For five decades, the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay has set the global benchmark for bold, forward-leaning bass tone. Born in the 1970s, this iconic “groove machine” quickly became the go-to instrument for serious bassists across all genres. To celebrate a half-century of low-end supremacy, Ernie Ball Music Man has announced the release of the 50th Anniversary StingRay Special, honoring its rich legacy with two highly exclusive, premium gold finishes.
Here is everything you need to know about these highly anticipated, limited-edition instruments.
Two Exclusive Golden Editions: Liquid Gold and Molten Gold
To commemorate 50 years of innovation, the Anniversary StingRay is being offered in two distinct, extremely limited production runs, both shipping in a deluxe hardshell case with a certificate of authenticity.
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Liquid Gold (Limited to 50 worldwide): This ultra-rare edition is hand-numbered and features a striking golden reflective pickguard for a truly exclusive, show-stopping presentation.
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Molten Gold (Limited to 300 worldwide): Showcasing a dazzling metallic gold finish on the body and matching headstock, this version features no pickguard, allowing the finish’s unique character to take center stage.
A Perfect Blend of Vintage Vibe and Modern Playability
While these models celebrate the past, they are built firmly for the modern stage and studio. Both editions feature a deeply contoured, lightweight body sculpted for maximum ergonomic comfort during marathon sessions.
When it comes to the neck, Ernie Ball Music Man spared no expense. The basses are equipped with a premium roasted flame maple neck attached via a rock-solid 5-bolt contoured neck joint. The special roasting process removes moisture from the wood, rendering it highly resistant to temperature and humidity changes while reducing weight. This is topped with a silky-smooth ebony fretboard featuring 22 durable stainless steel frets, elegant gold dot inlays, and glow-in-the-dark side markers for effortless navigation on dark stages.
Exceptional Electronics for Unmistakable Tone
The StingRay’s tight low end, punchy mids, and unmistakable attack have been heard in the hands of legendary players like Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Bernard Edwards (Chic), and John Deacon (Queen).
The 50th Anniversary models keep this legacy alive with redesigned electronics for expanded frequency response and greater punch.
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Neodymium Humbucking Pickup: Features a massive magnet structure, stout pole pieces, and unique gold highlights.
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18-Volt Active Preamp: Paired with a 3-band EQ, this system provides massive headroom and huge tonal versatility without a hint of noise, making it perfect for driving long cable runs and complex processing chains.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Model | 50th Anniversary StingRay |
| Scale Length | 34″ (86.4 cm) |
| Body Wood | Poplar / Ash (varies by specific run) |
| Body Finishes | Liquid Gold (High Gloss); Molten Gold (High Gloss) |
| Neck Wood | Roasted Figured Maple (Gunstock oil and hand-rubbed wax finish) |
| Fingerboard | Ebony (11″ Radius) with Gold Dot inlays |
| Frets | 22 – High profile, medium width, Stainless Steel |
| Pickups | Single Humbucking with Neodymium magnets |
| Controls | 3-band active preamp (18V); Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass |
| Bridge | Vintage Music Man® top-loaded (50th Anniversary gold-plated steel) |
| Hardware | Gold, including lightweight custom tuning machines |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many 50th Anniversary StingRay basses are being produced?
Production is strictly limited worldwide. There will be only 50 instruments produced in the Liquid Gold finish, and 300 instruments produced in the Molten Gold finish.
What is the difference between the Liquid Gold and Molten Gold models?
The Liquid Gold edition is hand-numbered (limited to 50) and includes a golden reflective pickguard. The Molten Gold edition (limited to 300) features a metallic gold finish on both the body and headstock, but does not include a pickguard.
Does the bass come with a case?
Yes, every 50th Anniversary StingRay ships with a deluxe hardshell case and a certificate of authenticity.
Why does this model use an 18-volt preamp instead of a 9-volt?
The updated 18-volt active preamp system provides impressive headroom, enabling a much wider dynamic range. This ensures your signal remains clean, fat, and punchy, even when aggressively boosting the EQ or driving long signal chains.
Verdict
The Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Special is a masterful tribute to one of the most important instruments in modern music history. By combining the classic aesthetic and tone that made the original a staple with modern enhancements like a roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, and an 18-volt preamp, these limited-edition basses offer the best of both worlds.
Molten Gold Model Availability
More Information
#Ernie Ball Music Man #50th Anniversary StingRay Special Bass
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