Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Natural, (Used, Comm)

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay in Natural is one of the most recognisable active bass guitars ever made. Known for its powerful humbucking pickup, punchy active EQ, rock-solid construction and unmistakable low-end authority, the StingRay has become a studio, stage and touring favourite across funk, rock, pop, soul, disco, gospel, punk and modern bass music.

This pre-owned example is listed in Very Good condition, meaning it shows light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional and ready to play.

Supplied with a hardcase and carrying the supplied serial number E43697, this Music Man StingRay is a superb choice for players who want premium USA build quality, strong active bass tone and the unmistakable feel of one of the most important bass designs in modern music.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Ernie Ball Music Man
Model	StingRay
Finish	Natural
Serial Number	E43697
Country of Manufacture	USA
Type	Solid Body Electric Bass Guitar
String Configuration	4-String Bass
Body Material	Ash
Scale Length	34"
Pickup Configuration	Single Humbucker
Pickup Type	Music Man Humbucking Pickup
Electronics	Active EQ
Bridge	Music Man Hardened Steel Bridge
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Iconic active StingRay tone with Natural finish and USA build quality
Best For	Funk, rock, pop, soul, disco, gospel, punk, blues, studio and live performance

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay is in Very Good condition. This means it shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership, but remains fully functional and ready to play.

Very Good condition is ideal for players who want a clean, dependable pre-owned StingRay with light signs of use and strong overall presentation.

What’s Included?

✔ Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Natural Bass
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This bass shows light signs of previous use such as small marks, light surface scratches or minor handling wear consistent with Very Good condition.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The bass has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

The supplied serial number is E43697.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• Music Man humbucking pickup checked
• Active EQ checked
• Volume control checked
• EQ controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Frets inspected
• Fingerboard checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Tuners checked
• Bridge checked
• Battery compartment checked
• Hardware inspected
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned bass guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Pickup output checked
• Active EQ response checked
• Hardware checked
• Bridge setup checked
• Intonation checked

Please note that bass guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Natural?

One Of The Most Iconic Active Basses Ever Made

The StingRay is famous for its powerful attack, clear low end, aggressive midrange and unmistakable active voice. It is the kind of bass that can sit confidently at the front of a mix without losing weight or definition.

Classic Music Man Humbucker Tone

The single Music Man humbucker delivers the punch, bite and authority that made the StingRay legendary. It gives the bass a focused sound with plenty of note clarity, making it excellent for fingerstyle, slap, pick playing and tight groove work.

Active EQ Flexibility

The onboard active EQ lets you shape the bass quickly for different rooms, amps and musical styles. You can dial in deep lows, cutting attack, cleaner funk tones or thicker rock sounds directly from the instrument.

Natural Finish With Ash Body Character

The Natural finish gives this StingRay a classic, clean look that highlights the ash body. It is timeless, professional and strongly associated with the classic Music Man bass aesthetic.

Rock-Solid Music Man Hardware

The Music Man bridge, 3+1 headstock layout and sturdy construction give the StingRay its roadworthy feel. It is built for working musicians who need reliability as much as tone.

Excellent For Stage And Studio

The StingRay records beautifully because its tone is strong, defined and easy to place in a mix. Live, it offers the punch and presence needed to cut through guitars, drums and keyboards.

Hardcase Included

The included hardcase provides proper protection for storage, transport, rehearsals and gigs.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Music Man StingRay vs Fender Precision Bass

A Precision Bass gives a thicker, more traditional passive split-coil sound. The StingRay is brighter, punchier and more aggressive, with active EQ and a more modern attack.

Music Man StingRay vs Fender Jazz Bass

A Jazz Bass offers two-pickup blending and a more scooped passive tone. The StingRay gives a stronger single-humbucker voice with more active EQ shaping and a more immediate punch.

Music Man StingRay vs Music Man Sterling Bass

The Sterling bass has a slimmer body and a slightly different feel. The StingRay is the flagship Music Man bass design, offering the classic larger-body StingRay response and iconic tone.

Music Man StingRay vs StingRay Special

The StingRay Special is the newer updated version with revised electronics, lighter hardware and modern refinements. This StingRay is better suited to players who want the established classic StingRay format and traditional Music Man feel.

Who Is It For?

Funk And Slap Players

The StingRay is a natural fit for slap bass thanks to its fast attack, bright top end and strong low-end punch.

Rock And Pop Bassists

The active humbucker sound gives excellent presence in full band mixes, making it ideal for rock, pop, indie and live performance.

Studio Musicians

A StingRay offers a clear, confident bass voice that records well and can sit forward in a track without losing definition.

Gospel And Worship Players

The active EQ, strong note clarity and full low end make it useful for modern worship, gospel and contemporary band settings.

Players Wanting A Premium USA Bass

This is ideal for bassists who want genuine Ernie Ball Music Man build quality and one of the most recognisable active bass tones available.

Why Choose A Music Man StingRay Bass?

A Music Man StingRay is the right choice when you want a bass that feels powerful, immediate and unmistakable. It does not disappear in a mix. It brings punch, growl, clarity and authority, making it ideal for players who want their bass line to be felt and heard.

The single humbucker layout keeps the sound focused, while the active EQ gives you practical control on stage and in the studio. The 34" scale length feels familiar, the neck is comfortable, and the build quality gives the bass a reliable professional feel.

For players covering funk, rock, pop, soul, disco, gospel, punk, blues or modern session work, the StingRay remains one of the strongest bass choices available.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Music Man bass, active bass or pre-owned premium instrument? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay

The Music Man StingRay was first introduced in 1976 and became one of the first production four-string basses to feature onboard active equalisation. Its bold humbucking pickup, oval pickguard, 3+1 tuner layout and punchy active tone helped create a bass sound that was instantly recognisable.

After Ernie Ball acquired Music Man, the StingRay continued to evolve while retaining the core qualities that made it famous: strong construction, powerful electronics, excellent tuning stability and a tone that works brilliantly in both studio and live settings.

This Natural example, serial E43697, is a strong pre-owned StingRay for players who want classic Music Man tone, USA build quality and a hardcase included.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Bass Guitar
Brand	Ernie Ball Music Man
Model	StingRay
Finish	Natural
Serial Number	E43697
Country of Manufacture	USA
Body Material	Ash
Body Finish	High Gloss Polyester
Scale Length	34"
Neck Wood	Select Maple
Neck Finish	Gunstock Oil and Hand-Rubbed Wax Blend
Neck Attachment	6-Bolt Neck Plate
Frets	21 High-Profile Wide Frets
Neck Radius	11"
Pickup Configuration	Single Humbucker
Pickup	Music Man Humbucking Pickup with Alnico Magnets
Electronics	Active EQ
Bridge	Music Man Chrome-Plated Hardened Steel Bridge
Tuners	Schaller BM with Tapered String Posts
String Configuration	4-String Bass
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Specification Note

This listing is based on the supplied product details and published Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay reference information.

The supplied serial number is E43697. Exact production date, fingerboard material, EQ type, weight, pickup readings, case originality, fret condition and detailed cosmetic marks have not been supplied for this individual bass. Those details should be confirmed directly from the instrument or Ernie Ball Music Man serial records before making collector-level claims.

Power Requirements

This bass requires battery power for the active electronics when plugged in. Use a standard 1/4" instrument cable and a suitable bass amplifier, pedalboard, PA system or audio interface.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Natural is an outstanding choice for players who want premium USA build quality, powerful active electronics and one of the most recognisable bass tones ever created. Its humbucking pickup, active EQ, ash body, Music Man bridge and Natural finish make it a serious working bass for stage, studio and long-term ownership.

This Very Good condition example, serial E43697, is ideal for funk, rock, pop, soul, gospel, punk, blues and any player who wants a bold, articulate active bass with a hardcase included.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

FAQ

What condition is this Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay in?

This bass is listed in Very Good condition, meaning it shows light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional.

Does this bass come with a case?

Yes. This Music Man StingRay comes with a hardcase.

What is the serial number?

The supplied serial number is E43697.

Is this a USA-made bass?

Yes. Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay basses are USA-made instruments.

Is this an active bass?

Yes. The StingRay uses active electronics and requires battery power when plugged in.

What styles does the StingRay suit?

It suits funk, rock, pop, soul, disco, gospel, punk, blues, studio recording and live performance.

What makes the StingRay tone distinctive?

The StingRay is known for its powerful humbucking pickup, active EQ, strong attack and punchy midrange.

Is it good for slap bass?

Yes. The StingRay is a classic slap bass choice because of its bright attack, strong low end and clear note definition.

How does it compare with a Fender Precision Bass?

A Precision Bass gives a thicker passive split-coil sound, while a StingRay is more active, punchy and aggressive.

Can I try this bass in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on Music Man basses, active basses and pre-owned premium instruments.