Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,839

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the power of the Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5, an electric bass that seamlessly melds classic design with modern innovation. This five-string marvel is crafted for the discerning musician seeking both versatility and depth in their sound. Anchored by its unique single-coil/humbucker pickup configuration, the Stingray HS 5 offers an expansive sonic palette, allowing you to effortlessly transition from punchy lows to crisp highs. The meticulously engineered neck-through construction not only enhances sustain but also ensures superior tonal resonance across the entire instrument.

Built with an ash body and a select maple neck, the Stingray HS 5 promises exceptional playability and comfort, making it a reliable companion for long gigs and recording sessions alike. The active three-band EQ system empowers you to sculpt your ideal tone with precision, whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or commanding the stage. With features like Schaller tuners and a hardened steel bridge, this bass guarantees stability and performance you can count on.

Designed for the serious player, the Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5 isn't just an instrument—it's an extension of your musical expression. Join a community of musicians who trust the Stingray for its unparalleled quality and become part of a legacy of legendary bassists who have made it their own.

Key Features:

  • Five-string design for expanded range
  • Dual humbucker/single-coil pickup configuration with five-way selector
  • Neck-through construction for enhanced sustain and tonal transfer
  • Ash body with select maple neck for excellent playability
  • Active three-band EQ for versatile tone shaping
  • Schaller tuners and hardened steel bridge for maximum stability

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model StingRay 5 HS
Year 1999 - 2018
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, Purple, Red, Silver, Teal, White, Yellow
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 HS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the pickup configuration of the Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5?

The Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5 features a unique HS pickup configuration, combining a humbucker and a single coil. This setup provides a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5 is designed with advanced players in mind, offering high-quality materials, active electronics, and versatile sound options that cater to professional performance needs.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5?

The body is made from ash, with a neck crafted from maple. The fretboard is available in ebony, maple, or rosewood, providing a choice in feel and tonal characteristics.

How does the active preamp in the Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5 enhance its sound?

The active preamp in the Stingray HS 5 allows for precise tonal shaping and increased output, making it ideal for cutting through mixes in live and studio settings.

What is the scale length of the Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5?

The Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5 features a 34-inch scale length, which is standard for many bass guitars, offering a familiar feel and tension for bassists.

Bassku

Bassku

Musicman StingRay 5 HS! One of the most versatile bass!!!

Video thumbnail for Musicman StingRay 5 HS! One of the most versatile bass!!! by Bassku

Musicman StingRay 5 HS! One of the most versatile bass!!!

Bassku

Bassku

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5.

Features and functionality

  • The pickup selector has 5 positions, providing versatile tonal options.

    Source
  • The EBMM Stingray Special 5 is praised for its lightweight design, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions compared to other 5-string models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Clear pickguards are available but can show the large control cavity underneath, which some owners find undesirable.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners describe the HS configuration as the most versatile and best-sounding version of the StingRay compared to single/bucker setups.

    Source
  • The 2-pickup Stingray 5 is likened to a Swiss Army Knife for its versatility compared to other configurations.

    Source
  • Owners note that the EBMM Stingray Special 5 is considered the best 34" B string on the market due to its consistent quality and playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite limited online resources, owners have confidently purchased this bass without extensive video reviews and have been satisfied with its performance.

    Source
  • Owners are enthusiastic about the unexpected finds from local stores, indicating a potential advantage in exploring local shops for unique configurations.

    Source
  • Owners transitioning from a Ray35 to an EBMM Stingray Special 5 observe a noticeable improvement in build and sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The neck pickup offers a warm, mellow sound while maintaining the signature Stingray thump, ideal for varied musical styles needing tonal versatility.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the asymmetrical headstocks and find the pickguards aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the bass's visual appeal.

    Source
  • It has been noted that the hardware on the Ray35, especially tuning pegs, can be unreliable, with some owners needing to glue them back together.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users suggest investing in a used Stingray for a mid-range option if the price of the EBMM Special is a concern, offering a good balance between quality and cost.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how MISA uses Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5

MISA

Bassist

Band-Maid

...
Verified via Photo

Revealed to the the second of two new basses on her official instagram.

See how Mark Klepaski uses Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5

Mark Klepaski

Bassist

Breaking Benjamin

...
Verified via YouTube

Klepaski can be seen performing Had Enough at a live concert with an HS configuration Music Man Stingray at the 3:00 mark. The model he used appears to have a solid black finish, a black pickguard, possibly a rosewood fretboard on a maple neck, and a natural finish on the headstock.

See how Kyle Christener uses Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5

Kyle Christener

Bassist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:56 in the video titled "jammin with linkin park" by Marc Ostrick, Kyle Christener can be seen using the Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5.

See how Brian Telestai uses Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5

Brian Telestai

Bassist

I am ghost

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "I Am Ghost- Studio Diary Part 3 (bass)," released by Epitaph Records, Brian Telestai can be seen using the Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5 bass guitar while tracking the "Lovers Requiem" album.

Album Usage

The Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5 has been featured on the following albums:

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 Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray HS 5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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