Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,913
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay vintage sunburst is a celebration of timeless design and unparalleled sound quality, reviving the iconic tones that have defined bass playing for decades. With its classic single Music Man humbucker pickup, this electric bass delivers a full-bodied, vibrant sound that remains true to its roots. It’s not just about the sound, though; the sleek contours and ergonomic build make it a delight to play, providing seamless access to all 21 frets.
Crafted with a select Birdseye maple neck, this instrument offers both durability and an elegant look, while the vintage sunburst finish adds a touch of visual flair. The traditional 9-volt two-band preamp allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, empowering you to sculpt your sound with precision. Whether you're laying down thumping grooves or melodic solos, the Classic StingRay is versatile enough to handle any musical style.
Ideal for both professional musicians and passionate enthusiasts, this bass is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history. Its blend of modern engineering with retro aesthetics ensures it stands out both in sound and appearance.
Key Features:
- Classic single Music Man humbucker pickup
- Select Birdseye maple neck for strength and style
- Traditional 9-volt two-band preamp for versatile tone shaping
- 21 frets with ergonomic design for comfortable playability
- Vintage sunburst finish for a stunning visual appeal
Product specs
| Brand | Ernie Ball Music Man |
| Model | Classic StingRay 4 |
| Finish | Black, Candy Apple Red, Chili Red, Classic Natural, Coral Red, Diego Blue, El Dorado Gold, Lake Tahoe Blue, Mint Green, Natural Gloss, Powder Blue, Raspberry Sorbet, Sledge, Vintage Sunburst, White |
| Year | 2009 - 2020 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Active Pickups |
| Active Preamp | Active Preamp |
| Body Material | Ash |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Natural, Red, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Nut Width | 1.625" |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay vintage sunburst?
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The Classic StingRay offers a punchy, aggressive tone with strong mids and clear highs, ideal for funk, rock, and pop. Its active preamp allows for versatile sound shaping, making it suitable for various music genres.
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Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay suitable for beginners?
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While it offers professional-level features, its smooth playability and comfortable neck make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about learning bass.
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What is the neck profile like on the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay?
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The neck of the Classic StingRay features a smooth, comfortable profile with a 1.625" nut width, offering a fast playing experience suitable for both intricate fingerstyle and aggressive slap techniques.
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Does the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay work well for slap bass techniques?
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Yes, the Classic StingRay is renowned for its suitability for slap bass, thanks to its responsive active preamp and bright, punchy sound that enhances percussive playing styles.
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What type of wood is used for the body of the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay?
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The body of the Classic StingRay is made from ash, which contributes to its balanced tone with a strong low end and bright top end, making it versatile for various musical styles.
Videos
Guitar World
Music Man Classic StingRay 4- & 5-String Basses
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional build quality, showcasing meticulous attention to detail
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Versatile tonal options with 2 EQ knobs and bridge mutes
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Classic tone reminiscent of the original '70s StingRay
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Available in unique color options that were not originally offered
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Solid string-through bridge enhances muted and solid tone
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Rosewood fingerboard offers a warm, less bright sound than maple
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Renowned for a deep, powerful bass tone perfect for genres like shoegaze
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High-quality maple neck with appealing birdseye/flamed patterns
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Known for its robust, reliable construction and craftsmanship
CONS
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Heavier weight due to solid ash body can affect comfort
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Poly finish might not appeal to those who prefer lacquer
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Non-contoured body could impact comfort compared to other models
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Not ideal for players with neck or shoulder issues due to weight
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay.
User experience
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The StingRay Classic features a vintage spec with a pronounced 7.5" radius and a glossy neck, differing from the 11" radius on the newer StingRay Specials.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Setup and maintenance
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The truss rod on the StingRay may require more frequent adjustments than other basses, but the wheel at the bottom makes it easy to manage.
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Comparisons
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The Sterling by Music Man StingRays, particularly the Ray 4 or Ray 24, offer a jazz bass neck profile, which can be more comfortable for players used to narrower necks.
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The G&L L-2000 is recommended for those seeking a similar tonal palette to the StingRay but with a different feel and great versatility.
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Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
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Zeta Bosio used the 1977 Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay in vintage sunburst during the Dynamo era, as shown in his Instagram post.
In the user-uploaded photo, Randy Meisner is seen playing an Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay in vintage sunburst.
Audun Laading used a White Ernie Ball Music Man bass during the 3voor12 Radio set, as seen in the "Her's - Live at 3voor12 Radio"
In a photo uploaded by a user, John Gianelli is seen using an Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay 4 bass guitar.
Yuke Sampurna uses an Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay 4 during his performances with The Groove, as documented by KapanLagi.com in their coverage titled "Yuke Kembali Ngeband Bareng The Groove."
Rory MacDonald frequently uses the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay in vintage sunburst, as seen in the official video for "Runrig - Alba (Live at Stirling 2018)" on RunrigVEVO's YouTube channel.
On Instagram, Kosuke Tano is featured using an Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay 4 bass guitar, as highlighted by the account markbass_dvmark_jp.
Keely Rammage-Scott features the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay 4 bass on her Instagram, showcasing her use of this instrument.
Album Usage
The Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay, it is most commonly used with the following gear.