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Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4

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Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4

$289.99 to $349.99 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (1)

3 Critic Reviews

1 Review

Find out who is using Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4

1 community setup

4 wishlisted

16 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated January 15, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (75)

$349.99

View Deal

4.0 (17)

$289.99

View Deal

5.0 (25)

$349.99

View Deal

Average Price: $330

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4". 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

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Dive into the groove with the Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4 Bass Guitar - Blue Satin, a remarkable blend of iconic design and modern performance. This bass guitar honors its legendary roots while embracing enhancements that meet the demands of today’s musicians. With its unmistakable charm and a sonic versatility that can cover any genre, the RAY4 offers a playing experience that's both unique and familiar. Whether you're laying down the foundation in a jazz ensemble or driving the rhythm in a rock band, its robust sound and smooth playability ensure you stand out. The Sterling-designed humbucker and the active 2-band preamp system give you an extensive palette of tones to paint your musical landscapes, from punchy slaps to melodic grooves. Crafted for the passionate musician, the RAY4 doesn’t just embody the spirit of its predecessors; it sets a new standard for what an affordable bass can achieve. So, strap in and prepare to be inspired by a bass that respects its lineage while boldly stepping into the future.

Key Features:

Sterling-designed humbucker and active 2-band preamp system for versatile sound shaping
Modeled after the iconic Ernie Ball Music Man's StingRay Classic bass for that timeless look and feel
Basswood body and hard maple neck ensure durability and a balanced tone
21 medium-sized frets and a sleek cutaway design for comfortable playability
Classic open-gear tuning machines for reliable tuning stability
A smooth 9.5-inch fingerboard radius for effortless playability across genres
Available in a stunning Blue Satin finish, adding a touch of elegance to your musical arsenal

Videos

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PMTVUK

Sterling By Musicman SUB Ray4 Bass in Mint GreenB | PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Product Spotlight - Sterling By MusicMan S.U.B. Ray4 Electric Bass

Guitar Center

Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray4 Bass Guitar Demo & Review

PMTVUK

Sterling by Music Man Ray4 SUB - Stingray SUBstance at a Serious Discount! - LowEndLobster Review

LowEndLobster

Sterling by Musicman | Ray 4 SUB Bass Review

Travis Dykes

The Most Affordable Musicman Stingray Bass - Sterling By Musicman Ray4 SUB Bass Review

Marcelo Feldman - The Bass Wizard

Is the CHEAPEST Stingray the BEST? | Sterling Sub Series Ray 4 [Review/Demo]

Jonny Dibble

Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray4 Bass Demo & Review

Stu Studio

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional value for price; competes with more expensive models
Wide range of tone options with versatile 2-band EQ
Solid build quality with seamless finish and polished frets
Fast, thin neck ideal for new players and seasoned musicians alike
Lightweight body with striking vintage cream color
Impressive sustain, often compared to higher-priced basses
Durable design; survived significant impact with minimal damage
Comes with useful tools like a hex key for easy adjustments
Powerful low frequencies and balanced high frequencies
Timeless aesthetics that improve with age

CONS

Audio jack may loosen after impact or falls
Some dust around neck pocket upon arrival, though easily cleaned

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 Ray4.

Mods and upgrades

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Delano Alnico pickups, wired in parallel, are favored for improved tone over the stock ceramic series-wired pickups.
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Owners frequently choose to replace the stock pickguard for aesthetic customization.
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User experience

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Owners find the Ray4 plays significantly better than its pricing suggests, with many noting its ergonomics and sound surpass comparable Ibanez, Yamaha, and Squier models.
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The bass is noted for staying in tune exceptionally well, surpassing other instruments in this aspect.
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Features and functionality

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The stock electronics are consistently highlighted as the weakest part, yet they are easily replaceable when desired.
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The Sterling Ray4HH includes a roasted maple neck, which enhances its durability and aesthetics, particularly for a used price around $600-700.
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Build quality

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Some owners find the body contour uncomfortable, mentioning it can dig into the leg or forearm during play.
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Owners praise the inclusion of a thicker gig bag, which provides extra protection compared to standard offerings with similar-priced basses.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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One user reported needing a fret level due to rising frets on their specific Ray4 unit.
Source

Use cases and applications

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Described as versatile, the Ray4 performs well across genres including funk and R&B.
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The open string area in front of the neck is particularly appreciated by players focusing on slap/pop techniques, making these styles easier to execute.
Source

Comparisons

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Users debate short scale vs. standard scale basses, noting that short scale basses produce a subtly different tone rather than a universally "better" one.
Source

Critic Reviews

Sterling By Music Man SUB Series Stingray Ray4 review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 offers impressive value for its price, delivering a punchy sound reminiscent of its pricier counterparts. Its lightweight design, smooth neck, and versatile active EQ make it a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned players. However, the tone may not suit everyone's taste, and it's slightly less refined than the original Stingray. Still, for those seeking a budget-friendly bass that excels across various musical styles, the Ray4 proves to be a remarkable option. It's a reliable instrument that performs well live without the need for expensive upgrades.

positive

Full Review

Sterling By Music Man S.U.B. Ray 4 Bass

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 delivers exceptional value for beginner and intermediate players, boasting a rich heritage and solid construction reminiscent of its premium counterparts. With a sleek walnut satin finish and comfortable neck profile, it feels and plays like a professional instrument. The active two-band EQ offers impressive tonal versatility, making it suitable for various playing styles. However, the lack of coil switching and potential concerns over the durability of the plastic battery compartment are drawbacks. While it may not rival higher-end models, this bass shines as a reliable choice for both new players and seasoned musicians seeking an affordable backup.

positive

Full Review

Music Man StingRay Sub Ray4 Electric Bass Guitar Full Review

knowyourinstrument.com

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 bass guitar is a standout for budget-conscious players seeking quality. With its iconic design, excellent build quality, and impressive sound, it offers a taste of the revered StingRay experience at an accessible price. The active electronics and simple control layout make it user-friendly, especially for beginners. However, some drawbacks include subpar tuners and minor finish imperfections. Still, the Ray4 delivers a punchy tone that rivals more expensive models, making it a solid choice for both novice and seasoned players alike. Overall, it’s a fantastic value that won’t disappoint.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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colin_marcum

670

about 3 years ago

Pretty good instrument with a few flaws.

Great instrument for the money. I sold mine because I did not like the color and it had a few hardware issues such as the audio jack loosening from just one fall. Overall though great instrument and pretty good tones.

Roles:

Singer Bassist

Genres:

Rock Southern rock Metal

Artist usage

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Jon Lhaubouet

Singer, Guitarist

Fleshwater

Verified via YouTube

Color/Finish: Black

In the official music video for Vein.FM's "Virus://Vibrance," Jon Lhaubouet is visibly using a Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 bass, which is distinguishable by its unique neck, differing from the one typically seen during live performances. This video was directed and edited by Eric Richter and released by Closed Casket Activities.