Sterling Introduces Premium Music Man Session Series With New StingRay Basses

Sterling is expanding its product lineup with the Music Man Session Series, which it calls a “premium line that brings the family of Music Man brands closer together than ever before.” The lineup represents the highest level of Sterling by Music Man and will debut with the Music Man Session StingRay Bass.

“Inspired by the designs and specifications that defined the StingRay throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the Music Man Session StingRay captures the unmistakable sound, punch, and attitude of the era while introducing thoughtful modern refinements,” the company writes. “Developed through a rigorous design and build process in collaboration with the Ernie Ball Music Man team, the Session Series honors the original StingRay formula while incorporating premium modern features not previously found on models from that period.”

Chief among the retro features is the inclusion of Schaller tuners as found in models from previous decades, while modern features include a compensated nut for improved tuning accuracy and a roasted maple neck with an oil and wax finish. Sterling offers the bass with either an ash or poplar body, and fingerboard options include roasted maple or rosewood.

Central to the bass’s design is the Music Man Session Alnico 5 humbucker and onboard 3-band active EQ. You can hear the electronics in action in these demos by Kyle Whalum for the four- and five-string models

“Manufactured in Indonesia, the Music Man Session StingRay represents a new benchmark for the Sterling lineup,” the company concludes. “Each instrument is built with close attention to detail and undergoes rigorous quality control throughout the process.”

The Sterling Music Man Session StingRay bass is available starting at $1,599.99 MSRP for the four-string and $1,699.99 MSRP for the five-string.

Sterling Music Man Session StingRay Photos:

Sterling Music Man Session StingRay Specs:

Sterling Music Man Session StingRay 5 Specs: