Is the Sterling StingRay a good first bass?

Yes. The 34-inch scale, 1.5-inch nut and slim neck suit most beginners, and the active pickup gives a usable tone without pedals. Budget for a setup if the action or intonation is off.

How does it compare with the US Music Man StingRay?

It shares the body shape, pickup layout and active preamp concept, so the core tone is close. The US model uses better hardware and woods and has more refined finish work.

Does it need a battery?

Yes. The onboard active preamp runs on a 9-volt battery. Unplug the cable when not playing to avoid draining it.

Is a left-handed version available?

Yes, Sterling offers the StingRay in left-handed configuration. Check the specific finish, since not every color is stocked left-handed.

What strings does it come with?

It ships with nickel roundwounds in .045-.105 gauge. That is a standard four-string set, so replacements are easy to find.

Can I get a maple fretboard?

Yes. Depending on the finish, the StingRay comes with either a maple or jatoba fretboard.

Where is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass cheapest?

At Musicians Friend, for $319.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass?

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 361 ratings.

Where can I buy the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass?

5 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Musician's Friend, Guitar Center, Musicians Friend, Music & Arts.

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass

Best price now

$319.99at Musicians FriendChecked Nov 9

Compared across 6 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Musicians Friend

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass

Best price now

$319.99at Musicians FriendChecked Nov 9

Compared across 6 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Musicians Friend

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $319.99 at Musicians Friend on Nov 9.
Checked at 6 stores.

Our take on the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay is the import version of the Music Man StingRay, the bass that defined the punchy, active-pickup sound of funk, rock and pop. It pairs a basswood body and hard maple neck with a single humbucking pickup and an onboard active preamp, so you get that scooped, aggressive StingRay voice at a fraction of the US-built model's cost. The 34-inch scale, 1.5-inch nut and 21 frets make it familiar to most four-string players, and the satin finishes and left-handed option widen the appeal. Reviewers rate it highly as a first serious bass or a gigging backup, though some note the basswood body and import hardware feel less premium than the US original.

Best forFunk, rock and pop players who want the StingRay soundFirst serious four-string bass on a budgetGigging players wanting a backup to a US StingRayLeft-handed bassists

Pros

Active humbucker delivers the classic StingRay punch and scoop
Comfortable 1.5-inch nut and slim, fast maple neck
34-inch scale and 21 frets suit most styles
Available left-handed and in several finishes
Onboard active preamp gives useful tonal control

Cons

Basswood body and import hardware feel less premium than the US model
Single pickup limits tonal variety compared with dual-pickup basses
Active preamp needs a battery, which adds a maintenance step
Some owners report setup and fretwork needing attention out of the box

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass prices at every store

Musician's FriendNew
In stock
$319.99Checked Nov 9
Visit Musician's Friend
Musicians FriendNew
In stock
$319.99Checked Nov 9
Visit Musicians Friend
Guitar CenterNew
In stock
$374.98Free shippingChecked Nov 9
Visit Guitar Center
Guitar CenterNew
In stock
$399.99Checked Nov 9
Visit Guitar Center
Music & ArtsNew
In stock
$399.99Checked Nov 9
Visit Music & Arts
eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by musiciansfriend (99.8% positive, 460,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$319.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
Visit eBay
eBayOpen box
Availability unknownSold by musicsubmarine (100% positive, 42,000 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$318.75+ $24.95 shippingChecked Nov 9
Visit eBay
eBayRefurbished
Availability unknownSold by proaudiostar (99.8% positive, 295,700 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$629.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
Visit eBay

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Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass price history

Lowest price we've seen: $319.99 on Nov 9 at Musicians Friend. Tracked across 5 stores since Nov 9.

What reviewers say

4.6 / 5361 ratings

Owners and reviewers rate the StingRay highly, praising its authentic StingRay tone, playable neck and value against the US-built original. Criticism centers on import hardware, basswood body and occasional setup or fretwork issues.

What people mention

TonePraisedOwners say the active humbucker delivers the classic StingRay punch and scoop.
NeckPraisedReviewers find the slim maple neck and 1.5-inch nut comfortable and fast.
BuildMixedSome say the basswood body and import hardware feel less premium than the US model.
SetupCriticisedA few owners report fretwork and setup needing attention out of the box.
ValuePraisedReviewers call it a strong alternative to the US-built StingRay.

Specifications

Handedness: Right-handed, Left-handed
Instrument Type: Bass Guitar
Sub Type: Electric
Nut Width: 1.5" (38mm)
Nut Material: Polyphenylene Sulfide
Body Orientation: Right-Handed
Body Type: Solid body

Questions and answers

Is the Sterling StingRay a good first bass?: Yes. The 34-inch scale, 1.5-inch nut and slim neck suit most beginners, and the active pickup gives a usable tone without pedals. Budget for a setup if the action or intonation is off.
How does it compare with the US Music Man StingRay?: It shares the body shape, pickup layout and active preamp concept, so the core tone is close. The US model uses better hardware and woods and has more refined finish work.
Does it need a battery?: Yes. The onboard active preamp runs on a 9-volt battery. Unplug the cable when not playing to avoid draining it.
Is a left-handed version available?: Yes, Sterling offers the StingRay in left-handed configuration. Check the specific finish, since not every color is stocked left-handed.
What strings does it come with?: It ships with nickel roundwounds in .045-.105 gauge. That is a standard four-string set, so replacements are easy to find.
Can I get a maple fretboard?: Yes. Depending on the finish, the StingRay comes with either a maple or jatoba fretboard.
Where is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass cheapest?: At Musicians Friend, for $319.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass?: Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 361 ratings.
Where can I buy the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Bass?: 5 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Musician's Friend, Guitar Center, Musicians Friend, Music & Arts.

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Back Material

Basswood

Body Material

Basswood

Side Material

Hardwood

Top Material

Basswood

Body Color

Black, Chopper Blue, Mint Green, Pueblo Pink, Trans Black Satin

Body Construction

Solid Body

Body Scale Length

34" (86.4cm)

Body Shape

StingRay

Body Finish

Satin (Walnut), Satin (Trans Black), Satin (Vintage Sunburst)

Body Semi-Hollow

No

Body Cutaway

Yes

Number Of Strings

4

String Gauge

.045-.105

String Material

Nickel

String Action

Good action

Bridge Type

Fixed Bridge

Neck Material

Hard Maple