Videos (1)

View Allarrow icon
Sterling by Music Man: StingRay Bass Demo (ft. Matt Kirkwood) - Ray4play button

Sterling by Music Man: StingRay Bass Demo (ft. Matt Kirkwood) - Ray4

collapse expand iconDescription

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4 is a cutting-edge electric bass guitar that blends the time-tested design of the StingRay RAY4 with premium components to create an instrument for the forward-thinking bassist. Sporting an ash body with an eye-catching finishes with white or black pickguards, the RAY4 Maple Fingerboard bass turns heads. Powered by an active preamp and a ceramic humbucker, it delivers a responsive tone with clarity and punch. With a fast-playing maple fingerboard, fully adjustable bridge, and classic open-gear tuners, this bass provides a smooth playing experience whether practicing at home or performing on stage. For the bassist looking to stand out with a bold yet familiar sound, the Sterling StingRay RAY4 is a solid choice.

Active Electronics for a Clear and Articulate Tone

Featuring an active preamp powered by a 9V battery, the RAY4 Maple Fingerboard bass guitar provides boosted highs and lows for a tone that cuts through the mix. Individual volume knobs for the high and low frequencies allow shaping a balanced sound with clarity and fullness. A master volume knob offers overall control for any playing situation.

Ceramic Humbucker Pickup Captures Rich Harmonics

The RAY4 Maple Fingerboard bass is equipped with a ceramic humbucker pickup that produces a warm, musical tone with rich harmonics. Located near the neck, this pickup is sensitive to the nuances of the player's technique, capturing the subtle details that shape a bassline. The humbucking design also reduces unwanted noise for a clear, articulate sound.

Fast Maple Fingerboard and Adjustable Bridge for Playing Comfort

Thus RAY4 bass features a smooth 9.5" radius maple fingerboard that allows fluid playing across the fretboard. Medium-jumbo frets provide a familiar feel for most playing styles. A fully adjustable bridge with individual string saddles offers precise intonation and string height adjustments for optimal playability.

Iconic StingRay Styling in an Eye-Catching Finish

Modeled after the StingRay bass that defined an era, the RAY4 Maple Fingerboard bass has an iconic silhouette with contours that balance style and ergonomics. The fantastic finishes on its ash body with a white or black pickguard that pops aesthetically makes this RAY4 an instrument that visually sets you apart. Chrome hardware and open-gear tuners complete the classic Music Man look.

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. StingRay RAY4 Maple Fingerboard Electric Bass Guitar Satin Vintage Sunburst Black Pickguard
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. StingRay RAY4 Maple Fingerboard Electric Bass Guitar Satin Vintage Sunburst Black Pickguard
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. StingRay RAY4 Maple Fingerboard Electric Bass Guitar Satin Vintage Sunburst Black Pickguard

collapse expand iconFeatures

Neck
  • Shape: StingRay
  • Wood: Maple
  • Neck joint: Bolt-on
  • Scale length: 34 in.
  • Truss rod: Standard
  • Finish: Gloss
Pickups
  • Active or passive pickups: Active
  • Pickup configuration: H
  • Neck: Not applicable
  • Middle: Not applicable
  • Bridge: Humbucker
  • Brand: Music Man
  • Series or parallel: Not applicable
  • Active preamp: Yes
  • Special electronics: Not applicable
Fretboard
  • Material: Maple
  • Radius: 12 in.
  • Fret size: Medium
  • Number of frets: 21
  • Inlays: Dot
  • Nut material: Info not available
  • Nut width: 1.49 in. (38 mm)
  • Neck width at 12 fret: 2.16 in. (55 mm)
Body
  • Cutaway: Double cutaway
  • Construction: Solidbody
  • Body wood: Basswood
  • Top wood: Not applicable
  • Body finish: Gloss
  • Orientation: Right handed
Controls
  • Control layout: Volume 1, 2-band EQ
  • Pickup switch: No
  • Coil tap or split: No
  • Tone switching: No
  • Special switching: No
Hardware
  • Bridge type: Fixed
  • Bridge design: Fully adjustable
  • Tailpiece: Not applicable
  • Tuning machines: Open-gear
  • Color: Chrome
Other
  • Number of strings: 4
  • Pickguard: Yes
  • Special features: Not applicable
  • Case: Sold separately
  • Accessories: None
  • Country of origin: Indonesia
warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Nickel (Metallic), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

collapse expand iconSpecs

Neck
  • Shape: StingRay
  • Wood: Maple
  • Neck joint: Bolt-on
  • Scale length: 34"
  • Truss rod: Standard
  • Finish: Satin
Pickups
  • Active or passive pickups: Active
  • Pickup configuration: H
  • Neck: Not applicable
  • Middle: Not applicable
  • Bridge: Humbucker
  • Brand: Music Man
  • Series or parallel: Not applicable
  • Active preamp: Yes
  • Special electronics: Not applicable
Fretboard
  • Material: Maple
  • Radius: 12"
  • Fret size: Medium
  • Number of frets: 21
  • Inlays: Dot
  • Nut material: Info not available
  • Nut width: 1.49" (38 mm)
  • Neck width at 12 fret: 2.16" (55 mm)
Body
  • Cutaway: Double cutaway
  • Construction: Solidbody
  • Body wood: Basswood
  • Top wood: Not applicable
  • Body finish: Gloss or satin
  • Orientation: Right handed
Controls
  • Control layout: Volume 1, 2-band EQ
  • Pickup switch: No
  • Coil tap or split: No
  • Tone switching: No
  • Special switching: No
Hardware
  • Bridge type: Fixed
  • Bridge design: Fully adjustable
  • Tailpiece: Not applicable
  • Tuning machines: Open-gear
  • Color: Chrome
Other
  • Number of strings: 4
  • Pickguard: Yes
  • Special features: Not applicable
  • Case: Sold separately
  • Accessories: None
  • Country of origin: Indonesia

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.41

44 Reviews

87%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

I would definitely buy this bass again!

This is a nice playing, sounding and looking bass! Probably not a better bass out there for the price! Buy it, you won't be disappointed...

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

1

I would not buy this bass again

I have been playing bass for 45 yrs.i own a vintage p bass .I wanted a backup so I bought thus bass last yr played it maybe 5 times I liked it just fine stayed in tune fairly well played well after a set up! That was all roses until I got it out last week pluged tuner in g string ok a string loose I wonder,I tighten near to tune pop in the tuner string goes limp.upon investigation the a string tuner is junk,stripped,junk!! You get what you pay for.guitar center advised I call ernie ball I do a rep tells me thus isn't their guitar at all .they only have a we use the name and you get a big cut!! We copy your great instrument with a junk pile!!

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing33
  2. Jamming27
  3. Small Venues19
  4. Recording15
  5. Rock Concerts11
Cons
  1. Craftsmanship8
  2. Fret Buzz8
  3. Poor Pick Up3
  4. Flat Sound1
  5. Treble knob doesn't work1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced26
  2. Professional Musician8
  3. Novice7
Pros
  1. Good Feel34
  2. Fun To Play32
  3. Good Tone31
  4. Solid Electronics25
  5. Good Pick Up21
  • Probably won't buy

    3

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byAnthony

    fromNew york

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Neck and intonation could not be corrected

  • Great product!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byAvrum

    fromNew York city

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great product!

  • 1st bass

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byPatti

    fromWichita, Ks

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    This is my first bass guitar, and I'm very happy with it. It's not only a sweet piece of eye candy, but it plays and sounds just as sweet! I'm looking forward to many years of playing mystic with this beauty!

  • great quality for its price

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byFrancisco

    fromsan ysidro ca

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    the quality of the materials feel grat, the neck is smooth and easy to play with, and the sound is just great for the price, I had a squier p bass, but I was looking for a more specific sound, and im very glad i ended up buying this bass, the preamp might not be the best one but you canm always upgrade it, over all its a great bass for its price.

  • There are professional applications that it would be great.

    3

    submitted2 years ago

    byMarvin

    fromYoungstown, Ohio

    This is an Instrument, that would be perfect for a piccolo bass set up, a tenor bass (tuned a to hi c, using two a strings and two g strings) or fretless. It would be excellent for those applications. I would not take it into the studio or on tour, maybe gigs and jam sessions in dives

  • Quality control

    3

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byJohn

    fromMa

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Quality control is not good , truss rod way to tight , strings rubbing on frets , very sharp fret ends , I did correct these items . Sound was good, but if you didn't know how to do a proper set up you would have to spend a lot to make this bass playable, I returned it

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byStrings

    fromYoungstown, Ohio

    I'm wondering if anyone played it through a Glockenklang Amp. That's what I would be using to test the instruments I design, because it's gonna tell the truth.

    I'm wondering if anyone played it through a Glockenklang Amp. That's what I would be using to test the instruments I design, because it's gonna tell the truth.

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Hopefully, someone can help..
  • asked byJimmy boy

    fromSan Antonio texas

    What is a good amplifier for this guitar??

    What is a good amplifier for this guitar??

    Open Reply - Thomas
    This needs a little bit of discussion. Please give us a call 855-770-3373
  • asked byBubba

    fromLas Vegas, NV

    Is the pickup wired parallel or series?

    Is the pickup wired parallel or series?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I’m very sorry. Your question is not clear. Please call us at 855-770-3373
  • asked byIan

    fromCary, NC

    Do I need to put a 9v battery in this to play?

    Do I need to put a 9v battery in this to play?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Yes it does. It's for the preamp.
  • asked byE

    fromundisclosed

    What is the difference between this and the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Maple Fingerboard Electric Bass Black Black Pickguard, it is 349 vs 399

    What is the difference between this and the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Maple Fingerboard Electric Bass Black Black Pickguard, it is 349 vs 399

    Open Reply - Ronald
    The main differences are the finishes. Sometimes the manufacturer charges more for different types of finishes.
  • asked byIan

    fromCary, NC

    Is the vintage sunburst color a matte or gloss finish?

    Is the vintage sunburst color a matte or gloss finish?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Gloss
  • asked byScott

    fromirvington,ny

    I received an electric bass as a gift from my wife.  She purchased it at guitar center and I was curious if guitar center does a free setup on newly purchased electric basses/guitars.

    I received an electric bass as a gift from my wife. She purchased it at guitar center and I was curious if guitar center does a free setup on newly purchased electric basses/guitars.

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    We do not have free set ups at our stores
  • asked byJD

    fromSW Florida

    What kind of strings come on this bass?

    What kind of strings come on this bass?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Round wound, .45-1.05
  • asked byBruno

    fromTulsa oklahoma

    Does the Sterling SUB by music man come in the (HH dual humbuckers)  model and is it available at your tulsa store. 

t

    Does the Sterling SUB by music man come in the (HH dual humbuckers) model and is it available at your tulsa store. t

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact your local store for specific inquiries regarding their inventory
  • asked byBruno

    from(Sapulpa ) tulsa oklahoma

    Do you have it in the HH model

    Do you have it in the HH model

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact a Sales Agent for Special Order placement
  • Previous
  • 1
  • 2
  • Next