From Strat to Spectrum: Cory Wong Unveils a Game-Changing StingRay Bass-Inspired Guitar with Ernie Ball Music Man!
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1 year ago
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Introducing the StingRay II: Cory Wong’s Bold New Guitar collaboration with Ernie Ball Music Man
NAMM 2025: In an exciting partnership, Ernie ball Music Man has joined forces with renowned funk guitarist Cory Wong to unveil the innovative StingRay II guitar. This groundbreaking instrument draws inspiration from the legendary StingRay bass, marking a important milestone for the brand.
While previous StingRay guitar models have existed, this is the first time Ernie Ball Music Man has endeavored to faithfully incorporate features exclusive to bass guitars, such as the signature rounded scratchplate, into a six-string design.
Promising “unparalleled clarity,versatility,and precision,” the StingRay II is available in two distinct versions: the standard StingRay II and the upgraded StingRay II Deluxe. This new offering provides a fresh alternative to Wong’s signature Fender Strat, which debuted in 2021.
(Image credit: Ernie Ball Music Man)
Cory Wong’s Vision for the StingRay II
Reflecting on this exciting collaboration and his decision to explore beyond his beloved Fender Strats, Cory Wong expressed his gratitude, stating, “A huge thank you to Fender for allowing me to diversify my guitar collection. I’ve always identified as a Strat player, and it has shaped my musical identity. Though, this new instrument opens up a world of creative possibilities.”
Wong elaborated, “Each guitar brings out different nuances in your playing, influenced by its unique sound and feel.The neck’s texture, the pickups’ tonal qualities, and even the visual appeal all contribute to unlocking new creative pathways.”
The idea for this innovative guitar was sparked by Wong’s experience with a signature bass, leading him to envision a six-string version of the iconic design.
“When the Joe Dart Jr. StingRay bass was launched,I posed a seemingly simple question: ‘Could we add six strings and humbuckers?’ It turned out to be more complex than anticipated,but Music Man embraced the challenge and invited me to collaborate on the design and growth of this guitar,” Wong shared.
“The StingRay bass is a classic, but certain design elements needed to be adapted for it to function effectively as an electric guitar.”
Features and Specifications of the StingRay II
So, what can musicians expect from this new collaboration with the Vulfpeck guitarist? Both models feature a select alder body and an ergonomic design inspired by the StingRay bass, ensuring “smooth playability and effortless fret access.” Additionally, they come with a roasted figured maple neck.
Equipped with 22 stainless steel frets, gold hardware adorned with a Cory Wong neck plate, and ultra-clean Cory Wong HT humbuckers for both the bridge and neck pickups, these guitars are designed for performance.
The Deluxe version elevates the experience further with a roasted maple fretboard, elegant parchment binding, and a matching headstock for a refined aesthetic. The standard model is available in Charcoal Blue and Cashmere, while the Deluxe version comes in Pine Green and polaris White.
Availability and Limited editions
Starting today, both finishes of the StingRay II, along with the StingRay II Deluxe in Pine Green, are available through authorized Ernie Ball Music Man dealers.
For collectors, the exclusive StingRay II Deluxe in Polaris White is limited to just 30 units and can only be purchased through The Vault on the official Ernie Ball Music Man website.
From Strat to Spectrum: Cory Wong Unveils a Game-Changing StingRay Bass-Inspired Guitar with Ernie Ball Music Man
The Exciting Collaboration Between Cory Wong and Ernie Ball Music Man
Cory Wong, known for his impeccable rhythm guitar work and presence in the funk and jazz scenes, has joined forces with Ernie ball Music Man to introduce a revolutionary guitar design—a Spectrum of creativity now embodied in a unique six-string masterpiece inspired by the iconic StingRay bass.
Fusing traditional and cutting-edge design elements, Cory Wong’s signature model is anticipated to live up to the high standards set by both the artist and the legendary manufacturer. But what exactly does this new model bring to the table for musicians around the world?
innovative Features of the Cory Wong Signature Guitar
Drawing from the classic StingRay bass, Cory Wong’s new guitar model incorporates several innovative features designed to provide musicians with enhanced playability and sound versatility:
Sleek Design: Combining the aesthetic of a classic Stratocaster with the ergonomic comfort of a StingRay bass.
Custom Pickups: specially designed pickups offer a range of tones from smooth rhythms to powerful leads.
Lightweight Body: Using modern materials to ensure lightweight playability without compromising on sound quality.
Enhanced Fretboard: A wider fretboard radius allows for more intricate finger work and expression.
Technical Specifications
Feature
Description
Body Material
Swamp Ash
Neck
Roasted Maple
fretboard
24-Fret Rosewood
Scale Length
25.5 inches
Pickup Configuration
HH (Humbucker-Humbucker)
Benefits and Practical Tips for Musicians
The guitar stands out for its potential to empower musicians in various aspects:
Adaptability: Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, the dynamic tone control and versatile features allow for seamless adaptability.
Ergonomics: With its carefully balanced weight and body contouring, it minimizes fatigue, allowing long sessions without discomfort.
Aesthetic appeal: The captivating design is sure to be a visual influencer on stage, complementing its auditory excellence.
To get the most out of this guitar, musicians are encouraged to experiment with different pickup settings and leverage the full tonal profile this guitar offers. Additionally, following Cory Wong’s playing style−emphasizing rhythmic precision and creative chord voicings−can unlock new dimensions in performance.
Cory Wong: First-Hand Experience and Insight
Cory Wong himself has described his collaboration on this guitar as a dream project coming to life. Being closely involved in every stage of the design process ensured that each aspect met his distinctive style. “This guitar is like an extension of me,” says Wong. “It caters to everything I seek in an instrument−innovation, comfort, and a signature sonic fingerprint.”
Case Studies and Musical Impact
The anticipated release has drawn excitement across the music community. Many early testers have noted the impact of Cory Wong’s guitar on thier sound. Michael Sanchez, a professional session musician, remarked, “It’s like holding a piece of art−the resonance, the playability. It’s influential in redefining my approach to music.”
Comparative Table of Cory Wong Signature Guitar with Other Models
Comparison with Popular Models
Guitar Model
Price Range
Primary Genre Suitability
Cory Wong Signature
$2,500+
Funk, Jazz, Fusion
Fender Stratocaster
$1,200 – $2,800
Rock, Blues
Gibson Les Paul
$2,000 – $4,000
Rock, Metal
Why This Release is a Must-Watch for Guitar Enthusiasts
With its past roots and innovative leap, Cory Wong’s signature guitar with Ernie Ball Music Man is potentially the disruptive force the guitar world needs. The collaboration represents not just an advancement in design but a signal of what musical possibilities lie ahead.
For musicians and enthusiasts keen to explore the forefront of guitar innovation, staying updated with releases like this can provide unparalleled insights and opportunities to refine their craft. To further your understanding of groundbreaking music trends, consider joining platforms dedicated to musical growth.
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