Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $365

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 is a powerhouse bass guitar that brings the legendary Sterling sound and playability to a price point that's accessible to every musician. Crafted with a soft maple body, this bass provides a balanced tonal foundation, while the hard maple neck ensures a fast and smooth playing experience. The 34" scale length coupled with a jatoba fingerboard and 22 frets makes it easy to traverse the fretboard with precision and ease.

One of the standout features of the SB4 is its Sterling by Music Man-designed ceramic humbucking pickup, which delivers a robust and articulate sound. Whether you're chasing punchy lows or sparkling highs, this pickup ensures that every note is delivered with clarity and power. The 2-band active preamp further extends this versatility, allowing you to tailor your sound to any musical setting.

Designed for players who want the classic Music Man vibe without the premium price tag, the SB4 is part of the S.U.B. Series, renowned for its exceptional value. With high-quality components and thoughtful design, this bass is not just affordable—it's a smart choice for any bassist looking to elevate their sound.

Key Features:

  • Soft maple body for balanced tone
  • Hard maple neck with jatoba fingerboard
  • Sterling by Music Man-designed ceramic humbucking pickup
  • 34" scale length with 22 frets
  • 2-band active preamp for tonal versatility
  • Part of the S.U.B. Series for exceptional value

Product specs

Body Shape Sterling
Body Material Soft Maple
Body Color Cobra Blue
Neck Material Hard Maple
Fingerboard Material Jatoba
Scale Length 34" (86.4cm)
Neck Radius 9.5" (24cm)
Frets 22
Neck Width 1.49" (38mm) at Nut, 2.44" (62mm) at Last Fret
Tuning Machines Open Gear
Truss Rod Single Action
Neck Attachment 6 Bolt Pattern
Controls 2-band Active Preamp
Pickup Ceramic Humbucker
Strings .045-.105
Case Sold separately
Orientation Right handed

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4's ceramic humbucker?

The ceramic humbucker on the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 delivers a punchy, aggressive tone with a strong midrange presence, making it well-suited for rock, funk, and metal genres.

Is the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 is suitable for beginners. Its comfortable neck profile and active electronics make it easy to play and versatile enough to explore various music styles.

How does the 2-band active preamp on the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 affect its sound?

The 2-band active preamp allows for precise control over the bass and treble frequencies, enabling you to shape your sound dynamically and adapt to different playing environments or musical styles.

What is the neck profile like on the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4?

The neck of the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 is made from hard maple with a 9.5" radius, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience that suits both fast playing and more relaxed styles.

Is the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 good for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 is well-suited for slap bass techniques due to its punchy humbucker pickup and active preamp, which provide clarity and presence in the low and high frequencies.

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Sterling/Musicman S.U.B. Ray 4 & SB 4 - maxproud

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Sterling/Musicman S.U.B. Ray 4 & SB 4 - maxproud

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Sterling/Musicman S.U.B. SB4 - maxproud

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Reviews

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. SB4.

Build quality

  • The tuners on the Sterling SB4 are frequently criticized for their poor performance, similar to issues in the Ray 34/35 models.

    Source
  • Some players note that the Stingray Sub4 can have fretwork issues, with frets rising out of the neck requiring fret leveling.

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  • The satin finish on the SB4 is appreciated for its feel, despite other build quality criticisms.

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Value and pricing

  • A new Sterling SB4 at $270 is considered a great deal compared to pre-owned models purchased for $200 as modding projects.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often buy Sterling SB4 as a modding platform, indicating potential improvements in tuners, nut, and bridge for enhanced performance.

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  • Owners often add fretwraps to reduce ringing or "bell tone," enhancing the clarity of notes.

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  • The SB4 requires long shaft pots for preamp swaps, complicating upgrades compared to the Ray4.

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  • The RetroVibe Stinger preamp is a popular upgrade for enhancing the SB4's sound.

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User experience

  • Despite budget parts, the Sterling SB4 is praised as a solid starter or backup bass, suitable for beginners or those seeking a cost-effective secondary instrument.

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  • It's highlighted that the Stingray Sub4 may feel uncomfortable against the body, potentially digging into the leg or forearm during play.

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  • Some owners find the SB4 pickup too hot, affecting tone preference in certain music styles.

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Use cases and applications

  • The bass is noted for its versatility, able to sound great across various genres when played correctly, including funk and R&B.

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Features and functionality

  • Despite its budget nature, the electronics are praised for their power and quality, suitable for both professional and casual use.

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Comparisons

  • Some users find the Sterling Stingray superior in build quality to a Squier Jazz Bass, although tonal preference may vary.

    Source
  • The Ray34 offers better material and build quality compared to the SB4, despite similar mod potential.

    Source

Critic Reviews

S.U.B. SB4 Review: It can produce funky snappy slap tone like Jazz Bass. | Sterling by Music Man | Bass Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 punches well above its weight with a versatile sound that rivals basses costing two to three times more. Its EQ controls are highly effective, offering a range of tones from thick growls to snappy slaps. Despite its affordability, it retains a robust build quality, making it a reliable choice for gigs. However, the preamp can be overwhelmingly powerful at full volume, and the ceramic pickups may come off as harsh. Setup might require some tweaks, especially concerning fret sharpness. Overall, for a sub-$300 bass, it's a standout choice that delivers exceptional value.

positive

S.U.B. SB4 Review: Instead of fixing it every 2 years or so, I wanted... | Sterling by Music Man | Bass Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 impresses with its versatility, delivering a wide range of tones suitable for funk, rock, and even metal. Its solid construction and comfortable playability make it a reliable choice for both practice and gigs. While it lacks a gig bag and has limited color options, its performance rivals higher-end models at a fraction of the cost. The active preamp and sturdy build enhance its appeal, though slight fret buzz and note bending difficulties are noted. Overall, it’s a superb choice for budget-conscious bassists seeking quality sound and durability.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Khalife uses Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4

Chris Khalife

Bassist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this entire video you can see Chris playing a Sterling S.U.B. SB4 Bass

See how Josh Fossgreen uses Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4

Josh Fossgreen

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the BassBuzz video titled "Flea Teaches His Stupidly Simple Slap Drill (For Insane Speed)," Josh Fossgreen demonstrates using the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. SB4 bass guitar.

Genre Usage

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