Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,660

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Crafted for the discerning bassist, the Classic Sabre electric bass guitar offers a harmonious blend of versatility and vintage charm. With its sleek design and meticulous craftsmanship, this bass is more than just an instrument—it's an extension of your musical expression. Its dual humbucking pickups, paired with a five-way switch, deliver a spectrum of tones that range from warm and mellow to sharp and punchy, making it ideal for any genre or playing style.

One of the standout features of the Classic Sabre is its adjustable felt mute pads on the bridge. These allow you to fine-tune your sound, achieving the perfect balance between string vibration and that sought-after muted bass tone. Whether you're laying down a groove for an RnB track or exploring the depths of reggae, these mutes provide a tonal control that's second to none.

The Classic Sabre also incorporates Silent Circuit technology, ensuring that you enjoy hum-free performance even when using single-coil modes. This innovation preserves your tone's clarity and precision, letting you focus on your performance rather than unwanted noise.

Designed for musicians who demand excellence, the Classic Sabre is not just a bass—it's a partner in your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Dual humbucking pickups with five-way switching for a wide tonal range
  • Adjustable felt mutes for customizable vintage bass tones
  • Silent Circuit technology for hum-free single-coil performance
  • Premium craftsmanship for reliability and maximum performance
  • Hard case included for secure transportation

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Classic Sabre Bass with Maple Fretboard, Classic Sabre Bass with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Black, Classic Natural, Classic Red, Diego Blue, Honey Burst, Mayan Silver, Pacific Blue Burst, Trans Blue, Trans White, Vintage Burst
Year 2013 - 2015
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, Natural, Red, Silver, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Classic Sabre bass best suited for?

The Classic Sabre bass is versatile, featuring active pickups and an active preamp, making it suitable for a wide range of genres, including rock, funk, jazz, and pop.

How does the neck profile of the Classic Sabre bass affect playability?

The Classic Sabre bass features a comfortable neck with a nut width of 1.625", offering a balance between speed and comfort, which is ideal for both fingerstyle and slap bass techniques.

Are the pickups on the Classic Sabre bass active or passive?

The Classic Sabre bass is equipped with active pickups, providing a powerful and dynamic sound with enhanced tonal control.

What materials are used for the body and neck of the Classic Sabre bass?

The Classic Sabre bass features an ash body and a maple neck, contributing to its bright and resonant tone.

How many frets does the Classic Sabre bass have?

The Classic Sabre bass has 21 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing styles.

What are the available finishes for the Classic Sabre bass?

The Classic Sabre bass is available in several finishes, including Black, Classic Natural, Classic Red, Diego Blue, Honey Burst, Mayan Silver, Pacific Blue Burst, Trans Blue, Trans White, and Vintage Burst.

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

MUSIC MAN CLASSIC SABRE BASS - Lars Lehmann

Video thumbnail for MUSIC MAN CLASSIC SABRE BASS - Lars Lehmann by BassTheWorld.com

MUSIC MAN CLASSIC SABRE BASS - Lars Lehmann

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

Video thumbnail for Bass Player Magazine Preview: Ernie Ball/MusicMan Classic Sabre Bass by Bass PlayerMag

Bass Player Magazine Preview: Ernie Ball/MusicMan Classic Sabre Bass

Bass PlayerMag

Video thumbnail for Music Man Classic Sabre Bass Guitar Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Music Man Classic Sabre Bass Guitar Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Sabre Classic x 2 - Testing BOTH flats and rounds! - LowEndLobster Fresh Look by LowEndLobster

Ernie Ball Music Man Sabre Classic x 2 - Testing BOTH flats and rounds! - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for 【デジマートNew Gear Showcase】Ernieball Musicman / Classic Sabre by digimartnet

【デジマートNew Gear Showcase】Ernieball Musicman / Classic Sabre

digimartnet

digimartnet

Video thumbnail for Music Man Classic Sabre Bass im Test by musikmachen.de

Music Man Classic Sabre Bass im Test

musikmachen.de

musikmachen.de

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Music Man Classic Sabre.

Features and functionality

  • The Sabre features a 5-way switch allowing versatile tone options, including P bass and brighter tones, with built-in felt mutes rarely seen today.

    Source
  • The Sabre's pre-EB models are noted for having a vintage MusicMan preamp, which adds a "wonky and nasal" tone that's musically appealing.

    Source
  • The Sabre includes a passive treble boost and a 3-way pickup switch with an out-of-phase setting for mellow tones.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted for its heavy weight, both physically and tonally, with a baseball bat-like neck made of speckled maple.

    Source
  • Vintage Sabres can exhibit cracks in the wood finish, though these are often superficial and not structurally significant.

    Source
  • The neck gloss wears to a satin feel over decades, enhancing playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners from the late '70s and '80s report long-term satisfaction, with some using it exclusively for decades.

    Source
  • The Sabre's preamp can produce a tone reminiscent of "The Cars" when using a pick, specifically on tracks like "Just What I Needed."

    Source
  • Owners find it hard to part with Sabres once owned, indicating a strong attachment and satisfaction with the instrument.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Sabre is lighter than a Fender Jazz 5 and has pickups with 16 polepieces, similar to Jazz bass humbuckers.

    Source
  • The EBMM USA Sterling HH is considered the closest modern equivalent in terms of body size and playability.

    Source
  • The G&L L-2000 is similar but features rear-routed controls and active treble boost, unlike the Sabre's pickguard and passive boost.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Joe Dart's signature model endorsement suggests its suitability for professional use.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some vintage Sabres may develop a "ski-jump" neck, requiring more than just fret leveling to resolve neck buzz issues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A heavily worn 1979 Sabre can be found at around $1200, which is considered half the price of less worn models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Music Man Classic Sabre Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Music Man Classic Sabre impresses with its robust construction and versatile tone palette, making it a standout choice for bassists seeking a mix of classic StingRay sizzle with added flexibility. The dual-pickup design and 5-position switch offer a wealth of tonal options, from the iconic snap to deeper, woody tones not typical of the StingRay. Its playability is enhanced by a comfortable neck and balanced body, making it a joy to play. However, the lack of center detents on the EQ knobs might make precise tone adjustments challenging. Overall, the Classic Sabre is a well-crafted, versatile bass ideal for players who enjoy a zingy tone and slap-friendly setup.

positive

Music Man Classic Sabre Bass Review

guitar.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Squarepusher uses Music Man Classic Sabre

Squarepusher

Bassist, Music Producer

Squarepusher & AFX

...
Verified via YouTube

Normal Stingray has 4 knobs(vol, treble, mid, bass). but his playing 3-Knob equipped models.

See how Todd Kerns uses Music Man Classic Sabre

Todd Kerns

Singer, Guitarist

The Age of Electric

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance video by MyndKryme, Todd Kerns is seen playing a Classic Sabre bass during the songs "Dr. Alibi" and "Welcome to the Jungle" with Slash, Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators at the House of Blues in Las Vegas.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Music Man Classic Sabre, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Shure SM58
Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphones
1

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