Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,075

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Stingray Special 5 HH is a refined evolution of the classic electric bass guitar, marrying iconic design with modern innovation. This model stands out with its dual humbucking pickups, offering a versatile tonal palette that caters to a wide range of musical styles. Known for its punchy mid-range and clear lows, the Stingray Special 5 HH is a favorite among bassists who demand precision and power in their sound.

Crafted with a lightweight ash body, this bass ensures comfortable playability, ideal for long gigs or studio sessions. The roasted maple neck adds stability and a smooth feel, while the rosewood fingerboard provides a classic touch to your playing experience. The 5-string configuration expands the musical possibilities, empowering bassists to explore deeper tonal ranges.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art 18-volt preamp, the Stingray Special 5 HH delivers increased headroom and clarity, allowing players to make subtle adjustments with maximum impact. The modern bridge design enhances sustain and tuning stability, ensuring that every note resonates with precision.

Whether you're laying down grooves in a live setting or recording in the studio, this bass guitar's robust build and advanced electronics offer reliability and exceptional performance.

Key Features:

  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile sound options
  • Lightweight ash body for comfortable playability
  • Roasted maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • 5-string configuration for extended range
  • 18-volt preamp for enhanced headroom and clarity
  • Modern bridge design for improved sustain and stability

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model StingRay Special 5 HH
Finish Amethyst Sparkle, Aqua Sparkle, Black, Black Rock, Brulee, Burnt Amber, Burnt Apple, Burnt Ends, Buttercream, Candyman, Charcoal Sparkle, Charging Green, Chopper Blue, Classic Natural, Cruz Teal, Dropped Copper, Firemist Silver, Frost Green, Genius Gold, Ghost Pepper, Ghostwood, Grape Crush, HD Yellow, Harvest Orange, Hot Honey, Ivory White, Jackpot, Jet Black, Kiwi Green, Laguna Green, Maroon Mist, Ocean Sparkle, Pacific Blue Burst, Pueblo Pink, Purple Sunset, Raspberry Burst, Sea Breeze, Smoked Chrome, Snowy Night, Speed Blue, Tectonic Blue, Vintage Tobacco
Year 2018 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Natural, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Silver, White, Yellow
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 5-String
Nut Width 1.75"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed, Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the StingRay Special 5 HH have?

The StingRay Special 5 HH features dual humbucking pickups with neodymium magnets, offering a powerful output and a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.

Is the StingRay Special 5 HH suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the StingRay Special 5 HH is well-suited for slap bass techniques, thanks to its clear, punchy sound and responsive active preamp that enhances dynamic playing styles.

What is the neck profile of the StingRay Special 5 HH?

The StingRay Special 5 HH features a comfortable and fast-playing neck profile, crafted from maple, which is ideal for both intricate fingerstyle playing and fast-paced bass lines.

Does the StingRay Special 5 HH come in different finishes?

Yes, the StingRay Special 5 HH is available in a wide range of finishes, including Amethyst Sparkle, Aqua Sparkle, Black, and many others, allowing players to choose a look that suits their style.

How does the active preamp enhance the StingRay Special 5 HH's sound?

The active preamp in the StingRay Special 5 HH provides enhanced tonal shaping capabilities, allowing players to adjust bass, mid, and treble frequencies for a customized sound that fits various musical genres.

Pertybass

Pertybass

Music Man Stingray Special HH 5 Stings Bass - Demo

Video thumbnail for Music Man Stingray Special HH 5 Stings Bass - Demo by Pertybass

Music Man Stingray Special HH 5 Stings Bass - Demo

Pertybass

Pertybass

Video thumbnail for Music Man StingRay Special Bass 2018 MN, Ivory White | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Music Man StingRay Special Bass 2018 MN, Ivory White | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Unbelievably lightweight with no neck-dive for enhanced comfort

  • Roasted, oil-finished maple neck feels silky smooth

  • High-quality build with flawless hardware, finish, and electronics

  • Versatile electronics allow for a wide range of tonal adjustments

  • Massive sound with exceptional tone definition across the neck

  • Comfortable pickup design doubles as thumb rests

  • Slimmer neck profile compared to average 5-string basses

  • Beautifully finished with immaculate chrome detailing

CONS

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The 5H model includes a series/parallel switch not available on the HH, adding versatility in tone settings.

    Source
  • The G string on the 5-string Stingray Special can sit precariously at the edge of the fretboard, posing a challenge during dynamic playing.

    Source
  • The neck pickup on the HH model can be problematic for slap techniques, often requiring adjustments to hand positioning for players accustomed to more open space.

    Source
  • The neck pickup height is often adjusted to be flush with the pickguard to allow more space for slapping, while the bridge pickup is set higher for volume boost.

    Source
  • The HH model allows for a wide variety of tones with its 5-way switch, but some users primarily use the inner coils for a pseudo-Precision Bass sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some users find the neck pickup on the HH can obstruct slapping techniques, suggesting the H model may be better for slap bass styles.

    Source
  • The HH model's versatility is highlighted by users who successfully play diverse musical styles without tonal limitations.

    Source
  • The 5-string model is favored for genres requiring extended low range, like modern metal or when transposing for vocal-heavy music.

    Source
  • The HH model's tonal versatility is particularly valued for genres like blues, rock, metal, and gospel, with users reporting it accommodates diverse tonal needs effectively.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The H model is often preferred for its superior tone when the bridge humbucker is selected, compared to the HH.

    Source
  • The G string placement issue is highlighted as similar to Fender's Ultra series 5-string models, which faced criticism but were subsequently redesigned.

    Source
  • Users note that the Stingray's unique tone is influenced by the bridge pickup's placement, with the single H model maintaining this sweet spot better than the HH.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the HH appreciate the ability to use a 5-way switch for tonal variety, suitable for multiple genres from jazz to country.

    Source
  • Some players find the tighter string spacing on the Stingray Special 5 HH makes slapping more challenging, though it's manageable with practice.

    Source
  • Some owners find decision paralysis with the HH model's multiple tonal options, preferring the simplicity and focus of the single H configuration for a classic Stingray sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Stingray Special 5 HH is noted for having a wider neck, which may not suit players with smaller hands, especially for those unaccustomed to 5-string basses.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review - Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special HH - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special HH is a stellar bass that combines iconic design with modern enhancements, boasting excellent playability and sound versatility. Musicians will appreciate its robust build and comfortable playability, making it a reliable choice for both studio and live performances. However, the price point, starting at over $2,000, may deter some budget-conscious players. While it shines in various settings, some might find its weight a bit cumbersome during long gigs. Overall, this bass is a worthy investment for serious players looking to elevate their sound.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pavel Kozlov uses Stingray Special 5 HH

Pavel Kozlov

Bassist, Keyboardist

Molchat Doma

...
Verified via Photo

Pavel can be seen using this bass during Molchat Doma's tour in 2023

Genre Usage

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

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