Ernie Ball Music Man Updates StingRay Bass for 2018
Ernie Ball Music Man’s StingRay has been a time-tested model for decades, but both the four and five-string versions will be getting an update for 2018. The company made the announcement at the Winter NAMM Show.
“For 2018, the StingRay4 and StingRay5 have been reimagined with new features and appointments that provide a new level of playing comfort while retaining that revered iconic StingRay sound,” they write. That list of improvements includes an enhanced body contour and sculpted neck joint for improved comfort and fret access, a streamlined bridge, and lightweight hardware. They’ve also updated the electronics with neodymium magnets in the pickups for higher output as well as a new 18-volt 3-band EQ.
The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay4 and StingRay5 will be available starting at $1,999 and $2,099, respectively. They will come in Classic Natural, Vintage Tobacco Burst, Ivory White, Chopper Blue, Black or Jet Black, Cruz Teal, Aqua Sparkle, Charging Green, Burnt Apple, Charcoal Sparkle, Dropped Copper and HD Yellow finishes.
Ernie Ball Music Man 2018 StingRay4 and StingRay5 Bass Updates:
| Body: | Rounded Arm Contour and Contoured Neck Joint |
| Neck: | Oil and Wax Finish |
| Nut: | Ernie Ball Music Man Compensated nut |
| Frets: | 22 Stainless Steel |
| Pickups: | H and HH configurations with new neodymium magnets |
| Electronics: | Active 18V Three-band preamp: Treble, Mid, Bass (Boost and Cut) |
| Bridge: | New lightweight bridge with nickel-plated steel saddles |
