Bass Guitar
Sterling StingRay Short Scale
Price: 540 EUR – 823 EUR
Price history
Cheapest seen
Most expensive seen
Availability: 4/10 (Common)
A short-scale take on the StingRay body shape, shrinking the scale length to roughly 30 inches for easier reach while keeping the model's single-humbucker StingRay tone.
About the Sterling StingRay Short Scale
The StingRay Short Scale keeps the StingRay's recognizable offset body, large pickguard and bridge-position humbucker layout, but shortens the scale length to around 30 inches, well below the 34-inch scale of the standard StingRay. That shorter scale reduces string tension at standard tuning, which makes bends and reach across frets noticeably easier - useful both for smaller-handed players and for guitarists doubling on bass who want a more familiar fretting distance. The tradeoff is a slightly looser string feel and a marginally less taut low end than a full-scale StingRay at the same tuning.
Electrically, it follows the same single-humbucker, active-preamp concept the StingRay family is built around, keeping the punchy, midrange-forward growl associated with the pickup's position close to the bridge. Built as part of the Indonesian-made Sterling line rather than Ernie Ball Music Man's US-made catalog, it targets players who want the StingRay sound and shape specifically in a more compact, easier-to-play format rather than as a budget alternative to a full-scale US model.
Where to buy
Price
–
-
Reverb 540 EUR Best price View details
-
Reverb 771 EUR View details
-
Reverb 771 EUR View details
-
Reverb 791 EUR View details
-
Reverb 794 EUR View details
-
Reverb 823 EUR View details
No platform selected – pick at least one above.
Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Source: https://reverb.com/item/100815195-sterling-by-music-man-rayss4-stingray-short-scale-toluca-lake-blue
Sound character of the Sterling StingRay Short Scale
Shortening the StingRay's scale to around 30 inches (from the standard 34) reduces string tension noticeably, softening the attack and warming the tone compared to a full-scale StingRay, while the single bridge humbucker still keeps some of the StingRay's characteristic midrange presence.
Technical data for the Sterling StingRay Short Scale
| Body | Poplar/basswood |
|---|---|
| Neck | Maple, bolt-on |
| Scale | ~30" (short scale) |
| Pickup | 1x humbucker (StingRay-style) |
| Electronics | Active preamp |
| Origin | Indonesia |
Price history for the Sterling StingRay Short Scale
Cheapest seen: 540 EUR · Most expensive seen: 823 EUR
Cheapest seen
Most expensive seen
The history of the Sterling StingRay Short Scale
The StingRay Short Scale reduces the standard StingRay's 34-inch scale to roughly 30 inches for easier reach, while keeping the model's bridge-position humbucker and active preamp.
Related guides
- 4-String vs. 5-String: What Beginners Actually Need View details
- Active vs. Passive Electronics: How They Differ in Sound View details
- Buying a Used Bass Guitar: What to Check View details