustments in the dark and in between songs during the set. Don’t ask how I found that out,
Ah sorry, second diagram in link, I’d forgotten there were two . Your comment made me smile re Flea Bridge … guess that answers the question that you can change things on the fly. Or should that be on the flea
It’s a fun origin story. It’s was designed for the tame bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea. . It’s supposed to accommodate his aggressive slapping style better and more stable.
. Thanks 
)
I respect that. Can you imagine a neck through P bass though.
