Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (8)
$479.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (7)
$479.99
Amazon
4.0 (4)
$479.99
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$1,995.00 2 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (1)
$479.99
zZounds
5.0 (8)
$479.99
Thomann
4.0 (1)
$514.00 $499.00 $15.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£549.00

Average Price: $698

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling HH". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Crafted for the discerning bassist, the Sterling HH Electric Bass Guitar delivers a commanding stage presence and versatile sound palette. Its lightweight alder body ensures comfortable playability, while the dual humbucker configuration provides a dynamic range of tones, from the deep, soulful lows perfect for jazz and R&B, to the gritty, powerful mids and highs that rock and punk demand. The onboard eighteen-volt preamplifier, paired with a robust three-band equalization system, empowers you to shape your sound with precision and ease.

Whether you're exploring smooth, melodic bass lines or aggressive, driving rhythms, the Sterling HH offers the flexibility and power to meet your musical needs. Designed with a commitment to quality and performance, this bass guitar is a testament to innovative craftsmanship. Its ceramic magnets within the pickups ensure clear, articulate notes that cut through any mix, making it a reliable choice for any gig or recording session.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight alder body for enhanced playability
  • Dual humbucker configuration with ceramic magnets
  • Onboard eighteen-volt preamplifier
  • Three-band equalization system
  • Versatile sound range suitable for multiple genres

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Sterling 4 HH, Sterling 4 HH with Maple Fretboard, Sterling 4 HH with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Black, Black Cherry Burst, Blue Pearl, Candy Red, Carbon Blue Pearl, Cherry Burst, Chili Red, Desert Gold, Egyptian Smoke, Graphite Pearl, Honey Burst, Lava Pearl, Medallion Gold, Natural, Pacific Blue Burst, Pearl Blue, Radiance Red, Rolls Burgundy, Sapphire Black, Silver Sparkle, Sky Blue, Stealth Black, Stealth Charcoal, Stealth Crimson, Stealth Pearl, Sterling Silver, Tangerine Pearl, Teal Pearl, Tobacco Burst, Translucent Gold, Translucent Orange, Translucent Red, Translucent Teal, Vintage Sunburst, White, White Pearl
Year 2006 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Natural, Orange, Red, Silver, Teal, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 4-String
Nut Width 1.5"
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the pickup configuration on the Sterling HH bass?

The Sterling HH bass features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a wide range of tonal options suitable for various music genres.

Is the Sterling HH bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Sterling HH bass is ideal for live performances due to its active preamp and ceramic humbuckers, offering powerful and versatile sound projection.

What type of neck does the Sterling HH bass have?

The Sterling HH bass comes with a hard maple neck, known for its durability and smooth playability, making it comfortable for both beginners and advanced players.

Does the Sterling HH bass have an active or passive pickup system?

The Sterling HH bass is equipped with an active pickup system, which includes a 2-band active preamp for enhanced tonal control and versatility.

What are the available fretboard materials for the Sterling HH bass?

The Sterling HH bass offers fretboard options in ebony, maple, and rosewood, allowing players to choose based on their preference for tone and feel.

How many frets does the Sterling HH bass have?

The Sterling HH bass features 22 frets, providing a wide range for playing complex bass lines and solos.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling HH.

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users struggle with finding the sweet spot between low action and no fret buzz; however, the Music Man truss rod adjustment is praised for ease of use.

    Source
  • The active preamp can distort if the bass knob is cranked too high; users recommend managing levels carefully.

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  • Ray34HH is wired in series by default; rewiring to parallel is possible and may alter sound characteristics.

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Features and functionality

  • The single-coil modes on the pickup selector reduce volume output noticeably, which may affect mid-song switching.

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  • The neck pickup proximity to the neck end makes slap technique challenging due to limited finger space.

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  • Some users highlight the neck pickup as essential for resting their thumb while playing the low B string, adding comfort and stability in their playing technique.

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  • The inner coil setting on the pickup selector provides a bass-rich tone that closely resembles an active P-bass sound, favored for blues and rock.

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  • Ray34HH offers five switch modes: neck solo, bridge solo, equal mix, inside pickups, and outside pickups, providing extensive tonal versatility.

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  • Users note a significant volume drop when using single-pole modes on the Ray34HH, requiring compensation with the volume knob or amp settings.

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User experience

  • Owners report the neck pickup can interfere with slap techniques, requiring players to adjust their right-hand positioning, especially if accustomed to more space on a single pickup model.

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  • Some users describe the classic "Stingray sound" as more pronounced in single pickup models, noting the HH version's electronics alter the tone even when soloing the bridge pickup.

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Comparisons

  • The Stingray HH is compared to a Warwick Corvette $$, with users noting that while both offer dual pickups, a single pickup Stingray can adequately cover desired tonal ranges.

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  • Some owners prefer the tonal simplicity and signature sound of the single H over the HH, likening the latter's versatility to a Jazz bass but preferring the former's distinct punch.

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  • The Ray34HH has a hotter preamp compared to the Ray35, resulting in a slightly louder output.

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Use cases and applications

  • The dual humbuckers on the Ray34HH are favored for producing a scooped tone and provide versatility for different playing styles.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Christ uses Sterling HH

Johnny Christ

Bassist

Avenged Sevenfold

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, we can see Johnny playing this bass

See how Roger Lima uses Sterling HH

Roger Lima

Singer, Guitarist

Less Than Jake

...
Verified via Photo

Ernie Ball Sterling HH bass with Custom paintjob by Jim Koch

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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