Sterling by Music Man - StingRay RAY35HH Blood Orange Burst

In a bass line, it can all start with a simple pulse: a few well-placed notes, a groove that sets in, and suddenly the track takes on a whole new dimension. The Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35HH Blood Orange Burst, a 5-string bass guitar, is designed for those moments when the bassist wants to add weight to their playing, emphasise the attack or delve deeper into the lower register. Its HH configuration delivers a rich and energetic response, with two Alnico humbuckers that lend body to the lines and a 5-position selector switch to vary their character depending on the section.

The active 3-band preamp complements this flexibility by allowing you to shape the bass, midrange and treble to suit the track and the feel you’re after. A funk line can thus gain in presence and attack, a rock riff take on more body, or a more laid-back part retain a deep foundation without losing its definition. The fifth string naturally extends the range downwards, which opens up even more possibilities for bassists who enjoy exploring lower lines whilst retaining the flexibility of standard tuning.

Comfort also plays a part in the enjoyment of playing. The nyatoh body, finished with a spalted maple veneer, features rounded contours that comfortably support the body in various playing positions. The roasted maple neck feels smooth under the hand and benefits from enhanced stability thanks to the wood’s heat treatment. The rosewood fingerboard has a 12" (30.5 cm) radius, with 22 medium frets and a 34" (86.4 cm) scale length, offering a playing space familiar to bassists accustomed to long-scale instruments. Finished in Blood Orange Burst with a clear pickguard, this version adds a unique visual dimension to the overall design, with the grain of the spalted maple further enhancing its character.