Is the Ray4 good for beginners?

Yes. It is a straightforward four-string with a comfortable body and a strong stock tone. Expect to adjust the setup to your liking.

How does it compare with a US Music Man StingRay?

It copies the StingRay shape, pickup layout and active preamp at a lower build level. The core voice is similar, but hardware and finish are less refined.

Does it need a battery?

Yes. The active preamp runs on a 9V battery, which you replace when the output weakens.

What controls does it have?

Volume plus bass and treble boost/cut, so you can shape the humbucker's tone directly on the bass.

Is the bridge adjustable?

Yes. The heavy-duty bridge has individual saddles for intonation and action on each string.

The bass itself. Check the listing for a gig bag or cable, which are usually sold separately.

What do buyers say about the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar?

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 425 ratings.

Where can I buy the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar?

16 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Musician's Friend, Guitar Center, Sterling by Music Man, Music & Arts.

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar

Q: Where is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar cheapest?

At Musicians Friend, for $319.99, 20% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$319.99at Musicians FriendChecked Nov 9

20% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 17 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar 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
Sterling by Music ManNew
In stockShips from abroad · duties may apply
$399.99Checked Nov 9
Visit Sterling by Music Man
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 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.
$319.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
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WalmartNew
Availability unknownSold by Musicians Friend
$319.99Checked Nov 9
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eBayRefurbished
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.
$359.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
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AmazonNew
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$389.84Checked Nov 1
Visit Amazon
Music & ArtsNew
Availability unknown
$399.99Checked Nov 9
Visit Music & Arts
SweetwaterNew
Availability unknown
$399.99Checked Nov 9
Visit Sweetwater
zZoundsNew
Availability unknown
$399.99Checked Nov 9
Visit zZounds
ReverbNew
Availability unknown
$399.99Checked Nov 9
Visit Reverb
TheMusic StoreIncNew
Availability unknown
$399.99Checked Nov 9
Visit TheMusic StoreInc
Firehouse GuitarsNew
Availability unknown
$399.99Checked Nov 9
Visit Firehouse Guitars
GearTreeNew
Availability unknown
$399.99Checked Nov 9
Visit GearTree
Guitar CenterNew
Availability unknown
$399.99Checked Nov 1
Visit Guitar Center
American Musical SupplyNew
Availability unknown
$399.99Checked Nov 1
Visit American Musical Supply
Music Store USNew
Out of stock
$424.00Checked Nov 9
Visit Music Store US

Also available at

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What reviewers say

4.6 / 5425 ratings

Owners rate the Ray4 highly, praising its StingRay tone, looks and value. Many say it sounds far above its class, though some note setup and single-pickup limits.

What people mention

TonePraisedOwners say the humbucker and active preamp deliver a thick, punchy StingRay sound.
BuildPraisedReviewers describe the body, bridge and tuners as solid and gig-ready.
SetupCriticisedSome buyers say the bass needs action and intonation adjustments out of the box.
VersatilityMixedThe single pickup gives one strong voice but fewer options than dual-pickup basses.
BatteryMixedThe active preamp needs a 9V battery, which some see as extra upkeep.

About the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar

The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. StingRay RAY4 is a 4-string bass that follows the body lines and styling of the classic Music Man StingRay. It has a double-cutaway body and the teardrop pickguard that has defined StingRay basses since the 1970s.

A single humbucking pickup reduces noise and hum. It is paired with an active 9V preamp. The volume control sets the overall output level, and the tone controls shape the sound.

The bridge is fully adjustable and has heavy-duty individual saddles. They let you set each string's intonation, string height and action. Quality tuning machines support tuning stability.

Strings

4-string

Pickup

Single humbucking

Preamp

Active, 9V

Bridge

Fully adjustable, heavy-duty, individual saddles

Body

Double cutaway

Pickguard

Teardrop