Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $2,621
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special 5-string Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special 5-string Bass Guitar is a formidable choice for bassists seeking a blend of modern innovation and vintage appeal. Born from the iconic lineage of the StingRay series, this bass guitar continues to set the standard with its robust features and meticulous craftsmanship. At its core, this instrument boasts a neodymium-powered humbucking pickup, delivering a signature punch that is both deep and articulate, making it a versatile companion across various music genres.
The StingRay 5 Special is designed with player comfort in mind. Its lightweight, contoured body and roasted maple neck offer an ergonomic playing experience, ensuring effortless performances during long gigs or studio sessions. The neck's satin finish and 22 stainless steel frets provide smooth playability, while the 18-volt active preamp with a three-band EQ offers expansive tonal control and dynamic range, allowing bassists to sculpt their sound with precision.
Crafted with premium materials, the StingRay 5 Special includes a Music Man-designed hardened steel bridge for superior sustain, and lightweight custom tuners for reliable tuning stability. The five-bolt neck joint enhances resonance and durability, making this bass a road-ready powerhouse that doesn't compromise on quality or style. Whether you're laying down grooves in a jazz ensemble or driving the rhythm in a rock band, the StingRay 5 Special delivers time-tested tone with a modern twist.
Key Features:
- Neodymium humbucking pickup for powerful, articulate tone
- Lightweight, contoured body for enhanced comfort
- Roasted maple neck with satin finish for superior playability
- 18-volt preamp with three-band EQ for versatile sound shaping
- 22 stainless steel frets for long-lasting durability
- Music Man-designed steel bridge for excellent sustain
- Lightweight custom tuners for precise tuning stability
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | StingRay 5-string |
| Body Material | Ash |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyester |
| Neck Material | Roasted Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 10" |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Scale Length Type | Standard-scale |
| Nut Material | Melamine |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Vintage Music Man |
| Tuners | Custom Music Man |
| Bridge Pickup | Neodymium Humbucker |
| Controls | Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass |
| Strings | Regular Slinky Bass, .046-.130 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Mono Softshell Case |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special?
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The StingRay 5 Special features a roasted maple neck with a C-shaped profile, providing a comfortable and smooth playing experience for both beginners and advanced players.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the StingRay 5 Special's pickup?
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The single neodymium humbucker delivers a punchy and clear tone, with the versatility to suit genres like rock, funk, and jazz, thanks to its 3-band active preamp for precise tonal adjustments.
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Is the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the StingRay 5 Special is designed for live performances with its lightweight aluminum hardware, providing a balanced feel and robust sound that cuts through the mix on stage.
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How does the StingRay 5 Special's body material affect its sound?
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The ash body of the StingRay 5 Special contributes to its bright and resonant tone, enhancing the clarity and sustain of each note played.
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Does the StingRay 5 Special come with a case or gig bag?
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Yes, the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special includes a Mono Softshell Case, offering protection and easy transport for your bass guitar.
Videos
Nate Navarro
Music Man StingRay5 Special - Demo by Nathan Navarro
Music Man StingRay5 Special - Demo by Nathan Navarro
Nate Navarro
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5H - What Does it Sound Like?
Deadbeat Studios
Ernie Ball Music Man Minute: StingRay5 Special in Charging Green (ft. Matt McJunkins)
Ernie Ball
Stingray 5 Special: A Demo Without Slapping.
Good-Simon Gear
Reviews
PROS
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Unbelievably lightweight and well-balanced, preventing neck-dive
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Roasted, oil-finished maple neck feels silky smooth
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Flawless build quality with exceptional hardware and electronics
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Versatile electronics offer a wide range of tonal adjustments
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Huge, perfectly defined sound across all settings
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Slimmer neck profile compared to average 5-string basses
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Pickups provide comfortable thumb rests and 'ramp' effect
CONS
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Requires minor adjustments for optimal playability after location changes
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 5 Special 5-string Bass Guitar.
Build quality
Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
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The EBMM StingRay Special 5 is noted for having a tonally versatile B string that stands out in the 34" scale market.
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The older StingRays are often heavier, with some models exceeding 10 lbs, making the lighter weight of the Specials a significant advantage.
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Lakland 5-string basses have 19mm string spacing, which some players prefer for easier transitions between 4 and 5-string basses.
Source
User experience
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Players transitioning from Sterling to StingRay Special notice a significant upgrade in sound and quality, despite the Sterling being a great budget option.
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Some players find the 17.5mm string spacing on the StingRay 5 tight, making slapping techniques more challenging compared to wider spaced models.
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Despite its thick neck, the StingRay 5 is favored for its versatile sound, with some owners choosing it as their main gigging bass for years.
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Value and pricing
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
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For Ray25 models, upgrading to a Boscoe MMSR77 preamp and wiring the pickup to parallel is recommended for a vintage StingRay tone.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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