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

What is the neck profile like on the Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic?

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.

What kind of tones can I expect from the active pickups on the Sterling 4 Classic?

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.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic suitable for beginners?

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.

What is the difference between the maple and rosewood fretboards on the Sterling 4 Classic?

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.

How does the body material affect the sound of the Sterling 4 Classic?

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.

Pertybass

Pertybass

Music Man Sterling Classic Bass - Demo

Video thumbnail for Music Man Sterling Classic Bass - Demo by Pertybass

Music Man Sterling Classic Bass - Demo

Pertybass

Pertybass

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

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

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Dart uses Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic

Joe Dart

Bassist

Vulfpeck

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Hendra Suhendra uses Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic

Hendra Suhendra

Bassist

Noah

...
Verified via Photo

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.🤘🏽"

See how Thomas Ramdhan uses Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 Classic

Thomas Ramdhan

Bassist

GIGI

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Thomas Ramdhan using Musicman Sterling Classic

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.

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