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Average Price: $1,995

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$400

$1001+

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Description

A true icon in the world of bass guitars, the Music Man Stingray Classic 5 is a blend of vintage charm and modern innovation. This electric bass is revered for its ability to deliver a full-bodied sound that resonates with both budding musicians and seasoned professionals. Its classic humbucker pickup, meticulously crafted with alnico pole pieces, ensures a rich, powerful tone that cuts through any mix with ease. The bass features a sleek, comfortable design that makes it a joy to play, whether you're thumping out grooves in the studio or laying down the foundation in a live performance.

The Stingray Classic 5 is equipped with a 2-band active preamp operating on a nine-volt battery, providing players with precise control over their sound. This setup allows for dynamic tone shaping, offering everything from smooth lows to pronounced mids and bright highs, all adjustable with just two knobs. The timeless design, paired with a robust construction, makes this bass not only a sonic powerhouse but also a reliable companion for any musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Five-string design for extended range
  • Classic humbucker pickup with alnico pole pieces
  • 2-band active preamp with nine-volt operation
  • Streamlined tone control with two knobs
  • Robust construction and vintage-inspired design

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Classic StingRay 5
Finish Black, Candy Apple Red, Chili Red, Classic Natural, Coral Red, Diego Blue, El Dorado Gold, Lake Tahoe Blue, Mint Green, Natural Gloss, Powder Blue, Raspberry Sorbet, Sledge, Vintage Sunburst, White
Year 2009 - 2020
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, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 5-String
Nut Width 1.625", 1.75"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Music Man StingRay Classic 5's pickups?

The Music Man StingRay Classic 5 features active pickups and an active preamp, delivering a powerful, punchy tone with clear mids and highs, ideal for funk, rock, and slap bass styles.

Is the Music Man StingRay Classic 5 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the StingRay Classic 5 is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality craftsmanship, versatile tone options, and robust build, making it a favorite among professional bassists.

What is the neck profile like on the Music Man StingRay Classic 5?

The StingRay Classic 5 features a comfortable maple neck with a smooth finish, providing a fast and easy playing experience that suits a wide range of playing styles.

How does the ash body of the Music Man StingRay Classic 5 affect its sound?

The ash body contributes to the StingRay Classic 5's bright and resonant sound, enhancing its punch and sustain, which is particularly beneficial for cutting through in band settings.

What are the finish options available for the Music Man StingRay Classic 5?

The StingRay Classic 5 is available in a variety of finishes, including Black, Candy Apple Red, Classic Natural, and Vintage Sunburst, allowing players to choose a style that suits their personal aesthetic.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay 5 Bass: Joe Dart Demos

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay 5 Bass: Joe Dart Demos by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man Classic StingRay 5 Bass: Joe Dart Demos

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Music Man Stingray Classic vs. Stingray Special - Stingray Sweetness - LowEndLobster Tone Shootout by LowEndLobster

Music Man Stingray Classic vs. Stingray Special - Stingray Sweetness - LowEndLobster Tone Shootout

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Music Man Stingray Classic - An Exploration of the Tonal Time Capsule - LowEndLobster Review by LowEndLobster

Music Man Stingray Classic - An Exploration of the Tonal Time Capsule - LowEndLobster Review

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for MUSIC MAN CLASSIC V  BASS REVIEW by Junior Cap

MUSIC MAN CLASSIC V BASS REVIEW

Junior Cap

Junior Cap

Video thumbnail for MUSIC MAN Classic 5 Vs StingRay 5 - FINGER Technique - Comparison AUDIO TEST by Tiziano Militello

MUSIC MAN Classic 5 Vs StingRay 5 - FINGER Technique - Comparison AUDIO TEST

Tiziano Militello

Tiziano Militello

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Classic 5 String by lalofierro

Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Classic 5 String

lalofierro

lalofierro

Video thumbnail for Musicman Stingray 5 Classic by ebenhandoko

Musicman Stingray 5 Classic

ebenhandoko

ebenhandoko

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique soundscape distinct from P-Bass and Jazz basses

  • Warm 2-band EQ enhances tonal richness

  • String-through design ensures strong string contact on bridge

  • Exceptional recording bass with its own sonic identity

  • Excellent action and feel promotes diverse tonal exploration

  • Stunning vintage aesthetic with options like a 3-tone burst finish

  • Exotic flamed neck with easier adjustment adds stability

  • Low B string provides powerful room-shaking bass

  • Solid construction ensures durability and presence in the mix

  • Closest experience to a 1976 Stingray with a natural feel

CONS

  • Heavy weight may not suit all players

  • Bridge saddle screws may require adjustment for flatness

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Music man stingray classic 5.

Features and functionality

  • The Classic 5 features a 2-band EQ, unlike the more modern Stingray models that have a 3-band EQ.

    Source
  • The Classic 5 lacks a pickup selector, distinguishing it from other Stingray models that include this feature.

    Source
  • The Stingray 5’s 17.5mm string spacing is noted for making slapping more challenging compared to Lakland 5-string basses with 19mm spacing.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The body of the Classic 5 differs from modern Stingray 5 models, with fewer bevels and a shape that doesn't resemble Silhouette and JP guitars.

    Source
  • The Ray25 model is often criticized for its muddy sound due to its series wired ceramic pickup, unlike the Ray5 which is considered better value with a parallel wiring option.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the ability to swap the pickguard on the Classic 5 without needing to detach the pots, offering ease in customization.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Stingray 5's long scale for providing clarity on the low B string, avoiding the muddiness found in other 5-strings.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck on the Classic 5 is highly praised, with some comparing it to BFR (Ball Family Reserve) quality.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the look of the BFR models that have no pickguard, revealing the wood figuring, over those with a metal control plate or large pickguards.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing an aftermarket vintage replica 2-band preamp like the Boscoe MMSR77 is recommended to achieve a vintage StingRay tone.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Rex and the Bass: Ernie Ball MusicMan Classic Stingray 5 Bass Review

rexbass.com

The Music Man Stingray Classic 5 is a standout in the 5-string bass category, offering superb craftsmanship and a tone that integrates beautifully with the rhythm section. With its vintage-inspired aesthetics and solid build, including a birdseye maple neck and a sleek poly finish, it’s a looker and a player. The narrow string spacing makes it accessible for those transitioning to a 5-string. However, the mute system is more decorative than functional, and its price point places it between budget and high-end models, which might be a hurdle for some. Still, for those who value quality, the Stingray Classic 5 is a worthwhile investment.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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1 star
dasgre0g

Amazing

made from a slab body with a traditional string through body Bridge, The Music Man Stingray classic 5 is an absolute monster. I can't say enough about this instrument. It has all of the Vintage Music Man tones from the 1970 Plus in this case, a low B string that absolutely shakes the room.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Justin Morrow uses Music man stingray classic 5

Justin Morrow

Guitarist, Bassist

Motionless In White

...
Verified via YouTube

Justin uses a Black version of this with a Maple Fretboard although it gets drenched with blood.

See how Adam Russell uses Music man stingray classic 5

Adam Russell

Bassist

Story of the Year

...
Verified via Photo

Adam can be seen using a music man stringray 5 classic bass

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 stingray classic 5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    Gear IQ 63