2003 Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass USA in Textured Teal - Very good condition.

A 2003 Ernie Ball Music Man SUB Bass USA in Textured Teal. The USA-made SUB line ran from 2003 to 2006 as a stripped-back, more affordable take on the StingRay, but these were still proper San Luis Obispo-built Music Man instruments with poplar slab bodies, textured finishes, painted maple necks and the StingRay 2-band EQ platform. In practice, that means all the punch, attack and authority people want from a StingRay-style bass, just with a more industrial, no-nonsense look.

Specs

Body style: StingRay-style solid body bass
Body: Poplar, slab body
Finish: Textured Teal
Neck: Painted maple, bolt-on
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale length: 34"
Frets: 21
Pickup: Single Music Man humbucker
Electronics: Active 2-band EQ
Controls: Volume, bass, treble
Origin: USA
Case: Hiscox hardcase

These specs are consistent with period references for the USA SUB 4, including Music Man enthusiast documentation, Ernie Ball forum moderator summaries, and 2003-04 sales listings for active 2EQ examples.

Condition:

This bass is in very good condition. It has a minor ding on the bottom of the body (only visible in the right light and very up close), a slight finish scratch on the top of the body, and on the underside of the fretboard at around the 15th fret, there is a small spot where the black neck finish has chipped away (see photos). None of these imperfections are detrimental to the playability or sound of the instrument, and overall, it is in great shape. Most importantly, it is in excellent playing condition and ready to go straight into regular use.

The SUB is such a likeable model because it keeps the core Music Man feel intact. You still get the fast, direct response of the single humbucker and active EQ setup, along with that familiar StingRay-style mix of tight lows, punchy mids and sharp attack. The textured Teal finish is also one of the more distinctive colours from the range, and it really suits the stripped-back, slightly utilitarian look these basses have. Teal was one of the textured finish options offered on the American SUB line.

A great choice if you want a proper USA-made Music Man with loads of StingRay character, a slightly more unusual aesthetic, and a solid Hiscox hardcase included.

This item is also available to view and try out at our store in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Opening times, address & contact details can be found via our Reverb shop bio. If you have any questions regarding this item or would like more photos, please feel free to get in contact.