Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $777

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling By Music Man Sterling Electric Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover a harmonic blend of vintage allure and modern craftsmanship with the Sterling By Music Man Sterling Electric Bass. This instrument is a beacon for bassists who crave the classic vibe of a passive bass while enjoying a touch of modern innovation. Perfectly suited for a wide range of musical genres, it features an Alnico V parallel humbucker that delivers rich, vintage warmth and dynamic sound clarity. Its straightforward design belies its versatility, providing bassists with an adaptable sound palette that transcends the simplicity of its aesthetic.

Crafted with a soft maple body and a 34" scale, the Sterling Electric Bass ensures comfort and playability for both seasoned musicians and aspiring newcomers. The hard maple neck, paired with a rosewood fingerboard, offers a smooth playing experience, allowing for effortless navigation across the frets. Whether you're laying down a solid groove or exploring intricate bass lines, this instrument stands ready to support your musical journey with reliability and style.

Key Features:

  • Soft Maple Body with a 34" Scale
  • Hard Maple Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard
  • H - 1 Alnico V Humbucker
  • Sterling by Music Man-Designed Bridge

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Sterling
Body Material Soft Maple
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Hard Maple
Neck Joint 5-way Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 34"
Nut Material Polyphenylene Sulfide
Tuners Open-gear
Bridge Pickup Sterling by Music Man Designed Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone
Strings Ernie Ball Super Slinky, .045-.100
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass?

The Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass features a humbucker pickup designed for a punchy and clear tone, suitable for a variety of music styles, from rock to funk.

Is the Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass is well-suited for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile tone, making it easy to play and adaptable to different music genres.

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

The Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass has a hard maple neck with a 9.5" radius, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience for both beginners and experienced players.

Does the Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass is sold separately from a case or gig bag, so you may want to purchase one for protection and transport.

What are the main materials used in the construction of the Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass?

The Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass features a soft maple body with a gloss finish and a hard maple neck, offering durability and a classic look.

How many frets does the Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass have?

The Sterling by Music Man Sterling Electric Bass has 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing styles.

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 Sterling Electric Bass.

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users reported needing a setup with new strings and pot adjustments, but found it straightforward and manageable.

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  • An owner found the best setup by lowering the pickup as far as possible and using LaBella flatwound strings for optimal performance.

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Comparisons

  • Ray4 and Ray24 models share the same preamp and pickups, with the Ray34 considered significantly better.

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  • Sterling's short scale version maintains the signature Stingray growl despite passive electronics, unlike many active Music Man models.

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  • The Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray5 is noted to outperform Mexican Fender models in terms of sound quality and playability at a similar price point.

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Features and functionality

  • The exclusive active electronics of the Ray4 might be a limitation for live performers, but are less impactful in non-live settings.

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  • Sterling Ray34's high gloss neck finish is preferred by some players for its smooth feel, despite a tendency for stickiness in humid conditions.

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  • The SUB Ray5's pre-amp is praised for its quiet operation and effective tone shaping, allowing for versatility without amp adjustments.

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Use cases and applications

  • The tone from plucking at the end of the fingerboard on the Ray is appreciated for its distinct sound.

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  • The Sterling Ray34 is favored by some users despite owning pricier models, indicating strong performance and satisfaction within its price range.

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  • The SUB Ray5 holds its own in multi-band shows, maintaining consistent performance whether on house or different amps.

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Value and pricing

  • In the UK, the Sterling and Squier Classic Vibe are priced similarly, making Sterling a strong contender for value.

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Build quality

  • EBMM Stingray has a smoother neck finish and lighter weight compared to Sterling, offering better comfort and playability.

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  • The lower-end models like the SUB Ray4 often have cheaper electronics and hardware but still provide a solid performance for their cost.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Hipshot HB7 tuners are a recommended upgrade for Sterling Ray34 to improve tuning stability and smoothness.

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User experience

  • Owners frequently mention the Sterling Stingray's tuners as a weak point, often requiring upgrades for reliable tuning, especially noted in specific finishes like purple sparkle.

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