A compilation of bassists who use StingRays
Among basses, the MUSIC MAN StingRay stands out as a true icon.
Its distinctive look—like the headstock shape and tuner layout, the body contours, and that characteristic pickguard—makes it instantly recognizable as a StingRay.
It’s also famous as a quintessential active bass with a single humbucking pickup, and its powerful sound is loved by bassists across all genres.
In this article, we’ll introduce a lineup of bassists who use—or have used—the uniquely characteristic StingRay.
Let’s dive in!
- 【2026】A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Rising Stars
- A compilation of bassists who use StingRays
- Love at first sight with a bass girl! The female bassist of a popular band
- Practice songs for beginner electric bass players
- [Low End] A Collection of Japanese Songs Featuring Standout Bass Solos [2026]
- [Low End] A collection of Japanese songs with high-difficulty bass parts [Cool]
- Who’s the World’s Best!? A Roundup of Famous Bassists from Around the Globe
- [Selected by the pros!] 10 great bassists from the jazz fusion world
- [J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool singing bassists
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- [Piano × Guitar] A roundup of perfect songs for sessions
- Master one song over summer break! Recommended practice songs to level up your bass
- Heart-piercing, bittersweet songs and sad music for Instagram Stories
Summary of bassists who use StingRay (1–10)
Silent JealousyTAIJI（X JAPAN）
After his success with X JAPAN and later as the bassist for LOUDNESS, TAIJI is strongly associated with using Killar basses, but in fact, there was also a period when he played a StingRay.
You can see him performing with a StingRay in early-1990s live footage from his time in X JAPAN.
It’s said he used it for recording the album “Jealousy,” as well as during the LOUDNESS era.
The songs he created and his playing style continue to influence many musicians today, and it’s only natural that his appeal will be carried on for generations.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterAyuni D (PEDRO)
Ayuni D, known for her unique personality, launched her solo project PEDRO in 2016 while she was active as a member of BiSH.
The instrument she chose then was the StingRay in the Stealth Black model.
Although she says she picked it purely for its looks, this bass makes her performances stand out.
She practiced diligently in between BiSH’s activities, and after BiSH disbanded, she continued her solo career.
For her second bass, she chose a sunburst StingRay, and you can see her playing it in live shows and music videos.
Highway to HellCliff WIlliams（AC/DC）
Born in the UK, the bassist of AC/DC was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the other members in 2003.
Since the 1995 album Ballbreaker, he has been using a StingRay bass.
The StingRay is known for its powerful sound, making it popular among bassists who play stadium-sized shows.
Bassists who use StingRays (11–20)
FuyunoIgarashi (Hitorie)
Formed in 2011 and making their major debut in 2014 with “Senseless Wonder,” the band Hitorie’s bassist, Igarashi, was playing a StingRay bass.
Speaking of Hitorie, the sudden passing of wowaka in 2019—the leader who wrote all their songs—was truly shocking.
Now that they are a three-piece band, Igarashi’s bass tone seems to serve as the backbone that supports the group.
The tone is rough-hewn yet solid at its core, with a uniquely captivating character.
Dream OnTom Hamilton（Aerosmith）
Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith has used a variety of basses.
One of his favorites has been the Music Man StingRay.
Even if it isn’t their main instrument, the StingRay’s distinctive tone is likely an important part of the palette for professional musicians.
ResponsibilityMike Herrera（MxPx）
MxPx is a band that epitomized the punk rock scene of the ’90s.
Mike Herrera—the bassist, vocalist, and primary songwriter—left a strong impression with his performances singing while playing a StingRay.
During this era, the StingRay was used by many bands across punk and hardcore alike.
Glass BluesNaoe Yoshifumi (BUMP OF CHICKEN)
You might not have a strong image of Yoshifumi Naoi, the bassist of BUMP OF CHICKEN, playing a StingRay, but on the cover of their 1999 album FLAME VEIN, you can see him holding one.
Over time, however, his gear has evolved, and he has used Jazz and Precision Basses from brands like Fender, SONIC, and Sadowsky.