Music Man StingRay Special HH

$2,199.00 to $2,699.00 Price Tier: High-end

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 7, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (14)

$2,199.00 59 available New

$2,000.00 17 available Used

View Deal

$2,699.00

View Deal

Average Price: $2,299

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, StingRay Special HH 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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Introducing the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Bass Special HH in striking Amethyst Sparkle with a Rosewood Fretboard - a legendary instrument that has been the backbone of many a hit song since its debut in 1976. With its iconic sound and bold aesthetic, it has always been a favorite among professional bassists, and this model is sure to continue that legacy. What sets this StingRay Bass Special apart is its improved playability. The body has been enhanced with a rounded contour, making it comfortable to play in any position. The neck joint has been sculpted for uninhibited access to all 22 stainless steel frets, giving you ultimate freedom on the fretboard. The new and improved StingRay electronics deliver a powerful sound, thanks to neodymium magnets for higher output and a new 18-volt 3-Band preamp for cleaner headroom without clipping. All this is elegantly housed within a solid, roadworthy construction, completed with an elegant oval pickguard, 3+1 tuning key configuration, and the beloved Music Man humbucker for that iconic StingRay sound.

Key Features:

Select Hardwood Body
Enhanced Body Contour for Improved Comfort
Sculpted Neck Joint for Uninhibited Upper Fret Access
22 Stainless Steel Frets
Lightweight Aluminum Hardware
New Lightweight Modern Classic Bridge and Saddles
Music Man Tuning Machines with a Finer Gear Ratio
Powerful Neodymium Pickup Magnets for Increased Output
3-Band EQ
18 V Preamp for Extra Headroom with No Clipping

Product specs

Brand	Ernie Ball Music Man
Model	StingRay Special 4 HH
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, Pacific Blue Burst, 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"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	34"
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the StingRay Special HH have?: The StingRay Special HH features dual humbucking pickups with an active preamp, offering a powerful and versatile sound suitable for various music genres.
Is the StingRay Special HH suitable for slap bass techniques?: Yes, the StingRay Special HH is well-suited for slap bass, thanks to its active electronics and responsive neck, providing a bright and punchy tone.
What materials are used for the fretboard on the StingRay Special HH?: The fretboard of the StingRay Special HH is available in ebony, maple, or rosewood, each offering a distinct feel and tonal characteristic.
How many frets does the StingRay Special HH have?: The StingRay Special HH comes with 21 frets, allowing for a wide range of playability and expression across the neck.
Can the StingRay Special HH handle heavy distortion or overdrive effects?: Yes, the StingRay Special HH's active pickups and robust build can handle heavy distortion and overdrive effects, making it versatile for rock and metal genres.
What is the body material of the StingRay Special HH?: The body of the StingRay Special HH is made from ash, known for its balanced tone and lightweight properties, enhancing both playability and sound quality.
What is the scale length of the StingRay Special HH?: The StingRay Special HH has a 34-inch scale length, which is standard for 4-string basses and provides a comfortable playing experience.

Videos

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Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man Minute: StingRay Special Amethyst Sparkle (ft. Ben Kenney)

Ernie Ball

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional build quality with meticulous attention to detail
Punchy, dynamic sound characteristic of Ernie Ball Musicman
Wide tonal range thanks to dual powerful pickups and preamp
Lightweight design enhances playability and comfort
Smooth playability praised by seasoned musicians
Stunning visual appeal with a great-looking neck

CONS

Pickups emit a persistent unpleasant smell

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The neck pickup on the HH model is noted for getting in the way of slap techniques, affecting right-hand positioning.
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The 4th position on the pickup selector (outer coil banks) can mimic a Jaco Pastorius soloed J pickup sound with specific EQ adjustments.
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The 3-band EQ with center-notched pots on the StingRay Special is seen as modern, appealing to users who prioritize versatility in tonal shaping.
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The HH model uses a pickup selector switch, potentially avoiding issues found in passive volume setups that can alter pot values and affect tone.
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User experience

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Some users adjust the height of the neck pickup to be flush with the pickguard to facilitate slap playing without interference.
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The lighter weight of the StingRay Specials is appreciated by gigging musicians for reducing shoulder strain during long performances.
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Use cases and applications

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For a smoother blues tone, both pickups with all coils on are favored, with high-end frequencies rolled off.
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The HH model is versatile for blues, rock, metal, and gospel, providing unique tones that led some users to sell their jazz and P basses.
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The specifics of the StingRay Special's finishes, such as the Sapphire Iris color, are highlighted for being visually appealing and distinct from traditional options.
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In live settings, the tonal difference between the HH and H models is minimal, with the HH offering increased versatility without a noticeable loss of tone quality.
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Setup and maintenance

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Proper pickup height for both pickups is recommended at 1/4 inch, though some users tweak this for tonal adjustments.
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Comparisons

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The roasted maple necks on the StingRay Special are preferred by those seeking modern playability, contrasting with the classic feel of Fender Player Plus necks.
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A user with experience in multiple bass models finds the StingRay Special's sound comparable but less inspiring than the Sterling Ray35.
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Some users note the HH's bridge pickup sounds different from the H model, attributing the difference to the neck pickup cavity altering the body's resonance.
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Build quality

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Some owners report needing a shim for optimal setup, noting that the nut height may be higher than on Sterling Ray35 models.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners of SBMM Ray4HHs often rewire the five-way switch for parallel setups and install vintage-style preamps like the Boscoe MMSR77 for improved tone.
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Critic Reviews

Review - Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special HH - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special HH shines with its iconic design and robust build that fits snugly into any genre. Musicians appreciate its versatility and rich tonal options, boasting impressive sound quality thanks to its dual humbuckers. However, at just over $2K, the price might deter budget-conscious players looking for similar features in more affordable models. While the playability and aesthetics are top-notch, some might find the weight a bit hefty for long gigs. Ultimately, this bass is a stellar choice for serious players willing to invest in quality.

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Artist usage

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Ash Kabosu

Bassist

Lovejoy

Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Lovejoy: 1st Live Rehearsal," uploaded by Clem Everett, Ash Kabosu is seen playing a StingRay Special H bass, not the StingRay Special HH, as it features only one pickup.