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Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. (duplicate)

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Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. (duplicate)

$387.00 to $399.99 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (2)

0 wishlisted

3 saved

Page last updated Jun 25, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated January 25, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (47)

$399.99

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4.6 (11)

$387.00

View Deal

Average Price: $394

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. (duplicate) is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. (duplicate)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. is a versatile electric bass that brings professional features to an accessible price point, making it a favorite among both budding bassists and seasoned players. Crafted with a basswood body, this instrument offers a resonant yet balanced tone that complements a variety of musical styles. The smooth maple neck and jatoba fretboard provide a comfortable playing experience, allowing for fast and fluid movements across its 21 frets.

Equipped with an H-1 ceramic humbucker, the S.U.B. delivers a powerful punch and clear articulation, giving you a broad range of dynamic expression. The active 2-band electronics further enhance this versatility, allowing you to easily sculpt your sound to suit different genres, from rock and funk to jazz and blues. With its precise 38 mm nut width and standard 34" scale, this bass ensures accurate intonation and playability that meets the demands of both studio and stage performances.

Key Features:

Body: Basswood
Neck: Maple
Fretboard: Jatoba
21 Frets
Nut width: 38 mm
Scale: 34" (Long scale)
Pickup: H-1 ceramic humbucker
Active 2-band electronics

Product specs

Available since	April 2018
Colour	White
Soundboard	Basswood
Neck	Maple
Fretboard	Jatoba
Frets	21
Scale	Long Scale
Pickups	H
Elektronic	Active
Incl. Case	No
Incl. Bag	No

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 bass?: The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 offers a punchy and bright tone thanks to its active electronics and single humbucker pickup, making it ideal for rock, funk, and pop genres.
Is the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 suitable for beginners?: Yes, this bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable playability, manageable weight, and versatile sound, which allows for exploring different music styles.
What is the neck profile of the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4?: The neck of the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 is made of maple and features a comfortable, slim profile that facilitates easy playability and fast movement across the fretboard.
Does the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 bass include a case or bag?: No, the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 does not come with a case or bag, so you may want to consider purchasing one separately for protection during transport.
How many frets does the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 have?: The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 features 21 frets, providing a full range of notes for versatile playing across various musical genres.

Reviews

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PROS

Pleasant to play right out of the box, especially for slap bass
2-band EQ with single humbucker for versatile sound
Great sound quality with high gain distortion
Smooth, clear sound and excellent feel compared to starter instruments
Comfortable weight enhancing playability for longer sessions
Thick, characteristic Music Man sound is present

CONS

Requires setup for optimal playability; action may be too high initially
Jack screw may loosen with use, needing occasional tightening
Active electronics mean battery drains if cable left plugged in
Initial setup from factory can be poor, affecting playability
Stock hardware and components may need upgrades for improved performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. (duplicate).

Comparisons

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Ray34 models are noted to be closer to American-made instruments in terms of quality, though hardware and electronics are considered cheaper.
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While the neck is thicker than a Jazz bass, it feels similar to a P bass neck, which may require adjustment for some players.
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Users have noted that the Ray5 SUB can outperform Mexican Fender basses in terms of playability and sound quality.
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User experience

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Fit and finish are praised, aligning with top options in the price range, though electronics may not satisfy those seeking extensive tonal control.
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Owners report that the SUB Ray5 can handle multi-band shows effectively, maintaining sound quality across different amps.
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Mods and upgrades

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Replacing the stock pickup with an Aguilar model significantly enhances the tonal quality and versatility for some owners.
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Some owners replace the tuners on Ray35 models due to durability issues.
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Features and functionality

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Volume controls can be problematic, functioning more like an on/off switch rather than providing gradual volume adjustments.
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The Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray5 has a dead quiet pre-amp, allowing tone shaping without adjusting the amp.
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The Ray5 SUB series includes double humbuckers with a 5-way switch and active EQ, offering versatile tonal options.
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Some SUB Ray5 owners lower the pickup as far as possible and use LaBella flatwound strings for optimal performance.
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Setup and maintenance

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Factory setup often requires pickup height adjustments, particularly for players preferring low action, to avoid unwanted volume spikes.
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For intonation issues, owners suggest checking the string action, as fret wear alone may not be the sole cause.
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Build quality

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Some users find the neck thickness comparable to a "sawn in half baseball bat," which may not suit those accustomed to slimmer neck profiles.
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The Sterling by Music Man SUB basses, despite being lower end, maintain a solid construction that holds its own in live performance settings.
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Use cases and applications

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The SUB series is recognized for providing good sound and feel on a tight budget, with prices around $300.
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Value and pricing

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Ray4 models offer good playability for around $300, while Ray34 models are a step up and can be found for approximately $500 in certain regions.
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The SUB series offers a high-value option, providing a solid feel and sound reminiscent of more expensive models despite using cheaper hardware and electronics.
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