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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 H Neck-Through 3EQ is a bass guitar that effortlessly marries classic appeal with modern enhancements. Crafted for musicians who demand both performance and style, this bass features a neck-through construction that ensures superior sustain and enhanced resonance, making it a standout choice for both studio sessions and live performances. At its core, the StingRay is equipped with a powerful alnico magnet-powered humbucker, tailored to deliver that signature punchy and articulate tone that bassists crave. Whether you're laying down grooves in R&B, navigating complex fusion lines, or driving the heavy rhythms of metal, this bass is your versatile companion.

The active three-band EQ allows for precise tonal shaping, giving you the flexibility to dial in your sound with ease. Its select maple neck and ash body not only provide a robust build but also contribute to its rich tonal character. The StingRay's ergonomic design ensures comfortable playability, with easy access to higher frets, making it a practical choice for any genre. This is a bass designed not just to be heard, but to be felt.

Key Features:

  • Alnico magnet-powered single humbucker
  • Active three-band EQ for precise tonal control
  • Neck-through construction for enhanced sustain
  • Select maple neck and ash body
  • Ergonomic design for comfortable playability and high-fret access

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model StingRay 4 H Neck-Through 3EQ
Year 2015 - 2019
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, Purple, Red, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony, 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 sound can I expect from the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 H Neck-Through 3EQ?

The StingRay 4 H delivers a punchy and clear tone, thanks to its active pickups and 3-band EQ. It's known for its rich lows, articulate mids, and bright highs, making it versatile for various music genres, including rock, funk, and pop.

How does the neck-through construction of the StingRay 4 H affect its playability?

The neck-through construction provides enhanced sustain and stability, offering a smooth transition between the neck and body. This design allows for easier access to higher frets, making it ideal for intricate playing styles.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 H suitable for live performances?

Yes, the StingRay 4 H is well-suited for live performances. Its active electronics provide high output and tonal flexibility, while the robust ash body and maple neck ensure durability and reliability on stage.

What are the main differences between the StingRay 4 H and other Ernie Ball Music Man bass models?

The StingRay 4 H features a single humbucker pickup configuration and a neck-through design, which contribute to its distinct tonal characteristics and sustain. Other models may offer different pickup configurations, such as dual humbuckers, and bolt-on necks, affecting their sound and playability.

What are the benefits of the 3-band EQ on the StingRay 4 H?

The 3-band EQ allows precise control over bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, enabling players to tailor their sound for different musical contexts. This flexibility is especially useful for adapting to various performance environments and achieving the desired tone.

Esse Music Store S.r.l.

Esse Music Store S.r.l.

Recensione basso Music Man Stingray 4 Through Neck

Video thumbnail for Recensione basso Music Man Stingray 4 Through Neck by Esse Music Store S.r.l.

Recensione basso Music Man Stingray 4 Through Neck

Esse Music Store S.r.l.

Esse Music Store S.r.l.

Video thumbnail for Music Man Stingray 4 Through Neck - review by Alberto Rigoni

Music Man Stingray 4 Through Neck - review

Alberto Rigoni

Alberto Rigoni

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 H Neck-Through 3EQ.

Comparisons

  • 2-band EQ models are noted for their distinct sound difference from 3-band EQ models, offering a unique tonal character not found in the latter.

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  • The Bongo model is noted for cutting through any mix, offering a warm, clear tone, and is seen as more refined than the Stingray by some owners.

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  • Users report that Stingrays offer superior build quality compared to most Fender models, except for those from Fender's custom shop.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Users report that Stingrays with through-body stringing, like the 2001 EX model, offer enhanced playability and tonal characteristics.

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  • A neck pocket shim can help achieve lower action on older Stingrays if necessary, as some models may struggle with achieving very low action.

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Use cases and applications

  • The single H Stingray is favored for providing the iconic Stingray tone and is seen as essential for those not needing versatility.

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User experience

  • Owners of the DarkRay mention losing mid-range control due to Darkglass internals, though it still delivers a great Stingray tone.

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  • Owners express a strong attachment to models from the 90s, often considering them irreplaceable in their collection.

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  • Owners suggest keeping extra 9V batteries handy as the bass uses one for its active electronics, impacting playtime if not replaced regularly.

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Build quality

  • Older Stingray models, like those from 1977, are praised for their necks, which are flatter and less chunky, and are considered exceptional for live performances.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users have installed John East MMSR preamps for a vintage sound with a mids control, enhancing tonal flexibility.

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  • Installing a series/parallel switch is recommended to access a wider range of Stingray tones, from classic to modern.

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Features and functionality

  • The Stingray Special has a stronger bass and mid-range presence, offering a more refined sound compared to other models.

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  • The front input jack is a preferred feature for some players, offering easy accessibility during performances.

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  • The 2-band EQ models allow cranking the treble without sounding brittle, unlike the 3-band EQ which can be more sensitive in high frequencies.

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  • The Stingray's humbucker is powerful and sensitive to treble settings, making it essential to manage treble to avoid excessive clanking sounds.

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  • The 3-band EQ features center detents; keeping them centered initially helps users understand tonal changes with minor adjustments.

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