Fender American Ultra II Precision Bass vs Music Man StingRay Special: Best Professional Bass Guitars Compared
The two most important bass designs in history. The classic P-Bass thump versus the modern aggressive StingRay articulation.
How Do They Compare?
| Fender American Ultra II Precision Bass | Music Man StingRay Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 2025 | 2018 |
| Body Wood | Alder | Lightweight ash |
| Neck Wood | Maple | Roasted maple |
| Fingerboard | Ebony (compound radius) | Rosewood (10" radius) |
| Pickup | Split-coil P-Bass (Noiseless) | Neodymium humbucker |
| Electronics | Passive (volume + tone) | Active 18V (volume + 2-band EQ) |
| Bridge | HiMass vintage-style | Music Man top-loading |
| Weight | ~8.5 lbs (~3.9 kg) | ~7.5 lbs (~3.4 kg) |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Scale Length | 34" | 34" |
| Frets | 20 | 22 |
| Tuners | Fender HiMass vintage | Music Man lightweight |
| Price | $2,199 | $2,199 |
The Contenders
The Precision Bass and the StingRay are the two most important bass designs in history. The Fender American Ultra II Precision Bass ($2,199) refines Leo Fender's original masterpiece — Ultra II Noiseless P-Bass pickup, redesigned body contours, sculpted neck heel, and HiMass bridge. It delivers that iconic P-Bass thump with modern playability and zero hum. The Music Man StingRay Special ($2,199) is the aggressive, punchy alternative — lightweight ash body, roasted maple neck, neodymium pickup with 18V active preamp. It cuts through any mix with authority. The P-Bass for classic, round tones; the StingRay for modern, aggressive articulation.
Fender American Ultra II Precision Bass
Fender's most advanced Precision Bass. Ultra II Noiseless P-Bass pickup, redesigned body contours, sculpted neck heel, compound-radius ebony fingerboard, and HiMass bridge. Delivers that iconic P-Bass thump with modern playability and zero hum. The definitive precision bass for the modern professional.
Music Man StingRay Special
The iconic active bass reimagined. Lightweight ash body, roasted maple neck, neodymium pickup with 18V active preamp, and a 2-band EQ. The punchy, aggressive tone that defined funk, rock, and pop for decades — now lighter, more resonant, and more playable than ever. Cuts through any mix with authority.
Verdict
Ultra II P-Bass for classic thump; StingRay Special for modern punch
Fender American Ultra II Precision Bass
Pros
- Ultra II Noiseless P-Bass pickup delivers classic P tone without hum
- The definitive precision bass sound — punchy, deep, and sits perfectly in any mix
- Sculpted neck heel and rolled fingerboard edges for maximum playing comfort
- HiMass bridge improves sustain and string definition
- Compound-radius ebony fingerboard feels fast and responsive
Cons
- Only one pickup configuration — less versatile than the StingRay's active preamp
- Passive electronics with no onboard EQ (classic P-Bass simplicity)
- Traditional slab body can be less comfortable than the StingRay's contoured design
- Heavier than the StingRay Special with its lightweight ash body
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special
Pros
- Powerful neodymium humbucker with 18V active preamp delivers massive, punchy tone
- 2-band active EQ gives you complete control over your sound
- Lightweight ash body and roasted maple neck make it incredibly comfortable to play
- The signature sound of funk, rock, and pop — instantly recognizable
- Excellent build quality with meticulous fit and finish
Cons
- Active electronics require a 9V battery — can die mid-performance
- Aggressive midrange may not suit every mix or genre
- Neodymium pickup has higher output that can overdrive some preamps
- No passive bypass option — if the battery dies, the bass is silent
Frequently Asked Questions
What Products Are in This Guide?
Fender American Ultra II Precision Bass
$2.2k USD
Fender's most advanced Precision Bass. Ultra II Noiseless P-Bass pickup, redesigned body contours, sculpted neck heel, compound-radius ebony fingerboard, and HiMass bridge. The definitive precision bass for the modern professional.
Music Man StingRay Special
$2.2k USD
The iconic active bass reimagined. Lightweight ash body, roasted maple neck, neodymium pickup with 18V active preamp, and a 2-band EQ. The punchy, aggressive tone that defined funk, rock, and pop for decades — now lighter, more resonant, and more playable than ever.
Cuban Tres, Bass & Guitar - played and recorded with my personal gear