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Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active

Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active

$895.00 Price Tier: Standard

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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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$895.00 7 available Used

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Average Price: $895

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Looking for a bass guitar that combines professional quality with affordability? The Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active may be your perfect match. This electric bass offers the classic Music Man design, providing musicians with a robust and reliable instrument renowned for its active preamp system. This system allows for precise tonal control, giving you the versatility needed for any musical style, whether you're jamming out in the studio or performing live on stage.

Crafted with a solid hardwood body, the SUB Bass 4 Active ensures durability and a rich tone that resonates with both seasoned players and beginners alike. It features a smooth maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard, designed for fast and comfortable playability. The bass is equipped with a single humbucking pickup, delivering a clear and punchy sound that cuts through any mix.

The individual components of this bass guitar are carefully selected to offer an instrument that not only sounds great but feels great too. Its streamlined design and lightweight construction make it an accessible choice for players of all levels. Whether you’re a budding bassist or a professional looking for a reliable backup, the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active is an outstanding choice without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Active preamp system for enhanced tonal control
Solid hardwood body for durability and rich sound
Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
Single humbucking pickup for clear, punchy sound
Lightweight construction for comfortable handling

Product specs

Brand	Ernie Ball Music Man
Model	SUB Bass 4 Active
Year	2003 - 2006
Made In	United States
Categories	4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups	Active Pickups
Active Preamp	Active Preamp
Body Material	Poplar
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Grey, Red, Teal, White
Finish Style	Satin
Fretboard Material	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

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active best suited for?: The Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active, with its active pickups and preamp, is versatile and well-suited for genres like rock, funk, and pop, where punchy and dynamic bass tones are desired.
How does the active preamp in the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active affect its sound?: The active preamp provides enhanced tonal control and clarity, allowing for a wider range of dynamic sounds and increased output, making it ideal for cutting through the mix in live or studio settings.
Is the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active suitable for beginner bass players?: While it offers professional features, the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active is accessible for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and manageable weight, making it a good choice for those starting out.
What is the neck profile like on the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active?: The neck of the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active is made of maple and features a comfortable, slim profile, which facilitates easy playability and smooth transitions across the fretboard.
Does the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active come in different colors?: Yes, the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active is available in a variety of colors including black, blue, brown, grey, red, teal, and white, allowing players to choose a finish that suits their style.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass 4 Active.

Build quality

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The slab body lacks contours and has a rough paint job, affecting comfort and aesthetics. The scratchplate can be replaced with a Stingray one for better looks.
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Setup and maintenance

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Neck finish can become sticky with wear; sanding and applying teak oil can improve smoothness and playability.
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Lowering the pickup can reduce output volume and improve tone, offering a slight compression and clipping effect that some users find desirable.
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Features and functionality

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The bass is noted for its powerful, boost-only preamp, which enhances the classic Stingray mid-scoop sound when treble and bass are fully boosted.
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The early 2000s USA-made SUB features the same hardware and pickups as regular Stingrays but with a textured rhino-like paint and thin diamond plate pickguard.
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The preamp is notably "hot," producing a very high output volume that can cause issues with amp overdrive if not managed with input pads or appropriate settings.
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Comparisons

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Compared to Indonesian Sterling models, the USA SUB has a chunkier neck profile and a heavier, more substantial feel, akin to classic Stingrays.
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Compared to the Ibanez SR4FMDX, the Music Man SUB offers a more distinctive sound and aesthetic appeal, though Ibanez necks are often preferred for comfort.
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User experience

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The neck profile of the 5-string model is considered faster than a P-bass with a C neck, suggesting easy playability for quicker styles.
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Users often find the active input on amps necessary to manage the SUB's excessive volume, allowing for finer volume control and preventing amp distortion.
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Mods and upgrades

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A recommended mod is the John East preamp, which replicates the Stingray's sound and can be installed easily with its pre-wired control plate.
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A suggested modification is to rewire the volume control to operate post-preamp, which may help tame the excessive output without affecting tone.
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Value and pricing

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The USA-made SUB, especially from the early 2000s, is often priced significantly lower than new Stingrays, making it a high-value alternative in markets like Norway.
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