Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$399.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (47)
$399.99
Amazon
4.5 (378)
$399.99
Reverb
4.0 (8)
$879.99 New
$350.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (12)
$399.99
zZounds
5.0 (25)
$399.99
Thomann
4.1 (11)
$425.00 $419.00 $6.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£1,099.00

Average Price: $456

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man StingRay". 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

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay electric bass is a tribute to one of the most iconic bass designs, offering a balance of vintage aesthetics and modern playability. Crafted with a nyatoh body and a stunning spalted maple top, this bass guitar is both visually striking and sonically rich. The bolt-on roasted maple neck and rosewood fingerboard ensure durability and a smooth playing experience, making it a reliable companion for both studio sessions and live gigs.

The StingRay features a powerful Alnico humbucker pickup paired with an active 3-band preamp, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities—from deep, resonant lows to bright, punchy highs. Whether you're slapping or playing fingerstyle, the StingRay's responsive electronics deliver the exact sound you need. Its ergonomic design includes a slim body style and a distinctive cutaway shape, ensuring comfort during long playing sessions.

Sterling by Music Man maintains the legacy of the classic StingRay while making it accessible to a broader audience. The transparent pickguard, open gear machine heads, and the Sterling-designed bridge add to its unique character, making it a favorite among bassists seeking quality and affordability.

Key Features:

  • Body: Nyatoh with spalted maple top
  • Bolt-on neck: Roasted maple
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood with white dot inlays
  • 21 Medium frets, 9.5" fingerboard radius
  • Scale: 34"; Nut width: 1.69"
  • Alnico humbucker pickup
  • Active 3-band preamp
  • Transparent pickguard
  • Sterling by Music Man designed bridge
  • Open gear machine heads
  • Original strings: Ernie Ball 2834 Super Slinky

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape StingRay
Body Material Basswood
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material Hard Maple
Neck Shape StingRay
Neck Joint 6-way Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Inlay Black Dots
Number of Frets 21, Medium
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.5"
Nut Material Polyphenylene Sulfide
Bridge/Tailpiece Fixed Bridge
Tuners Open Gear
Bridge Pickup Sterling by Music Man Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 2-band active preamp
Strings .045-.105
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man StingRay bass?

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay bass delivers a punchy, full-bodied sound with a strong low end and clear highs, making it ideal for rock, funk, and pop genres.

Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay suitable for beginner bass players?

Yes, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, manageable weight, and versatile sound, which allows players to explore various musical styles.

What is the neck profile like on the Sterling by Music Man StingRay?

The neck of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay features a hard maple construction with a StingRay profile, offering a smooth playing experience with a 9.5" radius that suits most hand sizes.

Does the Sterling by Music Man StingRay bass have active electronics?

Yes, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay bass is equipped with a 2-band active preamp, allowing for precise tonal adjustments and a dynamic range suitable for various playing environments.

What is the build quality of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay?

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay is crafted with a basswood body and a satin finish, providing durability and a sleek look, while maintaining a high standard of quality consistent with the Music Man brand.

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Sterling By Musicman SUB Ray4 Bass in Mint GreenB | PMTVUK

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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 StingRay.

Comparisons

  • The Sire U5 offers better fit and finish than the Sterling Stingray, but lacks the distinctive punchiness of the StingRay's tone.

    Source
  • Users note Sterling's pots feel smoother than those on some EBMM models, offering better resistance and tactile feedback.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite being a budget model, the Ray 4 is praised for its build quality and ergonomic feel, offering great value for beginners.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Consider trying different string types or brands to explore tonal variations without committing to significant modifications.

    Source
  • The Sterling StingRay is described as having Joe Dart-style punchiness, making it ideal for genres requiring a compressed, thick tone.

    Source
  • Sterling short scale models are favored for their ease of play, making them suitable for guitarists transitioning to bass.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The stock pickup is wired in series, contributing to its distinct tonal character but may not suit all preferences.

    Source
  • Sterling's short scale models are passive, offering the StingRay's signature growl while differing from many active EBMM models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the Ray 4 as feeling instantly comfortable, outperforming similarly priced Ibanez, Yamaha, and Squier models.

    Source
  • Some owners report that initial quality issues can be resolved with minor tweaks, enhancing playability and satisfaction over time.

    Source
  • Sterling Ray34 users report occasional issues with input jacks, which may require replacement for reliable performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A Delano Alnico pickup, wired in parallel, is recommended to replace the stock ceramic pickup for enhanced tone and clarity.

    Source
  • Applying DeoxIT to the pots can address crackling and improve performance.

    Source
  • Owners recommend upgrading Sterling's tuners to Hipshot HB7s for improved tuning stability.

    Source

Build quality

  • EBMM models feature a smoother neck finish and lighter weight than Sterling, impacting playability and comfort during extended sessions.

    Source
  • Wobbly knobs and fret sprout are persistent issues, with some owners needing to tighten knobs and file frets immediately after purchase.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Sanding the back of the neck with 600 grit and applying Tru-Oil and Birchwood Casey gunstock wax is recommended for a smoother finish.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
eddbass

Perfect punch and bottom end!

Perfect punch and bottom end! Just right for funky stuff.

Roles:
Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Clarke uses Sterling by Music Man StingRay

Rob Clarke

Bassist

Just Mustard

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Sunburst

In a photo taken during Just Mustard's Chalk Brighton headline show on April 28th, 2026, Rob Clarke can be seen using a Sterling by Music Man StingRay bass on stage.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sterling by Music Man StingRay, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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