Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $2,799

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Stingray Special Custom HH". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Stingray Special Custom HH redefines versatility and craftsmanship for bass enthusiasts who demand both precision and flair. This electric bass guitar stands out with its unique dual humbucker setup, providing a broad tonal range that caters to both vintage warmth and modern punch. Crafted by Ernie Ball Music Man, the Stingray Special HH is a testament to innovation, featuring an 18-volt, 3-band preamp that offers high headroom and dynamic EQ control. This allows bassists to effortlessly transition from solid rock grooves to delicate jazz nuances.

Designed with the modern player in mind, the Stingray Special HH flaunts a reimagined body contour for enhanced comfort during lengthy sessions. Its roasted maple neck not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also ensures stability and smooth playability across all 22 stainless steel frets. The lightweight tuning machines further enhance the bass's balance, reducing strain during extended performances.

Equipped with powerful neodymium magnets, the Stingray's pickups are wired in parallel, delivering a tactile, responsive sound that can cut through any mix. The 5-bolt sculpted neck joint provides unrestricted access to the higher frets, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced players alike. Whether you're laying down the groove in the studio or commanding the stage, the Stingray Special Custom HH is your ultimate partner in crime.

Key Features:

  • Dual humbucker configuration for a wide tonal spectrum
  • 18-volt, 3-band preamp for ultra-high headroom
  • Roasted maple neck for enhanced stability and playability
  • Lightweight tuning machines for improved balance
  • Neodymium magnets in pickups for high output and responsiveness
  • 5-bolt sculpted neck joint for easy access to all 22 frets

Product specs

Wood Select roasted maple
Neck joint Bolt-on
Scale length 34"
Truss rod Adjustable
Pickup configuration HH
Neck Proprietary humbucker
Bridge Proprietary humbucker
Control layout Volume, Treble, Bass, Mid
Pickup switch 5-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 1.687" (42.8 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 4 string
Orientation Right-handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Stingray Special Custom HH?

The Stingray Special Custom HH features a bolt-on select roasted maple neck with a comfortable, rounded profile that enhances playability, making it suitable for both intricate bass lines and fast playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the dual humbuckers on the Stingray Special Custom HH?

The dual proprietary humbuckers with neodymium magnets provide a versatile range of tones, from punchy and aggressive to warm and smooth, suitable for various music genres including rock, funk, and jazz.

How does the 3-band active preamp enhance the sound of the Stingray Special Custom HH?

The 3-band active preamp with 18V of headroom allows for extensive tonal shaping, offering precise control over bass, mid, and treble frequencies to suit different playing styles and performance settings.

Is the Stingray Special Custom HH suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Stingray Special Custom HH is designed for live performances, featuring lightweight aluminum hardware for balance and comfort, and a high-gloss polyester finish that provides durability and stage-ready aesthetics.

What are the benefits of the select roasted maple neck on the Stingray Special Custom HH?

The select roasted maple neck offers enhanced stability and resistance to environmental changes, along with a smooth playing surface that complements the instrument's overall tonal clarity and sustain.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the lighter weight of the Specials, particularly for long gigs, as older StingRays can be too heavy for extended play.

    Source
  • The roasted maple neck on the StingRay Special is highlighted as a popular feature, aligning with trends seen in other premium brands.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the bass's ability to emulate a 2EQ sound by adjusting the EQ with bass and treble boosts and mid cuts.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some find the Sterling Ray35 offers a comparable experience to the StingRay Special, especially when weight is not a factor.

    Source
  • The Sterling Ray24CA shares a similar neck profile with the SLO Special, making it a solid alternative for those who prefer a slimmer neck.

    Source
  • One user noted that Sterling by Music Man's Purple Sparkle model is priced similarly to Rickenbackers from a few years ago, indicating substantial price inflation.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Special's construction has mixed reviews, with some needing a shim and noting higher nut positions compared to Sterling models.

    Source
  • Some owners report that Sterling models with the Purple Sparkle finish have tuner issues, where the metal becomes brittle, and broken truss rods are common.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 3-band EQ on the StingRay Special is praised for modern playability, while some miss the classic 2-band EQ of older models.

    Source
  • The SLO Special neck is slimmer and more similar to a jazz bass neck, available in both gloss and matte finishes, offering a unique feel.

    Source
  • Position 4 on the pickup selector activates the two inner coils, offering a sound often compared to a P Bass but with high-end pop and low-end support.

    Source
  • The new custom design experience allows for extensive customization, including choices of 30 finishes, 3 hardware finishes, and 12 fretted neck options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For a jazz vibe, users gravitate towards position 2, which activates the outer coils, providing a tone reminiscent of a J Bass.

    Source
  • Position 1 delivers an incredible growl, while position 4 is favored for pick playing, and position 2 is preferred for fingerstyle.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • EBMM's custom orders are reportedly priced over $3,500, even for configurations similar to standard models, reflecting significant cost increases in recent years.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Justin Chancellor uses Stingray Special Custom HH

Justin Chancellor

Bassist

Tool

...
Verified via YouTube

He talks in this interview about Ernie Ball building him a custom Stingray special HH with a brass pickguard and 12v preamp. He states that he used it for the intro of Descending and he can be seen using it live for the song as well.

See how Ivo Schot uses Stingray Special Custom HH

Ivo Schot

Singer, Guitarist

Subterranean Street Society

...
Verified via YouTube

In this vid you can spot Ivo using a Stingray dual pickup version

Genre Usage

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

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