Pricing and availability
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Price
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
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What kind of pickups does the Music Man SUB Bass use?
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The Music Man SUB Bass features passive humbucker pickups, providing a warm and punchy tone suitable for a variety of music genres.
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Is the Music Man SUB Bass suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What is the neck material of the Music Man SUB Bass?
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The neck of the Music Man SUB Bass is made from maple, which contributes to its bright tone and smooth playability.
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Does the Music Man SUB Bass have an active preamp?
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No, the Music Man SUB Bass does not have an active preamp; it is equipped with passive electronics for a more traditional bass sound.
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What is the scale length of the Music Man SUB Bass?
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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.
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How many frets does the Music Man SUB Bass have?
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The Music Man SUB Bass features 21 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing styles.
Videos
Pertybass
Musicman SUB Bass Demo
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
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The USA SUB bass is heavier and more robust compared to the lighter, toy-like feel of Indonesian Sterling models.
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The original SUB series is often considered sonically indistinguishable from USA Stingrays, especially when set up with a 2-band preamp.
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American-made 2000s SUB models are comparable to Stingray classics, while Sterling-branded SUBs are likened to Squier Affinity quality.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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The SUB series wiring often routes the preamp directly to the output jack, resulting in excessively hot pickups, which can be mitigated by rewiring.
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The classic style boost-only preamp delivers a powerful sound when fully boosted, providing the distinctive Stingray zing and mid-scoop.
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Some SUB models are passive, but upgrading to an active preamp, such as those by John East, is a straightforward modification.
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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.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some owners experience static when adjusting volume, often resolved by resoldering connections, particularly around the volume knob.
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Value and pricing
Build quality
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Early 2000s Music Man SUB basses feature textured paint similar to rhino lining, which some owners find durable but aesthetically unappealing.
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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.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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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