Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster Floyd Rose Rosewood Fingerboard Electric Guitar 3-Color Sunburst
Music Man's updated take on the legendary StingRay bass, featuring a redesigned preamp, roasted maple neck, and modern appointments. This is the active bass that defined funk, rock, and metal low-end for five decades, now refined for contemporary players.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Powerful neodymium humbucker with 18-volt preamp delivers crushing output and clarity
- +Roasted maple neck provides improved stability, faster feel, and vintage aesthetics
- +3-band EQ offers massive tonal shaping—from deep Motown thump to aggressive metal clank
- +Music Man build quality is second to none—flawless fretwork and finish
- +Burnt Apple finish with matching headstock looks absolutely stunning
Cons
- −18-volt active system requires two 9V batteries—inconvenient and expensive to maintain
- −Single pickup configuration limits tonal versatility compared to P/J or dual-humbucker basses
- −$2,500+ price puts it in boutique territory—expensive for a 'workhorse' instrument
- −Heavy instrument—expect 9+ lbs, which adds up during 3-hour gigs
The Verdict
The StingRay Special earns its 90 EJ score by refining a classic formula without neutering what made it legendary. Flea, Tony Levin, and John Myung didn’t choose StingRays by accident—this is a bass that cuts through any mix with authority. The 18-volt preamp upgrade provides more headroom and punch than vintage models. Yes, $2,500 is a lot, but Music Man’s build quality justifies it. If you need one bass for rock, funk, metal, or anything that demands aggressive, cutting tone, this is it. Just budget for batteries.
