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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

What kind of tones can I expect from the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay vintage sunburst?

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.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay suitable for beginners?

While it offers professional-level features, its smooth playability and comfortable neck make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about learning bass.

What is the neck profile like on the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay?

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.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay work well for slap bass techniques?

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.

What type of wood is used for the body of the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay?

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.

Guitar World

Guitar World

Music Man Classic StingRay 4- & 5-String Basses

Video thumbnail for Music Man Classic StingRay 4- & 5-String Basses by Guitar World

Music Man Classic StingRay 4- & 5-String Basses

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Music Man StingRay 4 Classic Electric Bass Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Music Man StingRay 4 Classic Electric Bass Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for MusicMan Classic Stingray 4 - Demo by Sam555768

MusicMan Classic Stingray 4 - Demo

Sam555768

Sam555768

Video thumbnail for Music Man Classic StingRay w/ Maple Fingerboard - The Perfect Bass by theperfectbass

Music Man Classic StingRay w/ Maple Fingerboard - The Perfect Bass

theperfectbass

theperfectbass

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 Classic Bass: Joe Dart Demos by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 Classic Bass: Joe Dart Demos

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality, showcasing meticulous attention to detail

  • Versatile tonal options with 2 EQ knobs and bridge mutes

  • Classic tone reminiscent of the original '70s StingRay

  • Available in unique color options that were not originally offered

  • Solid string-through bridge enhances muted and solid tone

  • Rosewood fingerboard offers a warm, less bright sound than maple

  • Renowned for a deep, powerful bass tone perfect for genres like shoegaze

  • High-quality maple neck with appealing birdseye/flamed patterns

  • Known for its robust, reliable construction and craftsmanship

CONS

  • Heavier weight due to solid ash body can affect comfort

  • Poly finish might not appeal to those who prefer lacquer

  • Non-contoured body could impact comfort compared to other models

  • 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

  • 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

  • Installing a Nordstrand Big Blades humbucker in a StingRay can significantly enhance its sound, offering a notable improvement over stock pickups.

    Source
  • The 5-string pickguard can be swapped without detaching the pots, offering an easy cosmetic customization option.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Classic StingRay 5 features a 2-band EQ, contrasting with the 3-band EQ on more modern StingRay 5 models.

    Source
  • The Classic model lacks a pickup selector, unlike some other models in the StingRay lineup.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Classic StingRay 5 has fewer body bevels compared to modern StingRay models, resulting in a design more akin to the Silhouette and JP guitars.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay 4 Bass Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Farrell uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

Dave Farrell

Bassist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via Gettyimages

in this photo, he is seen using one of these.

See how Zeta Bosio uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

Zeta Bosio

Bassist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via Photo

Zeta Bosio used the 1977 Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay in vintage sunburst during the Dynamo era, as shown in his Instagram post.

See how Randy Meisner uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

Randy Meisner

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Photo

In the user-uploaded photo, Randy Meisner is seen playing an Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay in vintage sunburst.

See how Audun Laading uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

Audun Laading

Bassist, Keyboardist

Her's

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: White

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"

See how John Gianelli uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

John Gianelli

Bassist

Nails

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo uploaded by a user, John Gianelli is seen using an Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay 4 bass guitar.

See how Yuke Sampurna uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

Yuke Sampurna

Bassist

Dewa 19

...
Verified via KapanLagi.com

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."

See how Rory MacDonald uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

Rory MacDonald

Singer

Runrig

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Kosuke Tano uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

Kosuke Tano

Bassist

Knosis

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Keely Rammage-Scott uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

Keely Rammage-Scott

Bassist

The Escapes

...
Verified via Photo

Keely Rammage-Scott features the Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay 4 bass on her Instagram, showcasing her use of this instrument.

See how Takeru Satoh uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

Takeru Satoh

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified

Takeru Satoh is seen playing Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay vintage sunburst bass in Chippokena Ai no Uta with Sakurako OHara ....

See how Takeshi Tsuruno uses Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay

Takeshi Tsuruno

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In a recent Instagram post, Takeshi Tsuruno shared a photo of his studio setup, which includes an Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay in vintage sunburst.

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.

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