Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $397

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left - Handed". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Sterling by Music Man SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass guitar is a masterclass in combining classic design with modern playability. This left-handed beauty is crafted for musicians who crave the iconic StingRay sound and want a bass that delivers consistently powerful performance. With its 9V active preamp, you can expect a dynamic range that will cut through any mix with ease, making it perfect for both stage and studio settings. The low-noise humbucking pickups ensure that your sound remains clean and punchy, no matter how intense your performance gets.

The fully adjustable heavy-duty bridge offers exceptional tuning stability and sustain, while the maple fretboard provides a bright and snappy response. This bass is not just about sound and playability; it also boasts a durable construction that can withstand the rigors of touring and frequent gigging. Whether you're laying down grooves in a funk band or anchoring a rock ensemble, the Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed is your go-to instrument for versatile and reliable bass tones.

Key Features:

  • Left-handed electric bass design
  • 9V active preamp for enhanced tonal range
  • Low-noise humbucking pickups for clear sound
  • Fully adjustable heavy-duty bridge
  • Maple fretboard for bright tone and smooth playability
  • Classic StingRay styling and construction

Product specs

Brand Sterling
Model StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed
Year 2018 - 2025
Made In Indonesia
Categories 4-String Basses, Left-Handed Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Nut Width 1.5"
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Left Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass use?

The Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass is equipped with active pickups, providing a powerful and dynamic sound suitable for various music styles.

Is the Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass is ideal for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and easy playability, while still offering quality features for more advanced players.

What is the body material of the Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass?

The body of the Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass is made from basswood, known for its lightweight feel and balanced tonal qualities.

How does the active preamp on the Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass enhance its sound?

The active preamp on the Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass boosts the signal, offering a wide range of tonal versatility and allowing for more control over your sound.

What is the neck material and fretboard radius of the Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass?

The neck of the Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left-Handed bass is made from maple, and it features a 9.5" fretboard radius, providing a smooth playing experience with excellent note articulation.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling SUB StingRay Ray4 Left - Handed.

Comparisons

  • The Sterling Ray4 is described as having a potentially "too hot" pickup, leading to deep, rumbly tones that might distort, contrasting with more balanced Fender options.

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  • Jazz basses are recommended with flat wound strings, like LaBella DTBs, for deeper sounds, especially when played fingerstyle over the fretboard's bottom.

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  • The Sire Z7 is praised for nailing the Stingray sound, with its single coil neck pickup and 3-band EQ offering significant tonal flexibility.

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  • Lakland 4402 models, known for their HS setup, offer a Stingray-like humbucker tone but with a distinct flavor, differing from authentic Stingray sounds.

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Use cases and applications

  • A P-Bass is noted for thicker, all-around tones suitable for various settings, whereas a Sterling Ray4's aggressive slice might lack the fat upper low end.

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  • Playing style (e.g., fingerstyle vs. pick) and location (over pickups vs. fretboard) significantly affect tone, especially on jazz basses.

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User experience

  • Left-handed basses, including the Sterling Ray4, are rare and challenging to find, impacting in-store tryouts and immediate purchases.

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  • Left-handed players face limited color options, with only tobacco sunburst and baby blue available, which may not appeal to all users.

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  • New players find the Ray4 inspires a love for bass, with its playability and sound quality even at entry-level pricing.

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Features and functionality

  • A Sterling Ray4 is highlighted for its deep and rumbly sound, ideal for those seeking extreme low-end presence.

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  • Ray34s are noted for having a 42mm nut and Alnico pickups, while Ray24/4 models have ceramic series pickups and a 38mm jazz nut, affecting their tonal characteristics.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners mod the Sterling Ray4 with a Retrovibe Stinger 77 preamp and upgraded Alnico pickup wired in parallel to emulate pre-Ernie Ball Stingray tones.

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  • An aged pearl pickguard is a popular cosmetic upgrade, enhancing the bass's aesthetic appeal.

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Build quality

  • The Ray34 is recognized for its quality, featuring Alnico pickups wired in parallel and a 42mm nut, closely resembling authentic Stingrays from the 1980s.

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Value and pricing

  • A used Sterling StingRay Ray4 can be found around $250, often in excellent condition as many owners barely use them before selling.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Beginners struggle with switching chords quickly and suggest learning the circle of fifths and practicing finger placement for smoother transitions.

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