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Average Price: $2,198
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Description
Embrace the rebirth of a classic groove machine with the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 H Bass Guitar. This iconic instrument, first introduced in the 1970s, has been the preferred choice for rock enthusiasts, punk rockers, and independent bands alike, and is now back with enhanced features.
The StingRay Special has undergone a design evolution to provide a more comfortable play experience. This includes a lighter-weight body and hardware, contributing to a significant weight relief. The rounded and enhanced body contour further ensures comfort in any playing position.
The bass guitar boasts redesigned humbuckers with an 18-volt active preamp and 3-band EQ that deliver a punchy tone, greater sonic range, and impressive headroom for a wide dynamic range. The premium roasted maple neck and fingerboard provide a perfect balance of comfort, speed, and stability, allowing your hand to glide smoothly along the frets.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or an ambitious beginner, the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 H Bass Guitar offers a delightful blend of style, sound, and innovation.
Key Features:
- Redesigned humbuckers with an 18V preamp and 3-band EQ for punchy, versatile tone
- Redesigned lighter body and hardware for comfortable playing experience
- Premium roasted maple neck and fingerboard for comfort and stability
- 22 stainless steel frets for long-lasting fret life and excellent tone
- Easy-access truss rod adjustment wheel
- Lightweight modern classic bridge and saddles
- Neodymium pickup magnets for increased output
- 3+1 tuning key configuration for that iconic StingRay sound.
Product specs
| Brand | Ernie Ball Music Man |
| Model | StingRay Special 4H |
| Finish | Amethyst Sparkle, Aqua Sparkle, Black, Black Rock, Brulee, Burnt Amber, Burnt Apple, Burnt Ends, Buttercream, Candyman, Charcoal Sparkle, Charging Green, Chopper Blue, Classic Natural, Cruz Teal, Dropped Copper, Firemist Silver, Frost Green, Genius Gold, Ghost Pepper, Ghostwood, Grape Crush, HD Yellow, Harvest Orange, Hot Honey, Ivory White, Jackpot, Jet Black, Kiwi Green, Laguna Green, Maroon Mist, Ocean Sparkle, Pueblo Pink, Purple Sunset, Raspberry Burst, Sea Breeze, Smoked Chrome, Snowy Night, Speed Blue, Tectonic Blue, Vintage Tobacco |
| Year | 2018 - 2025 |
| 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, Grey, Natural, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Silver, White, Yellow |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Metallic |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony, Maple, Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Nut Width | 1.625", 1.6875" |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the StingRay Special 4 H bass guitar?
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The StingRay Special 4 H features a comfortable, modern C-shaped neck profile, crafted from select maple, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles.
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How does the StingRay Special 4 H sound with its single humbucker pickup?
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The StingRay Special 4 H delivers a punchy and clear tone with its active humbucker, enhanced by a 3-band EQ, making it versatile for genres like rock, funk, and jazz.
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Is the StingRay Special 4 H bass guitar suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the StingRay Special 4 H is ideal for live performances due to its lightweight design, ergonomic body, and powerful sound output, ensuring comfort and clarity on stage.
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What are the finish options available for the StingRay Special 4 H?
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The StingRay Special 4 H is available in various finishes, including Amethyst Sparkle, Black, Buttercream, Grape Crush, and many more, offering a wide range of aesthetic choices.
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Does the StingRay Special 4 H bass guitar have an active or passive pickup system?
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The StingRay Special 4 H features an active pickup system, providing enhanced tonal control and dynamic range through its onboard preamp.
Videos
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball Music Man: Stingray Special Bass - Tony Levin Demo & Discussion
Ernie Ball Music Man: Stingray Special Bass - Tony Levin Demo & Discussion
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball Music Man 2018 StingRay Special Bass Guitar | Reverb Demo Video
Reverb
Ernie Ball Music Man: Stingray Special Bass - Mike Herrera Demo & Discussion
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball Stingray Special
Deadbeat Studios
MusicMan StingRay Special 4h Charcoal SPARKLE - first test drive
Elie Kh
I Tried My First "String Ray" | 2022 Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special H Bass Ruby Punch
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Ernie Ball Music Man Minute: StingRay Special Smoked Chrome (ft. Derek Frank)
Ernie Ball
Music Man Stingray Special - Strategic Improvement on a Classic Formula - LowEndLobster Review
LowEndLobster
Music Man StingRay Special Bass 2018 EB, Jet Black | Gear4music demo
Gear4music Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Reduced weight for enhanced comfort during long performances
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Famous Musicman sound with improved clarity
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Roasted maple neck offers smooth playability
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Exceptional sustain lets notes ring out longer
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3-band EQ provides versatile tone options
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High-quality craftsmanship and impeccable aluminum parts
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Gunstock oil neck finish enhances smoothness
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Swamp ash body adds to the lightweight design
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18V electronics offer increased headroom
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Fretwork is finely polished for an excellent playing experience
CONS
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High price point compared to similar models
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about StingRay Special 4 H.
Build quality
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Some owners find the weight of older StingRays cumbersome, noting the lighter weight of the StingRay Special as a major improvement.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
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Users have compared the StingRay Special to the Sterling Ray34 and Ray35, noting modern playability features like roasted necks and 3-band EQs.
Source -
The StingRay Special is seen as a modern evolution compared to the classic US StingRays, with options catering to both modern and retro preferences.
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Users compare the StingRay Special to the Sterling Ray34, with some opting for the Sterling due to budget constraints while recognizing the superior appeal of a Music Man.
Source -
Fender's Ultra series addressed similar G string placement issues by redesigning their 5-string models, highlighting a difference in response compared to Ernie Ball Music Man's approach.
Source
User experience
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It's been noted that the StingRay Special's versatile sound makes it a potential "forever bass," reducing the need for additional basses.
Source -
Owners frequently express admiration for the roasted maple neck's aesthetics and stability, contributing to a visually appealing and reliable instrument.
Source -
Some users find the StingRay Special 5H lighter than certain 4-string models, offering a more comfortable playing experience despite the added string and components.
Source
Features and functionality
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Roasted maple necks are highlighted as a popular feature, aligning with trends in similar high-end bass models.
Source -
The StingRay Special is praised for its active electronics, with users confirming it includes a preamp, emphasizing its role as a pioneer in active basses.
Source -
The StingRay Special 5-string has a G string placement issue, sitting at the edge of the fretboard, potentially leading to accidental note slips during performances.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Some owners experiment with various strings, ultimately recommending Ken Smith stainless steel rock masters for a brighter tone that complements the StingRay Special.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
75
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