Music Man Short Scale StingRay Black

Essential Information About the Ernie Ball Music Man Short Scale StingRay Bass - Black

• Short scale 30" / 762 mm: reduced spacing, immediate comfort, and smoother playability.


• StingRay Neodymium humbucker pickup: a sharp attack and very round "thumpy" low end, designed specifically for the short scale.


• 100% passive electronics + 3-position rotary selector (parallel, single coil, series): precision to punch, without a preamp.


• 22 stainless steel frets + torrefied maple neck: modern feel, stability, and long-term durability.

A StingRay in short scale format: the spirit of an icon, in a compact version

The StingRay is one of the most recognizable basses in the history of electric instruments, appreciated for its direct character and presence in a mix. With the Short Scale StingRay, Ernie Ball Music Man retains the essential codes of the family (design, "modern classic" bridge, sonic personality) while offering a more compact and accessible format. This version embraces a modern approach to the short scale: not a "budget" bass, but a StingRay designed from the start to make the most of a shorter scale length, notably thanks to a specifically adapted pickup.

For whom and for which styles? A comfortable bass that doesn't lack punch

Thanks to its 30" / 762 mm scale length, this short scale StingRay is aimed both at bassists seeking more comfort and those looking for a softer response under the fingers. It suits beginners very well (easier handling, reduced spacing), but also intermediate and advanced players who want a more compact bass without sacrificing a true sonic signature.

Style-wise, its DNA is tailored for rock, pop, funk, soul, and anything that demands a bass that "speaks" immediately. In the studio or on stage, the passive electronics and 3-position selector allow quick adjustment of the tone: clean and defined, more scooped and snappy, or denser and punchier depending on the context.

Sound: from round short scale warmth to StingRay punch, with 3 usable voices

The heart of this bass is its StingRay humbucker with neodymium magnets. The neodymium magnets provide a generous output and a precise attack feel, while maintaining convincing warmth in passive mode. Combined with the ash body, it delivers a solid low end, dynamic response, and articulation that remains clear even when played aggressively.

The short scale also contributes to the character: slightly looser tension, notes that "bloom" easily, and a rounder side that invites playing with both pick and fingers. To shape all this, the 3-position rotary selector becomes a true musical tool: in parallel, the sound breathes and keeps definition; in true single-coil, clarity and precision in the upper midrange increase; in series, the bass becomes thicker and more impactful, ideal for pushing a band or making a bass line stand out without raising the volume.

Finally, the 22 stainless steel frets (tall, wide) provide a smooth and consistent feel, with excellent longevity. The ebony fingerboard adds a crisp and immediate attack, perfectly balancing the natural roundness of the short scale.

Recommended compatible accessories

To stay as close as possible to the original setup, you can opt for a short scale string set 45-105, identical to the gauge installed at the factory. A standard strap and a universal bass stand are also simple and reliable choices for transport and everyday use. A Mono Soft Case is included, convenient for protecting the instrument during travel.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	H	Scalloped	Double
Format	Short Scale	Body	Ash
Strings	Steel	Electronics	Passive
Nbr of strings	4	Color	Black
Fingerboard	Ebony	Finishing	Glossy
Nbrs of frets	22	Hardware	Black

Type	electric bass	Fingerboard finish	"gunstock" oil and hand-applied wax blend
Construction	solidbody	Radius	11" / 279 mm
Wood	ash	Inlays	dots
Finish	high gloss polyester	Side dots	dots
Pickguard	black, 3-ply BWBT	Frets	22, stainless steel, tall profile, wide
Assembly	5 bolts	Scale length	30" / 762 mm
Profile	C	Nut	compensated melamine
Thickness at 1st fret	0.833" / 21.2 mm	Nut width	1.5" / 38.1 mm
Thickness at 12th fret	0.936" / 23.8 mm	Bridge	Vintage Music Man top loaded, black, steel plate with black steel "vintage" saddles
Neck finish	"gunstock" oil and hand-applied wax blend	Tuners	Custom Music Man, lightweight, with tapered shafts and ergonomic "clover" design
Truss rod	adjustable, no removal of components or strings required	Knobs	dome, knurled edge dome top
Headstock color/finish	matching body