Sterling RaySS4 Short-Scale Bass Review: Big StingRay Sound

Sterling RaySS4 Short-Scale Bass Review: Big StingRay Sound Unleash the Beast

Hey there, fellow tone chasers! Musical Demon here, ready to plug in and explore a bass that's been making some serious low-end waves: the Sterling by Music Man RaySS4 StingRay Short Scale Electric Bass. Born from the legendary lineage of the Music Man StingRay, this compact powerhouse promises the same iconic punch in a more comfortable and accessible format. But does it deliver the full sonic boom or just a tiny tremor? Let's dig in and find out what the experts and the players are saying.

Overview

The Sterling RaySS4 takes the classic, aggressive tone and unmistakable look of its bigger brother and shrinks it down to a 30-inch scale length. This isn't just a smaller instrument; it's a redesign aimed at providing a different feel and playing experience. It features a lightweight nyatoh body, a hard maple neck, and a powerful neodymium humbucker with versatile switching options. It’s positioned in the market as an affordable, high-quality option for players who find full-scale basses cumbersome, or for anyone seeking that fat, warm tone characteristic of short-scale instruments ("Sterling StingRay Short Scale Bass Review").

Key Features

Professional Reviews Summary

Professional reviewers are largely impressed with the RaySS4's ability to deliver a genuine StingRay experience in a smaller format. The bass is praised for its tonal versatility, which is a standout feature for a single-pickup instrument ("Review: Music Man Sterling"). The 3-way rotary selector offers distinct sounds, from the classic fat humbucker tone in series mode to a brighter, thinner single-coil sound ("Sterling StingRay Short Scale Bass Review"). A particularly celebrated feature is the push/push volume boost, which reviewers found to be a powerful tool for live performance, allowing players to kick in extra gain for solos or dynamic sections ("Review: Music Man Sterling"). The shorter scale and lower string tension are noted for making techniques like string bending and vibrato easier, appealing to more aggressive, modern playing styles.

User Sentiment Summary

User feedback is generally positive, with many players praising the RaySS4 as a "pro instrument shrunk down" that avoids the "toy-like" feel of some other short-scale basses ("Sterling RAYSS4 StingRay Short Scale User Reviews"). Owners celebrate its comfortable playability, especially for those with smaller hands or back issues. The massive range of tones available from the passive electronics is a frequent point of praise, with some users claiming it has more variety than a USA-made StingRay. However, a recurring criticism revolves around quality control. Several users have reported issues with fit and finish, including fret sprout, rough neck finishing, and "scratchy" or loose-feeling control knobs, suggesting that it might not be perfect right "out of the box" ("Thoughts on the Sterling Stingray").

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Delivers the classic, punchy StingRay tone in a compact size ("Review: Music Man Sterling").
  • Highly versatile electronics with a 3-way pickup selector and a push/push volume boost provide a wide array of sounds.
  • Comfortable and easy to play due to the 30" short scale, lighter weight, and thin neck profile ("Thoughts on the Sterling Stingray").
  • Excellent value for money, offering professional-level features at an accessible price point ("Sterling StingRay Short Scale Bass Review").

Cons

  • Inconsistent factory setup and finish are a common complaint, with some users reporting fret sprout and rough necks ("Thoughts on the Sterling Stingray").
  • Some electronic components, like the pots and knobs, can feel loose or produce noise, potentially requiring user maintenance or upgrades ("Sterling RAYSS4 StingRay Short Scale User Reviews").

Ideal For

This bass is ideal for players with smaller hands, guitarists transitioning to bass, or any musician looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and portable instrument without sacrificing tone. Its versatile sound also makes it a fantastic choice for studio use and for players who cover multiple genres. If you love that iconic StingRay growl but find the original's 34" scale and weight to be a handful, you can grab the Sterling RaySS4 at zzounds.com.

Competing Products

Works Cited