Music Man StingRay
Music Man · 1976
The Music Man StingRay is a 1976 electric bass co-designed by Leo Fender as a modern update to the Precision Bass. It introduced active electronics to bass design — a 9-volt-powered preamp with 2-band EQ, an oversized humbucker wired in parallel, and epoxy-sealed circuitry. It delivers a uniquely bright, scooped-mid, deep-low tone with high output and rigidity. It lacks passive tone shaping, midrange control in early models, and serviceable electronics. It became essential for slap bass, studio clarity, and cutting through dense mixes.