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Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,319
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Music Man Stingray". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray is a dynamic powerhouse in the world of electric bass guitars, capturing the essence of rock, punk, and indie music since its debut in the 1970s. Known for its alnico-powered humbucker, this bass offers a classic yet versatile sound palette that has earned it a spot in the arsenals of legendary artists like Flea and Cliff Williams. Its sleek design marries form and function, featuring a premium roasted maple neck that ensures comfort and speed, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly.
The Stingray is equipped with an advanced 18-volt active preamp and a 3-band EQ, which together provide a wide dynamic range and allow for detailed sound sculpting. The newly redesigned pickups deliver a punchier and more expressive tone, while the stainless steel frets promise durability even for the most aggressive playing styles. With its lighter hardware, this bass ensures a comfortable playing experience, making it ideal for long gigs and recording sessions alike.
Key Features:
- Alnico-powered humbucker for a rich, versatile tone
- Advanced 18-volt active preamp with 3-band EQ
- Premium roasted maple neck with a smooth finish
- Stainless steel frets for extended longevity
- Lightweight hardware for added comfort
- Easy-access truss rod adjustment wheel
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | StingRay Special 4 H |
| Body Material | Select Hardwood |
| Body Finish | High Gloss Polyester |
| Neck Material | Roasted Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Neck Joint | 5-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 11" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Stainless Steel |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Material | Compensated Melamine |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Vintage Music Man top loaded chrome plated, steel bridge plate with vintage nickel plated steel saddles |
| Tuners | Custom Music Man |
| Bridge Pickup | Music Man Neodymium Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x volume, 3-band EQ |
| Strings | Ernie Ball Super Slinky Bass, .045-.100 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Softshell Case |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Music Man StingRay's pickups?
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The Music Man StingRay features a neodymium humbucker, known for producing a powerful, punchy tone with a clear low-end and crisp highs. It's versatile enough for various genres, offering a distinctive sound that's favored in funk, rock, and pop music.
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Is the Music Man StingRay suitable for beginner bass players?
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While the Music Man StingRay is a professional-grade instrument, its comfortable C-shaped neck and balanced body make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about their bass playing journey.
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What is the neck profile of the Music Man StingRay?
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The StingRay features a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for players. Its roasted maple neck and 11" radius make it easy to navigate across the fretboard for both fast playing and smooth transitions.
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Does the Music Man StingRay come with a case?
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Yes, the Music Man StingRay comes with a softshell case, offering protection for the bass during transport and storage.
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How does the active EQ on the Music Man StingRay enhance its sound?
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The StingRay's 3-band active EQ allows players to fine-tune bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities and adaptability to different musical styles and performance settings.
Videos
Reverb
Music Man StingRay 4-String Bass Demo | Reverb Demo
Music Man StingRay 4-String Bass Demo | Reverb Demo
Reverb
Music Man Stingray Basses - All About The Bass
Andertons Music Co
The Build & Sound of the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special Basses
Guitar Center
Ernie Ball Music Man 2018 StingRay Special Bass Guitar | Reverb Demo Video
Reverb
Review Demo - Music Man StingRay Special Bass
Premier Guitar
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Bass Demo
Sweetwater
Ernie Ball Music Man 40th Anniversary StingRay Bass | Reverb Demo Video
Reverb
Reviews
PROS
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Iconic and distinctive tone that stands out in any mix
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Versatile sound suitable for genres like rock, funk, and metal
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Active preamp offers a wide range of tonal options
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Comfortable playability with a smooth neck
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High-quality construction with durable hardware
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Excellent sustain with a strong low-end and bright high-end
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Recognized for its slap bass capabilities
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Well-balanced and not overly heavy for its size
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Unique design that sets it apart from traditional Fender basses
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Trusted choice of legendary bassists like Flea and Tim Commerford
CONS
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Battery box and output jack may require frequent replacement
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G string can sound dead during slapping
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Tone can get buzzy at times
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Some users find it heavy compared to other basses
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Music Man Stingray.
Features and functionality
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The Sterling Ray34 is noted for having a high gloss neck finish, which some players prefer for reduced stickiness, contrary to typical matte preferences.
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The bridge on the Retro '70s model includes mute pads, which some users find less practical compared to using external muting options like a sponge.
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The Retro '70s StingRay features a strings-through-the-body bridge with adjustable mute pads, designed for a more vintage sound and feel.
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A Stingray Special owner praises the unfinished neck's feel, leading them to sand down another bass's neck for similar comfort.
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User experience
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Some players find the weight of the Retro '70s StingRay, ranging from 10-11 lbs, to be cumbersome compared to lighter alternatives.
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Some Sterling Ray34 owners report uneven fret finishing, particularly along the neck edges, affecting playability.
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A long-time owner of a Stingray from the 80s highlights the high build quality and sound, noting its design by Leo Fender.
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Some players note that the string spacing on single-pickup Stingrays can feel awkward, especially when performing chordal work, as the G string is too close to the fretboard edge.
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Value and pricing
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Despite its vintage appeal, some owners feel the $3,299 price for the Retro '70s StingRay is high, especially when compared to the modern features of the StingRay Specials.
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Comparisons
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The Retro '70s StingRay lacks modern features like stainless steel frets and roasted maple necks, which are present in the StingRay Specials, making it less feature-rich compared to contemporary models.
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A user found the Sterling Ray34 to be lighter than their EBMM Stingray, making it a more comfortable option for extended play sessions.
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A user compared the Sterling Ray34 to a Sandberg M4, preferring the latter for its passive/active option and overall preference for Sandberg's design.
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Build quality
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The Retro '70s model uses a 3-bolt neck with micro-tilt adjustment, replicating original construction details for a more authentic vintage experience.
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Some owners report issues with Sterling Ray35 models, specifically truss rod problems and tuners made from subpar materials that can fail.
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Some Sterling Ray34s, especially with black hardware on purple sparkle finishes, have subpar tuners that have been known to fail or require frequent adjustments.
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Use cases and applications
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Despite passive electronics, the short scale Sterling Stingray retains the signature Stingray growl, making it suitable for players seeking that specific tonal character.
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While Stingrays are known for their distinct, punchy sound, some users find them less suitable for grindy amp tones, preferring them for clean, direct tones instead.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners recommend swapping Sterling tuners with Hipshot HB7s for improved tuning stability and smoother operation.
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Setup and maintenance
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EBMM Stingray users note the smoothness of the neck and lighter weight as significant improvements over Sterling models, enhancing playability and comfort.
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Owners suggest checking truss rod functionality and performing a few string changes within the warranty period to detect potential issues like metal dust from tuners.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 24 Reviews and 149 Ratings
Stingray makes it easier to sound like your bass guitar heroes
I wanted to get my favorite tone from legends like Tim Commerford, Geddy, Chris Squire, Rob Trujillo. I came upon Equipboard and noticed they all played this guitar so I jammed on it at a local Seattle guitar shop, and I only wish I would have bought it years ago! It lets you stand out in a band but blend in when you need to. Everyone seems to be slamming a Fender but if you want to be unique and get that same tone with versatility and more play-ability, the Stringray is more comfortable and makes a wider tone possible!
Preferred Settings + Usage:
I slam on my Stingray with guitar EQ knobs set to max High, medium Mid, max Low, plugged into a Fender Rumble 40. I can press the Drive button on the Fender Rumble giving me Low Drive amount and above medium Level amount of that Drive. I can sound more like Tim Commorford or Chris Squire just by tweaking the amount of Drive with the Levels of the High and Bass EQ.
571
Definitly a reference
This bass is reputed for slap and funk, but this is definitly a must-go in rock and metal as well. It has a grit in the tone that is unique and immediatly identifiable. RATM, Fugazi, Refused and At the Drive-In defintly led me to it.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
a slight cut in the lo-mid around 500 Hz with the right preamp and it's on
94
BEST BASS EVER
if you are looking for a good bass to play, take this one. trust me, you will be mindblown. this bass cuts right thru the mix, and sounds very nice. and the quality is on point. i had to choose a Stingray or a Fender Flea Active, but i wanted a stingray because it’s purely awesome.
474
One of the Greatest!
What else can be said about the Music Man Stingray that hasn’t already been said? Leo Fender really knocked it out of the park when he made this now iconic instrument. It is a truly fantastic bass with a sound that is immediately recognizable and also very versatile (unlike what most people will tell you). No matter what genre you’re playing, you can’t go wrong with a Stingray. There’s nothing else quite like it.
166
Rock n roll machine
It has a very distinctive tone, is not a versatile bass, but if youre into rock, metal or funk music is one of the best choices.
Artist usage
Add artist
At 10:56, Billie Joe can be seen playing this bass.
One of Flea's main basses throughout his entire career. Can be seen in music videos such as "Aeroplane" and "Coffee Shop". It is also the bass Flea used in Chad Smith's instructional video 'Red Hot Rhythm Meth'.
In a photo taken at his home studio, Brian May is seen with a Music Man Stingray bass guitar.
In this photo, Reznor can be seen playing a Music Man Stingray Bass.
Bass player magazine May 2001 "When I joined TooL, the band already had a few songs written, and I wanted to get Paul's sound and style-I loved it. WHen I auditioned, my approach fit what they were already doing. My MusicMan sounded good in rehearsal, but when we started recording AEnima, the StingRay didn't really work. The Music Man has a lot of lows, but some mids were missing. A friend recommended Wal basses. I tried one out and it was great. "
This photo shows Robert Trujillo with a red 4-string Music Man Stingray bass.
Mike uses the music man stingray during their MTV performance from 1996 when they played Stuck with Me, Brain Stew, and Jaded. Other than that performance I have seen no other use of the stingray. The stingray has black tape on the arm of the bass where the strap meets the arm, and a black fretboard with a basic yellow finish.
Jason Newsted is listed as using a Music Man Stingray bass in the METALLICA - Encyclopedia Metallica's section on his equipment.
The bass Commerford used for most of the early Rage Against the Machine years. Pickguard removed on a natural wood finish.
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Played various Ernie Ball Music Man Stingrays from the early days of Blink through the recording of Enema Of The State.
Seen in the documentary "Inside Out: The rise of Velvet Revolver"
5mins 21 seconds.
Album Usage
The Music Man Stingray has been featured on the following albums:
CHROMAKOPIA
Tyler, The Creator (2024)
12
White Denim (2024)
Rafinált vagy
Handsome (2024)
Growing Up
The Linda Lindas (2022)
Amplifier Worship
Boris & Boris (2020)
Mr Experience
Donny Benét (2020)
Moving Up
Donny Benét (2020)
Правда
Handsome (2020)
Disguise
Motionless In White (2019)
Rest, Repose
Rest, Repose (2017)
DOGMA
the GazettE (2015)
Thrill of the Arts
Vulfpeck & Vulfpeck (2015)
The Weird And Wonderful Marmozets
Marmozets (2014)
Fugue State
Vulfpeck & Vulfpeck (2014)
Run Free
Asking Alexandria (2012)
First Impressions Of Earth
The Strokes (2006)
Smile, It's The End Of The World
Hawk Nelson (2006)
Say You Will
Fleetwood Mac (2003)
Só No Forevis
Raimundos (1999)
A New Kind of Army
Anti?Flag (1999)
Enema Of The State
Blink-182 (1999)
Ænima
Tool (1996)
Mama Funk
Los Tetas (1995)
Paranoid & Sunburnt
Skunk Anansie (1995)
Magnified
Failure (1994)
Jealousy
X Japan (1991)
Disintegration (Deluxe Edition)
The Cure (1989)
"...Famous Last Words..."
Supertramp (1982)
Breakfast In America (Remastered)
Supertramp (1979)
Love Bites
Buzzcocks (1978)
Even In The Quietest Moments
Supertramp (1977)
Draw The Line
Aerosmith (1977)
Chicago VII (Expanded & Remastered)
Chicago (1974)
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 Stingray, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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