The Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling 4 was introduced in 1993 with a single pickup, Ash body, and Maple neck with Rosewood fingerboard. In 2005, a second neck pickup became available.

Music Man was founded in 1972 by Leo Fender, Forrest White and Tom Walker, originally named Tri-Sonix, then MusiTek and in 1974 became Music Man. Leo Fender was still bound by a 1965 non-competition agreement with CBS, so until 1975 he was a silent partner though he left the company in 1979. Music Man struggled until Ernie Ball bought it in 1984 for its guitar business, not its amplification arm. Since then, quality and acceptance have risen dramatically and Ernie Ball Music Man products are consistently top quality and innovative.

This Music Man Sterling 4 HS features the standard Sterling construction, and uses a (now unavailable) humbucking and single coil configuration. A single, standard 9v battery powers the active EQ and preamp section. The modern versions are HH, a pair of humbuckers. The body is Ash, the 5-bolt neck is Maple with Rosewood fingerboard and a compensated nut. This bass dates to November 28, 2006 and was built in San Luis Obispo, California. It is in overall good condition with light to moderate fret wear and a few small dents in the body finish. The neck finish is EBMM’s combination of a gloss or satin headstock and oil for the length of the neck – a very comfortable scheme.

The original Music Man hard shell case is included.

Here is Ernie Ball on the Music Man Sterling 4:

“Renowned for its slightly smaller body and neck profile, the Sterling 4 string bass boasts a big sound. Nine volt active 3 band EQ preamp, 3 position pickup selector switch, and a ceramic humbucker with hum canceling phantom coil come standard, equipping the Sterling to cut through any mix.

The optional addition of a pickup in the neck position adds even more versatility to this innovative bass. The Sterling delivers comfort, functionality, and the precision craftsmanship and attention to detail you’ve come to expect from Ernie Ball Music Man. “