Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
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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
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What kind of sound can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man StingRay bass?
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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.
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Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay suitable for beginner bass players?
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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.
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What is the neck profile like on the Sterling by Music Man StingRay?
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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.
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Does the Sterling by Music Man StingRay bass have active electronics?
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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.
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What is the build quality of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay?
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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.
Videos
PMTVUK
Sterling By Musicman SUB Ray4 Bass in Mint GreenB | PMTVUK
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
Value and pricing
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Despite being a budget model, the Ray 4 is praised for its build quality and ergonomic feel, offering great value for beginners.
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Use cases and applications
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Consider trying different string types or brands to explore tonal variations without committing to significant modifications.
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The Sterling StingRay is described as having Joe Dart-style punchiness, making it ideal for genres requiring a compressed, thick tone.
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Sterling short scale models are favored for their ease of play, making them suitable for guitarists transitioning to bass.
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Features and functionality
User experience
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Owners describe the Ray 4 as feeling instantly comfortable, outperforming similarly priced Ibanez, Yamaha, and Squier models.
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Some owners report that initial quality issues can be resolved with minor tweaks, enhancing playability and satisfaction over time.
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Sterling Ray34 users report occasional issues with input jacks, which may require replacement for reliable performance.
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Mods and upgrades
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A Delano Alnico pickup, wired in parallel, is recommended to replace the stock ceramic pickup for enhanced tone and clarity.
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Applying DeoxIT to the pots can address crackling and improve performance.
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Owners recommend upgrading Sterling's tuners to Hipshot HB7s for improved tuning stability.
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Build quality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
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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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