“This is the bass I’ve wanted to make for years”: Sterling by Music Man releases signature bass with two dummy knobs that do absolutely nothing for MxPx bassist Mike Herrera
MxPx punk bass icon Mike Herrera has been honored with an all-new Sterling by Music Man signature build – and it’s headlined by the fact it has two control knobs that do absolutely nothing.
Herrera has injected what the firm calls his “relentlessly DIY spirit” into this Artist Series StingRay Bass, and it’s an instrument stripped down to the raw essentials. It comes three years after a Ernie Ball Music Man signature run was limited to just 10 models.
A jabon body joins a hard maple neck and 21-fret fingerboard. Hardware includes a fixed bridge, a single passive ceramic humbucker for “punchy tone and road-tested reliability,” and open gear tuners.
(Image credit: Sterling by Music Man Mike)
“The result,” Ernie Ball says, “is a punk rock workhorse built for players who value simplicity, style, and stage-ready performance.”
“This is the bass I’ve wanted to make for years,” says Herrera. “After playing a StingRay for over two decades, I know exactly what I need from it. This Sterling bass sounds exactly like a StingRay should, with a look and color that’s instantly recognizable in a crowd.”
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“This is the bass I’ve wanted to make for years”: Sterling by Music Man Releases Mike Herrera Signature Bass
A Bold New Signature Bass for MxPx Bassist Mike Herrera
Sterling by Music Man has stunned the bass community with the release of a unique signature bass guitar designed in collaboration with MxPx bassist Mike Herrera. The standout feature? Two dummy knobs on the body that do absolutely nothing.
Mike Herrera himself describes this model as “the bass I’ve wanted to make for years,” bringing his decades of playing experience into an instrument that’s as quirky and iconic as his style. Featuring Sterling by Music man’s hallmark quality combined with an offbeat design twist, this bass is not only a sonic powerhouse but also a statement piece for players seeking individuality.
Key features of the Mike Herrera signature Bass
Two Dummy Knobs: These aesthetic controls are purely decorative and do not alter sound, adding character and intrigue.
classic Sterling by Music Man Build Quality: Crafted with a solid poplar body, a bolt-on maple neck, and an amaranth fingerboard for smooth fretting.
Simplified Electronics: Engineered for a straightforward setup, focusing on delivering clear, punchy tones favored by Herrera.
stingray heritage: The bass has the iconic StingRay design familiar to Music Man enthusiasts, tailored specifically to Mike’s preferences.
Affordable Price Point: Sterling’s mission to provide high-quality instruments for every musician ensures this signature model remains accessible.
What Are Dummy Knobs and Why Do They Matter?
The two dummy knobs on Mike Herrera’s Sterling by Music Man bass are purely cosmetic – they appear functional but serve no electronic purpose. This design choice pays homage to vintage basses and guitar quirks from decades past and emphasizes the bass as an art form, not just a tool.
Creating such “non-functional” features is unusual in modern bass design where every knob typically controls sound parameters. Herrera’s vision breaks this trend by embracing aesthetic playfulness and challenging conventional design,making this bass much more than a musical instrument – it’s a conversation starter.
Technical Specifications
Spec
Description
Body Wood
poplar
Neck
Bolt-on Maple
Fingerboard
Amaranth
Pickups
Sterling by Music man custom Single Coil
Controls
Volume, Tone, 2 Dummy Knobs (Non-functional)
Finish
Matte Black with custom Graphics
Benefits of Choosing the Mike Herrera Signature Sterling Bass
Unmatched Style with Playful Design
This bass doesn’t just sound good; it communicates personality. its dummy knobs make it unique on the gigging circuit or studio sessions, giving players an instantly recognizable look.
Affordable Yet Professional
Players interested in owning a signature Sterling by Music Man bass but wary of high costs can rest assured. This instrument bridges high-quality craftsmanship and affordability, making it suitable for beginners up to seasoned pros.
Ideal for Punk, Alternative, and Rock Players
Mike Herrera’s own punk rock background makes this bass perfect for players looking to capture gritty, vibrant tones.
The straightforward electronics simplify tone-shaping, perfect for those who want to focus on playing rather than tweaking knobs endlessly.
First-Hand Player Experience and User Feedback
Early adopters praise the bass for its fast neck and punchy tone reminiscent of customary Stingray basses, while appreciating the quirky aesthetic nod with the dummy knobs.
musicians note the poplar body’s lightweight feel and how the amaranth fingerboard provides excellent comfort during extended sessions. The balance between vintage influence and modern build quality makes it a versatile addition to any bass player’s arsenal.
How This Bass Fits Within the sterling by Music Man Lineup
Sterling by Music Man is known for its range of affordable bass guitars designed to emulate iconic Music Man models,like the StingRay,with high-quality materials and craftsmanship at attractive prices.
Similar models include:
StingRay Ray4: Known for its classic look and beginner-friendly profile.
Intro Series Stingray: Focuses on simplicity and workhorse reliability for players on the move.
The Mike Herrera signature bass adds a fresh layer to this lineup, prioritizing personality through its dummy knobs while retaining Sterling’s renowned build and tone [[1]](https://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling-by-Music-Man/Bass.gc) [[3]](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Ray2EB–sterling-by-music-man-stingray-ray2-bass-guitar-electric-blue).
Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Mike Herrera Signature Bass
Customize Your sound: Experiment with your amplifier and pedalboard settings to complement the bass’s clean,punchy tone.
Use the Dummy Knobs Creatively: While they don’t control electronics, they can serve as unique tactile markers or conversation starters on stage.
Maintenance: Regularly clean the amaranth fingerboard and check bolt-on neck screws to maintain playability and tone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question
Answer
Do the dummy knobs control any sound or effect?
No,they are purely cosmetic and have no electronic function.
What genre of music is this bass best suited for?
It excels in punk, alternative rock, and any style favoring punchy, straightforward bass tones.
Is the signature bass affordable for beginners?
Yes, Sterling by Music Man designs prioritize affordable prices without sacrificing quality.
Can I get this bass in diffrent finishes?
The current edition primarily features matte black with custom graphics as per Mike Herrera’s preferences.
Summary of Why This Signature Bass Is a Game-Changer
Combines classic Sterling by Music Man quality with innovative personal design.
offers a fresh aesthetic statement through the use of non-functional dummy knobs.
Balances professional tone with an accessible price point.
Ideal for musicians wanting to emulate Mike Herrera’s style and spirited approach.
For bassists looking to stand out both sonically and visually, the Mike Herrera sterling by Music Man signature bass is a must-have instrument that celebrates individuality and quality craftsmanship like no other.
This being a Sterling by Music Man, the Mike Herrera Artist Series StingRay Bass costs just $449.99.
Head to Sterling by Music Man for more.
Herrera previously told Bass Player that his music career has been full of valuable lessons.
(Image credit: Sterling by Music Man Mike)
The drop follows the long-awaited Sterling version of Rabea Massaad’s signature Sabre guitar. The British virtuoso signed with Ernie Ball in 2023, and his well-spec’d Music Man Sabre launched at NAMM 2024.
A freelance writer with a penchant for music that gets weird, Phil is a regular contributor to Prog, Guitar World, and Total Guitar magazines and is especially keen on shining a light on unknown artists. Outside of the journalism realm, you can find him writing angular riffs in progressive metal band, Prognosis, in which he slings an 8-string Strandberg Boden Original, churning that low string through a variety of tunings. He’s also a published author and is currently penning his debut novel which chucks fantasy, mythology and humanity into a great big melting pot.
