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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Short Scale redefines versatility and comfort for bass enthusiasts. Crafted with the legendary StingRay vibe, this bass delivers a compelling blend of tone and playability in a streamlined 30" scale. Ideal for both bassists seeking enhanced comfort and guitarists transitioning between instruments, this model offers an effortless playing experience without compromising on sound quality. The passive neodymium humbucker provides a dynamic and punchy sound palette, offering a range of tones from thumpy soul to rock. Enhanced by a 3-way rotary selector, you can easily switch between series, parallel, and true single-coil modes, complete with a passive bass boost for when you need that extra punch.

The StingRay Short Scale's lightweight ash body ensures resonance without the bulk, while the roasted maple neck adds a touch of elegance and sustain. Its satin finish prevents sticking, allowing for smooth transitions across the fretboard. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or performing live, this bass is engineered for superior tone and playability, making it a quintessential instrument for any bassist's collection.

Key Features:

  • 30" short-scale design for enhanced playability
  • Passive neodymium humbucker with dynamic tonal range
  • 3-way rotary selector for versatile tone options
  • Lightweight, resonant ash body
  • Roasted maple neck for added snap and sustain
  • Satin neck finish for smooth playability
  • Equipped with Music Man tuners and vintage top-loading bridge

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model StingRay Short Scale
Year 2017 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Silver, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 4-String
Nut Width 1.5"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 30"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Short Scale bass?

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Short Scale bass features a 30" scale length, which provides a comfortable playing experience with reduced string tension, making it ideal for extended playing sessions.

What type of pickup does the StingRay Short Scale bass have?

The StingRay Short Scale bass is equipped with a passive humbucking pickup featuring higher output neodymium magnets, delivering a powerful and versatile tone suitable for various playing styles.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Short Scale bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the StingRay Short Scale bass is suitable for beginners due to its shorter scale length, which makes it easier to play and more comfortable for those with smaller hands or those new to bass playing.

What materials are used for the neck and fretboard of the StingRay Short Scale bass?

The StingRay Short Scale bass features a bolt-on maple neck with a hand-rubbed oiled finish and a 22-fret rosewood fretboard, providing a smooth playing surface and a warm tone.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Short Scale bass have an active preamp?

No, the StingRay Short Scale bass does not have an active preamp. It uses passive electronics, offering a straightforward and classic bass tone.

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Ernie Ball Music Man Short Scale StingRay! [Demo]

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Short Scale StingRay! [Demo] by Patrick Hunter

Ernie Ball Music Man Short Scale StingRay! [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: 2020 Short Scale StingRay Bass by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: 2020 Short Scale StingRay Bass

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man short-scale StingRay bass demo by Guitar World

Ernie Ball Music Man short-scale StingRay bass demo

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Short Scale Stingray Bass | SHORTIES by The Bass Channel

Ernie Ball Music Man Short Scale Stingray Bass | SHORTIES

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

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 Short Scale.

Build quality

  • Owners frequently report issues with rough neck finishes and wobbly knobs straight from the factory, requiring immediate attention or repairs.

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  • Owners often find the slab body of the Mustang less comfortable compared to the contoured body of the StingRay, which offers a shorter length and smaller body.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Applying 600-grit sandpaper to the neck can greatly improve its finish, creating a smoother playing experience.

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  • Fret sprout and rough fret ends are common, necessitating filing or adjustment soon after purchase.

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Features and functionality

  • The bass offers a Joe Dart-style punchiness, appealing for those seeking a thick, compressed tone similar to Vulfpeck's "1612."

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  • Notably, the Sterling short scale models are passive, lacking a battery door on the back, unlike their active counterparts.

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  • The StingRay's 3-way switch provides greater tonal variety compared to the Mustang's simpler setup, making it more versatile for different styles.

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Comparisons

  • The Sire U5 offers superior fit and finish for less money, but lacks the punchiness of the StingRay.

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  • The Ibanez Talman is mentioned as having a neck dip but is significantly cheaper than the Ibanez EHB, which offers smoother playability.

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  • The short scale StingRay is noted for its tonal variety and punch, which some find challenging to pair with strings; TI short scale rounds are recommended for optimal performance.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite initial setup issues, the StingRay Short Scale is praised for being lightweight and easy to handle during gigs and rehearsals.

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Value and pricing

  • The Sterling by Music Man short scale Ray can often be found used for around $350, offering an affordable alternative to the higher-priced new models.

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User experience

  • Owners report the Sterling short scale Ray as superb, though harder to find due to its popularity.

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  • While the StingRay is favored for quick sessions and ease of play, it is reported to be heavier than some full-length basses, which could impact comfort during extended use.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The Fender (Squier) 60s Mustang benefits from flatwound strings, which enhance its sound, despite having different pickups than the JMJ Mustang.

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Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Music Man Short-Scale StingRay Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Ernie Ball's Music Man StingRay Short Scale is a hit for bassists seeking compact power without compromise. It boasts the iconic StingRay sound, seamless playability, and impressive passive electronics. The sleek design enhances comfort, though the neck may feel snug for larger hands, and its $1,999 price tag could deter budget-conscious buyers. However, its versatility and build quality justify the investment, making this a standout in the StingRay lineage.

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