Music Man StingRay is the first bass model of the Music Man USA company. It was introduced in 1976 and has been in the Music Man product range ever since. The StingRay is arguably the most popular Music Man bass, nowadays an indisputable classic.
This instrument is based on the traditional Fender Precision design, albeit with several special features such as the humbucker pickup in the soapbar format, an active preamp (with a 9V battery) and an unpainted back of the neck, hand oiled and waxed for a smooth satin feel, a typical Music Man feature. The distinct Music Man headstock in the 3+1 design and the symmetric pickguard have also to be mentioned.
Early production StingRays had a 2-band EQ and the string-through-body construction, as well as string mutes at the bridge. Later configurations abandoned these features, the StingRay has now a 3-band EQ on board.
This bass should be noted for ist dominant, punching tone, holding its place easily in the band situation. This makes the StingRay an ideal workhorse live and in the studio, as good for slapping as for aggressive rocking sounds. Excellent craftsmanship, tone woods and hardware of highest quality are a usual trademark of StingRay basses as well as other Music Man USA models.
The StingRay was an instant success and over the years became a favorite of numerous big name players from all styles, heavy metal to disco and funk. This space is not nearly enough to list all famous StingRay users. The StingRay can be safely considered the flagship of the Music Man line of basses, along with other successful models such as Sterling, Bongo, Reflex and Big Al.
Today the StingRay is produced in a variety of configurations, as 4 and 5 string model, with one humbucker or two pickups (HH - two humbuckers, or HS - a humbucker and a single coil pickup). There are also a version with the piezo bridge and a fretless model available.
All Music Man Stingray basses are manufactured in San Luis Obispo, California, USA, and played all over the world.