Some basses mark an era—this one celebrates it in gold. The Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Special electric bass guitar honors five decades of a design that reshaped modern bass playing while delivering the speed, balance and authority today’s players expect. A lightweight poplar body keeps the instrument comfortable for long sets, while the roasted figured maple neck and ebony fingerboard provide a fast, articulate feel under the fingers. Meanwhile, a neodymium humbucker paired with an 18-volt 3-band active preamp delivers the unmistakable StingRay punch that has powered countless recordings and stages. Finished in limited-edition Molten Gold with a matching headstock and commemorative details throughout, this 50th Anniversary StingRay Special model blends heritage tone with modern performance refinement.
Neodymium Pickup and 18V Preamp Define the StingRay Voice
At the heart of the 50th anniversary StingRay Special is a powerful neodymium humbucker driven by an 18-volt active preamp that provides exceptional headroom and dynamic response. This electronics platform produces the tight lows, assertive mids and clear highs players expect from a StingRay, while remaining composed under aggressive attack. Additionally, the onboard 3-band EQ allows precise tonal shaping, making it easy to move from deep supportive grooves to articulate lead work without sacrificing clarity or definition.
Roasted Maple Neck and Ebony Fingerboard for Enhanced Feel and Stability
The roasted figured maple neck offers excellent stability and a smooth, fast-playing surface, finished with Music Man’s signature gunstock oil and hand-rubbed wax blend. Its comfortable C profile and sculpted five-bolt neck joint support fluid movement across all 22 stainless steel frets. The ebony fingerboard adds snap and note definition, while gold face dot inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers provide confident visual reference under demanding stage lighting.
50th Anniversary Appointments Blend Style and Reliability
Gold-plated hardware reinforces the celebratory aesthetic while maintaining road-ready performance. The vintage-style Music Man bridge, specially stamped “50th Anniversary,” anchors the strings securely for solid sustain and accurate intonation. Custom lightweight tuners with tapered posts improve overall balance and make tuning quick and dependable. Together with the Molten Gold finish and matching headstock, these premium touches give the instrument unmistakable visual authority onstage.
A Commemorative Bass for Demanding Players and Collectors
While the 50th Anniversary StingRay Special celebrates its heritage, it is very much built for today’s performance demands. The contoured body and sculpted five-bolt neck joint promote excellent balance and upper-fret access, helping the bass sit comfortably through long rehearsals and extended sets. At the same time, its limited-edition Molten Gold finish, commemorative details and included certificate of authenticity give the instrument clear collector appeal for those who appreciate the StingRay's place in music history.
Own Your Piece of The StingRay Legacy
Since its 1976 debut, the StingRay has remained a defining force in electric bass design, helping usher in the era of onboard active EQ and high-output humbucking tone. Its unmistakable voice has powered the grooves of Louis Johnson and Bernard Edwards, driven the aggressive energy of Flea and supported the progressive precision of Tony Levin, proving its range across decades of recorded music. The 50th Anniversary StingRay Special carries that lineage forward with modern refinements and unmistakable stage presence. For players who want an instrument with true historical weight and professional authority, the 50th Anniversary StingRay Special bass stands ready to anchor the next generation of low end.