When it comes to performing and recording music, truly great innovations stand the test of time. The best instruments, amplifiers, microphones, outboard processors and more have musicians of disparate generations and taste calling upon them to bring their art to life. The Music Man StingRay electric bass guitar is one of these tried-and-true tools.
As it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, the StingRay has stood as a pivotal achievement in bass guitar history and been the chosen instrument for countless innovators. In perpetuity, the StingRay lays the low-end foundation for discerning bassists who desire its distinct tonality, playability and time-proven greatness.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top Sterling and Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay basses, investigate its history and share some famous recordings showcasing its powerful, punchy timbre.
Pictured: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special H Headstock
Table of Contents
Comparing StingRay Bass Models
StingRay Bass Buying Guide
The History of the StingRay Bass
Famous StingRay Players and Featured Tracks
Complete Your Rig With a StingRay Bass
People Also Ask ...
Comparing StingRay Bass Models
|
Model |
Body |
Neck/Fingerboard |
Pickups |
Controls |
Bridge |
Price* |
|
Poplar |
Hard maple/hard maple or amaranth |
Sterling by Music Man-designed ceramic humbucker |
Volume, tone |
Fixed |
$299.99 |
|
|
Soft maple |
Hard maple/jatoba |
Sterling by Music Man-designed ceramic humbucker |
Volume, bass, treble |
Fixed |
$399.99 |
|
|
Jabon or basswood |
Hard maple/hard maple or jatoba |
Sterling by Music Man-designed ceramic humbucker |
Volume, bass, treble |
Fixed |
$379.99 |
|
|
Jabon or basswood |
Hard maple/hard maple or jatoba |
Sterling by Music Man-designed ceramic humbucker |
Volume, bass, treble |
Fixed |
$439.99 |
|
|
Nyatoh |
Roasted maple/roasted maple or rosewood |
Sterling by Music Man-designed neodymium humbucker |
Push/pull volume, tone, 3-way rotary selector |
Sterling by Music Man-designed |
$649.99 |
|
|
Nyatoh or mahogany |
Roasted maple/roasted maple or rosewood |
Sterling by Music Man-designed alnico humbucker |
Volume, bass, middle, treble |
Sterling by Music Man-designed |
$799.99 |
|
|
Nyatoh |
Roasted maple/roasted maple or rosewood |
Sterling by Music Man-designed alnico humbucker |
Volume, bass, middle, treble, 3-way blade selector |
Sterling by Music Man-designed |
$1,029.99 |
|
|
Select hardwood |
Roasted maple/roasted maple |
Music Man neodymium humbucker |
Volume, bass, middle, treble, |
Vintage Music Man |
$2,949.00 |
|
|
Select hardwood |
Roasted maple/rosewood |
Music Man neodymium humbuckers |
Volume, bass, middle, treble, 5-way blade selector |
Vintage Music Man |
$3,149.00 |
|
|
Ash |
Maple/maple |
Music Man vintage-style alnico humbucker |
Volume, bass, treble |
Pre-EB Geometry Music Man |
$3,299.00 |
|
|
Select hardwood |
Roasted maple/ebony |
Music Man neodymium humbucker |
Volume, bass, treble, gain, blend, 3-way blade selector |
Vintage Music Man |
$2,949.00 |
|
|
Ash with flamed maple top |
Roasted maple/ebony |
Music Man neodymium humbucker |
Volume, bass, treble, gain, blend, 3-way blade selector |
Vintage Music Man |
$3,899.00 |
|
|
Nyatoh |
Roasted maple/roasted maple |
Sterling by Music Man-designed alnico humbucker |
Volume, tone |
Sterling by Music Man-designed |
$699.99 |
|
|
Ash |
Roasted maple/ebony |
Music Man neodymium humbucker |
Volume, bass, middle, treble |
Music Man string-through-body |
$3,290.00 |
|
|
Poplar |
Maple/rosewood |
Music Man late ’70s-voiced humbucker |
Volume, bass, treble |
Pre-EB Geometry Music Man |
$3,499.00 |
Pricing as of December 2025*
StingRay Bass Buying Guide
Between Sterling by Music Man and Ernie Ball Music Man, there’s a diverse collection of StingRay basses to choose from for players of all levels.
Whether you prefer active or passive electronics, short versus standard scale, one or two humbuckers, four or five strings, and retro or present-day design, this buying guide provides an overview of current models.
Sterling by Music Man Intro Series StingRay RAY2
Why It’s Cool: Budget-conscious beginner bassists can start their musical journey with this affordable StingRay.
Key Features:
- Passive electronics
- 38 mm (1.5") nut width
- Contoured body and satin-finished neck
Shop Now: Sterling by Music Man Intro Series StingRay RAY2 in Electric Blue
Whether it’s your first StingRay or your first bass guitar period, the Sterling by Music Man Intro Series StingRay RAY2 offers powerful humbucking bass tone, streamlined passive electronics, a comfortably carved body shape and a highly playable neck. Even without the active onboard EQ that first made the StingRay so famous, the RAY2 hits hard and covers an impressive amount of tonal ground—and beginners don’t have to worry about extra tweaking or battery changes. As far as introductions go, this one leaves a lasting impression.
Sterling by Music Man SB4
Why It’s Cool: The lesser-known Sterling bass (model, not brand) takes cues from the StingRay with some subtle twists.
Key Features:
- Active preamp with 2-band EQ
- 9.5" fingerboard radius
- 38 mm (1.5") nut width
Shop Now: Sterling by Music Man SB4 in Cobra Blue
It appears to be a StingRay at first glance, but the Sterling by Music Man SB4 is actually part of the Sterling bass family introduced in 1993. This was meant to be a sleeker alternative to the original StingRay, which is evident in the slightly smaller body style—look at the notably thinner horns. On paper, the rest of the SB4’s specs are in line with other entry-level StingRay models, so if you dig the refined shape, you’ll enjoy the same renowned sound and feel.
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4
Why It’s Cool: The Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4 is ideal for players tracking down their second or third bass guitar.
Key Features:
- Active preamp with 2-band EQ
- 9.5" fingerboard radius
- 38 mm (1.5") nut width
Shop Now: Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4 in Chopper Blue
The Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4 is a solid introduction to this lineup for intermediate players, featuring all the hallmarks of the original. With a 9V 2-band active preamp and single ceramic humbucker, players can harness the classic StingRay sound: clear, responsive and punchy.
This model comes with a maple neck and either a matching or jatoba fretboard with a smoothly playable 9.5" radius. Bassists looking to further their slap and fingerstyle techniques for pop, funk and R&B will find this bass to be an incredible launchpad.
For southpaws, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4 comes in a left-handed version. There’s also an awesome dual-humbucker RAY4 that comes with a 5-way pickup selection for more sonic colors to paint with.
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY5
Why It’s Cool: The StingRay RAY5 is great for players of all skill levels who are experimenting with an extended-range bass for the first time.
Key Features:
- Active preamp with 2-band EQ
- 12" fingerboard radius
- 45 mm (1.77") nut width
Shop Now: Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY5 in Satin Walnut
The Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY5 expands the instrument’s range with the inclusion of a low B string. This satin walnut-finished model rocks a solid basswood body, maple neck and jatoba fretboard, with a flatter 12" radius and 22 medium frets. Its attractive finish accentuates the StingRay’s contours and curves for a sleek aesthetic.
Electronically, the RAY5 bears the same 9V active preamp and ceramic humbucker as the 4-string version, creating the definitive StingRay sound. Having an extra low note is ideal for players who want to immediately get their hands dirty with metal, jazz, prog or fusion, and it’s a bass you can grow with over time.
Sterling by Music Man thoughtfully includes a left-handed StingRay RAY5 in the collection for those of us who “mirror” righties. There’s also the Sterling StingRay RAY5 HH, which boasts a pair of humbuckers and a 5-way selector to expand its palette.
Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short-Scale Electric Bass
Why It’s Cool: The Short-Scale StingRay is lightweight, portable and exceptionally playable.
Key Features:
- Passive electronics with push/pull volume boost and 3-way rotary switch
- 30" scale length
- Roasted maple neck
Shop Now: Sterling by Music Man StingRay Short-Scale in Toluca Lake Blue
At just 30", the Short-Scale StingRay from Sterling by Music Man is a lighter, more portable bass than its 34" siblings. The shorter scale length enhances playability by reducing the distance between frets, so players who like to fly around the fingerboard can get into more technical territory unhindered. It’s great for fast-handed rock or metal riffing, complex slap grooves found in prog or fusion, and virtually any genre where speed is a factor.
The Short-Scale StingRay also offers unique electronics, including a push/pull volume knob that engages a boost, a single tone control and a 3-way rotary selector. Its neodymium humbucker can be run in parallel, single-coil or series modes, for a whole new range of tones from the StingRay.
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34
Why It’s Cool: The essential 4-string StingRay, the RAY34 gives players the sonic versatility to dial in punchy StingRay tone or something unique altogether.
Key Features:
- Active preamp with 3-band EQ
- Roasted maple neck
- 43 mm (1.69") nut width
Shop Now: Sterling by Music Man RAY34 in Black
Moving up in the series is the StingRay RAY34. This essential StingRay contains the tone-sculpting power of 3-band onboard EQ and one alnico humbucker, achieving the groovy disco/funk sounds of the late ’70s, the aggressive alternative rock rumblings of the ’90s and beyond, plus everything in between.
Its nyatoh or mahogany body offers a blank canvas to paint a colorful sound, and the roasted maple neck and fretboard give it the settled-in feel of a vintage instrument.
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35
Why It’s Cool: The Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35 is perfect for bassists who demand a workhorse 5-string with the ability to run the humbucker in series, parallel or true single-coil modes.
Key Features:
- Active preamp with 3-band EQ
- Roasted maple neck with 12" radius
- 45 mm (1.77") nut width
Shop Now: Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35 in Purple Sparkle
The space-age RAY35 5-string sonically shimmers and shines with a fifth string for extended range and achieves myriad tones thanks to its pickup switch that lets you alter the character of the humbucker.
Combine that with onboard active equalization, and you can call up robust lows, pushed or scooped mids, and a top end that’s crystal clear or softly out of focus.
With a bridge based on the original StingRay, the Sterling by Music Man-designed tailpiece incorporates a brass block for enhanced resonance and sustain. The RAY35 also features a cool asymmetrical pickguard and all-black hardware to embellish its far-out, galactical look.
Try this 5-string StingRay if you’re a fan of down-tuning and need the extra range for pummeling riffs, or if you play pop, hip-hop or R&B and need ultralow sub-bass tones.
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special H Hot Honey
Why It’s Cool: The EBMM StingRay Special H captures the essence of the original ’70s basses, with improvements to pickup and preamp design for even more sonic range.
Key Features:
- 18V active preamp with 3-band EQ
- 11" fingerboard radius and sculpted neck heel
- Lightweight tuning machines
Shop Now: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special H in Hot Honey
The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special H in Hot Honey has been redesigned to show off a lighter, more contoured body for greater comfort. Its roasted maple neck is finished with a blend of wax and gunstock oil for smooth, easy glides across the entire fretboard. The Special H also features an 18V preamp for extra clean headroom to help you dial in everything from contemporary punch to silky, vintage tones.
The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special H is a workhorse bass, tonally covering funky slap, jazzy fingerstyle, picked pop-punk and more.
Ernie Ball Music Man Limited-Edition StingRay Special 5 HH
Why It’s Cool: Between the additional string and humbucker, the StingRay Special 5 HH is a tonal chameleon ready to take on djent one night and country the next.
Key Features:
- 18V active preamp with 3-band EQ
- 11" fingerboard radius and sculpted neck heel
- 5-way pickup selector
Shop Now: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 HH in Black
Ernie Ball Music Man released the first StingRay 5 in 1987, establishing a precedent for the modern 5-string bass guitar. This limited-edition StingRay Special 5 HH benefits from recent developments in the timeless StingRay design, including a sleeker, more ergonomic body, a clean 18V preamp and a pair of neodymium humbuckers optimized for tonal diversity.
The Special 5 HH is an obvious choice for any style of music requiring additional range, but the fifth string also reveals new positions and pathways for playing lower notes, which doesn’t necessarily mean chugging on the open B.
A 5-string can help you add weight to a chorus, explore new scales or arpeggios, and more. The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 HH comes in a limited-edition black finish with gold hardware—a “tuxedo” look that never goes out of style.
Ernie Ball Music Man Retro ’70s StingRay
Why It’s Cool: It’s as close as you can get to an old-school StingRay without the vintage tax.
Key Features:
- Vintage-style alnico 5 humbucker
- String-through-body bridge
- 7.5" fingerboard radius
Shop Now: Ernie Ball Music Man Retro '70s StingRay in Black
The groovy Ernie Ball Music Man Retro ’70s StingRay is an homage to the craftsmanship of those earliest models from the bass’ inaugural era. It features a handsoldered active preamp with 2-band equalization, rounded fretboard radius, 3-bolt neck plate with microtilt adjustment and 1970s headstock logo for added authenticity.
The string-through-body design is also unique, helping the bass resonate more freely for big, bold sound. Rubber pads are included under the strings above the saddles to dampen some of that resonance for a more muted tone, if desired.
Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4
Why It’s Cool: The EBMM DarkRay 4 was built in collaboration with Darkglass Electronics to take its sound to a new frontier.
Key Features:
- Custom Darkglass preamp
- Deeply contoured body
- 11" fingerboard radius
Shop Now: Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4 in Silverburst
If you play heavier styles of music and want total tonal destruction from your bass, the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4 does not mess around. The custom-designed Darkglass preamp offers a standard clean mode in addition to two of the brand’s infamous gain circuits: the Alpha distortion and Omega fuzz.
Just choose your mode with the 3-way blade, then use built-in gain and blend knobs—as well as 2-band EQ—to fine-tune your tone. There’s an extremely cool-looking LED ring around the gain control to let you know what mode you’re in, too.
It’s also available as a 5-string: DarkRay 5.
Ernie Ball Music Man BFR DarkRay 4 Grapes of Wrath
Why It’s Cool: This limited-edition Ball Family Reserve DarkRay showcases the finest materials and build quality EBMM offers.
Key Features:
- Flamed maple top in a stunning burst finish
- Figured roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard
- Limited to only 75 pieces around the world
Shop Now: Ernie Ball Music Man BFR DarkRay 4 Grapes of Wrath
When it comes to your bass, looks are important—we totally get it. EBMM gets it too, which is why they pulled no punches with the limited-edition BFR DarkRay 4 Grapes of Wrath bass. Functionally, this version started as a regular DarkRay 4, then they outfitted it with top-of-the-line wood selections and appointments to make it an ultraluxurious instrument.
The figuring on the flamed top looks almost three-dimensional underneath the lavish Grapes of Wrath colorway, and even the baked maple neck shows some incredible natural stripes to match. Purple block inlays are the cherry (grape?) on top.
Artist Signature StingRay Models
If you’re looking for a StingRay with idiosyncratic touches from top bass players, these artist signature models scratch the itch.
Sterling by Music Man Pete Wentz Signature StingRay
Why It’s Cool: You’ll be hard pressed not to “dance, dance” to every note that comes out of this signature bass from the Fall Out Boy 4-stringer.
Key Features:
- Streamlined passive electronics
- Vintage-style alnico 5 humbucker
- Custom loon inlay at the 12th fret
Shop Now: Sterling by Music Man Pete Wentz Signature StingRay in Fiesta Red
Sugar, we’re going down with a Pete Wentz signature StingRay in our hands. This Sterling by Music Man bass features stylistic flourishes from Wentz, including black hardware and a gold pickguard, plus a custom fingerboard inlay. It also features an alnico 5 humbucker for a warmer tone than ceramic that fills out pop punk/emo soundscapes with ease.
Ernie Ball Music Man Tim Commerford Artist Series StingRay
Why It’s Cool: You’ll be rolling down Rodeo with a sonically flexible signature StingRay bass.
Key Features:
- 18V active preamp with 3-band EQ
- Height-adjustable finger ramp
- Neodymium-magnet humbucker
Shop Now: Ernie Ball Music Man Tim Commerford Artist Series Active StingRay in Caliper Red
Tim Commerford is a master of funk-infused hard rock groove and has called on a StingRay to shape his bright, percussive sound since the early Rage Against the Machine days. His Ernie Ball Music Man Artist Series signature StingRay blends elements of vintage design—like a string-through-body bridge and rubber mutes—with a powerful humbucking pickup, ultraclean preamp and roasted maple neck with a smooth, sculpted heel. The adjustable finger ramp just north of the pickup offers a stable platform to anchor your plucking hand, too.
There’s a passive version of the Tim Commerford signature for some sweet tonal variation without the batteries.
Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay
Why It’s Cool: Pino Palladino’s signature EBMM StingRay is based on his original 1979 model.
Key Features:
- Unique asymmetrical neck carve
- 9V active preamp with 2-band EQ
- 7.5" fingerboard radius
Shop Now: Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay in 79 Burst
The Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay pays homage to an iconic fretless instrument that helped define the prolific bassist’s influential sound, with bands and artists such as the Who, D’Angelo, Adele, the John Mayer Trio, Paul Young, Don Henley, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Nine Inch Nails and Tears for Fears. Available as both a fretted and , Palladino’s signature bass appeals to a broad range of players seeking timeless vintage tone and feel.
One of the most interesting characteristics of this bass is its asymmetrical neck shape, which tapers from a steep V on the low side to a rounded C on the treble side. It helps your hand stay loose, relaxed and comfortable anywhere on the fretboard, while the late ’70s-style pickup translates legendary StingRay sound harkening back to the model’s heyday.
The History of the StingRay Bass
When Fender companies were sold to CBS in 1965, then-Vice President Forrest White and sales representative Tom Walker were left in the lurch. The pair stayed on for a short time while Leo Fender himself remained a consultant, but they were quickly jaded with new management and set off to pursue other endeavors.
In 1971, White and Walker formed Tri-Sonix, Inc., with Leo Fender as a financial backer and silent partner. The company’s name was officially changed to Music Man in 1974, and Fender was appointed president the following year, coinciding with the expiration of a 10-year non-compete clause lingering from the CBS sale.
Designed by Leo Fender and Tom Walker, with beta testing input from Sterling Ball, the StingRay bass debuted in 1976 with appointments that would make it an icon: a signature 3+1 headstock configuration, symmetrical oval pickguard, single passive humbucker and active electronics.
Widely heralded as Leo Fender’s final groundbreaking innovation, the StingRay became the first production bass to offer onboard active equalization. It was an instant classic adopted by influential players across genres and remains a go-to choice for many today.
2026 marks the StingRay’s 50th anniversary—a major milestone for the groundbreaking instrument that still has bassists talking, and more importantly, playing.
Pictured: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special H in Purple Sunset
Famous StingRay Players and Featured Tracks
Initially, the StingRay made a splash with prominent funk and disco players of the day, and over time, it was adopted by bassists of all kinds. Here’s a sample of choice tracks performed by documented StingRay devotees.
Bernard Edwards, Chic, “Le Freak” (1978)
Edwards laid down the driving groove behind Chic’s classic dance hit by plugging his StingRay straight into the board at the Power Station in New York. Engineer Bob Clearmountain, a bass player himself, helped dial in the legendary tone.
Louis Johnson, Michael Jackson, “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” (1979)
Known for pioneering slap technique, Louis Johnson is arguably the most famous StingRay player of all time, who also had a hand in designing it. He’s credited with the bass guitar parts on this M.J. classic, though it’s likely bass synthesizer was also layered in to create the final sound.
John Deacon, Queen, “Another One Bites the Dust” (1980)
Forward, punchy and with the audible attack of fingers striking strings—that’s the sound of the StingRay bass on Queen’s best-selling single. The iconic bassline also highlights Bernard Edwards’ influence on Deacon.
Pino Palladino, Paul Young, “Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home)” (1983)
Palladino is your favorite bass player’s favorite bass player. You can hear his fretless 1979 StingRay on Paul Young’s cover of a Marvin Gaye B-side.
Tony Levin, Peter Gabriel, “Don’t Give Up” (1986)
To get an uncharacteristically muted sound from his trusty StingRay, Levin stuffed a “nappy” under the strings. Some of the bass’ natural vibrance still comes through—it’s hard to dull the StingRay’s shine.
Kim Deal, Pixies, “Is She Weird?” (1990)
Deal picked up a StingRay during the band’s Bossanova sessions. She recalls rolling the treble off to soften its bite, but the sound is still punchy and assertive. The StingRay also became one of her main stage basses until the band’s dissolution in 1993.
Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Funky Monks” (1991)
Flea’s dexterous bass skills are a huge part of the Chili Peppers’ sound, as he demonstrates on this track from Blood Sugar Sex Magik. It was recorded with a 5-string StingRay.
Tim Commerford, Rage Against The Machine, "Take The Power Back" (1992)
Commerford’s wiry StingRay bass tone is front and center from the jump on this definitive RATM track. He recorded the entirety of the band’s self-titled debut using one.
Gail Ann Dorsey, David Bowie, “Under Pressure (Live, Glastonbury 2000)”
This is a fantastic performance from the Glastonbury 2000 live album, showcasing Dorsey on StingRay bass and vocals. Well known for her work with Bowie, she toured and recorded with him from the mid-’90s through the 2010s.
Paul Hinojos, At the Drive-In, “Quarantined” (2000)
Relationship of Command is essential post-hardcore listening, and this track is a perfect example of how awesome a StingRay sounds in a gritty, experimental context.
Jeff Caxide, ISIS, “So Did We” (2004)
If you want to hear a StingRay holding it down for sludgy post-metal, check out this opening track from Isis’ third LP Panopticon. Caxide’s StingRay tone and his tendency to play upper-register melodies give his basslines the edge they need to cut through the arrangement.
Complete Your Rig With a StingRay Bass
Whether you’re a beginner, serious bassist or producer looking to add a StingRay to your arsenal, Sterling by Music Man and Ernie Ball Music Man offer a far-reaching collection that caters to diverse budgets and needs.
This buying guide offers a handpicked curation of popular models. You’re always encouraged to visit your nearest Guitar Center store to check these instruments out in person. You can likewise hop on a call or chat with a Gear Adviser to walk through specs and narrow down your list.
Whichever you choose, one thing remains certain: The StingRay bass is one of the most recognized looks and sounds in music, and it’s never too late to trick out your rig with an indelible icon.
Speaking of rigs, feel free to browse “How to Choose the Best Bass Amp” and “The Best Bass Pedals of 2025” if you’re shopping for something totally fresh to go with your StingRay.
Pictured: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special H in Ocean Sparkle
People Also Ask ...
What makes StingRay basses so great?
Leo Fender had decades of expertise to draw from when he codeveloped the StingRay. He also had the consultation of Sterling Ball, who was frank about the bass’ progression and a key decision maker when it came to disagreements between Fender and Tom Walker on design.
StingRay basses provide the best of meaty passive humbucking alongside active electronics for deeper tonal control. Tom Walker’s significant contribution to the StingRay was his work on the preamp. As the first mass-produced bass to feature active electronics, the preamp came epoxy-coated to prevent competitors from stealing the design. The customizable EQ circuits made the StingRay exceptionally versatile from day one.
How does the StingRay compare to other popular bass models?
Compared to other Leo Fender innovations, like the Precision Bass and Jazz Bass, the StingRay delivers a more assertive midrange and even a top-end shimmer you may not expect from a bass instrument. These tonal characteristics form a powerful three-dimensional image that’s quintessentially StingRay.
While many basses are built to sound smooth and round, the StingRay offers that iconic mid-forward tonality that helps it cut through a dense arrangement like butter—not unlike a Rickenbacker, in that sense. Still, it doesn’t sacrifice low-end body.
Overall, the StingRay is one of the few bass guitars that can go from funk to punk at the turn of a knob.
Where does the StingRay bass stand today?
The StingRay is still the flagship of the Music Man bass family. Highly innovative from inception, the instrument set the benchmark for what a modern bass guitar should be. From its shapeable sound that’s equally suited to slap, fingerstyle and picking to its comfortable body and slinky neck, the StingRay is a veritable low-end dynamo.
As ageless as the Stratocaster in bass circles, the Leo Fender-designed StingRay was a victory lap for the man who changed the course of music forever.