Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,839
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Music Man StingRay5 Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 Special is a masterpiece of modern bass design, blending iconic style with cutting-edge technology. This 5-string electric bass is revered for its signature punch and versatile tonal palette, making it a staple in studios and on stages worldwide. Crafted from select hardwood, the StingRay5 Special boasts a sculpted 5-piece roasted maple neck that ensures effortless playability and stability. Its body contours are meticulously designed for comfort, allowing for long jam sessions without fatigue.
Plug into the StingRay5 Special, and you're greeted with a world of sonic possibilities. The revamped humbucking pickup, featuring neodymium magnets, delivers a powerful and responsive output, while the 18-volt active preamp offers exceptional headroom for a pristine sound across its 3-band EQ. This allows you to shape your sound from vintage warmth to modern dynamic punch with ease.
The lightweight hardware and ergonomic design provide a balanced feel, ensuring that whether you’re grooving through a funk rhythm or laying down a rock-solid foundation, the StingRay5 Special remains your trusty companion. With its 4+1 tuning key configuration, you get precise tuning stability, and the 22 stainless steel frets offer a smooth playing experience.
Key Features:
- Select hardwood body with enhanced contours for comfort
- Sculpted 5-piece roasted maple neck for superior playability
- Neodymium magnet-equipped humbucking pickup for powerful output
- 18-volt active preamp with 3-band EQ for versatile tone shaping
- Lightweight aluminum hardware for improved balance
- 4+1 tuning key configuration for tuning stability
- 22 stainless steel frets for durability and smooth playability
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | StingRay Special 5 H |
| Body Material | Select Hardwood |
| Body Finish | High Gloss Polyester |
| Neck Material | Roasted Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Neck Joint | 5-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 11" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Stainless Steel |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Material | Compensated Melamine |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Vintage Music Man top loaded chrome plated, steel bridge plate with vintage nickel plated steel saddles |
| Tuners | Custom Music Man |
| Bridge Pickup | Music Man Neodymium Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x volume, 3-band EQ |
| Switching | 3-way blade switch (Series, Filter, Parallel) |
| Case/Gig Bag | Softshell Case |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Music Man StingRay5 Special for funk music?
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The Music Man StingRay5 Special features a Neodymium humbucker and 3-band EQ, delivering punchy, clear tones ideal for funk. Its tonal versatility allows for deep bass and crisp highs, making it a favorite for slap and pop techniques.
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Is the Music Man StingRay5 Special suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the Music Man StingRay5 Special is well-suited for advanced players, offering a high-quality roasted maple neck and stainless steel frets for smooth playability, along with versatile tone-shaping controls that accommodate a wide range of musical styles.
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How does the neck profile of the Music Man StingRay5 Special affect playability?
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The StingRay5 Special features a C-shaped roasted maple neck, providing comfortable playability and smooth transitions across the fretboard, ideal for fast playing and complex bass lines.
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What are the switching options on the Music Man StingRay5 Special?
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The StingRay5 Special offers a 3-way blade switch, allowing you to choose between series, filter, and parallel pickup configurations, giving you diverse tonal options for different musical contexts.
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Does the Music Man StingRay5 Special come with a case?
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Yes, the Music Man StingRay5 Special comes with a softshell case, providing protection for your bass during transport and storage.
Videos
Deadbeat Studios
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5H - What Does it Sound Like?
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
Ernie Ball Music Man Minute: StingRay5 Special Bass Snowy White (ft. Ben Kenney)
Ernie Ball
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Music Man StingRay5 Special.
Build quality
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The tuning pegs on the Stingray are often criticized for being subpar, with some owners experiencing them falling apart and requiring gluing.
Source -
Some owners prefer the older maple necks for their distinct grain and appearance compared to the newer roasted maple necks on the StingRay Special.
Source
User experience
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Owners of the Sterling by Music Man note a noticeable 50-60% gap in sound quality and feel compared to the EBMM Stingray Special.
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Owners report that the modern finishes like Sapphire Iris are more appealing than older, simpler styles, adding a fresh aesthetic to the lineup.
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Some players find the wider neck of the 5-string model less comfortable, especially for slapping due to tighter string spacing.
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Despite concerns with the G string placement, many still find the StingRay5 Special enjoyable and playable, especially for genres requiring a low B string.
Source
Comparisons
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The tonal and build quality differences between the Sterling and EBMM Special are significant, though some users question if it's worth the $2k price difference.
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The StingRay Special's lighter weight is a significant advantage over older models, especially for players who perform long gigs.
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The lack of a "StingRay standard" model with basic features is noted, suggesting a potential gap between the modern Special and the retro line.
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Fender's Ultra series previously had a similar string placement issue but addressed it, unlike the StingRay5's design.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Consider upgrading the pickups and preamp in the Ray35 for improved sound, though it's already quite good out of the box.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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One user noted needing a shim for proper setup and reported the nut being higher than on the Sterling Ray35.
Source
Features and functionality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
Throughout the video Levin talks about the item and plays it.
Ernie ball posted on Twitter of Emma playing with a stingray5 special bass
You can see King playing his black Music Man Stingray on multiple live performances as well as in images.
In the music video for Crowbar's "All I Had I Gave," Todd Strange is seen using an Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special with one humbucker at the 1:34 mark.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Music Man StingRay5 Special, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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