Pricing and availability
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Price
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
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What type of pickup does the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 have?
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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.
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Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 an active bass?
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Yes, the StingRay Ray4 features a 9v active preamp, allowing for enhanced tonal control and versatility through its 2-band EQ.
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What is the neck profile of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4?
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The StingRay Ray4 features a StingRay neck profile with a 9.5" radius, providing comfortable playability and easy access across the fretboard.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4?
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The body of the StingRay Ray4 is made from basswood, with a hard maple neck, offering a balanced tone and durability.
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Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 suitable for beginners?
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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.
Videos
Stu Studio
Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray4 Bass Demo & Review
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional value for money, exceeding expectations for its price range
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Wide range of tone with versatile 2-band EQ
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Fast, thinner neck for comfortable playability
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Attractive vintage cream color, though darker than stock photos
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Solid build quality with smooth fretwork and reliable tuners
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Great platform for customization and modifications
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Lightweight body enhances ease of use during practice or gigs
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Resonant sound with a distinct growl, reminiscent of classic StingRay tone
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Satin finish offers better movement and aesthetics than glossy alternatives
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Includes thoughtful accessories, like a tool for truss rod adjustments
CONS
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Input jack may have connectivity issues with certain cables
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Pickups considered cheap and placement of volume knob may interfere with playing
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Heavier than higher-end basses, potentially due to lower-grade wood
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Stock strings may require replacement due to quality concerns
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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
Features and functionality
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The neck is often highlighted for its comfort and quality, making it a standout feature among mid-priced basses.
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The Ray34 model is favored for its active pickups and 3-band equalizer, offering extensive tone-shaping capabilities compared to other models.
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The Ray34 model is highlighted for its improved tuners and bridge compared to the Ray4, offering a more robust build.
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User experience
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A few users have experienced battery drain issues, which persisted even when the instrument was not plugged in.
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A user shared that they own a SUB4 and regard it as their favorite instrument, emphasizing its playability and satisfaction over time.
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One owner described their Warwick bass as more inspiring to play than any other, appreciating its lightweight and comfortable neck.
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Comparisons
Mods and upgrades
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Some owners suggest replacing the stock pickup with a Reverend split brick for a passive setup.
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Owners recommend replacing the stock bridge with an Albridge model for improved stability and tone, citing the original bridge as subpar.
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A user upgraded their Ray4 to resemble a '70s Stingray by replacing the bridge, pickup, and electronics.
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Value and pricing
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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.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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