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Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass

Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass

$1,049.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 26, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 26, 2026.

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Price

$1,049.00 1 available Used

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Average Price: $1,049

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass is a powerhouse of sound and playability, designed for both budding bassists and seasoned players seeking reliability and performance. This electric bass guitar is a part of the renowned Ernie Ball Music Man family, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and innovation. The SUB Sterling Bass features a ceramic humbucking pickup that delivers a powerful, punchy tone with excellent clarity, making it ideal for a variety of musical styles.

Constructed with a solid hardwood body, the instrument offers durability and a full-bodied sound. The bolt-on maple neck provides a smooth playing experience, and its satin finish ensures comfort during long sessions. The 34-inch scale length and narrow neck width make it exceptionally playable, particularly for those who prefer a more compact feel. The bass is equipped with a 2-band active preamp, allowing you to shape your sound with precision, from deep lows to crisp highs.

The classic bridge design ensures stable tuning and sustain, while the ergonomic body design makes it comfortable to play whether standing or sitting. The Sterling Bass is an excellent choice for anyone looking to invest in a reliable instrument that doesn't compromise on sound quality or ease of play.

Key Features:

Solid hardwood body for durability and rich sound
Bolt-on maple neck with satin finish for smooth playability
Ceramic humbucking pickup for powerful, clear tone
34-inch scale length with narrow neck width for comfort
2-band active preamp for versatile sound shaping
Classic bridge design for stable tuning and sustain

Product specs

Brand	Ernie Ball Music Man
Model	SUB Sterling Bass
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 Features	Matching Headstock
Finish Style	Satin
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	4-String
Nut Width	1.5"
Offset Body	Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	H
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	34"
Wood Top Style	Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass have?: The Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass is equipped with active pickups, which provide a powerful and clear sound suitable for various music styles.
Is the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass suitable for beginner bass players?: Yes, the SUB Sterling Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and manageable weight, making it easy to play and handle.
What is the body material of the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass?: The body of the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass is made from poplar, which contributes to its balanced tone and lightweight feel.
How many frets does the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass have?: The Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass features 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatile playing across the fretboard.
What is the scale length of the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass?: The scale length of the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass is 34 inches, which is standard for most electric bass guitars, providing a familiar feel and tension.
Does the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass have a satin finish?: Yes, the Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling Bass features a satin finish, which gives it a sleek appearance and a smooth feel while playing.

Videos

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Tim Sarter

USA made Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Sterling bass vs. USA made Ernie Ball Stingray Music Man bass

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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 Sterling Bass.

Features and functionality

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The treble control on the pre-amp is criticized for not cutting or boosting enough, which might limit tonal flexibility for some users.
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The Sterling SUB's preamp is extremely hot, often causing the bass to sound excessively loud compared to other active EQ basses like the Sire V7 and Warwick Fortress.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend using flatwounds and lowering the pickup to mitigate the excessively hot and harsh stock sound.
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The Ray4 is recommended as a mod platform, with users suggesting preamp replacements for better sound quality.
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Rewiring the volume to occur post-preamp is suggested to manage the SUB's high output without altering the tone significantly.
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Comparisons

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Compared to the Ibanez SR505, the B string on the Sterling SUB is considered weaker, though the bass overall remains aggressive and distinctive.
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The Ray35 is noted for its 17.5mm string spacing, which some players find more comfortable than the 16.5mm spacing on the Ray5.
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The Sterling SUB is considerably hotter than the Sire V7, which is factory-set for unity gain in both active and passive modes.
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User experience

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The neck's taper is polarizing; some find it smooth and comfortable, while others prefer a neck with a more consistent thickness.
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Some users have noted quality control issues with newer Ray34/35 models, particularly with tuners.
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Users with amplifiers featuring dual inputs (-15db for active basses) find these inputs help manage the Sterling SUB's 'hot' signal better, preventing amp overdrive.
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Use cases and applications

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With its single bridge humbucker, the bass is suitable for players who prefer an aggressive sound with space for techniques like slapping.
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Value and pricing

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The original run SUB basses, made in the USA, are praised for their value, priced between £500 and £700.
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Setup and maintenance

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Adjusting the pickup height can significantly reduce the Sterling SUB's excessive output, achieving a more balanced sound with slight clipping and compression.
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