2001 USA Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 – 3-Band EQ – Metallic Frost

A proper player's StingRay!

This is a USA-made 2001 Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4, finished in Metallic Frost and fitted with the ever-popular 3-band active EQ.

It's certainly seen some life, but this is an honest, well-used example with plenty more to give. There are numerous chips, dings and general signs of use throughout, but for a 25-year-old bass it has aged rather nicely. Nothing to be precious about here; just pick it up, plug in and get on with making some music. Equally at home on stage or in the studio, this is a bass you can use without worrying about the odd knock or mark.

The StingRay needs very little introduction. Designed and built in California, these are wonderfully robust instruments, with the sort of engineering and attention to detail that Ernie Ball Music Man has become renowned for.

The classic Music Man humbucking pickup delivers that unmistakable StingRay voice: big, punchy and beautifully immediate, with a strong midrange, tight bottom end and plenty of attack. The 3-band active EQ adds a great deal of flexibility, allowing you to shape the low end, bring forward the mids or add some extra top-end bite.

From fat, rounded Motown-inspired bass lines to punchy slap tones, rock-solid rock sounds and more articulate modern styles, the StingRay has a wonderfully versatile voice. There's a reason these have been a studio and touring favourite for decades.

Specification

Model: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4
Year: 2001
Made in: USA, San Luis Obispo, California
Finish: Metallic Frost
Body: Solid ash
Neck: Select maple, bolt-on construction
Fingerboard: Maple or rosewood (depending on original factory configuration)
Scale length: 34"
Fingerboard radius: 11"
Frets: 21 high-profile, wide frets
Pickup: Music Man humbucking pickup with Alnico magnets
Electronics: 3-band active preamp
Controls: Master volume, treble, middle and bass
Bridge: Heavy-duty Music Man hardened steel bridge with stainless steel saddles
Neck attachment: Six-bolt construction
Tuning machines: Schaller

Condition & Playability

As mentioned, this one has certainly been played and shows numerous chips, dings and marks accumulated over the years. However, that's very much part of its appeal. An honest, working bass with a bit of history behind it.

There is some fret wear, but plenty of life left, and it has benefited from an excellent setup with a nice, easy action. It feels comfortable to play and is ready to go straight to work.

Supplied with its original Music Man hard case, which is solid and perfectly gig-ready. Straplocks and a strap are also included.

A great opportunity to own a genuine USA-made Music Man StingRay from 2001. No need to worry about keeping this one pristine. It's here to be played, enjoyed and taken out into the real world.

Just go out and play, baby!

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 4 H 3 Band EQ Maple Fretboard 2001- Metallic Black