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Musicman Sterling HS Bass

Musicman Sterling HS Bass

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Page last updated Apr 27, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $1,700

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Musicman Sterling HS 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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If you’re looking to add a versatile workhorse to your bass arsenal, the Musicman Sterling HS Bass is a compelling choice. This bass guitar combines classic design with modern innovation, making it a favorite among seasoned musicians and newcomers alike. The active three-band EQ offers a vast tonal range, allowing you to seamlessly shift from smooth melodies to aggressive riffs with a few easy adjustments. Its compact, lightweight alder body ensures comfort during long gigs or practice sessions, while the unique humbucker/single pickup configuration delivers a powerful yet nuanced sound. Whether you're laying down a soulful groove or cutting through a mix with clarity, this bass is built to handle it all with precision and flair.

Key Features:

Compact, ultra-lightweight alder body
Active three-band equalizer
Humbucker/single pickup layout with ceramic magnets
Versatile tonal range for various playing styles

Product specs

Brand	Ernie Ball Music Man
Model	Sterling 4 HS, Sterling 4 HS with Maple Fretboard, Sterling 4 HS with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish	Black, Black Cherry Burst, Blue Pearl, Cabernet Pearl, Candy Red, Cherry Burst, Chili Red, Egyptian Smoke, Electric Blue, Graphite Pearl, Honey Burst, Ice Blue, Natural, Olive Gold, Orange Firemist, Pacific Blue Burst, Sapphire Black, Silver Sparkle, Sky Blue, Stealth Black, Stealth Charcoal, Stealth Crimson, Stealth Pearl, Sterling Silver, Tangerine Pearl, Tobacco Burst, Translucent Gold, Translucent Orange, Translucent Red, Translucent Teal, True Gold, Vintage Sunburst, White, White Pearl
Year	2008 - 2016
Made In	United States
Categories	4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups	Active Pickups
Active Preamp	Active Preamp
Body Material	Ash
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	HS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	34"
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the pickup configuration of the Musicman Sterling HS Bass?: The Musicman Sterling HS Bass features an HS pickup configuration, which includes a humbucker at the bridge and a single coil at the neck, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.
Is the Musicman Sterling HS Bass suitable for slap bass playing?: Yes, the Musicman Sterling HS Bass is well-suited for slap bass techniques, thanks to its active pickups and preamp, which provide a bright, punchy tone and dynamic response.
What type of wood is used for the body of the Musicman Sterling HS Bass?: The body of the Musicman Sterling HS Bass is made from ash, known for its balanced tone with pronounced highs and mids, making it ideal for both live performances and studio recordings.
How many frets does the Musicman Sterling HS Bass have?: The Musicman Sterling HS Bass is equipped with 22 frets, providing a full two-octave range for each string, which is beneficial for both traditional and modern bass playing techniques.
Does the Musicman Sterling HS Bass come in different finishes?: Yes, the Musicman Sterling HS Bass is available in a wide variety of finishes, including Black, Blue Pearl, and Vintage Sunburst, allowing players to choose a style that suits their personal aesthetic.

Videos

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universalrenote

Music Man Sterling HS Bass

universalrenote

Music Man Sterling HS 4 | fb.com/angeldust.guitars

AngelDust Guitars

Musicman Sterling HS Demo Fingerstyle

Maarten Plukker

Musicman Sterling HS

Maarten Plukker

Reviews

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PROS

Offers a modern sound perfect for diverse musical styles
Slimmer neck profile enhances playability and ease of movement
Versatile tones from single coil/humbucker combo
Wide range of tonal options with 5-way pickup selector
Provides both P-bass and classic Stingray tones
Lightweight compared to other similar models
Tapered neck makes playing enjoyable and less fatiguing
Rare and collectible model, adding value for enthusiasts
Powerful and punchy sound, great for live performances

CONS

Heavier than some players prefer at 4.3 kg
Some units experience fret buzz issues
Deadish sounding notes on D and D# on G string
Discontinued model makes it harder to find

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Sterling HS has a humbucker at the bridge and a single coil at the neck, with a phantom coil under the pickguard for hum-cancelling.
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The HS configuration performs a convincing "Sledgehammer" impression with all pickups on, achieving a unique mid scoop not possible on the single H configuration.
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User experience

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Owners describe the Sterling HS as having an "amazingly fast neck" and being "insanely versatile" in sound, possibly overwhelming in its tonal options.
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Users report that the Stingray retains tuning exceptionally well, even after being unused for months, highlighting its reliability and stability.
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Comparisons

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The Sterling HS is likened to the Fender Jazz versus Precision comparison, offering a slimmer body and neck akin to a Jazz bass.
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Owners often compare the sound of the EBMM Stingray to Sandberg and Lakland models, noting the Stingray's modern, clear tone versus the more traditional, woody tones of the others.
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Value and pricing

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This rare US-made model is valued for its potential to retain or increase in value, with recent prices reaching up to $2800 USD.
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Use cases and applications

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The bass's active electronics produce a powerful signal, making it suitable for diverse musical styles needing a robust and versatile output.
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The Stingray is noted for being less suitable for grindy amp tones but excels in clean, direct tones, making it ideal for studio work where clarity is paramount.
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Setup and maintenance

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Specific issues with SBMM Ray35 models include faulty tuners made from substandard metal and problematic truss rods, particularly in the Purple Sparkle variant.
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