Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $350
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 (duplicate)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Sterling by Music Man Stingray is a reimagined take on a legendary design, blending affordability with the revered aesthetics of the original Music Man StingRay. This 5-string electric bass guitar boasts a powerful humbucking pickup, which ensures rich, deep tones with minimal noise, making it a reliable choice for players of all levels. The Stingray’s sleek double-cutaway body and iconic teardrop pickguard make it an immediate standout on stage, while its modern electronics offer a versatile sound palette.
Equipped with a 2-band active preamp system, this bass allows you to fine-tune your tone with precision. Whether you’re looking for a thunderous low end or crisp, articulate highs, the onboard controls for volume, bass, and treble give you the flexibility to shape your sound to perfection. The fully adjustable, heavy-duty bridge ensures precise intonation and stable tuning, accommodating a variety of playing styles with ease.
The Stingray’s construction is as solid as its sound, featuring a balanced-sounding basswood body paired with a hard maple neck, offering both comfort and durability. With 21 medium frets and a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, it provides a smooth playing experience and easy access to higher notes. Sterling by Music Man continues to make high-quality, classic-inspired instruments accessible to musicians everywhere, and the Stingray is a testament to that mission.
Key Features:
- 5-string electric bass with classic StingRay styling
- Powerful humbucking pickup for rich, noise-free sound
- 2-band active preamp with volume, bass, and treble controls
- Fully adjustable heavy-duty bridge for precise intonation
- Basswood body and hard maple neck for balanced tone and durability
- 21 medium frets and a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius for comfortable playability
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | StingRay |
| Body Material | Basswood |
| Body Finish | Satin |
| Neck Material | Hard Maple |
| Neck Shape | StingRay |
| Neck Joint | 6-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Material | Jatoba |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.77" |
| 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-.125 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man Stingray's humbucker pickup?
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The Sterling by Music Man Stingray features a low-noise humbucking pickup that delivers a punchy, powerful tone with a strong midrange presence, making it ideal for rock, funk, and pop genres.
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Is the Sterling by Music Man Stingray suitable for beginner bass players?
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Yes, the Sterling by Music Man Stingray is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, manageable weight, and versatile tone control, which allows new players to explore a variety of music styles.
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How does the 2-band EQ on the Sterling by Music Man Stingray work?
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The 2-band active EQ on the Sterling by Music Man Stingray allows you to adjust the bass and treble frequencies independently, providing greater control over your sound to suit different musical contexts.
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What is the neck profile like on the Sterling by Music Man Stingray?
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The neck of the Sterling by Music Man Stingray features a comfortable StingRay profile, crafted from hard maple, offering a smooth playing experience suitable for fast runs and intricate bass lines.
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Does the Sterling by Music Man Stingray come with a case or gig bag?
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The Sterling by Music Man Stingray does not come with a case or gig bag, so you may want to purchase one separately to protect your instrument during transport.
Videos
Guitar Center
Product Spotlight - Sterling By MusicMan S.U.B. Ray4 Electric Bass
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 (duplicate).
Mods and upgrades
User experience
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Owners note that the Sterling is noticeably lighter than the EBMM Stingray, which can be a significant factor for comfort during extended use.
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A Ray35 owner reports excellent sound and playability but anticipates needing to replace the tuners soon, indicating a common hardware issue.
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Owners praise the Ray5 SUB model for its quiet pre-amp, allowing effective tone shaping without needing amp adjustments during live performances.
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Comparisons
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The Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray boasts a roasted maple neck and smoother neck finish compared to Sterling's gloss finish, influencing playability and comfort.
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The Sterling Classic series is viewed as less desirable compared to the usual Stingray models, influencing buyer decisions.
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The Ray4 is often compared to Mexican Fenders, with users noting it offers superior performance for its price point.
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Users find the Sterling SUB series performs better than Mexican Fenders and is a solid entry-level option with a feel akin to higher-end instruments.
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Features and functionality
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The Sterling short scale Stingray is passive, yet it retains the signature Stingray growl, appealing for those who prefer passive electronics.
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The Sterling by Music Man Stingray boasts an active EQ and double humbuckers with a 5-way switch, offering versatile tone-shaping capabilities.
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Setup and maintenance
Build quality
Value and pricing
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It's possible to find used Ray4 models for around $200, making them an affordable option for those on a budget.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sterling by Music Man Stingray (duplicate), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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