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Description

Revamped for modern players yet steeped in history, the Music Man Stingray Special is a bass guitar that musicians from all genres revere. Originally born in the 1970s, this iconic instrument has been reimagined to cater to today's dynamic needs. Its neodymium pickup provides a formidable low-end punch and broad sonic versatility, delivering everything from rock-solid foundations to funk-fueled grooves. The 18-volt active preamp paired with a 3-band EQ allows you to sculpt your sound with precision, ensuring each note resonates with clarity and depth.

The Stingray Special's premium roasted maple neck, adorned with a rosewood fingerboard, offers an exceptional playing experience. Finished with a custom wax and oil blend, the neck ensures smooth playability, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly. The redesigned, lightweight hardware not only enhances comfort but also contributes to the Stingray's balanced feel, making long gigs and practice sessions more enjoyable.

Durability meets exceptional tone with 22 stainless steel frets, promising longevity even under intense play. A redesigned body offers improved comfort, while the 5-bolt neck attachment provides stability that rivals most set necks. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or an aspiring musician, the Stingray Special is crafted to inspire and perform.

Key Features:

  • Neodymium humbucker with 18-volt preamp and 3-band EQ
  • Premium roasted maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Lightweight aluminum hardware for enhanced comfort
  • 22 stainless steel frets for long-lasting performance
  • Redesigned body and sculpted neck joint for improved playability
  • Easy-access truss rod adjustment wheel

Product specs

Shape C
Wood Roasted maple
Neck joint Bolt-on
Scale length 34"
Truss rod Standard
Active or passive pickups Passive
Pickup configuration HH
Neck Humbucker with neodymium magnets
Bridge Humbucker with neodymium magnets
Brand Music Man
Series or parallel Parallel
Active preamp Yes
Special electronics 3-band active EQ with 18 volts of headroom
Material Rosewood
Radius 11"
Fret size High-profile, wide, stainless steel
Number of frets 22
Inlays Block
Nut material Synthetic bone
Nut width 1-5/8" (41.3 mm)
Cutaway Double cutaway
Construction Solidbody
Body wood Ash
Body finish Gloss polyester
Orientation Right handed
Control layout Master volume, 3-band EQ
Pickup switch 5-way
Coil tap or split Coil split
Bridge type Fixed
Bridge design Music Man vintage
Tuning machines Custom Music Man
Number of strings 4
Pickguard Yes
Special features Roasted maple neck, high-headroom electronics, lighter-weight construction
Case Hardshell case
Country of origin USA

FAQs

What type of neck profile does the Music Man Stingray Special Chopper Blue have?

The Music Man Stingray Special Chopper Blue features a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for bass players.

Are the pickups on the Music Man Stingray Special active or passive?

The Music Man Stingray Special Chopper Blue is equipped with passive humbuckers featuring neodymium magnets, offering a powerful and clear tone.

How does the 3-band active EQ enhance the sound of the Music Man Stingray Special?

The 3-band active EQ with 18 volts of headroom allows for precise tonal adjustments, enabling players to shape their sound across a wide frequency range for versatility in various musical styles.

Is the Music Man Stingray Special Chopper Blue suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Music Man Stingray Special Chopper Blue is well-suited for advanced players, offering high-quality components like a roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, and a 5-way pickup switch for versatile tonal options.

What is the scale length of the Music Man Stingray Special Chopper Blue?

The scale length of the Music Man Stingray Special Chopper Blue is 34 inches, which is standard for most electric bass guitars, providing a balanced tension and playability.

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Music Man StingRay Special RW, Chopper Blue | Gear4music demo

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Music Man StingRay Special RW, Chopper Blue | Gear4music demo

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Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Unplugging the cable after use is crucial to conserve the battery for the active pickups, preventing frequent replacements.

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  • Regular bass setup by professionals can significantly enhance playability, avoiding common issues due to poor initial setups.

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Features and functionality

  • The bass offers significant tonal versatility with its pickups and selectors, achieving approximately 80% of both Jazz and P bass sounds.

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  • The neck on the StingRay Ray4HH feels fast and easy, similar to a jazz bass neck, which enhances playability.

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  • The Ray4HH's five pickup settings offer a range of tonal options, from bright and punchy to warm and growly, suitable for various playing styles.

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  • The active preamp in the Stingray requires two 9V batteries for the 18V circuit, offering significant control over bass, mid, and treble frequencies.

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  • The roasted maple neck on this model is praised for its aesthetic appeal and is considered a highlight by owners.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate Rocksmith on PC for learning songs, indicating a helpful software pairing for beginners.

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Comparisons

  • The Ray4HH configuration provides more tonal versatility compared to the single pickup Ray4, which is often described as a souped-up jazz bass sound.

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  • Compared to a Precision bass, the Stingray is noted for offering more tonal variety due to its active electronics, despite having a distinctive core tone.

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  • While the Stingray has a distinctive sound, it's noted to achieve a good P-bass sound and can be as growly as a Jazz bass with the right settings.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners of the Ray4HH highlight its tonal flexibility, making it suitable for players seeking diverse sound options.

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  • The Stingray is recommended as a "perfect LIVE bass" due to its ability to quickly dial in various sounds for different performance needs.

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Build quality

  • The fretwork on the Ray4HH is noted to be exceptionally good for its price range, enhancing the overall playing experience.

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  • The Chopper Blue finish is described as "sparkly" and "disco-y," appealing to those who favor vibrant, eye-catching instruments.

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Value and pricing

  • The Ray4HH is highlighted as a great value, with reports of significant discounts during sales, such as a drop from $429 to $279.

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