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Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 40th Anniversary

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 40th Anniversary

$2,599.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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5.0 (10)

$2,599.00 1 available Used

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Average Price: $2,599

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 40th Anniversary is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Celebrate four decades of groundbreaking bass with the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 40th Anniversary edition. This iconic electric bass pays homage to its heritage with a design inspired by "Old Smoothie," one of the original prototypes crafted by Leo Fender. The meticulous recreation features a vintage-style bridge and saddle, 10-pole pickup, and the original active circuitry with a two-band EQ, ensuring that the StingRay's legendary tone and versatility shine through. Whether you're a collector or a player, this bass is a testament to the enduring legacy of the StingRay, blending classic aesthetics with modern performance.

Key Features:

Inspired by the "Old Smoothie" prototype
Vintage-style bridge and saddle
10-pole pickup for authentic StingRay tone
Original active circuitry with a two-band EQ
Celebrates 40 years of the StingRay legacy

Product specs

Brand	Ernie Ball Music Man
Model	40th Anniversary StingRay
Finish	Blue Burst, Butterscotch, Chocolate Burst, Mint Green, Translucent Buttercream
Year	2016 - 2018
Made In	United States
Categories	4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups	Active Pickups
Active Preamp	Active Preamp
Body Material	Alder, Ash
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Blue, Brown, Green, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	4-String
Nut Width	1.6875"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	H
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	34"
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 40th Anniversary bass?: The StingRay 40th Anniversary bass features active pickups and an active preamp, offering a powerful and versatile sound. It also boasts a double cutaway body made from alder or ash and a sleek gloss finish available in several colors.
Is the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 40th Anniversary suitable for all playing styles?: Yes, the StingRay is renowned for its versatility, making it suitable for various genres, from rock and funk to jazz and pop, thanks to its active electronics and distinctive tonal range.
What is the neck profile like on the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 40th Anniversary?: The StingRay features a comfortable maple neck with a 34" scale length and a nut width of 1.6875", offering a smooth playing experience suitable for both beginners and experienced bassists.
How does the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 40th Anniversary handle live performances?: With its robust active electronics and powerful sound output, the StingRay 40th Anniversary is excellent for live performances, providing clarity and punch that can cut through any mix.
What type of music genres is the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 40th Anniversary best for?: The StingRay 40th Anniversary is well-suited for genres requiring dynamic range and punch, such as rock, funk, and metal, due to its active electronics and signature tonal characteristics.

Videos

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Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Bass | 40th Anniversary

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man 40th Anniversary StingRay Bass | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Ernie Ball Music Man 40th Anniversary StingRay Bass

Ernie Ball

Reviews

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PROS

Captures classic StingRay sound with modern improvements
Effortless neck providing smooth, fast play
Unique 10 pole pickup design for superior tone
Classic look with chocolate burst finish
Two-band EQ for versatile tone control
Retains original design elements with modern enhancements
String-through body for distinct tone
High attention to detail and craftsmanship
Proudly made in the USA
Excellent for various playing styles

CONS

Highs not as prominent as classic models

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 40th Anniversary.

Features and functionality

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The 40th Anniversary StingRay's pickup has five pole pieces, a design that some collectors appreciate for its historical significance.
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Sterling StingRays have a high gloss neck finish, which some players prefer over the satin finish of the EBMM StingRay for its feel.
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Value and pricing

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Priced at $1,999, it's considered a reasonable investment by some, given its build quality and heritage.
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Older EBMM models can be found used for $1,000-$1,200, offering a cost-effective alternative to new models while retaining high quality.
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Comparisons

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Some enthusiasts prefer pre-Ernie Ball StingRays for their vintage appeal, although others argue that Ernie Ball's craftsmanship has enhanced the instrument's quality.
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The EBMM StingRay's neck is notably smoother with better fret finishing compared to the Sterling Ray34.
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The Ray34 is likened to the highest-end MIM Fender, offering similar playability and feel, but with a roasted maple neck option that brings it closer to premium models.
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Use cases and applications

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The bass is highlighted in promotional material featuring Joe Dart, suggesting it's suitable for funk and groove-driven styles.
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A user reported that the Ray34 can hold its own in a mix, having a mid-range sound that's less scooped compared to an EBMM, yet still fitting well in diverse musical styles.
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Build quality

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The Sterling Ray34 tuners, especially on purple sparkle finishes, are often criticized for instability and require careful tuning adjustments.
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One user noted a Ray34 with a natural finish and roasted maple neck was available for $900, emphasizing the aesthetic and material quality compared to similarly priced competitors.
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Setup and maintenance

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Sterling Ray34s are prone to input jack issues, with nuts and washers not staying in place, necessitating replacements.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend Hipshot HB7 tuners as a smooth and stable drop-in replacement for Sterling models’ problematic original tuners.
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User experience

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The EBMM StingRay's rotary pickup switch has been reported to break after around 10 months of use.
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Some users have noticed the neck thickness on the EBMM StingRay is more akin to a "baseball bat," influencing playability preferences compared to the slimmer Ray34 neck.
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