Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,237

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "StingRay 5 H". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the deep end with the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 H, a true bassist's delight that marries precision with versatility. With its iconic five-string design, this electric bass offers an expansive sonic palette that invites both seasoned players and adventurous newcomers to explore new territories in music. The built-in three-band EQ provides unparalleled tonal control, allowing you to sculpt your sound with finesse, whether on stage or in the studio. Renowned for its robust build and exceptional playability, the StingRay 5 H stands as a testament to Ernie Ball Music Man's commitment to quality and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Five-string design for extended range and versatility
  • Built-in three-band EQ for precise tonal shaping
  • Select maple neck for durability and smooth playability
  • Favored by professional musicians worldwide for its reliability and distinctive tone

Product specs

Wood Select roasted maple
Neck joint Bolt-on
Scale length 34"
Truss rod Adjustable
Pickup configuration H
Bridge Proprietary humbucker
Control layout Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass
Pickup switch 3-way
Special electronics 3-band active preamp with 18V of headroom
Material Maple (Black, Frost Green Pearl, Snowy Night); Rosewood (Amethyst Sparkle, Speed Blue, Burnt Ends); Ebony (Raspberry Burst, Smoke Chrome)
Radius 11"
Fret size High-profile, wide
Number of frets 22
Nut material/width 1.75" (44.5 mm)
Body Type Double-cutaway
Body wood Select hardwoods
Body finish High-gloss polyester
Bridge/Tailpiece Vintage Music Man top-loaded chrome-plated steel bridge plate with vintage nickel-plated steel saddles
Tuning machines Custom Music Man, lightweight with tapered string posts and ergonomic clover design
Number of strings 5 string
Orientation Right-handed

FAQs

What type of neck does the StingRay 5 H bass guitar have?

The StingRay 5 H features a bolt-on select roasted maple neck, providing stability and a smooth playing experience.

How many frets does the StingRay 5 H have?

The StingRay 5 H is equipped with 22 high-profile, wide frets, allowing for a wide range of playability across the fingerboard.

What is the pickup configuration on the StingRay 5 H?

The StingRay 5 H features a single proprietary humbucker pickup, designed to deliver powerful and clear tones.

Does the StingRay 5 H have an active or passive electronics system?

The StingRay 5 H is equipped with a 3-band active preamp, providing 18V of headroom for dynamic and versatile sound shaping.

What type of wood is used for the body of the StingRay 5 H?

The body of the StingRay 5 H is made from select hardwoods, finished with a high-gloss polyester for durability and aesthetic appeal.

Is the StingRay 5 H suitable for playing lower notes without detuning?

Yes, the StingRay 5 H's five-string configuration allows for playing lower notes without the need to detune, offering a fuller sound and extended range.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about StingRay 5 H.

Features and functionality

  • The StingRay 5H offers a series/parallel switch, enhancing tonal versatility compared to the HH model.

    Source
  • The 5-way switch on the HH model provides access to various pickup combinations, expanding tonal options.

    Source
  • The StingRay Special 5H includes an 18v preamp and Neodymium magnets, significantly enhancing headroom and clarity in tone.

    Source
  • The MM StingRay 5 string features closer string spacing, which might require adjustment for players used to more traditional spacing.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players find the neck pickup of the HH model obstructive for slapping techniques.

    Source
  • The StingRay Special's tone is remarkably defined, making every note, and mistake, distinctly audible in live band settings.

    Source
  • Some owners find that while the Fender Jazz 5 plays exceptionally well, its tone can feel lackluster in harder rock or metal unless the strings are very fresh.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note a tonal difference, preferring the sound of the H model when the bridge pickup is solo.

    Source
  • The StingRay 5H is seen as more purposefully designed for five-string use compared to Fender's Jazz 5, which some perceive as an afterthought.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The HH allows for a wide range of tones, suitable for diverse genres from jazz to worship.

    Source
  • The StingRay Special excels in genres like hard rock and metal, yet it provides a perfect tone for funk riffs as demonstrated in specific songs like "All of You."

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  • The StingRay 5H has been noted for its versatility, being used across genres like country, jazz/fusion, and pop, as well as in more aggressive bands.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners found intonation slightly off upon delivery, but adjusting the truss rod remedied initial setup issues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Although expensive, owners often find the StingRay Special to be unparalleled in quality, justifying its high cost as a top-tier production bass.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Champignon uses StingRay 5 H

Champignon

Singer, Bassist

Charlie Brown Jr.

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture you can see "Champignon" using his "Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 5 H" (probably a 1989 to 1997). This was his main bass from 2000 to 2005 when he left the band Charlie Brown Jr. But it is possible that he acquired the bass right before the recording of their second album, "Preço Curto Prazo Longo". I've heard that he recorded some song with it but i wasn't able to find any source for this info on the internet. Throughout the years it's possible to notice some different stickers on the bass. A DVD (Ao Vivo DirecTV Hall) from 2002 shows the bass with no stickers on.

See how David Foral uses StingRay 5 H

David Foral

Bassist

The Dirty Heads

...
Unverified
See how Headnodic uses StingRay 5 H

Headnodic

Bassist, Music Producer

The Mighty Underdogs

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Headnodic shares an image of the bottom of his bass guitar, revealing the "Music Man" logo. This, along with visual comparison, identifies the instrument as a Music Man StingRay 5 H in Cherry & Black.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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