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Musicman Sterling H Bass

Musicman Sterling H Bass

$2,685.65 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (22)

$2,685.65 1 available New

$1,295.00 20 available Used

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Average Price: $1,990

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Musicman Sterling H Bass is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Musicman Sterling H Bass is a testament to the art of modern bass guitar craftsmanship. Designed with a sleek, compact body that feels as good as it looks, this bass is perfect for both the stage and the studio. Its active three-band EQ offers precise tone control, allowing players to sculpt their sound with finesse and precision. Whether you're navigating intricate basslines or laying down the groove in a band, the Sterling H Bass excels with its versatile tonal range.

At its core, the Sterling H Bass features a robust ceramic magnet-powered humbucker that ensures a punchy, powerful output. The three-way pickup selector switch adds further adaptability, letting you explore a variety of sonic landscapes. It's an instrument that resonates deeply with the legacy of Leo Fender, yet is tailored for the demands of contemporary musicians across genres like indie, shoegaze, psychedelia, and classic rock.

The Sterling H Bass is not just about sound; its ergonomic design provides comfort during long gigs or recording sessions. This bass guitar is a go-to choice for musicians who demand both reliability and expressive potential in their gear.

Key Features:

Compact, lightweight body for comfort and ease of play
Active three-band EQ for detailed tone shaping
Ceramic magnet-powered humbucker for powerful sound
Three-way pickup selector for versatile tonal options
Suitable for a wide range of music genres including indie, shoegaze, psychedelia, and classic rock

Product specs

Brand	Ernie Ball Music Man
Model	Sterling 4 H
Finish	Black, Black Cherry Burst, Black Sparkle, Blue Dawn, Blue Pearl, Cabernet Pearl, Candy Red, Carbon Blue Pearl, Cherry Burst, Chili Red, Desert Gold, Egyptian Smoke, Electric Blue, Fire Engine Red, Graphite Pearl, Honey Burst, Ice Blue, Lava Pearl, Medallion Gold, Metalflake Brown, Metalflake Green, Natural, Olive Gold, Orange Firemist, Pacific Blue Burst, Pearl Blue, Pearl Lavender, Pearl Platinum, Pearl Purple, Radiance Red, Rolls Burgundy, Sapphire Black, Silver Sparkle, Sky Blue, Stealth Black, Stealth Charcoal, Stealth Crimson, Stealth Pearl, Sterling Silver, Sunburst, Tangerine Pearl, Teal Pearl, Tobacco Burst, Translucent Gold, Translucent Green, Translucent Orange, Translucent Purple, Translucent Red, Translucent Teal, True Gold, Vintage Sunburst, White, White Pearl
Year	1993 - 2018
Made In	United States
Categories	4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups	Active Pickups
Active Preamp	Active Preamp
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Natural, Orange, Purple, Red, Silver, Teal, White
Finish Features	Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material	Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	4-String
Nut Width	1.5"
Offset Body	Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	H
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	34"
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Musicman Sterling H Bass for rock music?: The Musicman Sterling H Bass offers a punchy and aggressive tone, thanks to its active electronics and humbucking pickup, making it well-suited for rock music. Its sound is characterized by a strong midrange presence and clear low-end, ideal for cutting through a mix.
Is the Musicman Sterling H Bass suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Musicman Sterling H Bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and manageable weight. Its versatile tone and quality construction provide a solid foundation for new players.
What is the neck profile like on the Musicman Sterling H Bass?: The Musicman Sterling H Bass features a slim and fast neck profile, allowing for easy playability and quick movement across the fretboard. This design is particularly comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more agile playing experience.
Does the Musicman Sterling H Bass come with active pickups?: Yes, the Musicman Sterling H Bass is equipped with active pickups and an active preamp, providing a wide range of tonal options and increased output compared to passive systems.
What are the finish options available for the Musicman Sterling H Bass?: The Musicman Sterling H Bass is available in a wide variety of finishes, including Black, Black Cherry Burst, Blue Dawn, Candy Red, and many more, allowing players to choose a look that suits their personal style.

Videos

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AngelDust Guitars

Music Man Bass comparison: Stingray VS Sterling | fb.com/angeldust.guitars

AngelDust Guitars

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PROS

Smooth playability with punch and definition for versatile sound
Highly responsive EQ and active pickups for diverse genres
Slim neck and body, ideal for smaller hands
Spot-on intonation and mix-ready for recording
Lightweight and well-balanced compared to similar models
Compensated nut for precise intonation adjustment
Truss rod adjustment wheel for easy neck tension adjustment
Three-position ceramic humbucker for rich low-end tones
High-quality materials and craftsmanship
Oil-rubbed neck for non-sticky, smooth feel

CONS

Phantom power coil may come unglued and require regluing
Nickel tuning gears tarnish, difficult to maintain brightness

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Musicman Sterling H Bass.

Features and functionality

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The HH model offers a unique scoop sound ideal for slap/pop by using both pickups, though the neck pickup alone is rarely favored by owners.
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Owners appreciate the onboard 3-band EQ, which is favored for slap/pop playing due to the open string space in front of the neck.
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The Ray34's roasted maple neck is highlighted as a significant upgrade in feel and aesthetic appeal compared to lower models.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners find the neck pickup on the HH model obstructive for slap technique, requiring adjustments in playing style.
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The Sterling Ray34 is favored for its balance and comfort during long play sessions, despite being heavier than some alternatives.
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User experience

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Despite the versatility of the HH model, many owners prefer the single H configuration for its classic Stingray punch and aggression, especially for rock sounds.
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Some owners express satisfaction with the HH model for blues, rock, metal, and gospel, appreciating its versatility and unique tonal qualities.
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After significant use, some owners report that the Sterling's preamp can overdrive, producing unwanted distortion if not adjusted carefully.
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Comparisons

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The HH model provides a variety of tones, but they often don't match the signature Stingray sound as closely as the single H model does.
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A Ray5 wired in series produces a more aggressive sound compared to Ray34/35 models, which are wired in parallel, providing a more traditional Stingray tone.
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Setup and maintenance

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To accommodate slap playing, some owners adjust the neck pickup to be flush with the pickguard, optimizing space and tone.
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A user noted that fret ends on Sterlings may require attention, such as polishing or leveling, to achieve optimal playability.
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Build quality

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The Sterling Ray4HH is praised for its roasted maple neck and durable, thick gig bag, offering impressive materials for the price range.
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Some owners report Sterling tuners can strip over time, particularly on Ray34 models, resulting in tuning instability that requires frequent adjustments or replacements.
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Value and pricing

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A used Sterling Ray4HH with a roasted maple neck can be found for $600-700, considered a great deal by owners for its quality and features.
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Mods and upgrades

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It's recommended to replace Sterling's stock preamp with an Aguilar model to better control output levels and improve tone consistency.
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Artist usage

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Dougie Poynter

Singer, Guitarist

McFly

Verified via Listal

Dougie Poynter is pictured with a Musicman Sterling H Bass in various colors and featuring L.E.D lights, as seen on Listal.

Marcelo Corvalán

Singer, Bassist

Carajo

Verified via YouTube

Usado para la la grabacion y posterior gira del disco "El Nuevo Camino del Hombre" de A.N.I.M.A.L

Javier Ramírez "El Cha!"

Bassist

Fobia

Verified via Photo

Javier Ramírez "El Cha!" has utilized the Musicman Sterling H Bass from the return of Fobia in the 2000s through the Pastel tour. The instrument was repainted by Eduardo Castellanos, as evidenced by https://youtu.be/BKiTI2td-K4