Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $290

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 (duplicate)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the perfect blend of iconic design and modern performance with the Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 electric bass. This bass guitar pays homage to the legendary StingRay model, bringing that classic look and feel into an accessible package for musicians of all levels. Equipped with a powerful 2-band active preamp system, the Ray4 offers a versatile range of tones, whether you're laying down a smooth groove or rocking out with intense slaps.

The StingRay Ray4 features a balanced basswood body and a hard maple neck, delivering reliability and comfort for any playstyle. Its ceramic humbucker pickup ensures a responsive, hum-free sound, while the classic "banana" control plate and slim body style keep the aesthetics faithful to its predecessors. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Ray4 delivers a truly authentic StingRay experience with a modern twist.

Key Features:

  • 4-string electric bass modeled after the renowned Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Classic
  • Flat-slab body for comfortable holding
  • 21 medium-sized frets with a cutaway shape for an easy playing experience
  • Ceramic humbucker pickup for responsive, hum-free sound
  • Onboard master volume and 2-band preamp control for tone customization
  • Classic open-gear tuning machines for effortless tuning
  • 9.5-inch fingerboard radius for smooth playability

Product specs

Shape Ray4
Wood Hard maple
Neck joint 6-bolt pattern
Scale length 34"
Truss rod Single action
Active or passive pickups Active
Pickup configuration H-1 ceramic humbucker
Neck  Not applicable
Middle Not applicable
Bridge Low-noise ceramic humbucker
Active preamp 2-band Custom Ibanez
Material Jatoba (Pueblo Pink, Satin Transparent Black, Vintage Cream, Walnut Stain), Hard Maple (Black, Vintage Sunburst Satin, Transparent Blue)
Radius 12"
Fret size Medium Jumbo
Number of frets 21
Inlays White dot or black dot depending on finish
Nut material Info not available
Nut width 38 mm
Cutaway Single cutaway
Construction Solid body
Body wood Jabon (Pueblo Pink, Satin Transparent Blue), basswood (Satin Transparent Black, Vintage Cream, Walnut Stain)
Body finish Satin
Orientation Right handed
Control layout Volume 1, tone, EQ
Pickup switch No
Coil tap or split No
Tone switching No
Special switching EQ
Bridge type Fixed
Bridge design Fully adjustable heavy duty
Tailpiece Not applicable
Tuning machines Open gear
Number of strings 4
Pickguard No
Special features Not applicable
Case sold separately
Accessories None
Country of origin Indonesia

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 have?

The Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 features a low-noise ceramic humbucking pickup, which is active and designed to deliver a powerful and clear bass tone.

Is the Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and manageable 34" scale length, making it easy to play for those new to bass guitar.

What is the neck profile of the Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 like?

The neck of the Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 is crafted from hard maple with a 12" radius and medium jumbo frets, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience.

Does the Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 have an active preamp?

Yes, the Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 is equipped with a 2-band active preamp, allowing for tone shaping with volume, tone, and EQ controls.

How many frets does the Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 have?

The Sterling By Music Man StingRay Ray4 comes with 21 medium-jumbo frets, offering a wide range for playing various musical styles.

Nate Navarro

Nate Navarro

STERLING by MUSIC MAN - This Affordable STINGRAY ROCKS!!! (Quick Demo)

Video thumbnail for STERLING by MUSIC MAN - This Affordable STINGRAY ROCKS!!! (Quick Demo) by Nate Navarro

STERLING by MUSIC MAN - This Affordable STINGRAY ROCKS!!! (Quick Demo)

Nate Navarro

Nate Navarro

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 Ray4 (duplicate).

Features and functionality

  • The pre-amp is noted for being dead quiet, allowing extensive tone shaping without amp adjustments.

    Source
  • The Ray4 is noted for its slightly scooped, growly tone with strong upper mids, which helps it cut through in metal genres.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners lower the pickup as much as possible and use LaBella flats for optimal sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ray4 is compared favorably to Mexican Fenders, with better playability and sound.

    Source
  • The Ray4 has been likened to Squier's Classic Vibe series in quality, positioned above the Squier Affinity line.

    Source
  • Some users find the Ray4's ceramic pickup less authentic to the original StingRay tone compared to the Ray34's alnico pickup.

    Source

Build quality

  • The hardware and electronics are cheaper but contribute to a solid feel and performance for the price.

    Source
  • A user reported impeccable condition on a "dent and scratch" special purchase, indicating robust build quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Ray4 is part of the SUB series, representing the lowest price point in the Sterling lineup but offering surprising quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Stingray basses are popular in metal, including subgenres like nu metal, due to their ability to produce a distinctive, cutting tone.

    Source
  • The stock preamp is often set to default positions, as it's noted to be too hot for nuanced adjustments.

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User experience

  • Owners emphasize that while any bass can technically fit any genre, the Ray4's tone is particularly suited for metal and heavier styles.

    Source
  • The Ray4 is praised for its jazz-style neck, which some players find more comfortable compared to thicker alternatives.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend swapping the Ray4's preamp for a Seymour Duncan to address the overly hot pickup issue.

    Source

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