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]
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- [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
- [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 StingRays (21–30)
Stop On ByGail Ann Dorsey
The female bassist known for working with David Bowie and Lenny Kravitz is Gail Ann Dorsey.
An avid StingRay user, she’s distinguished not only by her bass technique but also by her outstanding vocals.
In this video, you can watch a performance where she overlays her singing on accompaniment played on a StingRay.
Crazy TrainRob Nicholson
Rob Nicholson, who plays bass as a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band, uses a StingRay that’s black down to the hardware.
As expected, an all-black look truly screams metal.
The StingRay’s appeal is that it can make its presence felt in any genre.
Everybody DanceBernard Edwards（Chic）
He is famous as the bassist of CHIC, a soul and funk disco band active in the 1970s and 1980s.
Together with CHIC’s guitarist Nile Rodgers, he produced tracks such as Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” In 1996, after a concert at the Nippon Budokan, he suddenly passed away due to ill health.
It’s so sad…
Kalan Blehm
Kalan Blehm, the bassist of the Atlanta-based band Attila, is also a StingRay user.
Attila is known for their playful lyrics, but the individual members’ skills are off the charts! Here’s a song aptly titled “Pizza.”
Real ThingFranz Lyons
Turnstile, a must-watch band in the hardcore scene from the United States.
The gritty, driving bass sound that Franz Lyons lays down comes from a StingRay.
In this music video, a flashy bass with an all-white finish and gold hardware makes an appearance.
Takamizu Kenji
As a studio musician who has long supported Japan’s music scene, Kenji Takamizu is one of the devoted users of the StingRay.
While the StingRay is often associated with band bassists, its distinctive tone is a powerful asset across genres.
You can see that the StingRay is actually a bass with a wide range of applications.
Ryan O’Leary
Fit for a King is a Christian metalcore band that even toured Japan in 2017.
Their bassist Ryan O’Leary, known for his powerful performances, is also a StingRay user.
There’s a famous Warped Tour clip where he tries a bass swing, the strap comes off, and the bass flies off as is.
This track is a fiery one from their 2018 album that evokes classic metal.