Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,525

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the world of vintage vibes with the Stingray 4 Classic Collection bass guitar. This iconic instrument captures the retro essence of the original Stingray basses, delivering a modern twist that caters to today's discerning musician. Crafted with a select Birdseye maple neck, this bass promises unparalleled smoothness and playability, making it a dream for bassists who value both comfort and style.

At the heart of the Stingray 4 is a classic single Music Man humbucker, meticulously engineered with alnico pole pieces, ensuring you get those rich, organic bass tones that can fill any room with warmth. Whether you're grooving on stage or laying down tracks in the studio, the traditional 9-volt two-band preamp offers a versatile range of tones, allowing you to effortlessly switch from deep, punchy lows to clear, articulate highs. Available in an array of striking vintage finishes, this bass isn't just an instrument; it's a statement of style and substance.

Key Features:

  • Traditional 9-volt two-band preamp
  • Select Birdseye maple neck for improved playability
  • Classic single Music Man humbucker with alnico pole pieces
  • Retro-inspired vintage color options for a classic aesthetic
  • Streamlined design focused on ease of playing and comfort

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Classic StingRay 4
Finish Black, Candy Apple Red, Chili Red, Classic Natural, Coral Red, Diego Blue, El Dorado Gold, Lake Tahoe Blue, Mint Green, Natural Gloss, Powder Blue, Raspberry Sorbet, Sledge, Vintage Sunburst, White
Year 2009 - 2020
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Natural, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Stingray 4 Classic Collection's pickups?

The Stingray 4 Classic Collection features a single passive alnico humbucker with an active 2-band preamp, delivering a punchy and dynamic tone with strong low-end, crisp mids, and clear highs, ideal for rock, funk, and pop genres.

Is the Stingray 4 Classic Collection suitable for beginners?

While the Stingray 4 Classic Collection is a high-quality instrument with professional features, its playability and versatile tone make it suitable for dedicated beginners willing to invest in a long-term instrument.

What is the neck profile like on the Stingray 4 Classic Collection?

The Stingray 4 Classic Collection features a finished figured maple neck with a 7.5" radius and classic skinny frets, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience suitable for fast playing styles.

How does the body material of the Stingray 4 Classic Collection affect its sound?

The solid ash body of the Stingray 4 Classic Collection contributes to its bright and resonant sound, enhancing the clarity and sustain of the bass tones.

Does the Stingray 4 Classic Collection have through-body stringing?

Yes, the Stingray 4 Classic Collection features through-body stringing, which can enhance sustain and tuning stability, along with bridge saddle string mutes for additional tonal options.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Music Man StingRay 4 Classic Electric Bass Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Video thumbnail for Music Man StingRay 4 Classic Electric Bass Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Music Man StingRay 4 Classic Electric Bass Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 Classic Bass: Joe Dart Demos by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 Classic Bass: Joe Dart Demos

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for NAMM '10 - Ernie Ball Music Man Classic Collection StingRay Bass by Premier Guitar

NAMM '10 - Ernie Ball Music Man Classic Collection StingRay Bass

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Music Man Stingray Classic - An Exploration of the Tonal Time Capsule - LowEndLobster Review by LowEndLobster

Music Man Stingray Classic - An Exploration of the Tonal Time Capsule - LowEndLobster Review

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Musicman Classic stingray 4 by Sam555768

Musicman Classic stingray 4

Sam555768

Sam555768

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 4 Classic by South Shore Music

Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 4 Classic

South Shore Music

South Shore Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a classic tone reminiscent of late 70's Stingray basses

  • Robust string-through bridge for solid, muted tone

  • High build quality with attention to detail, especially in neck and body

  • Versatile EQ knobs allow a range of tones

  • Available in unique, non-traditional colors

  • Birdseye/flamed maple necks provide aesthetic appeal

  • Strong performance in diverse genres like jazz, pop, and nu metal

CONS

  • Heavier weight may cause discomfort during extended play

  • Poly finish might not appeal to lacquer finish enthusiasts

  • Non-contoured body may affect comfort for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Stingray 4 Classic Collection.

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the beautiful birdseye maple neck and note its aesthetic appeal as a buying factor.

    Source
  • The roasted maple neck is praised for its stability in varying humidity, unlike plain maple necks which can shift with weather changes.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Stingray Classic's mute pads, string-through body, and 2-band equalizer are highlighted as standout features enhancing its tonal capabilities.

    Source
  • The Ray34HH's double humbuckers provide a wide tonal range, catering to different styles from bright melodic tones to deeper bass sounds.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users find the newer Stingray Specials cheaper and possibly superior, yet the Classic remains highly sought after for its unique qualities.

    Source
  • A Sterling Ray34 with roasted maple neck is often compared favorably to higher-end models due to its tone and playability.

    Source

User experience

  • The bass is described as "heavy as hell," but a wide strap helps mitigate the weight issue.

    Source
  • Owners often find the Ray4's neck profile comfortable and the bass easy to set up for optimal playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A similar model was listed at $2000 but sold at $1700 after being on the market for a few weeks, indicating pricing flexibility.

    Source
  • A Sterling Ray34 with roasted maple neck was purchased for $699 on sale, considered a good deal for its features.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One owner found their neck stable even after six months in a dry climate, noting no change in action.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest replacing the factory pickup with a Seymour Duncan humbucker for enhanced sound quality.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
winnie_choy

Nice tone.

Nice tone. Very Jazzy also good for Pop and Nu Metal stuff.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bonobo uses Stingray 4 Classic Collection

Bonobo

Bassist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance of "Sapphire" on KCRW, Bonobo is seen using the Stingray 4 Classic Collection bass guitar.

See how Alex Woodrow uses Stingray 4 Classic Collection

Alex Woodrow

Bassist

Our Last Night

...
Verified via DeviantArt

During the Chicago, IL date of the 2015 Vans Warped Tour, Alex Woodrow of Our Last Night is captured using a Stingray 4 Classic Collection bass, as shown in a photo by ThrowYourRoses on DeviantArt.

Album Usage

The Stingray 4 Classic Collection has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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