he Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 50th Anniversary celebrates five decades of one of the most influential electric bass designs ever built. First introduced in 1976 as one of the earliest production basses to feature onboard active EQ, the StingRay helped redefine modern bass tone with its unmistakable punch, articulation, and authority. The 50th Anniversary edition honors that legacy while building from the modern StingRay Special platform.

Rather than simply recreating a vintage instrument, the 50th Anniversary StingRay blends classic StingRay identity with modern performance refinements. The lightweight body, roasted maple neck, sculpted contours, and updated hardware keep the instrument fast, comfortable, and highly responsive in real-world playing situations. It delivers the familiar StingRay attack and low-end authority while feeling noticeably more refined and effortless than earlier generations.

At the heart of the platform is Music Man’s powerful humbucking pickup paired with an active 18V preamp system, delivering the aggressive midrange presence, tight low end, and broad tonal flexibility that made the StingRay a staple across rock, funk, pop, session work, and modern bass playing.

The 50th Anniversary models also introduce exclusive visual details and limited finishes celebrating the milestone, making these instruments distinct from standard production StingRay Specials while still staying true to the DNA of the original design.

Whether you’re a longtime StingRay player, collector, or simply after one of the most recognizable active bass voices ever created, the 50th Anniversary model represents both a celebration of the past and a thoroughly modern working instrument.

Highlights

• Celebrates 50 years of the iconic StingRay bass platform
• Classic StingRay humbucker with powerful active EQ system
• Lightweight, modern StingRay Special construction and ergonomics
• Roasted maple neck for stability and smooth feel
• Exclusive anniversary appointments and limited finishes

Specifications

Body

• Body Material: Select Hardwood
• Body Finish: Anniversary Exclusive Finishes
• Double Cutaway StingRay Body Shape

Neck

• Neck Material: Roasted Maple
• Neck Finish: Gunstock Oil / Hand-Rubbed Special Wax Blend
• Scale Length: 34"
• Fingerboard Options: Maple or Ebony (model dependent)
• Frets: 22 Stainless Steel
• Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Hardware

• Bridge: Music Man Modern Bridge with Steel Saddles
• Tuners: Lightweight Music Man Tuners
• Hardware Finish: Model Dependent

Electronics

• Music Man Humbucking Pickup Configuration
• Active 18V Preamp
• 3-Band EQ
• Shielded Electronics Compartment

Miscellaneous

• 50th Anniversary Edition
• Limited Production Configurations / Finishes
• Included: Music Man Hardshell Case
• Made in USA

Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?

At Tone Shop Guitars, we specialize in hand-selected premium instruments built for players who care about feel, tone, and individuality. Every bass we bring in is chosen for weight, resonance, balance, and musical usefulness—not just specs on paper. When you buy from Tone Shop, you’re getting an instrument we genuinely believe in.