Music gear enthusiasts and metalcore architects, take note. Sterling by Music Man has officially pushed the boundaries of its most iconic silhouette with the release of the 2026 StingRay Baritone in Toluca Lake Blue. Retailing at £699.00, this instrument is designed for the modern player who demands the punch of a StingRay with the subterranean depth of a baritone.
Historically, the StingRay has been celebrated for its clarity and “spank,” but the 2026 Baritone model takes that DNA and drags it into heavier territory. By extending the scale length to 27.5 inches and shipping the guitar in B-Standard tuning, Sterling has created a beast that maintains string tension and note definition, even under heavy saturation.
Built for Stability and Speed
The first thing players will notice is the Roasted Maple neck. Not only does the roasting process give the wood a premium, dark aesthetic, but it also removes moisture, making the neck incredibly stable against temperature and humidity changes. Paired with a Rosewood fingerboard featuring bold White Pearloid Block inlays, the guitar feels as high-end as it looks.
For those who bridge the gap between vintage vibe and modern aggression, the guitar features a Vintage Tremolo system. While tremolos can often be a point of failure for tuning on baritones, Sterling has countered this by including locking tuners as standard, ensuring rock-solid stability during dive bombs or heavy riffing.
High-Output Tonal Firepower
At the heart of the Toluca Lake Blue StingRay Baritone is a pair of specially voiced Ceramic Humbuckers. These pickups are designed to handle the increased mass of baritone strings, providing tight lows and crisp highs that won’t “muddy out.” The simple control layout—one volume, one tone, and a 3-way toggle—allows players to focus on performance rather than fiddling with knobs.
Whether you are looking to add a new texture to your studio recordings or need a road-ready axe for the stage, the StingRay Baritone delivers a deeper low-end presence that remains unmistakably “Music Man.”
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
What is the scale length of the Sterling StingRay Baritone?
The guitar features a 27.5” (698.5 mm) scale length, which is ideal for maintaining tension in lower tunings like B-Standard or Drop A.
What tuning does it come with from the factory?
It arrives set up in B-Standard (B-E-A-D-F#-B) using Ernie Ball 2839 Baritone Slinky strings.
What are the benefits of a Roasted Maple neck?
Roasted maple is more resistant to warping and environmental changes. It also offers a smoother, “broken-in” feel and enhanced resonance.
Can the ceramic humbuckers handle clean tones?
Yes. While they are optimized for high-gain “bite,” ceramic magnets provide excellent clarity that allows clean baritone passages to ring out with piano-like definition.
Is the body heavy?
The body is crafted from Poplar, known for its relative lightweight and resonant tone, making it comfortable for long sets.
Our Thoughts: The Verdict
The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Baritone is a masterclass in “trickle-down” quality. For $849.99/£699.00, you get features usually reserved for premium American-made instruments—specifically, a roasted maple neck and locking tuners.
I would much rather have this sexy blue baritone than the recent PRS Cosmic Splash Ed Sheeran baritone model.
What we love: The Toluca Lake Blue finish, paired with the color-matched headstock, is stunning. It’s refreshing to see a “heavy” guitar that doesn’t just come in matte black. The 27.5″ scale is the “sweet spot” for baritones; it’s long enough to keep the B string tight but short enough that it still feels like a guitar rather than a short-scale bass.
The Bottom Line: If you’re a modern player looking to explore lower registers without sacrificing the ergonomic comfort of a classic offset body, this is likely the best value baritone hitting the market in 2026.
Price & Availability
Available at Sweetwater – $849.99
More Information
#Sterling by Music Man #StingRay Baritone #Toluca Lake Blue
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