Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (4)
$399.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (47)
$399.99
Amazon
4.5 (378)
$399.99
Reverb
$1,028.73 2 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (12)
$399.99
zZounds
5.0 (25)
$399.99
Gear4Music
£402.00

Average Price: $494

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Music Man SUB Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash a world of deep, resonant sound with the Music Man SUB Bass, an electric bass that fuses classic design with modern innovation to meet the demands of today’s musicians. Crafted for the discerning bassist, this instrument boasts an ash body that marries durability with a tonal depth that is both rich and full. At the heart of its sonic prowess is an active preamp coupled with a ceramic humbucker, ensuring your riffs not only stand out but cut through any mix with clarity and punch.

The Music Man SUB Bass features a sleek maple fingerboard with a 9.5" radius, allowing for effortless movement across the fretboard. Whether you’re laying down grooves in the studio or commanding the stage, the medium-jumbo frets and fully adjustable bridge ensure precise intonation and personalized string height adjustments for optimal playability.

Engineered with a focus on performance, this bass provides a fast-playing experience courtesy of its ergonomic body contours and classic open-gear tuners. The intuitive control layout, consisting of individual volume knobs for high and low frequencies and a master volume knob, provides versatility and precision in tonal sculpting.

Embrace the iconic StingRay-inspired design, which seamlessly blends vintage allure with contemporary aesthetics. The Music Man SUB Bass is more than just an instrument; it’s a statement piece that elevates your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Ash body for tonal depth and durability
  • Active preamp with ceramic humbucker for clear, punchy sound
  • 9.5" radius maple fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Fully adjustable bridge for precise intonation
  • Open-gear tuners for classic aesthetics and reliable tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model SUB Bass 4 Passive
Finish Black, Blue Pearl, Cinnamon, Graphite, Red, Teal, White
Year 2003 - 2006
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Poplar
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Grey, Red, Teal, White
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Music Man SUB Bass use?

The Music Man SUB Bass features passive humbucker pickups, providing a warm and punchy tone suitable for a variety of music genres.

Is the Music Man SUB Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Music Man SUB Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and straightforward controls, making it easy to play and adjust.

What is the neck material of the Music Man SUB Bass?

The neck of the Music Man SUB Bass is made from maple, which contributes to its bright tone and smooth playability.

Does the Music Man SUB Bass have an active preamp?

No, the Music Man SUB Bass does not have an active preamp; it is equipped with passive electronics for a more traditional bass sound.

What is the scale length of the Music Man SUB Bass?

The Music Man SUB Bass has a standard 34-inch scale length, which is typical for most full-sized bass guitars, providing a balanced tension and feel.

How many frets does the Music Man SUB Bass have?

The Music Man SUB Bass features 21 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing styles.

Pertybass

Pertybass

Musicman SUB Bass Demo

Video thumbnail for Musicman SUB Bass Demo by Pertybass

Musicman SUB Bass Demo

Pertybass

Pertybass

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man S.U.B. Bass USA 2003 by BassJapanUSA.ru

Ernie Ball Music Man S.U.B. Bass USA 2003

BassJapanUSA.ru

BassJapanUSA.ru

Video thumbnail for MusicMan SUB Bass USA - Review (Anderson Medeiros) by Anderson Medeiros

MusicMan SUB Bass USA - Review (Anderson Medeiros)

Anderson Medeiros

Anderson Medeiros

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The USA SUB bass is heavier and more robust compared to the lighter, toy-like feel of Indonesian Sterling models.

    Source
  • The original SUB series is often considered sonically indistinguishable from USA Stingrays, especially when set up with a 2-band preamp.

    Source
  • American-made 2000s SUB models are comparable to Stingray classics, while Sterling-branded SUBs are likened to Squier Affinity quality.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner observed that the neck finish chips over time, which some see as adding character to the instrument.

    Source
  • Owners report sticky neck finishes, which can be resolved by sanding and oiling, transforming playability to a smooth, satin-like feel.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend rewiring the preamp to position the volume pot after it in the signal chain to reduce excess gain and improve tone quality.

    Source
  • Refinishing or sanding down the painted neck of a SUB is common among owners for improved playability, though it might affect resale value.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users playing through MarkBass 2x10s report clear high-end tones alongside a round bass tone, earning frequent compliments on sound quality.

    Source
  • The SUB's sound versatility, from hard rock clank to rounded tones, makes it adaptable for various music genres.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SUB series wiring often routes the preamp directly to the output jack, resulting in excessively hot pickups, which can be mitigated by rewiring.

    Source
  • The classic style boost-only preamp delivers a powerful sound when fully boosted, providing the distinctive Stingray zing and mid-scoop.

    Source
  • Some SUB models are passive, but upgrading to an active preamp, such as those by John East, is a straightforward modification.

    Source
  • The 2000s SUB models use the same hardware and pickups as regular Stingrays but have a slab body and a 2-band EQ, offering a classic Stingray feel.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners experience static when adjusting volume, often resolved by resoldering connections, particularly around the volume knob.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • SUB basses going for around 650 GBP are considered a steal compared to the higher-priced Indonesian Sterling Ray34 models.

    Source
  • An American-made 2004 SUB for around 1000€ in Norway is considered a good deal despite local price variations.

    Source

Build quality

  • Early 2000s Music Man SUB basses feature textured paint similar to rhino lining, which some owners find durable but aesthetically unappealing.

    Source
  • The neck profile on the USA SUB is wider, resembling the classic Stingray neck, and the bass is notably heavier, enhancing its perceived quality and tone.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Rex and the Bass: 2004 Musicman SUB 4 Bass Guitar Review

rexbass.com

The Musicman SUB 4 Bass is a budget-friendly gem that stays true to the iconic Stingray sound, offering a powerful humbucker and versatile EQ options. Its American craftsmanship shines, presenting a robust build with a snug neck pocket and smooth fretwork. While the hardware might be a step down from pricier models, it holds up without compromising on sustain or tuning stability. The non-contoured body may not appeal to everyone, but for those seeking that classic Stingray growl without breaking the bank, this bass is a solid choice. At a used price of $300-$400, it's a remarkable bargain.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ben_wolz

Great Quality for the price

These were made in the american Music Man factory as a budget stingray. It has a 2 band EQ, painted neck, and an unusual textured body.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Captain Sensible uses Music Man SUB Bass

Captain Sensible

Guitarist, Bassist

The Damned

...
Verified via Facebook

In this picture, Captain is holding a Music Man SUB bass

See how Gambeat uses Music Man SUB Bass

Gambeat

Bassist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Jean Michel Dercourt alias "Gambeat" bassiste de Manu Chao a longtemps utilisé une Musicman Sub Usa qui a la particularité d'avoir une peinture personelle sur la tête , on peut l'apercevoir sur plusieurs photos de lui en live , la certitude du modèle vien de la peinture granuleuse du corps, du pickguard aluminium façon "ascenseur" et du logo Sub Bass de cette série produite en peu d'exemplaires entre 2003 et 2006

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 SUB Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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alexi_fontaine

alexi_fontaine

Gear IQ 576

alexi_fontaine

alexi_fontaine

Gear IQ 576

alexi_fontaine

alexi_fontaine

Gear IQ 576

alexi_fontaine

alexi_fontaine

Gear IQ 576

alexi_fontaine

alexi_fontaine

Gear IQ 576

alexi_fontaine

alexi_fontaine

Gear IQ 576

alexi_fontaine

alexi_fontaine

Gear IQ 576

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