Sterling by MusicMan SUB StingRay4 in Vintage Sunburst Satin. High-output electronics with a 2-band EQ and a rock-solid six-bolt neck joint deliver the beautiful bass tones of this versatile instrument.

StingRay4 SUB Vintage Sunburst Satin 4-string bass

The Sterling by MusicMan SUB bass guitar delivers the look, sound and playability of the original MusicMan StingRay basses. The SUB Ray series features comfortable contours with a solid basswood body and a smooth maple neck, creating a resonant wood combination with rich harmonic complexity. It’s also equipped with high-output electronics featuring a humbucker pickup and an active 2-band EQ, giving StingRay basses their signature tonal character. The only truly shocking thing about this bass is its low price.

Key features

• Classic StingRay-style design at an accessible price
• Solid basswood body with comfortable double-cut contours
• Smooth satin-finished maple neck for fast, non-sticky feel
• High-output humbucker for punchy lows and clear mids
• Active 2-band EQ preamp for quick, powerful tone shaping
• 6-bolt neck joint for stability and excellent tone transfer
• Durable bridge hardware for reliable tuning stability

Who is it for / what styles does it suit?
This 4-string StingRay-style bass is ideal for beginners through to gigging players who want a dependable, great-sounding instrument with modern active tone control. It excels in rock, pop, funk, punk, gospel and any style where tight low end, strong attack and a mix-ready sound are essential—great for fingerstyle, pick playing and slap.

Why the neck feels so good to play

Your hand is in contact with the neck 100% of the time while playing. For this bass, a super-comfortable satin finish was developed for the back of the neck. It isn’t glossy and always feels smooth and fast. The tinted satin finish not only looks great, it also gives the instrument its classic vibe.

Quality construction

Sterling by MusicMan builds basses to last. Thoughtful design and solid construction are the key to an instrument that will stay with you throughout your playing and music-making journey. All SUB basses use a 6-bolt neck-to-body attachment. This MusicMan-designed system provides a strong joint, excellent stability and great tone transfer. The neck stays firmly in position and won’t shift even under heavy use.

High-output humbucker pickup

The high-output pickup is designed for clarity and clean, uncoloured reproduction of natural bass tones. Two rows of large pole pieces drive the signal from the strings into the pickup and into the active 2-band EQ preamp. The result can be aggressive and wild, or smooth and controlled—it’s up to you to find your sound. Three adjustment screws help you set the pickup height and angle relative to the strings.

Neck adjustment

Every instrument needs a truss rod adjustment from time to time, and on SUB instruments it’s simple and hassle-free. No special tools are required. An adjustment wheel at the heel of the neck (where it meets the body) controls the truss rod running through the entire neck to the headstock. There’s no need to remove the neck or strings, and the adjustment is very precise.

Battery and output jack

The active 2-band EQ preamp is powered by a 9V battery stored in an easy-open compartment on the back of the body. Simply open the compartment and clip in a new battery. With normal use, the battery should last for several months. The output jack is located on the top of the body on the control plate. It is securely mounted and won’t loosen easily, and it’s positioned to avoid damage when placed on a stand. SUB instruments use highly durable jacks designed for long-term use.

Sterling by MusicMan StingRay4 SUB 4-string electric bass at a glance

• Timeless MusicMan design that everyone can afford
• Lightweight, great-feeling solid-wood body shapes deliver complex tones and comfortable playability
• Thin satin neck finish adds sustain and extra definition
• High-output humbucker delivers thunderous lows and clear mids
• Active electronics with a 2-band EQ preamp let you fine-tune your tone
• Highly durable bridge offers excellent tuning stability

Gig bag/case sold separately.