Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray4 Bass Guitar - Walnut Satin
The Stingray bass has a long and storied history, with players ranging from Tim Comerford (Rage Against the Machine) to Louis Johnson (Michael Jackson Thriller album) it's no surprise that generations have taken up the Stingray mantle. Its versatility through the clever inclusion of a 2-band pre-amp has set the Stingray apart from its competitors. Under the Bridge The Basswood body provides the sturdy foundation for the whole Ray4 tone and the six screw bolt-on on neck maintains an excellent sustain for long smooth bass sounds. The neck is made from hard Maple with a Maple or Jatoba-fingerboard depending on which colour bass you choose. This tough material will not only last but evolve with your playing. Fistful of Steel The Ray4 is fitted with a classic fixed bridge which is both elegant and strong. The open gear machine heads provide a high level of tuning accuracy and stability. The ceramic humbucker is passive but married to the active 2 band EQ powered by an internal 9-volt battery the options to boost the output and shape the tone are there. Wanna' Be Startin' somethin' The Ray4 is finished in a variety of colours and has the classic teardrop pickguard in Black or white depending on which colour bass you choose. With bass luminaries such as Flea, John Deacon or Cliff Williams you know you are in good company and playing a versatile tone monster. The Ray4 has a musical heritage that belies its tiny price tag and well worth the investment.
The Stingray bass has a long and storied history, with players ranging from Tim Comerford (Rage Against the Machine) to Louis Johnson (Michael Jackson Thriller album) it's no surprise that generations have taken up the Stingray mantle. Its versatility through the clever inclusion of a 2-band pre-amp has set the Stingray apart from its competitors. Under the Bridge The Basswood body provides the sturdy foundation for the whole Ray4 tone and the six screw bolt-on on neck maintains an excellent sustain for long smooth bass sounds. The neck is made from hard Maple with a Maple or Jatoba-fingerboard depending on which colour bass you choose. This tough material will not only last but evolve with your playing. Fistful of Steel The Ray4 is fitted with a classic fixed bridge which is both elegant and strong. The open gear machine heads provide a high level of tuning accuracy and stability. The ceramic humbucker is passive but married to the active 2 band EQ powered by an internal 9-volt battery the options to boost the output and shape the tone are there. Wanna' Be Startin' somethin' The Ray4 is finished in a variety of colours and has the classic teardrop pickguard in Black or white depending on which colour bass you choose. With bass luminaries such as Flea, John Deacon or Cliff Williams you know you are in good company and playing a versatile tone monster. The Ray4 has a musical heritage that belies its tiny price tag and well worth the investment.
The Stingray bass has a long and storied history, with players ranging from Tim Comerford (Rage Against the Machine) to Louis Johnson (Michael Jackson Thriller album) it's no surprise that generations have taken up the Stingray mantle. Its versatility through the clever inclusion of a 2-band pre-amp has set the Stingray apart from its competitors. Under the Bridge The Basswood body provides the sturdy foundation for the whole Ray4 tone and the six screw bolt-on on neck maintains an excellent sustain for long smooth bass sounds. The neck is made from hard Maple with a Maple or Jatoba-fingerboard depending on which colour bass you choose. This tough material will not only last but evolve with your playing. Fistful of Steel The Ray4 is fitted with a classic fixed bridge which is both elegant and strong. The open gear machine heads provide a high level of tuning accuracy and stability. The ceramic humbucker is passive but married to the active 2 band EQ powered by an internal 9-volt battery the options to boost the output and shape the tone are there. Wanna' Be Startin' somethin' The Ray4 is finished in a variety of colours and has the classic teardrop pickguard in Black or white depending on which colour bass you choose. With bass luminaries such as Flea, John Deacon or Cliff Williams you know you are in good company and playing a versatile tone monster. The Ray4 has a musical heritage that belies its tiny price tag and well worth the investment.
The Stingray bass has a long and storied history, with players ranging from Tim Comerford (Rage Against the Machine) to Louis Johnson (Michael Jackson Thriller album) it's no surprise that generations have taken up the Stingray mantle. Its versatility through the clever inclusion of a 2-band pre-amp has set the Stingray apart from its competitors. Under the Bridge The Basswood body provides the sturdy foundation for the whole Ray4 tone and the six screw bolt-on on neck maintains an excellent sustain for long smooth bass sounds. The neck is made from hard Maple with a Maple or Jatoba-fingerboard depending on which colour bass you choose. This tough material will not only last but evolve with your playing. Fistful of Steel The Ray4 is fitted with a classic fixed bridge which is both elegant and strong. The open gear machine heads provide a high level of tuning accuracy and stability. The ceramic humbucker is passive but married to the active 2 band EQ powered by an internal 9-volt battery the options to boost the output and shape the tone are there. Wanna' Be Startin' somethin' The Ray4 is finished in a variety of colours and has the classic teardrop pickguard in Black or white depending on which colour bass you choose. With bass luminaries such as Flea, John Deacon or Cliff Williams you know you are in good company and playing a versatile tone monster. The Ray4 has a musical heritage that belies its tiny price tag and well worth the investment.
in 14 offers
The lowest price for Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray4 Bass Guitar - Walnut Satin right now is $507.81 at Flipside Music, compared across 8 retailers.
The all-time low was $255.08 on 19 Apr 2026 — today's price is 99% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 24 June 2026.
Last updated at 24/06/2026 10:20:12
Sterling by Music Man RAY4-WS-R1 Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar, Walnut Satin, Walnut Satin
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Sterling by Music Man - StingRay4 Bass in Walnut Stain
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Delivery between 29 June – 3 July $34.88
Sterling SUB Series Ray4 Bass Guitar - Walnut Satin
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Sterling By Musicman Sub Stingray Ray4 Walnut Satin Electric Bass
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Sterling By Musicman Sterling Stingray Ray4 Electric Bass Sub Ray4
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Sterling By Musicman / Sub Stingray Ray4 (no260331)
Delivery $319.21
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Sterling By Musicman Sub Stingray Ray4 Stenling Safe Delivery From
Delivery $158.01
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Sterling By Music Man Sub Stingray Ray4 Walnut Satin St-ray4-ws-j1
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originally posted on guitarcenter.com
I'm a long time guitarist with some really fine instruments who decided to pick up a "value" bass just to learn for fun. Knowing what to look for in guitars, I translated that over to basses and went to GC to try some out, see what appealed to me, and how far I could stretch the dollars I was willing to spend on an instrument to start out and, maybe, stick with.I found this Sterling by Music Man Ray4 in mint green that filled the bill on all fronts. As usual, the guys at GC let me try several instruments and test to my hearts content. I do all my own guitar set-ups and would never buy a guitar sight unseen, being worried about how much adjustment might be needed. The Ray4 wasn't too bad out of the box (quite literally because I didn't like the display instrument ... MoreI'm a long time guitarist with some really fine instruments who decided to pick up a "value" bass just to learn for fun. Knowing what to look for in guitars, I translated that over to basses and went to GC to try some out, see what appealed to me, and how far I could stretch the dollars I was willing to spend on an instrument to start out and, maybe, stick with.I found this Sterling by Music Man Ray4 in mint green that filled the bill on all fronts. As usual, the guys at GC let me try several instruments and test to my hearts content. I do all my own guitar set-ups and would never buy a guitar sight unseen, being worried about how much adjustment might be needed. The Ray4 wasn't too bad out of the box (quite literally because I didn't like the display instrument and they had another in stock for me to try). Once home, I did adjust neck relief, string height, intonation, and pickup to a point that I liked best. The pickup required the most adjustment actually because it had gotten stuck in an odd and very high position, perhaps from being jostled in shipping. There is some fret sprout on the higher frets, but nothing that would bother my hand.Bottom line: Everything could easily be adjusted to where I really like it and has been stable now over several days. It's comfortable to play and is, in my opinion, a real "looker." The satin finished neck is great and, although I usually don't go for maple fret boards, I do like this one. I'm very pleased with my purchase decision and would buy it again.Now onto attack that fret sprout . . .
originally posted on guitarcenter.com
I have been eyeing a Music Man for a while and the sale price made this a no brainer. I got this expecting to replace the pickup and preamp but so far I am happy with the tone of the stock electronics.The finish is perfect, the frets were well done, and it was set up well. The neck has a smooth satin feel and mine even has some flame and bird's eye in the maple.I've owned basses that cost ten times what I paid for this and this has to be the best "bang for your buck" instrument out there. Nice job Sterling! You have made me a believer.If I have a complaint, I wish these mid-line instruments would include a gig bag. I buy a cheap no-name guitar, I get a bag. I buy a high end guitar, I get a bag. I buy a nice middle of the road name brand instrument, I get nothing.
originally posted on musiciansfriend.com
Love this thing! I had a problem with the sound on the first one but Musicians Friend got me all straightened out. The midrange sound was really quiet while the highs and lows were loud. They sent me a new one and took the return on the bad one. The replacement sounds great! I had a setup and new strings done by my local music shop and she sounds amazing. Intonation is now spot on. I love the look and feel of this one with all the rounded edges. Love the sound. She has a snarl in the low end that I haven't heard with any other company. I also own a squire 60s classic vibe p bass but i think i like the sound of this one better. My only complaint is that she's a little heavier than my Squire otherwise im super happy with this purchase. Thank you Musicians Friend for ... MoreLove this thing! I had a problem with the sound on the first one but Musicians Friend got me all straightened out. The midrange sound was really quiet while the highs and lows were loud. They sent me a new one and took the return on the bad one. The replacement sounds great! I had a setup and new strings done by my local music shop and she sounds amazing. Intonation is now spot on. I love the look and feel of this one with all the rounded edges. Love the sound. She has a snarl in the low end that I haven't heard with any other company. I also own a squire 60s classic vibe p bass but i think i like the sound of this one better. My only complaint is that she's a little heavier than my Squire otherwise im super happy with this purchase. Thank you Musicians Friend for the smooth return and your amazing customer service. If you're looking for a quality beginner bass this one is a great choice.
| Year | 2010 - 2021 |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Finish Style | Gloss Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Jatoba Maple Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 9.5" |
Sterling by Music Man RAY4-WS-R1 Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar, Walnut Satin, Walnut Satin
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Sterling by Music Man - StingRay4 Bass in Walnut Stain
Sterling by Music Man SUB Series Ray4 4-String Electric Bass - Walnut Satin
Sterling S.U.B Series Ray4 Bass Guitar - Walnut Satin
Delivery between 29 June – 3 July $34.88
Sterling SUB Series Ray4 Bass Guitar - Walnut Satin
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
I'm a long time guitarist with some really fine instruments who decided to pick up a "value" bass just to learn for fun. Knowing what to look for in guitars, I translated that over to basses and went to GC to try some out, see what appealed to me, and how far I could stretch the dollars I was willing to spend on an instrument to start out and, maybe, stick with.I found this Sterling by Music Man Ray4 in mint green that filled the bill on all fronts. As usual, the guys at GC let me try several instruments and test to my hearts content. I do all my own guitar set-ups and would never buy a guitar sight unseen, being worried about how much adjustment might be needed. The Ray4 wasn't too bad out of the box (quite literally because I didn't like the display instrument ... MoreI'm a long time guitarist with some really fine instruments who decided to pick up a "value" bass just to learn for fun. Knowing what to look for in guitars, I translated that over to basses and went to GC to try some out, see what appealed to me, and how far I could stretch the dollars I was willing to spend on an instrument to start out and, maybe, stick with.I found this Sterling by Music Man Ray4 in mint green that filled the bill on all fronts. As usual, the guys at GC let me try several instruments and test to my hearts content. I do all my own guitar set-ups and would never buy a guitar sight unseen, being worried about how much adjustment might be needed. The Ray4 wasn't too bad out of the box (quite literally because I didn't like the display instrument and they had another in stock for me to try). Once home, I did adjust neck relief, string height, intonation, and pickup to a point that I liked best. The pickup required the most adjustment actually because it had gotten stuck in an odd and very high position, perhaps from being jostled in shipping. There is some fret sprout on the higher frets, but nothing that would bother my hand.Bottom line: Everything could easily be adjusted to where I really like it and has been stable now over several days. It's comfortable to play and is, in my opinion, a real "looker." The satin finished neck is great and, although I usually don't go for maple fret boards, I do like this one. I'm very pleased with my purchase decision and would buy it again.Now onto attack that fret sprout . . .
I have been eyeing a Music Man for a while and the sale price made this a no brainer. I got this expecting to replace the pickup and preamp but so far I am happy with the tone of the stock electronics.The finish is perfect, the frets were well done, and it was set up well. The neck has a smooth satin feel and mine even has some flame and bird's eye in the maple.I've owned basses that cost ten times what I paid for this and this has to be the best "bang for your buck" instrument out there. Nice job Sterling! You have made me a believer.If I have a complaint, I wish these mid-line instruments would include a gig bag. I buy a cheap no-name guitar, I get a bag. I buy a high end guitar, I get a bag. I buy a nice middle of the road name brand instrument, I get nothing.
Love this thing! I had a problem with the sound on the first one but Musicians Friend got me all straightened out. The midrange sound was really quiet while the highs and lows were loud. They sent me a new one and took the return on the bad one. The replacement sounds great! I had a setup and new strings done by my local music shop and she sounds amazing. Intonation is now spot on. I love the look and feel of this one with all the rounded edges. Love the sound. She has a snarl in the low end that I haven't heard with any other company. I also own a squire 60s classic vibe p bass but i think i like the sound of this one better. My only complaint is that she's a little heavier than my Squire otherwise im super happy with this purchase. Thank you Musicians Friend for ... MoreLove this thing! I had a problem with the sound on the first one but Musicians Friend got me all straightened out. The midrange sound was really quiet while the highs and lows were loud. They sent me a new one and took the return on the bad one. The replacement sounds great! I had a setup and new strings done by my local music shop and she sounds amazing. Intonation is now spot on. I love the look and feel of this one with all the rounded edges. Love the sound. She has a snarl in the low end that I haven't heard with any other company. I also own a squire 60s classic vibe p bass but i think i like the sound of this one better. My only complaint is that she's a little heavier than my Squire otherwise im super happy with this purchase. Thank you Musicians Friend for the smooth return and your amazing customer service. If you're looking for a quality beginner bass this one is a great choice.
About a month ago I went to my local Guitar Center to sell a bass cabinet I didn't really need. I planned to take the cash and leave, but being a bassist I found myself standing in front of the bass wall. I believe you have to play an instrument unplugged to really hear it's voice. I sat down and played most of what they had in the store and hung all of them back up unimpressed. Either they had some quality issues from the factory (sorry Fender) or they needed some set up help. I've owned a lot of basses and have only kept my favorites. I have high standards. I own a Squire bass which I love, also made in Indonesia. I do think you can get an inexpensive instrument and get it to sound and play like it isn't with some modifications. That brought me to the Sterling ... MoreAbout a month ago I went to my local Guitar Center to sell a bass cabinet I didn't really need. I planned to take the cash and leave, but being a bassist I found myself standing in front of the bass wall. I believe you have to play an instrument unplugged to really hear it's voice. I sat down and played most of what they had in the store and hung all of them back up unimpressed. Either they had some quality issues from the factory (sorry Fender) or they needed some set up help. I've owned a lot of basses and have only kept my favorites. I have high standards. I own a Squire bass which I love, also made in Indonesia. I do think you can get an inexpensive instrument and get it to sound and play like it isn't with some modifications. That brought me to the Sterling Ray4. I've never owned a MM Stingray or copy but have always been interested in them. First impression was "this thing is built like a tank". A little heavier then what I was used to but the build quality was excellent. No fit or finish issues and the neck and fret work felt great. It had a really nice sound acoustically. Understanding that factory set up specs are really just a starting point and are meant to be forgiving of climate changes so the instrument will sound decent when played (and the reason many were put back on the wall) I knew it could be even better. I didn't need another bass, but after my cabinet trade offer and 10% off the Sterling... I walked out with the bass and $90 cash. I put new strings on it (45-105 Slinky's), set the neck relief where it should be (factory sends it with extra relief to prevent fret buzz or dead spots). I lowered the action which I was able to get lower then any other bass I own (again great neck), and I lowered the pickup height a little. I had read reviews that the pickup output is a little hot, and it's true. I just played it for about an hour and put it down saying "I can't believe how awesome this bass is." Under $300? This ones a keeper...
I recently picked up the bass again after a long layoff and wanted something affordable to replace the broken four string that's been sitting in my closet. I checked out almost everything in the 300-500 range in the store and the Sterling was far and away the best of the bunch. The neck feels great, the construction is top shelf and the electronics are surprisingly good for a lower-priced bass. I may swap out the pickup at some point but overall I'm very happy with my purchase.
Overall:I bought this as a back up to my EBMM Sting Ray HH. The price seemed perfect for a backup bass. When it arrived though I blown away. No it's not the same as the 2K plus EBMM version but it might be one of the best basses out there under $800. While the pickup is a little hot, lowering it a little can really give you that 70s scooped mid Sting Ray sound. The build is solid and aside from some dust around the neck pocket, that was easily wiped away, the bass arrived perfect.The 2 band EQ is actually very versatile with the ceramic pickup. The neck, especially for a new player will be perfect, it's not too tick or thin and is more narrow like Jazz bass. This is my only issue because I'm use to my MM but I knew that before purchasing so it's not a negative, ... MoreOverall:I bought this as a back up to my EBMM Sting Ray HH. The price seemed perfect for a backup bass. When it arrived though I blown away. No it's not the same as the 2K plus EBMM version but it might be one of the best basses out there under $800. While the pickup is a little hot, lowering it a little can really give you that 70s scooped mid Sting Ray sound. The build is solid and aside from some dust around the neck pocket, that was easily wiped away, the bass arrived perfect.The 2 band EQ is actually very versatile with the ceramic pickup. The neck, especially for a new player will be perfect, it's not too tick or thin and is more narrow like Jazz bass. This is my only issue because I'm use to my MM but I knew that before purchasing so it's not a negative, just different. Many will love the neck.Fretwork was great, no bad edges and they were smooth when I checked before changing strings. Bridge resembles the old Sting Ray minus the dampeners, it may not look stellar but the adjustments are easily made and it works, the sustain on this is better than most basses costing twice as much or more.Last thing but sometimes it's the details right? I have other guitars and basses with the truss rod wheels as well, always used a small hex key. This bass, at least mine, came with a little hex key for the bridge adjustment and a 6" rod that fits perfectly into the wheel to adjust the truss rod! None of my others came with anything similar and this works on all of them... sometimes it's the little things that show they actually put thought into something. That extra effort in regards to the lowest price Sting Ray packaging sums up the entire package, they put a lot of effort into making this very reasonably priced bass, pretty fantastic.My first purchase from zZounds and they were stellar as well. Fast shipping and were very easy to work with, will definitely buy from again.
Based on glowing reviews from other purchasers, I thought this bass would be awesome. It's actually just pretty good. The lack of finish on the neck feels cheap. With the action still somewhat high I've got a lot of fret buzz going on, I'm no set up expert so I either have to spend close to 100 to get it done, or just try to figure it out on my own. Not impressed.It does sound pretty punchy, and other than the fret buzz, works well.
This is my son's main bass. He has played this in his school jazz band for a few years (with a 1 year break). He got the Cherry Burst color with rosewood neck. I have played bass for like 30 years myself and this bass is so much fun to play, has a great sound, is very comfortable and inspirational. Yes, inspirational. Old folks like me remember when all the jazz , R&B and Funk guys played the Fender Jazz and then switched to the Music Man. The funky, deep, strong sound of the humbucker pickup caused Leo Fender to beat his previous best. I still LOVE the Jazz sound but this bass is just different. The neck on this bass is screwed on with 6 rather than 4 screws and the backing plate is a little longer than a Jazz bass. The neck is solid and the shape feels very ... MoreThis is my son's main bass. He has played this in his school jazz band for a few years (with a 1 year break). He got the Cherry Burst color with rosewood neck. I have played bass for like 30 years myself and this bass is so much fun to play, has a great sound, is very comfortable and inspirational. Yes, inspirational. Old folks like me remember when all the jazz , R&B and Funk guys played the Fender Jazz and then switched to the Music Man. The funky, deep, strong sound of the humbucker pickup caused Leo Fender to beat his previous best. I still LOVE the Jazz sound but this bass is just different. The neck on this bass is screwed on with 6 rather than 4 screws and the backing plate is a little longer than a Jazz bass. The neck is solid and the shape feels very comfortable. A solid neck makes for a punchy sound. That is one reason why the maple-neck Fenders pop so well. The electronics are 2-band active and give a nice usable range of humbucking sounds. It's a well-balanced bass and the body shape is very comfortable. There are great Fender/Squier Jazz basses in this price range (and we own a couple that we love) but I think this Sterling is a little more unique. It's got a bunch of power. If you are going to play rock, jazz, funk, and everything of a wide variety or just one of those genres you will be well served by this bass. Pick a color you like (in person if possible) and play it.
Almost 40 years of playing experience and this bass is by far the best value that I've experienced. I've had my share of Precisions, Jazz basses, etc. over the years up to the $1500 range. When the pandemic kicked in I had sold most of my equipment but decided I had to have one bass. The neck is solid and similar to a P-bass thickness which I prefer and I don't need a 24-fret, 2 octave one anymore based on playing blues, jam, reggae, and rock. The tonal landscape is phenomenal rolling off the treble or bass dependent upon what I'm playing. Bright highs and deep lows are easily accomplished. I've never written a review before, but this was worthy of the time. Enjoy!
Sound:when you own a sterling bass you do know, what your getting in quality . this bass is heavier then my sterling sub music man. same bass just diff color .the pick up of course is still amazing ,from my sub to this bass today.Ease of Use:i pulled out the box, was not in tune from shipping of course. used my d,addario head stock tuner on it, was only off a little from shipping. easy to retune and play out of the box.Quality:i love these bass., i have small hands. witha full scale to the get the best of the tone possible, long scale is the only way for me. small hand will use the neck as a whole.Value:would buy this for any one starting. would also buy another my self lol i have two lolManufacturer Support:never had an issueOverall:awesome for the ... MoreSound:when you own a sterling bass you do know, what your getting in quality . this bass is heavier then my sterling sub music man. same bass just diff color .the pick up of course is still amazing ,from my sub to this bass today.Ease of Use:i pulled out the box, was not in tune from shipping of course. used my d,addario head stock tuner on it, was only off a little from shipping. easy to retune and play out of the box.Quality:i love these bass., i have small hands. witha full scale to the get the best of the tone possible, long scale is the only way for me. small hand will use the neck as a whole.Value:would buy this for any one starting. would also buy another my self lol i have two lolManufacturer Support:never had an issueOverall:awesome for the money, get great workmenship right out of the box, a small tune . after shipping of course. love the balance and small necks for my small hands. does not take away sustain. bass talks if you listen. so this is the second one i owned and would own another.
| Year | 2010 - 2021 |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Finish Style | Gloss Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Jatoba Maple Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 9.5" |
