Review: Sterling By Musicman Intro Series StingRay bass

Sterling by Musicman has introduced a fabulous new model to its highly anticipated and incredibly affordable Intro series, an array of new instruments designed to offer professional quality at a very accessible price. The Intro Series StingRay enables players at any experience level or budget to own their very own StingRay bass, a model that has been beloved by bassists for generations. With this stripped back, entry-level model, Sterling have distilled the essence of what makes the StingRay so beloved and unique in a simple bass that welcomes new players to their brand. 

Music Man is a legendary American guitar and bass guitar manufacturer. Originally formed in 1971 by Forrest White and Tom Walker, along with Leo Fender as a silent partner, the company started manufacturing electric and bass guitars under the Music Man name in 1974. In 1984 it was acquired by Ernie Ball and renamed Ernie Ball Music Man. Sterling is Music Man’s more accessible series, featuring high-quality guitars & basses designed by the legendary Ernie Ball at an affordable price point. Their range provides players with retro and modern designs that anyone can enjoy. 

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The Intro Series takes this philosophy to the max, focusing on affordability and simplicity of design to entice up and coming players to take the opportunity to fall in love with their instruments. This new StingRay model for one, is well worth falling in love with. The Intro Series StingRay has a great sound, exceptionally comfortable feel and very simple controls, amounting to an excellent entry level bass that really packs a punch.

Sterling By Musicman

The StingRay model was first introduced in 1976 and was designed by Leo Fender, Tom Walker, and Sterling Ball. Though somewhat similar to Leo’s designs, it had a number of distinctive features. These included a single humbucking pickup, a generous double cutaway design and a distinctive “3+1” headstock on which three tuning machines are situated on the top and one on the bottom. Players who have favoured the StingRay over the years include Flea, Tim Commerford, John Deacon, Mark Hoppus and Louis Johnson. 

Intro Series

The Intro Series StingRay features a Poplar body and a Hard Maple neck, giving it a bright tone and solid attack. Its vibrant and cheerful Misty Green finish is eye-catching and feels appropriate for a beginner model designed to inspire and invigorate. The neck is extremely comfortable, with an ultra smooth satin finish that provides ultimate playability. Its rich brown Rosewood fretboard looks great against the Misty Green finish and carries 21 medium frets. Featuring a 34” scale length, 9.5” radius and a pleasantly narrow 1.57” nut width, this bass feels modern, comfortable and balanced. 

The StingRay’s contoured shape has always been a head turner, but it’s also very comfortable against the body in either a sitting or standing position, another reason why this model is a great choice for beginners. For the Intro Series model, Sterling have kept the controls very simple, loading up this bass with a single pickup, a volume control and a tone control only. Open gear, clover shaped tuners and a sturdy fixed bridge round off the design in classic Music Man style.

At the heart of the Intro Series StingRay lies a H-1 Ceramic Humbucker, featuring passive electronics for a familiar yet versatile tone. With plenty of thumping low end, aggressive zingy mids and a present treble-y attack, this bass is extremely versatile and suited to many playing styles. Players have long chosen the StingRay for its increased treble response, but it’s a far more versatile sounding bass than many realise. Whilst it certainly packs a lot of punch in the high end, making it very useful for genres in which more traditional tones aren’t going to cut it, the StingRay and indeed this iteration of it, contains multitudes within its simple design.

With a simple rolling off of the tone knob on this bass, there are many warmer sounds to be found. John Deacon is a great example of a player who utilised a darker sound from his StingRay and the Intro Series has done well at capturing that tone. Given that it carries passive electronics which is new for a StingRay, this bass leans away from the more aggressive edge that the bass is known for in a pleasantly musical way. 

Sonic versatility is a key feature for a beginner bass, giving new players a chance to find their own sound through experimentation. Not only does the Intro Series nail that but it also provides a very comfortable, playable instrument that is perfect for fresh hands. In saying that, experienced players looking to expand their arsenal will find this bass to be of decidedly gig worthy quality, a great choice for any bassist curious to try their first StingRay variety. 

Sterling have done a great job of late providing affordable versions of beloved Music Man models, allowing players of all budgets and experience levels to be welcomed to the legendary brand’s collection. The Intro Series StingRay is no exception, boasting excellent build quality and tone at a very accessible price point. 

From its versatile, powerful sound provided by its humbucking pickup to its silky smooth neck feel and fun Misty Green finish, this is an instrument that would make an excellent first bass for any new player. The StingRay has always made a bold statement with its timeless body shape and aggressive tone and this is a great entry level version to introduce players to this legendary model.

The excellent price point of this model combined with its adaptable, balanced timbre makes it a powerful creative tool and an exciting instrument to play. So if you’re looking for your first bass or to expand your collection to include a great, affordable StingRay model, Sterling has provided what you need with the Intro Series. Featuring all the things that have made this model a classic, without the intimidating price tag, this bass is a real gem. 

For local Sterling by Music Man enquiries, visit CMC Music.