Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$399.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (75)
$399.99
Amazon
4.5 (378)
Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (17)
$329.99
zZounds
5.0 (25)
$399.99
Thomann
$429.00 $425.00 $4.00 · All time low

Average Price: $392

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 (duplicate". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4 Bass Guitar - Vintage Cream

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4 Bass Guitar is the quintessential instrument for any bassist seeking a blend of classic design, robust performance, and affordability. This iconic instrument is a tribute to the original Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay, a staple among bassists since the late '70s.

Designed with a balanced basswood body and a hard maple neck, the StingRay RAY4 guarantees a harmonious sound regardless of your play style. Whether you're into intense slaps or soft, walking bass lines, the StingRay RAY4 has you covered.

What sets this bass guitar apart is the Sterling-designed humbucker and the powerful 2-band active preamp system. This dynamic duo allows the StingRay RAY4 to create a wide array of sounds. Dial your tone to perfection using the onboard master volume and 2-band preamp control.

With its vintage cream finish and the iconic "banana" control plate, the StingRay RAY4 carries the charm of its predecessors while offering a unique sound upgrade. It's indeed a testimony to Sterling by Music Man's commitment to making high-quality instruments accessible to all musicians.

Key Features:

  • Modeled to match the renowned look and sound of the Ernie Ball by Music Man's StingRay Classic bass guitar.
  • Flat-slab body for a comfortable hold.
  • 21 medium-sized frets and a cutaway shape for a comfortable playing experience.
  • Ceramic humbucker pickup for an extremely responsive, hum-free sound.
  • Onboard master volume and 2-band preamp control for tone customization.
  • Classic open-gear tuning machines for easy tuning.
  • 9.5-inch fingerboard radius for a smooth, even playing surface.

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape StingRay
Body Material Basswood
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Hard Maple
Neck Shape StingRay
Neck Joint 6-way Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Inlay White 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 type of pickup does the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 have?

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 is equipped with a Sterling by Music Man Humbucker pickup, providing a powerful and punchy sound suitable for various music genres.

Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 an active bass?

Yes, the StingRay Ray4 features a 9v active preamp, allowing for enhanced tonal control and versatility through its 2-band EQ.

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

The StingRay Ray4 features a StingRay neck profile with a 9.5" radius, providing comfortable playability and easy access across the fretboard.

What materials are used in the construction of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4?

The body of the StingRay Ray4 is made from basswood, with a hard maple neck, offering a balanced tone and durability.

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

Yes, the StingRay Ray4 is often recommended for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, manageable weight, and versatile sound, making it an excellent choice for new bass players.

Stu Studio

Stu Studio

Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray4 Bass Demo & Review

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray4 Bass Demo & Review by Stu Studio

Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray4 Bass Demo & Review

Stu Studio

Stu Studio

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Muic Man / SUB StingRay Ray4 Vintage Cream【Test Play】 by Bass Sound Maniac

Sterling by Muic Man / SUB StingRay Ray4 Vintage Cream【Test Play】

Bass Sound Maniac

Bass Sound Maniac

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional value for money, exceeding expectations for its price range

  • Wide range of tone with versatile 2-band EQ

  • Fast, thinner neck for comfortable playability

  • Attractive vintage cream color, though darker than stock photos

  • Solid build quality with smooth fretwork and reliable tuners

  • Great platform for customization and modifications

  • Lightweight body enhances ease of use during practice or gigs

  • Resonant sound with a distinct growl, reminiscent of classic StingRay tone

  • Satin finish offers better movement and aesthetics than glossy alternatives

  • Includes thoughtful accessories, like a tool for truss rod adjustments

CONS

  • Input jack may have connectivity issues with certain cables

  • Pickups considered cheap and placement of volume knob may interfere with playing

  • Heavier than higher-end basses, potentially due to lower-grade wood

  • Stock strings may require replacement due to quality concerns

  • Some minor finish flaws noted, though generally negligible

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.

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners report the Sterling StingRay Ray4 arrives perfectly set up, with no need for additional adjustments to intonation or action.

    Source
  • A user highlighted that the pickup placement on StingRays accommodates lower tunings well, making them suitable for players who frequently detune.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck is often highlighted for its comfort and quality, making it a standout feature among mid-priced basses.

    Source
  • The Ray34 model is favored for its active pickups and 3-band equalizer, offering extensive tone-shaping capabilities compared to other models.

    Source
  • The Ray34 model is highlighted for its improved tuners and bridge compared to the Ray4, offering a more robust build.

    Source

User experience

  • A few users have experienced battery drain issues, which persisted even when the instrument was not plugged in.

    Source
  • A user shared that they own a SUB4 and regard it as their favorite instrument, emphasizing its playability and satisfaction over time.

    Source
  • One owner described their Warwick bass as more inspiring to play than any other, appreciating its lightweight and comfortable neck.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users often contrast the StingRay’s versatility and brighter, punchy tone with the muddier, vintage sound of Epiphone basses.

    Source
  • Some suggest considering the Ibanez ATK series, which shares similar pickup characteristics and tone with the StingRay, but often at a lower price point.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest replacing the stock pickup with a Reverend split brick for a passive setup.

    Source
  • Owners recommend replacing the stock bridge with an Albridge model for improved stability and tone, citing the original bridge as subpar.

    Source
  • A user upgraded their Ray4 to resemble a '70s Stingray by replacing the bridge, pickup, and electronics.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's suggested that used SUB models, initially American-made with unique textured finishes, were historically available for $500-600, offering a good deal if found.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Ray4 is noted for its suitability as a modding platform, allowing users to easily customize and upgrade components.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Sterling SUB Ray4 + Ray5 – Kitarablogi.com – Finland's premier Guitar and Bass blog

kitarablogi.com

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 impresses with its classic design and solid build quality, offering an enticing blend of playability and sound at an accessible price. However, be wary of the weighty body, which detracts from its overall ergonomics. While the tone delivers the rich, powerful character expected from a StingRay, the lack of versatility compared to higher-end models may leave some players wanting more. In summary, the Ray4 is a commendable entry-level bass that captures the essence of its predecessors, but it struggles with heft and limited tonal options.

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

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 offers impressive build quality and a nod to its legendary roots at an accessible price point. With its attractive walnut satin finish, smooth neck, and a powerful MM humbucker, it delivers a range of tones suitable for beginners and seasoned players alike. However, while it holds its own on stage, it doesn't quite match the tonal depth of its USA counterparts, and the plastic battery compartment may raise durability concerns. Still, for those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly option without sacrificing playability, this bass is a solid choice.

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Genre Usage

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