Pricing and availability

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

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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

What kind of tone can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man Stingray's humbucker pickup?

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.

Is the Sterling by Music Man Stingray suitable for beginner bass players?

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.

How does the 2-band EQ on the Sterling by Music Man Stingray work?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Product Spotlight - Sterling By MusicMan S.U.B. Ray4 Electric Bass

Video thumbnail for Product Spotlight - Sterling By MusicMan S.U.B.  Ray4 Electric Bass by Guitar Center

Product Spotlight - Sterling By MusicMan S.U.B. Ray4 Electric Bass

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray4 Bass Guitar Demo & Review by PMTVUK

Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray4 Bass Guitar Demo & Review

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Musicman Sub Ray 4 | All You Need to Know! | Review and Demo by Tyler Spicer

Sterling by Musicman Sub Ray 4 | All You Need to Know! | Review and Demo

Tyler Spicer

Tyler Spicer

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man Ray4 SUB - Stingray SUBstance at a Serious Discount! - LowEndLobster Review by LowEndLobster

Sterling by Music Man Ray4 SUB - Stingray SUBstance at a Serious Discount! - LowEndLobster Review

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Musicman | Ray 4 SUB Bass Review by Travis Dykes

Sterling by Musicman | Ray 4 SUB Bass Review

Travis Dykes

Travis Dykes

Video thumbnail for The Most Affordable Musicman Stingray Bass - Sterling By Musicman Ray4 SUB Bass Review by Marcelo Feldman - The Bass Wizard

The Most Affordable Musicman Stingray Bass - Sterling By Musicman Ray4 SUB Bass Review

Marcelo Feldman - The Bass Wizard

Marcelo Feldman - The Bass Wizard

Video thumbnail for Is the CHEAPEST Stingray the BEST? | Sterling Sub Series Ray 4 [Review/Demo] by Jonny Dibble

Is the CHEAPEST Stingray the BEST? | Sterling Sub Series Ray 4 [Review/Demo]

Jonny Dibble

Jonny Dibble

Video thumbnail for Why bother buying USA? | Musicman Stingray VS Sterling Sub Series Ray4 by Jonny Dibble

Why bother buying USA? | Musicman Stingray VS Sterling Sub Series Ray4

Jonny Dibble

Jonny Dibble

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man SUB StingRay 4 - Sound Demo (no talking) by Bass Bonedo

Sterling by Music Man SUB StingRay 4 - Sound Demo (no talking)

Bass Bonedo

Bass Bonedo

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

  • Some users have upgraded Sterling SUB 4s with EMG electronics, significantly enhancing the sound quality.

    Source
  • Users recommend swapping Sterling tuners with Hipshot HB7s for improved tuning stability and smoother operation.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the Sterling is noticeably lighter than the EBMM Stingray, which can be a significant factor for comfort during extended use.

    Source
  • A Ray35 owner reports excellent sound and playability but anticipates needing to replace the tuners soon, indicating a common hardware issue.

    Source
  • Owners praise the Ray5 SUB model for its quiet pre-amp, allowing effective tone shaping without needing amp adjustments during live performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • The Sterling Classic series is viewed as less desirable compared to the usual Stingray models, influencing buyer decisions.

    Source
  • The Ray4 is often compared to Mexican Fenders, with users noting it offers superior performance for its price point.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Sterling short scale Stingray is passive, yet it retains the signature Stingray growl, appealing for those who prefer passive electronics.

    Source
  • The Sterling by Music Man Stingray boasts an active EQ and double humbuckers with a 5-way switch, offering versatile tone-shaping capabilities.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users advise tuning the Sterling by first tuning flat then up to pitch, as the tuners may have loose gearing.

    Source
  • Owners commonly report tuner issues on Ray34 and Ray35 models, suggesting they may need replacement over time for stability.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Sterling Ray34 is known for janky tuners, particularly in models with black hardware like the purple sparkle finish.

    Source
  • Despite its budget pricing, the Ray5 SUB is noted for its solid build, though it features cheaper hardware and electronics compared to higher-end models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's possible to find used Ray4 models for around $200, making them an affordable option for those on a budget.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Ray5 SUB, with lowered pickups and LaBella flats, delivers near-perfect performance for users, even in multi-band shows using house amps.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sterling by Music Man Stingray (duplicate), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Bassman Cabinet 2x15
Fender Bassman Cabinet 2x15 Bass Amplifier Cabinets
1
Schecter Avenger 7
Schecter Avenger 7 Extended Range Guitars
1
Fender FRS Telecaster HH
Fender FRS Telecaster HH Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Squier Jazz Bass
Squier Jazz Bass Electric Basses
1
PRS SE Mark Tremonti Signature
PRS SE Mark Tremonti Signature Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Marshall 1960A 4x12'' Cabinet
Marshall 1960A 4x12'' Cabinet Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Ampeg SVT-CL Classic
Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Amplifier Heads
1

Community setups

Show yours
ty_russell

ty_russell

Gear IQ 76

More Sterling by Music Man Electric Basses

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Similar

Gear Guides