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Average Price: $1,527

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar is a staple in the world of solid body electric guitars, celebrated for its robust construction and versatile sound. This iconic guitar marries classic design with modern innovation, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians. At its heart is the active 3-band EQ, allowing for precise tonal shaping, from deep, resonant lows to crisp, cutting highs. The StingRay's smooth maple neck and fingerboard ensure a comfortable playing experience, while the high-output humbucking pickups deliver a powerful and articulate sound. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this guitar's reliability and dynamic range make it a standout option.

The StingRay is crafted with an attention to detail that reflects its heritage, boasting a resonance and sustain that have defined its reputation for decades. The distinct body shape not only provides excellent balance but also contributes to its unmistakable appearance, ensuring you make a statement both sonically and visually. Ergonomically designed for optimal playability, the guitar also includes a truss rod adjustment wheel for easy neck adjustments, ensuring your instrument stays in peak condition.

Key Features:

  • Active 3-band EQ for comprehensive tonal control
  • High-output humbucking pickups for powerful sound
  • Smooth maple neck and fingerboard for comfortable playability
  • Distinct body shape for excellent balance and style
  • Truss rod adjustment wheel for easy neck maintenance
  • Reliable construction ideal for stage and studio use

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model StingRay Guitar HH
Finish Black, Charcoal Frost, Chili Red, Ivory White, Vintage Tobacco
Year 2016 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Brown, Grey, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 10"
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar?

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar features a comfortable and fast-playing neck profile, designed for smooth playability. It is crafted from maple with a bolt-on construction, offering stability and ease of access across all 22 frets.

What kind of tones can I expect from the StingRay's pickups?

The StingRay Guitar HH model is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering a powerful and versatile tone. These pickups excel in providing rich, full-bodied sounds suitable for a variety of genres, from rock to blues.

Is the StingRay Electric Guitar suitable for beginners?

While the StingRay Electric Guitar is a high-quality instrument favored by many experienced players, its ergonomic design and versatile sound make it accessible for beginners who are serious about learning and investing in a long-term instrument.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay take pedals well?

Yes, the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay is known for its compatibility with a wide range of effects pedals, making it an excellent choice for players who enjoy experimenting with different sounds and textures.

What is the body material of the StingRay Guitar and how does it affect the sound?

The StingRay Guitar is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm, resonant tone and excellent sustain. This choice of wood enhances the guitar's ability to produce rich, full-bodied sounds.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Guitar

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Guitar by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Guitar

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: StingRay Guitar (feat. Daniel Donato) by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: StingRay Guitar (feat. Daniel Donato)

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar Review by Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar Review by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Guitar Chili Red #guitar #stingray #electricguitar #ebmm #ernieball by Tyson Morlet

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Guitar Chili Red #guitar #stingray #electricguitar #ebmm #ernieball

Tyson Morlet

Tyson Morlet

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth satin neck finish enhances playability and comfort

  • Stainless steel frets offer exceptional durability and smooth bending

  • Versatile pickups deliver rich, articulate tones across clean and high-gain settings

  • Stays in tune well despite temperature and humidity changes

  • Lightweight body improves comfort without sacrificing sound quality

  • High-quality Sperzel tuners simplify string changes and maintain tuning stability

  • Combines Fender playability with a Les Paul-like tonal fullness

  • Well-crafted with a remarkable vintage tobacco finish

  • Excellent for diverse playing styles, from chords to shredding

  • Locking tuners and tremolo system enhance tuning stability during use

CONS

  • Tone may lack the thickness of a Gibson Les Paul

  • Resale value may not hold up against initial purchase cost

  • Not as twangy as a traditional Fender, which may not suit all preferences

  • Pickup height and intonation may require adjustments out of the box

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • The "Midnight Rider" paint has a subtle metallic sparkle, similar to a graphite Les Paul Modern but more understated.

    Source
  • Stock tuners and bridges on Sterling Ray models are often criticized, with some recommending AlBridge replacements for better stability and playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Scratchy pots require replacing the entire circuit board, not just the pot, necessitating a return to Music Man for repair.

    Source
  • Owners suggest a thorough setup and string replacement for improved playability when purchasing off-the-wall models from stores like Guitar Center.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The push/push boost switch adds a 20 dB boost, significantly enhancing the guitar's gain capabilities.

    Source
  • The offset body shape and arm contour of the StingRay are considered comfortable, enhancing playability for some users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The neck is thinner than expected, contrasting with Dunables and Les Pauls, and the 10" fingerboard radius may require adjustment for players used to other guitars.

    Source
  • The StingRay is described as significantly heavier than a Strat, likened to Music Man's version of a Les Paul in terms of weight.

    Source
  • For those seeking a Music Man guitar similar to a Strat, models like the Silhouette or Cutlass are recommended over the StingRay.

    Source
  • Sterling Ray 34/35 models are noted to achieve around 90% of the tonal quality of Ernie Ball Music Man counterparts.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the heat-treated pickups to be dynamic, capable of both high gain and clean tones, and they maintain clarity even with complex chords.

    Source
  • The neck of the StingRay is notably thicker than a Sterling, with owners highlighting a preference for the latter's neck feel.

    Source
  • Some report the Sterling Ray tuners as unreliable, advising potential buyers to anticipate a need for upgrades.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Nordstrand MM4.2 pickup and 3B-3 preamp are popular mods for enhancing the tonal range, allowing for active/passive switching and midrange customization.

    Source
  • Modifying a Ray4 with custom knobs and lighter gauge strings is recommended for improved tone and ease of play.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar offers a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern versatility. Its robust build and excellent playability cater to various styles, from jazz to rock, thanks to its classic vintage-y humbuckers. While the options for customization and colors are limited, the guitar's superb sound and stylistic flexibility make it a standout. With a design reminiscent of Leo Fender's classic models, this guitar is a reliable choice for musicians seeking a high-quality instrument that doesn't break the bank. A worthy addition for any guitarist craving both tradition and innovation.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rainydayloops

Secret Weapon!

I waited for several months for this guitar to come into my local guitar shop. It was well worth the wait—I have an American Standard Stratocaster and really wanted a dual humbucking alternative. I would say that I play this one about 50-60% of the time now. The craftsmanship is remarkable and the tone is rich and sounds dangerous when the amp is driven. I purchased this in tobacco sunburst!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nick DePirro uses Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar

Nick DePirro

Guitarist

Night Verses

...
Verified via Instagram

Nick DePirro is seen using an Ernie Ball Stingray in this Instagram post.

See how Blake Hardman uses Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar

Blake Hardman

Guitarist, Composer

Counterparts

...
Verified via Photo

Blake uses one of these in white and one in black.

See how Travis Richter uses Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar

Travis Richter

Singer

If I Die First

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Travis Richter shares a photo of his 1971 Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar, expressing regret that he can't bring it back to Los Angeles. The comments suggest he purchased this vintage instrument in either Munich or Hamburg.

See how R.J. Ronquillo uses Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar

R.J. Ronquillo

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Stone Sour

...
Verified via Instagram

R.J. Ronquillo is confirmed to use the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar, as evidenced by his Instagram post where he uses the guitar to demonstrate the MXR Super Badass Dynamic OD pedal. He also mentions in the caption, "Full demo on my YouTube channel," indicating the guitar's use in multiple video demonstrations of various products.

See how Johnny Ashby uses Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar

Johnny Ashby

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post Johnny says he's endorsed by Ernie Ball and plays both the Music Man Stingray and Cutlass guitars. Specifically his Stingray for humbuckers and his Cutlass for single coils.

See how Christopher Escalante uses Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar

Christopher Escalante

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this video, Chris uses a Music Man Stingray guitar, although the specific model is unclear.

See how Joey Bradford uses Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar

Joey Bradford

Singer, Guitarist

The Used

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from Digital Tour Bus on YouTube, titled "The Used’s Joey Bradford - GEAR MASTERS Ep. 576", Joey Bradford showcases his use of various Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay electric guitars during The Used's 25th Anniversary Tour.

Album Usage

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

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 Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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