🎸 Celebrating 50 Years of Innovation: Ernie Ball Music Man Honors the Iconic StingRay
March 10, 2026, 9:15 a.m.
Half a century ago, an ambitious idea to create “a better bass” led to the birth of what would become one of the most influential instruments in modern music history — the StingRay by Ernie Ball Music Man.
“It represents so much more than simply a musical instrument,” recalls Sterling Ball. “I witnessed its creation firsthand. To see that fifty years later it remains just as powerful, relevant, and inspiring is truly extraordinary.”
The instrument was originally developed under the direction of legendary innovator Leo Fender during his time at Music Man. The StingRay was not merely another addition to the bass guitar market. It became the first mass-produced bass guitar to feature active electronics — a groundbreaking advancement at that moment in history.
The guiding principle behind its creation was straightforward yet visionary: build a superior bass. Incorporating active electronics was a deliberate decision, as no production basses at that time offered such technology.
What followed was a remarkable blend of technical innovation and fortunate timing.
For five decades, the StingRay has defined the standard for bold, articulate, and forward-thinking bass tone. The Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Special pays tribute to this enduring legacy with two exclusive limited-edition finishes.
The Liquid Gold edition is individually hand-numbered and limited to just 50 instruments worldwide. It features a striking reflective gold pickguard that enhances its luxurious and exclusive appearance.
The Molten Gold version is limited to 300 instruments. It presents a metallic gold finish across both the body and headstock, with each bass displaying subtle variations that make every piece unique.
Both editions include an ebony fingerboard adorned with gold face dot inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers, ensuring clear visibility and effortless navigation on stage in any lighting environment.
A roasted figured maple neck combined with a poplar body provides a fast-playing, comfortable, and perfectly balanced performance feel. Gold hardware throughout — including a bridge stamped with the 50th Anniversary insignia — completes the sophisticated aesthetic.
A commemorative 50th Anniversary silkscreen detail appears on the back of the headstock. Each instrument is delivered in a deluxe hardshell case and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
50th Anniversary StingRay 4 Specifications:
• Roasted figured maple neck
• Gold face dot inlays with glow-in-the-dark side markers
• 50th Anniversary stamped bridge
• Certificate of authenticity
• Deluxe hardshell case
The 50th Anniversary StingRay 4 Special in Molten Gold will be available through all authorized Ernie Ball Music Man retailers, while the Liquid Gold finish will be offered exclusively through the Ernie Ball Music Man Vault platform.
In addition to the anniversary release, the StingRay Special line receives an expansion with seven new finishes available in four- and five-string configurations, offered with either H or HH pickup layouts. The new finishes include Classic Natural, Anomalous Green, Mean Blue Burst, Soda Pink Sparkle, Trans Orange, Violet Sparkle Burst, and Yellow Brick Road.
The celebration of 50 Years is more than a milestone. It is a testament to how Ernie Ball Music Man and the legendary StingRay continue to shape the sound of modern music, remaining a trusted choice for professional musicians across the globe.
