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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve StingRay 4 H Fretless is not just a bass guitar; it's a masterpiece of sound and design, crafted for those who crave the freedom of fretless play. This limited edition model, with only 106 pieces worldwide, is a testament to Ernie Ball's dedication to quality and innovation. Its ash body, paired with a premium roasted maple neck, exudes elegance and offers a tactile playing experience that is both smooth and responsive.

What truly sets this bass apart is its neodymium humbucker, which delivers a rich, growling tone that bassists dream of. Coupled with an 18-volt active preamp and 3-band EQ, you have the power to shape your sound with precision, whether you're laying down deep grooves or exploring the subtleties of jazz. The absence of frets opens up a world of expressive possibilities, letting you glide effortlessly between notes and infuse your music with emotion and nuance.

With its vintage Music Man top-load bridge and custom tuners, this bass not only sounds incredible but remains rock-solid and in tune, no matter how intense your performance gets. The Ball Family Reserve StingRay 4 H Fretless is more than just an instrument; it's a statement of artistry and passion. Ready to make your mark in the world of music? This bass is your canvas.

Key Features:

  • Limited edition with only 106 pieces worldwide
  • Ash StingRay body with a gloss finish
  • Select roasted figured maple bolt-on neck, C profile; gloss finish
  • Select roasted figured maple fretless fingerboard, 11" radius
  • 34" scale length
  • Neodymium humbucking pickup (passive)
  • Active 3-band preamp with Bass, Mid, Treble controls
  • Master Volume control
  • Vintage Music Man Top Load bridge
  • 1.75" compensated Melamine nut
  • Custom Music Man tuners
  • Single-Action truss rod, neck heel access

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Ball Family Reserve StingRay 4 H Fretless
Made In United States
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Frets Fretless
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve StingRay 4 H Fretless?

The StingRay 4 H Fretless offers a warm and punchy tone with a distinct midrange presence, thanks to its active humbucker and preamp. Its fretless design provides a smooth, expressive sound ideal for jazz and fusion styles.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve StingRay 4 H Fretless suitable for beginners?

While this bass offers exceptional build quality and sound, its fretless design may present a challenge for beginners. It's best suited for players with some experience who are looking to explore fretless bass playing.

What makes the Ball Family Reserve StingRay 4 H Fretless different from other StingRay models?

This model is part of the Ball Family Reserve, featuring premium materials and craftsmanship, such as high-end tonewoods and exclusive finishes, making it a limited edition with superior aesthetic and sonic qualities.

Does the StingRay 4 H Fretless have onboard active electronics?

Yes, the StingRay 4 H Fretless is equipped with active electronics, including an active humbucker and preamp, allowing for versatile tone shaping and enhanced output.

How does the fretless design of the StingRay 4 H affect playability?

The fretless design allows for smooth glissandos and a more expressive playing style, but requires precise finger placement for intonation, making it ideal for players seeking a unique and nuanced sound.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve StingRay 4 H Fretless.

Features and functionality

  • The StingRay Fretless is recognized for its unlined fingerboard, which is rare and highly sought after among enthusiasts.

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Build quality

  • Owners admire the Birdseye maple neck, describing it as visually stunning and a standout feature of this bass.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners plan to use D'Addario cobalts to maintain the fretboard's pristine condition, highlighting string choice's impact on longevity.

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  • Consider filing down the frets and applying epoxy to the fretboard for a DIY fretless conversion.

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User experience

  • Multiple users express a strong emotional connection, describing the instrument as a "museum piece" or a "holy Grail bass," indicating its high desirability.

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  • Some owners regret converting fretted StingRays to fretless, suggesting factory fretless models offer better results.

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Comparisons

  • The fretless version is compared favorably to its fretted twin, with some owners preferring the unique tonal qualities of the fretless.

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  • Owners debate the fretless StingRay's tone, with some preferring the Fender Jazz for superior fretless sound.

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Mods and upgrades

  • It's suggested to use a Nordstrand pickup with an EMG BTS preamp for a modern sound when modifying a StingRay to fretless.

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