Sterling by Music Man Unveils 2025 Lineup of Basses

Featuring the Brand’s First Bongo model, a Limited-Edition Sterling SB14, and a 5-string DarkRay

Sterling by Music Man Unveils 2025 Lineup of Basses

Featuring the Brand’s First Bongo model, a Limited-Edition Sterling SB14, and a 5-string DarkRay

Sterling by Music Man is excited to unveil their 2025 model lineup, featuring three brand-new bass models. Pre-orders start January 23, with the exception of the DarkRay 5, which will launch later this year.

BONGO  

The iconic Bongo bass, now available from Sterling by Music Man, offers the same modern design players know and love. The Bongo features a roasted maple neck, sleekly contoured body, and deep cutaways, ensuring exceptional comfort and upperregister access. The dual humbuckers, pickup blend control, and 2-band EQ make it everything a modern bass should be. Available as a 4-sting and 5-string (Bongo 5) in Firemist Purple Satin or Stealth Black.  

MAP: $699.99 USD Bongo, $779.99 USD (Bongo 5)  

STERLING (SB14) 

The passive powerhouse is back. With an Alnico V parallel humbucker offering vintage warmth and dynamic responsiveness, this bass delivers a balanced and reliable sound across genres. It’s the ideal choice for those who appreciate the retro look and feel of the original Music Man Sterling model, while favoring the classic charm and playability of a passive bass. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity—this 4-string packs a versatile punch. The Sterling returns for 2025 in a stunning, limited-edition Blue Pearl finish. 

MAP: $649.99 USD 

DARKRAY 5 

Introducing the 5-string DarkRay, an innovative StingRay model designed in collaboration with Darkglass Electronics. The custom Darkglass® 2-band active preamp offers three modes: Clean (Preamp-only), Alpha (Distortion), and Omega (Fuzz), all accessible without a pedalboard. Switch between these circuits effortlessly with a colorcoded LED ring and 3-way selector. Available in Black.  

MAP: $1,479.99 US

About Sterling by Music Man 

Sterling by Music Man, based in Los Angeles, CA, is an Ernie Ball family brand operated by Praxis Musical Instruments. The Sterling by 

Music Man product offering is a result of strategic design and engineering to make the iconic Ernie Ball Music Man instruments, such as the StingRay basses and Cutlass guitars, more affordable and accessible to all players. The Sterling by Music Man lineup also showcases a wide range of innovative artist signature models, including the Majesty, Valentine, and St. Vincent guitars. For additional information about Sterling by Music Man, please visit www.sterlingbymusicman.com and follow us on Instagram @sterlingbymusicman.

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Bass Magazine   By: Bass Magazine