Fifty years ago, a bold vision to “make a better bass” gave birth to what would become one of the most influential instruments in modern music history: the Music Man StingRay.
“It’s so much more than an instrument,” reflects Sterling Ball. “I was there when that baby was born. And when you see that 50 years later — it’s still as important, as vibrant, as valid — that’s insane.”
Originally developed under the guidance of legendary instrument pioneer Leo Fender at Music Man, the StingRay wasn’t just another bass guitar. It was the first mass production bass to feature active electronics — a revolutionary move at the time.
“The vision was to make a better bass. The vision was to use active electronics because there hadn’t been any production basses that had active electronics.”
What followed was both innovation and serendipity.
For five decades, the StingRay has set the benchmark for bold, forward-leaning bass tone. The Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Special honors that legacy with two limited-edition finishes. Liquid Gold is hand-numbered and limited to 50 instruments worldwide, featuring a striking golden reflective pickguard for a truly exclusive presentation. Molten Gold, limited to 300 instruments, showcases a metallic gold finish on the body and headstock—each with its own unique character. Both versions are paired with an ebony fretboard with gold face dot inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers for effortless navigation on any stage. A roasted flame maple neck and poplar body deliver a fast, comfortable, and perfectly balanced feel, while gold hardware throughout, including a 50th Anniversary-stamped bridge, completes the look. Finished with a commemorative 50th Anniversary silkscreen on the back of the headstock, each bass ships in a deluxe hardshell case with a certificate of authenticity.
50th Anniversary StingRay 4 Features:
- Roasted figured maple neck
- Gold face dot Inlays with glow-in-the-dark side dots
- 50th Anniversary stamped bridge
- Certificate of authenticity
- Deluxe hardshell case
The 50th Anniversary StingRay 4 Special in Molten Gold will be available at all Ernie Ball Music Man retailers, and the Liquid Gold colorway will be available exclusively in the Ernie Ball Music Man Vault this
The StingRay Special also gets an update with 7 new finishes available in 4 or 5-string in either H or HH pickup configurations. New finishes include Classic Natural, Anomalous Green, Mean Blue Burst, Soda Pink Sparkle, Trans Orange, Violet Sparkle Burst, and Yellow Brick Road.
