Ernie Ball Music Man

Music Man by Ernie Ball has been pushing the boundaries of guitar and bass design since 1974, changing the game with the introduction of active electronics in production instruments. Under the leadership of Sterling Ball—who played a key role in the development of the iconic StingRay bass—the brand became synonymous with precision, playability, and innovation. Since officially taking the reins in 1984, the Ball family has remained committed to crafting some of the finest hand-built instruments in the world. From their California headquarters, they continue to set the standard for quality, shipping their renowned guitars and basses to over 135 countries. Whether it’s the unmistakable punch of a StingRay or the refined versatility of a Cutlass, Music Man instruments are designed for players who demand the best.

StingRay  
First introduced in 1976, the StingRay has been revered as one of the most iconic bass guitars in history. The StingRay was the first production four string bass to feature onboard active equalization. The flagship of the Music Man line, today's StingRay retains the same signature features that it had some forty years ago, including a solid roadworthy construction, iconic oval pickguard, 3+1 tuning key configuration, and the ever-popular Music Man humbucker — all of which combine to produce a look, feel, and sound that is remarkably unmistakable.

Neodymium Humbucking Pickups 
18 Volt, 3 band eq active preamp 
Roasted maple neck and compensated nut

Modern Playability 
Optimized and modernized, yet so familiar, this StingRay bass is tailor-made for today’s most discerning players.

5-Bolt Sculpted Neck Joint 
The sculpted neck joint provides uninhibited access to all 22 stainless steel frets atop roasted maple necks.

Refined Body Contours 
Enhanced body contours are rounded for more comfort in any playing position while retaining that revered, iconic StingRay sound.

Powerful Pickups: Neodymium Magnets 
An 18-volt 3-Band preamp for extra clean headroom lets you dial in everything from modern punch to classic, vintage tones.

Powerful Pickups: 18-Volt Preamp 
An 18-volt 3-Band preamp for extra clean headroom lets you dial in everything from modern punch to classic, vintage tones.

Lightweight Performance. 
The overall reduction in weight is a much-welcomed feature of the Stingray Special. Select body woods, improved contours, and lightweight hardware provide greater overall balance for extra comfort and a more enjoyable playing experience.

Lightweight Hardware. 
Lightweight tuning machines create a more balanced neck while still providing ultra-reliable tuning stability.