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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 Fretless Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
For those seeking the ultimate in fretless bass performance, the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 is a game-changer. This bass isn't just an instrument; it's an experience. The roasted flame maple neck provides a smooth, fast-playing surface that enhances both comfort and speed, allowing you to glide effortlessly across its sleek, inlay-free fingerboard. Designed with precision and passion, the StingRay Special 5's ash body and figured maple top deliver a sonorous resonance that is paired with stunning visual appeal.
At the heart of this bass is its cutting-edge electronics. The neodymium humbucking pickup is engineered to offer a rich low-end punch and aggressive midrange growl, perfect for any musical style from jazz fusion to rock. Coupled with an 18-volt active preamp and 3-band EQ, this bass provides unparalleled tonal versatility, letting you craft your sound with precision and drive long cable runs without losing any clarity or power.
The attention to detail in the hardware is equally impressive. Lightweight Music Man tuning machines and a StingRay Special bridge ensure stability and sustain, while the blacked-out hardware adds a modern, sophisticated look. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the StingRay Special 5 combines aesthetic beauty with functional excellence, making it a standout choice for serious bassists.
Key Features:
- Premium roasted flame maple neck and fingerboard
- Neodymium humbucking bridge pickup for powerful tone
- 18-volt active preamp with 3-band EQ for sound sculpting
- Lightweight Music Man tuning machines
- StingRay Special bridge for enhanced sustain and stability
- Durable high-gloss finish on neck and fingerboard
- Blacked-out hardware for a sleek visual contrast
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | BFR StingRay Special 5 H |
| Body Material | Ash (body), Figureed Maple (top) |
| Body Finish | High Gloss Polyester |
| Neck Material | Roasted Flame Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Neck Joint | 5-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 11" |
| Number of Frets | Fretless |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Material | Melamine |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | StingRay Special |
| Tuners | Music Man Lightweight |
| Bridge Pickup | Ernie Ball Neodymium Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x volume, 3-band EQ |
| Switching | 3-way blade pickup switch |
| Strings | .045-.100 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Softshell Case |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the body of the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 Fretless Bass?
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The body of the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 Fretless Bass is made from ash, with a figured maple top, providing a balanced tone with pronounced mids and a visually striking appearance.
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What kind of pickup does the StingRay Special 5 Fretless Bass feature?
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This bass features a single humbucking pickup with neodymium magnets, offering powerful output and a clear, punchy sound ideal for various music genres.
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Is the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 Fretless Bass suitable for slap bass techniques?
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Yes, the StingRay Special 5 Fretless Bass is well-suited for slap bass due to its powerful neodymium pickup and 3-band EQ, which provide a bright and punchy tone.
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What type of neck does the StingRay Special 5 Fretless Bass have?
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The bass features a roasted flame maple neck with a C shape and an 11" radius, offering smooth playability and stability.
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Does the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 Fretless Bass come with a case?
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Yes, the StingRay Special 5 Fretless Bass includes a softshell case to protect your instrument during transport and storage.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 Fretless Bass.
Build quality
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Some owners mention the StingRay fretless can vary significantly in weight, with some being noticeably heavier, especially the neck contributing to the heft.
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Variations in fret beveling on older versus newer models impact the G string's proximity to the fretboard edge, suggesting changes in manufacturing practices over time.
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User experience
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Despite its age, a 1990 model was described as super lightweight and clean, defying expectations of being a heavier instrument.
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Owners appreciate the neck aesthetics, describing it as "gorgeous" and a standout feature of the bass.
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One owner used their fretless StingRay for a decade until developing a dead spot on the E flat of the A string.
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The StingRay was praised for its ruggedness and durability during tours, despite not sounding traditionally "fretless" unless played near the neck.
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Use cases and applications
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Fretless StingRays are favored for musical theatre and jazz gigs where mimicking an upright bass sound is required.
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While not typically a primary choice for paid gigs, the fretless StingRay is appreciated for its unique sound and personal enjoyment.
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Stringing the StingRay with GHS Pressurewounds is recommended to enhance the "mwah" sound.
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The StingRay 5 is praised for its exceptional 34" B string performance, making it a standout choice for players prioritizing low-end clarity.
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Features and functionality
Value and pricing
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Owners note that finding a new non-BFR fretless StingRay is difficult, with prices significantly increasing from past $1,000 purchases.
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Other
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The term "guessing stick" humorously refers to the fretless bass playing experience in studio settings.
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Setup and maintenance
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To address the G string slipping off, it's suggested to loosen and retighten neck screws under string tension, potentially improving sustain and resonance.
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