Pricing and availability
Average Price: $1,700
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic is a bass guitar that merges vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship, making it a standout choice for bassists who appreciate both style and performance. With an ash body and maple neck, it delivers a resonant tone that's rich in warmth and sustain, ideal for cutting through any mix. The six-bolt neck attachment ensures rock-solid stability, letting you play with confidence whether you're on stage or in the studio.
Equipped with a single Ernie Ball Music Man humbucker and a 2-band active preamp, this bass offers a wide palette of tonal options. From smooth low-end thumps to articulate highs, its sonic versatility makes it suitable for various musical genres. The Schaller BM tuners provide reliable tuning stability, while the adjustable truss rod allows you to tailor the action and relief to your preference.
For those who demand both quality and character from their instruments, the Sterling 4 Classic is a bass that delivers in every aspect.
Key Features:
- Ash body with maple neck and 6-bolt attachment
- Ernie Ball Music Man humbucking pickup with 2-band active preamp
- Schaller BM tuners for enhanced tuning stability
- Chrome-plated, hardened steel bridge plate
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
- Extensive shielding for quiet operation
Product specs
| Brand | Ernie Ball Music Man |
| Model | Classic Sterling 4 with Maple Fretboard, Classic Sterling 4 with Rosewood Fretboard |
| Finish | Black, Classic Candy, Classic Natural, Classic Red, Classic White, Coral Red, Diego Blue, El Dorado Gold, Honey Burst, Lake Tahoe Blue, Mayan Silver, Mint Green, Pacific Blue Burst, Powder Blue, Retroburst, Tobacco Burst, Trans Blue, Trans White, Vintage Burst |
| Year | 2010 - 2015 |
| 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, Natural, Red, Silver, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Nut Width | 1.5" |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic?
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The Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic features a slim, fast-playing neck profile, ideal for players who prefer a comfortable, easy-to-navigate fretboard for quick finger movements and smooth playability.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the active pickups on the Sterling 4 Classic?
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The active pickups on the Sterling 4 Classic deliver a powerful and punchy tone with a clear and articulate sound, making it suitable for a wide range of genres including rock, funk, and jazz.
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Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic suitable for beginners?
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While the Sterling 4 Classic offers professional-quality features and sound, its comfortable neck and versatile tone make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about advancing their skills.
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What is the difference between the maple and rosewood fretboards on the Sterling 4 Classic?
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The maple fretboard provides a bright, snappy tone with a smooth feel, while the rosewood fretboard offers a warmer, more mellow sound with a slightly softer touch, allowing players to choose based on personal preference and desired tonal characteristics.
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How does the body material affect the sound of the Sterling 4 Classic?
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The ash body of the Sterling 4 Classic contributes to its balanced tonal quality, providing both brightness and warmth, which enhances the bass's overall resonance and sustain.
Videos
Pertybass
Music Man Sterling Classic Bass - Demo
Reviews
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Artist usage
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In the Vulfpeck recording session for "Back Pocket," Joe Dart is seen playing an Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic bass. This distinguishes it from the StingRay model, as the Sterling lacks the control plate found on StingRay 4 basses.
Hendra Suhendra is confirmed to use the Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic, as evidenced by a post on his personal Instagram account where he is pictured with the instrument. The caption reads: "If you want to get something that you never own, you must do something that you never done before.🤘🏽"
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 Sterling 4 Classic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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