Best Music Man 4-String Basses 2025

Premium Music Man 4-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Unique Designs For Specialty Applications For Experimental Music For Custom Features For Alternative Styles For Distinctive Sound

BRANDS: Sadowsky Ibanez Harley Benton Warwick Music Man Sterling by Music Man Yamaha Sandberg Marcus Miller Höfner Epiphone Jackson Spector Rickenbacker Lakland Cort Danelectro Fodera

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH FVS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH FVS

by Music Man

Specialty Applications Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

• Less range than extended scale basses
• No high C string for extended range

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH FVSElectric BassBody: Selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: EbonyDot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 620412

$3,739

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Retro 70s StingRay Sunburst MC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Music Man Retro 70s StingRay Sunburst MC

by Music Man

Custom Features Specialty Applications Distinctive Sound

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Standard four-string configuration
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• No high C string for extended range

Music Man Retro 70s StingRay Sunburst MCElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 577429

$3,794

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Retro 70s StingRay White MC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Music Man Retro 70s StingRay White MC

by Music Man

Experimental Music Distinctive Sound Specialty Applications

Key Feature:

• Standard four-string configuration

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

• May need alternate tunings for some styles
• Less range than extended scale basses

Music Man Retro 70s StingRay White MCElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 577426

$3,788

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay

by Music Man

Unique Designs Custom Features Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Perfect for most musical styles

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• No high C string for extended range

Music Man Pino Palladino StingRayElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 619273

$4,619

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH RW BE - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH RW BE

by Music Man

Distinctive Sound Specialty Applications Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Perfect for most musical styles

✗ CONS

• No high C string for extended range
• Less range than extended scale basses

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH RW BEElectric BassBody: selected hardwoodNeck attachment: bolt-on (5 bolt)Fingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 525199

$3,959

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Dark Ray Gold Bar - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Music Man Dark Ray Gold Bar

by Music Man

Distinctive Sound Custom Features Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of pickup configurations
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

• No high C string for extended range
• Less range than extended scale basses

Music Man Dark Ray Gold BarElectric BassBody: selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: roasted maple22...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 593300

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Stingray 4 H Special Ocean - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Music Man Stingray 4 H Special Ocean

by Music Man

Distinctive Sound Alternative Styles Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Perfect for most musical styles

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
• No high C string for extended range

Music Man Stingray 4 H Special OceanElectric BassBody: Selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 589263

$3,409

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Stingray 4 HH Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Music Man Stingray 4 HH Black

by Music Man

Custom Features Unique Designs Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Standard four-string configuration

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Perfect for most musical styles

✗ CONS

• Less range than extended scale basses
• May need alternate tunings for some styles

Music Man Stingray 4 HH BlackElectric BassBody: Selected hardwood5-Bolt neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599555

$3,079

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man BFR Stingray 4 H Special PBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Music Man BFR Stingray 4 H Special PBB

by Music Man

Alternative Styles Distinctive Sound Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

• May need alternate tunings for some styles
• No high C string for extended range

Music Man BFR Stingray 4 H Special PBBElectric BassLimited to 150 pieces worldwideBody: AshTop: Spalted mapleBolt-on...

⭐ 5.0/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 615146

$5,059

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Stingray 4 Sp HH Raspberry - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Music Man Stingray 4 Sp HH Raspberry

by Music Man

Custom Features Unique Designs Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
• No high C string for extended range

Music Man Stingray 4 Sp HH Raspberry4-String Electric BassBody: selected hardwoodNeck: Bolt-on mapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 513617

$3,959

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Stingray 4 Special Raspberry - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Music Man Stingray 4 Special Raspberry

by Music Man

Unique Designs Custom Features Distinctive Sound

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
• No high C string for extended range

Music Man Stingray 4 Special Raspberry4-String Electric BassBody: selected hardwoodNeck: Bolt-on mapleNeck mounting:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 513610

$3,849

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Dark Ray Obsidian Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Music Man Dark Ray Obsidian Black

by Music Man

Distinctive Sound Experimental Music Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• No high C string for extended range
• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Music Man Dark Ray Obsidian BlackElectric bassBody: Selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Ebony...

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 523117

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH B.Rock - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH B.Rock

by Music Man

Distinctive Sound Custom Features Specialty Applications

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Standard four-string configuration

✗ CONS

• Less range than extended scale basses
• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH B.RockElectric BassBody: Selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleRoasted maple...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 589570

$3,189

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Stingray 4 H Special Jackpot - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Music Man Stingray 4 H Special Jackpot

by Music Man

Distinctive Sound Unique Designs Specialty Applications

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of pickup configurations
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
• May need alternate tunings for some styles

Music Man Stingray 4 H Special JackpotElectric BassBody: Selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 589242

$3,189

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH Candyman - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH Candyman

by Music Man

Distinctive Sound Experimental Music Specialty Applications

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
• No high C string for extended range

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH CandymanElectric BassBody: Selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 589569

$3,464

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 4-String Basses

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 4-string basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best Music Man 4-String Basses 2025

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH FVS

Music Man Retro 70s StingRay Sunburst MC

Music Man Retro 70s StingRay White MC

Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH RW BE

Music Man Dark Ray Gold Bar

Music Man Stingray 4 H Special Ocean

Music Man Stingray 4 HH Black

Music Man BFR Stingray 4 H Special PBB

Music Man Stingray 4 Sp HH Raspberry

Music Man Stingray 4 Special Raspberry

Music Man Dark Ray Obsidian Black

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH B.Rock

Music Man Stingray 4 H Special Jackpot

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH Candyman

How to Choose the Best 4-String Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 4-string basses?

How much should I spend on 4-string basses?

Are expensive 4-string basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 4-string basses?

Should I buy 4-string basses online or in-store?

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