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Average Price: $3,449

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$400

$1001+

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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special 4 H Electric Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special 4 H Electric Bass Guitar is a powerhouse of innovation and artistry, designed for musicians who crave an exceptional playing experience. This bass is part of the esteemed Ball Family Reserve line, which represents the pinnacle of Ernie Ball Music Man's craftsmanship. With a neodymium humbucking pickup, it delivers a formidable low-end punch and an aggressive midrange growl, ensuring your sound resonates with clarity and depth across any genre.

Crafted with a resonant ash body and a stunning figured maple top, this StingRay Special is as visually captivating as it is sonically powerful. The meticulously sculpted white flame maple neck, enhanced with an oiled satin finish, offers unparalleled comfort and speed, making it a joy to play. The bass's 18-volt active preamp and 3-band EQ provide a wide dynamic range and allow for precise sound sculpting, whether you're laying down slinky funk grooves or thundering rock bass lines.

The StingRay's hardware includes a Special bridge and lightweight Music Man tuning machines, ensuring stability and precision tuning. With its striking blacked-out hardware, this bass guitar presents a visual contrast that is as bold as its sonic capabilities. Perfect for both stage and studio, the BFR StingRay Special promises a performance that stands out, thanks to its blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.

Key Features:

  • Neodymium humbucking bridge pickup for solid tonal foundation
  • 18V preamp with 3-band EQ for extensive sound sculpting
  • Ash body with eye-catching figured maple top
  • White flame maple neck with oiled satin finish for comfort and speed
  • Lightweight Music Man tuning machines for precision tuning
  • Blacked-out hardware for striking visual appeal

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape BFR StingRay Special 4 H
Body Material Ash (body), Figureed Maple (top)
Body Finish High Gloss Polyester
Neck Material White Flame Maple
Neck Shape C
Neck Joint 5-way Bolt-on
Radius 11"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 22, Stainless Steel
Scale Length 34"
Nut Material Melamine
Bridge/Tailpiece StingRay Special
Tuners Music Man Lightweight
Bridge Pickup Ernie Ball Neodymium Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 3-band EQ
Strings .045-.100
Case/Gig Bag Softshell Case

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special 4 H Electric Bass Guitar?

The Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special 4 H delivers a powerful and punchy tone, with a strong low-end and clear mids, thanks to its neodymium humbucker and 3-band EQ. It's well-suited for genres like rock, funk, and jazz.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special 4 H suitable for beginners?

While the StingRay Special 4 H is a high-quality instrument with professional features, its playability and comfortable C-shaped neck make it accessible for dedicated beginners looking for a long-term investment.

What is the neck profile of the Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special 4 H?

This bass guitar features a C-shaped neck profile made from white flame maple, providing a comfortable grip and smooth playability across its 22 stainless steel frets.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special 4 H come with a case?

Yes, the Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special 4 H comes with a softshell case for protection and easy transport.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special 4 H?

The body is crafted from ash with a figured maple top, and the neck is made from white flame maple, all finished in a high gloss polyester for durability and aesthetic appeal.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

I Tried My First "String Ray" | 2022 Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special H Bass Ruby Punch

Video thumbnail for I Tried My First "String Ray" | 2022 Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special H Bass Ruby Punch by The Trogly's Guitar Show

I Tried My First "String Ray" | 2022 Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special H Bass Ruby Punch

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

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 BFR StingRay Special 4 H Electric Bass Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The return of factory fretless StingRay Specials offers a previously rare option, expanding choices for players interested in fretless models.

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  • The single humbucker design is praised for offering a versatile tone, which can be adapted using the built-in EQ to suit a wide range of musical styles.

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  • The new Custom Design Experience allows for extensive personalization, including 30 unique finishes and 12 fretted neck options, enhancing customization for both right and left-handed players.

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  • The StingRay Special's lighter weight is highlighted as a significant advantage for those performing long gigs compared to older, heavier StingRay models.

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Comparisons

  • A user compared the StingRay to a Lakland Jazz bass, noting that the StingRay's clear, modern voice is optimal for about 75% of studio work.

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  • Music Man StingRay Specials are often compared to Fender Jazz Basses for their ability to cut through a mix, though they offer a distinctive 'punchy' tone.

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  • Some users express disappointment with the lack of innovation beyond color changes, longing for reintroductions of models like the Caprice and Cutlass.

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  • Favorites include older US SUB models for their sound quality, despite being heavier, suggesting a trade-off between weight and tonal preference.

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  • Users mention that Sterling Ray34 and 35 models offer similar or better experiences at a potentially lower price point, particularly if weight isn't a concern.

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User experience

  • The unfinished neck is highlighted as a standout feature, providing a smooth playing surface that many users prefer over finished necks.

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  • StingRay basses are noted for their lack of neck dive, contributing to a comfortable playing experience, especially during long gigs.

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  • Owners praise the new 2024 finishes, particularly Purple Sunset and Kiwi Green, for their standout visual appeal, influencing purchase considerations despite high prices.

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  • Owners appreciate the unique finishes like Sapphire Iris, which offer a distinctive look compared to traditional finishes like black and sunburst.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners appreciate the StingRay's easy truss rod adjustment, noting its accessibility and user-friendliness for quick neck corrections.

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Build quality

  • Some owners have reported the need for a neck shim and noted that the nut height was higher than expected compared to Sterling Ray35 models.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Gold hardware is suggested to enhance finishes like Grape Crush, though some owners note the aesthetic mismatch without it.

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Value and pricing

  • High costs are a concern, with some owners considering the $2,900 price tag steep for a non-custom model, emphasizing the rising prices in the bass guitar market.

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