MUSIC MAN Instrument Buyback and Used Sales

StingRay (1979)

Appraised Value: 360,000 yen

StingRay 5 (2001)

Appraised Value: 143,000 yen

ARMADA

Appraised Value: 110,000 yen

Music Man was founded in 1972, spearheaded by Leo Fender, the founder of Fender.
Even after leaving Fender, he launched this brand as a new challenge, driven by his belief in “making better instruments.”
The company began by developing amplifiers, and in 1976, it unveiled the StingRay and StingRay Bass, which became the brand’s iconic models. Their innovative design, featuring active circuitry and humbucker pickups, completely overturned the conventional wisdom of guitars and basses at the time.
Later, in 1984, the brand was acquired by Ernie Ball, a string manufacturer.
This established the current “Ernie Ball Music Man” structure, and the brand continues to evolve as one that balances quality and innovation.

Founder Leo Fender built upon his experience from the Fender era, relentlessly pursuing the creation of “instruments that are truly usable on stage,” resulting in a brand with unmatched character and reliability.
Bass is known for its powerful, clear sound. It has a presence that makes you say, “That’s the MUSIC MAN sound” the moment you hear it, and has been favored by top bassists such as Louis Johnson and Free.
In the guitar realm, the brand has produced numerous signature models. Eddie Van Halen, Steve Lukather, and John Petrucci have become iconic figures for the brand.
Its high playability and practical sound are the reasons it has garnered support from so many professional musicians.

A powerful yet clear sound delivered by active circuitry. The humbucking pickups and preamp featured in the flagship StingRay Bass model deliver both a thick, solid low end and a crisp, punchy attack, ensuring the bass never gets lost in a band ensemble. The confidence that comes from a sound that “cuts through” regardless of genre is a major asset for many players.
Whether in funk or rock, or even pop and jazz, it plays a role in supporting the core of the rhythm while tightening up the entire song. This exquisite balance of “thickness, speed, and projection” is the reason it continues to attract so many bassists.
For guitarists as well, the fast response and wide dynamic range are major attractions. It combines clarity that doesn’t lose definition even in high-gain sounds with excellent playability, earning the support of many professional guitarists.
Bass／Regardless of the instrument, MUSIC MAN’s defining characteristic is its pursuit of a “sound that cuts through the ensemble.”

Bass
When it comes to MUSIC MAN electric guitars, the StingRay Bass—which has become synonymous with the brand—is the quintessential model.
Equipped with powerful humbucking pickups and active EQ, it delivers both a thick, core-filled low end and a crisp, cutting attack, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles, from slapping to fingerstyle. Additionally, the robust hardware—including the bridge and tuning pegs—is a major selling point.
The StingRay comes in a wide variety of models, including Japanese-made versions, the excellent value-for-money Sterling by Music Man series, as well as dual-humbucker and 5-string models, offering a wealth of options to suit every player’s style.
The distinctive character found in every model—that unmistakable “MUSICMAN feel”—is the unrivaled appeal of MUSIC MAN.

Guitar
When it comes to Music Man electric guitars, the AXIS—also known as Eddie Van Halen’s signature model—is one of the most iconic.
With a compact body shape that’s easy to hold, a neck featuring a gentle fingerboard radius and wider frets designed for aggressive playing, and a Floyd Rose system that ensures tuning stability even during intense whammy bar use, this model goes beyond the typical signature model to prioritize playability.
The AXIS lineup is extensive, including the Japanese-made AXIS EX, the budget-friendly Sterling by Music Man brand, and the AXIS Sport, which features a synchronized tremolo unit.
The ability to choose a model based on your needs and budget is another appealing feature, making it a highly recommended choice within the Music Man lineup.