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!
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Summary of bassists who use StingRay (1–10)
NumbPhoenix（Linkin Park）
Phoenix, the bassist of Linkin Park, has favored the StingRay since the band’s early days.
The hallmark of the StingRay is its powerful sound.
In a thunderous rock band, that tone is likely advantageous for holding its own against the guitars.
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.
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.
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.
Robert Trujillo（Metallica）
Robert Trujillo, who has been crafting heavy bass lines as Metallica’s bassist since 2003, has played instruments from a variety of makers, including Warwick, Aria Pro II, Zon Sonus, and Fender—and a StingRay is among them.
In fact, in the audition footage from when he joined Metallica, he can be seen holding a StingRay.
Before joining, he drew attention for his distinctive playing—shaped by jazz and funk influences—with bands like Suicidal Tendencies.
His dynamic, high‑energy performances have left a strong impression on fans, and his playing style continues to influence countless bassists to this day.
Right Back At It AgainJoshua Woodard（A Day To Remember）
Joshua Woodard, who served as the bassist for A Day To Remember, is a devoted StingRay user.
There are live videos and music videos where he plays a Fender Jazz Bass as well, but you can often see him performing with a StingRay.
In the American loud rock and emo scenes, many bassists use StingRays.
The powerful sound of the StingRay really suits these genres.