The original Stingray design employs a single humbucking pickup placed near the bridge for a tighter sound,[2] and an active pre-amp powered by a 9-volt battery.

Early iterations of this preamp came with a 2-band EQ (bass and treble), later augmented by an optional third band (midrange), and piezo pickups located in the bridge saddles.

Since Music Man was purchased by Ernie Ball Inc. in 1984, a number of new features and options have been added to the StingRay range.

Angled string pull on the headstock is reduced by a distinctive "3+1" design, with three tuning machines on top and one on the bottom.

the roasted maple neck option has become popular, due to the wood's beautiful aesthetics and its higher resistance to varying humidity.