Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.5 (7)
$479.99
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$1,995.00 2 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (1)
$429.99
Thomann
4.0 (1)
$1,199.00

Average Price: $1,026

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Musicman Sterling HH Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Discover the Musicman Sterling HH Bass, a powerhouse of versatility and precision crafted for musicians seeking both style and substance. With its sleek design and robust features, this electric bass is the perfect fusion of form and function. Equipped with a lightweight alder body, it ensures comfort during long gigs without compromising on sound quality. At the heart of this instrument is an onboard eighteen-volt preamplifier, paired with a dynamic three-band equalization system, allowing you to sculpt your sound with precision.

The dual humbucker setup, enhanced by ceramic magnets, delivers a range of tones that can seamlessly transition from the smooth, sultry depths of jazz to the gritty, explosive energy of rock. Whether you're laying down a funky groove or driving a heavy metal riff, the Musicman Sterling HH Bass empowers you to express your musical identity with clarity and power. Its robust construction and innovative electronics make it an essential tool for any bassist's arsenal, whether you're on stage in a sold-out venue or jamming in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight alder body for comfortable playability
  • Onboard eighteen-volt preamplifier with three-band equalization
  • Dual humbucker configuration with ceramic magnets for versatile tone
  • Designed for a wide range of genres, from R&B to punk and beyond

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Sterling 4 HH, Sterling 4 HH with Maple Fretboard, Sterling 4 HH with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Black, Black Cherry Burst, Blue Pearl, Candy Red, Carbon Blue Pearl, Cherry Burst, Chili Red, Desert Gold, Egyptian Smoke, Graphite Pearl, Honey Burst, Lava Pearl, Medallion Gold, Natural, Pacific Blue Burst, Pearl Blue, Radiance Red, Rolls Burgundy, Sapphire Black, Silver Sparkle, Sky Blue, Stealth Black, Stealth Charcoal, Stealth Crimson, Stealth Pearl, Sterling Silver, Tangerine Pearl, Teal Pearl, Tobacco Burst, Translucent Gold, Translucent Orange, Translucent Red, Translucent Teal, Vintage Sunburst, White, White Pearl
Year 2006 - 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, 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 HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Musicman Sterling HH Bass?

The Musicman Sterling HH Bass features a narrow neck width with a 1.5" nut, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, particularly suited for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a slimmer neck.

How does the pickup configuration affect the sound of the Musicman Sterling HH Bass?

The Musicman Sterling HH Bass is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, offering a wide range of tonal options from deep, punchy lows to bright, articulate highs, making it versatile for various music genres.

Is the Musicman Sterling HH Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Musicman Sterling HH Bass is ideal for live performances due to its robust build, active preamp for dynamic sound control, and the ability to cut through the mix with clarity and power.

What are the fretboard material options for the Musicman Sterling HH Bass?

The Musicman Sterling HH Bass is available with either a maple or rosewood fretboard, allowing players to choose based on preference for feel and tonal characteristics, with maple offering a brighter tone and rosewood providing a warmer sound.

Does the Musicman Sterling HH Bass come with a matching headstock?

Yes, the Musicman Sterling HH Bass features a matching headstock, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and providing a cohesive look with the body finish.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Ray5HH offers multiple tone options, but positions 2 and 4 on the pickup selector reduce volume due to single coil modes.

    Source
  • The roasted maple neck on the Sterling Ray4HH is highlighted as a premium feature available even in used models priced around $600-700.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The active preamp can cause distortion if the bass knob is cranked too high, and the 9v battery lasts long if unplugged when not in use.

    Source
  • Finding a balance between low action and no fret buzz can be challenging, though the Musicman truss rod adjustment is user-friendly.

    Source
  • A user replaced the stock pickup on a Sterling Ray34 with a Seymour Duncan SMB-4A for enhanced high mids, citing this as a cost-effective upgrade for Musicman models.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck pickup's proximity to the end of the neck limits space for accurate slap technique, requiring precise hand placement.

    Source
  • Owners find the 3-band EQ on the Sterling 34 enhances slap/pop techniques by allowing more string clearance and minimizing interference from the neck pickup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • String spacing is tight at the nut for both the Sterling Ray5 HH and Yamaha TRBX505, but the Yamaha offers wider spacing at the bridge.

    Source
  • Owners highlight that US-made Stingrays are significantly lighter, with some 5-string models as low as 7.9 lbs, compared to Ray35s often weighing 11-12 lbs.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Sterling neck offers a narrower, more playable profile, similar to a Fender Jazz Bass, providing tonal flexibility with its selector switch.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Sterling Ray4HH comes with a notably thick gig bag, providing superior protection compared to typical offerings at similar price points.

    Source
  • Quality control issues are reported with Sterling Ray34/35 series, particularly with black tuning pegs on specific models, resulting in mechanical failures and requiring future upgrades.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An owner rewired their Sterling Ray4 HH to have pickups in parallel within each pickup to balance volume across positions, improving mid-song switching.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dougie Poynter uses Musicman Sterling HH Bass

Dougie Poynter

Singer, Guitarist

McFly

...
Verified via Photo

Dougie Poynter uses a Musicman Sterling HH Bass, initially played during the McBusted tour and recently featured in performances with INK, as shown on Instagram by idougahole.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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