Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,509
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Music Man Stingray Special 5 HH". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 HH is a powerhouse of innovation and craftsmanship, redefining what an electric bass can be. With roots stretching back to the 1970s, the StingRay has been a go-to choice for legendary bassists across multiple genres. Its 18-volt active preamp and redesigned humbuckers offer unparalleled tonal flexibility, allowing you to seamlessly transition from deep, resonant lows to crisp, articulate highs. This versatility is complemented by a player-friendly design, featuring a sculpted neck joint and lightweight tuning machines for optimal balance and comfort.
The Special 5 HH doesn’t just stop at cutting-edge electronics; it also boasts a premium roasted maple neck and an ebony fingerboard that promises a smooth, fast playing experience. Its double-cutaway body, crafted from select tonewoods, is both visually stunning and sonically rich, maintaining the iconic StingRay sound that musicians have cherished for decades. The neodymium magnets in its pickups ensure a high-output performance that will captivate audiences and bandmates alike.
Whether you're laying down a solid groove or exploring more complex bass lines, the StingRay Special 5 HH delivers in both tone and playability. This bass guitar embodies a perfect blend of tradition and modern enhancements, making it an essential instrument for any serious bassist.
Key Features:
- Select hardwood body with double-cutaway design
- Premium roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard
- 22 stainless steel frets for long-term durability
- Neodymium pickup magnets for increased output
- 18-volt active preamp with 3-band EQ
- Lightweight aluminum hardware and tuning machines
- 5-bolt contoured neck joint for easy upper fret access
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
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What is the neck profile of the Music Man Stingray Special 5 HH?
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The Music Man Stingray Special 5 HH features a sculpted neck joint and a comfortable neck profile designed for easy playability and access to all 22 frets.
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What type of pickups does the Music Man Stingray Special 5 HH use?
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The Stingray Special 5 HH is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, providing a powerful and versatile tone suitable for a wide range of music genres.
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Is the Music Man Stingray Special 5 HH suitable for slap bass techniques?
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Yes, the Stingray Special 5 HH is well-suited for slap bass due to its responsive active electronics and clear, punchy sound.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Music Man Stingray Special 5 HH?
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The Stingray Special 5 HH delivers a balanced and dynamic tone with a strong low end, clear mids, and crisp highs, thanks to its active preamp and humbucking pickups.
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How does the Music Man Stingray Special 5 HH differ from a standard Stingray?
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The Stingray Special 5 HH features a lightweight body, revoiced 3-band preamp, and dual humbuckers, offering enhanced playability and tonal options compared to the standard Stingray model.
Videos
South Shore Music
Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 5 Special HH Sound Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Stunning appearance with flawless fit and finish, including a standout smoked chrome version
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Provides a wide range of tones from jazz to metal
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Extremely lightweight and well-balanced with no neck-dive
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Roasted, oil-finished maple neck feels silky smooth
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Offers a solid low B string with excellent definition
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High-end build quality with premium hardware and electronics
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Versatile electronics for nearly limitless sound adjustments
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Comfortable thumb rest and 'ramp' effect from the dual pickups
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Comes with a high-quality, artistic case
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Slightly slimmer neck than average 5-string basses for increased playability
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Music Man Stingray Special 5 HH.
Features and functionality
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The 5H model offers a series/parallel switch, providing tonal versatility not available in the HH configuration.
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User experience
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Owners report the neck pickup on the HH can interfere with slapping technique, requiring adjustment to playing style.
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Despite the G string placement issue, some players still find the Stingray 5 playable and are willing to adapt due to their preference for the Stingray's unique tone and feel.
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A few players express surprise at the high build quality of Sterling models, though they acknowledge a noticeable difference in electronics and hardware compared to American models.
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Comparisons
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Some users find the tonal output of the single H bridge pickup superior to the HH when only the bridge pickup is engaged.
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Owners highlight the G string placement issue on the Stingray 5 as a design choice, similar to critiques of Fender's Ultra series 5-strings before they were redesigned.
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Users note the EBMM Special offers superior quality compared to Sterling by Music Man, with enhanced sound and feel, though the price difference may not justify it for everyone.
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Use cases and applications
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The HH model's 5-way switch allows for diverse tones, suitable for genres from jazz to country, enhancing its versatility.
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The 5-string is preferred for genres requiring low tunings, such as modern metal, where the low B string eliminates the need for retuning for drop D.
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Players highlight that despite lower cost, Sterling models provide about 50-60% of the tonal character of an EBMM, but miss a certain "punch and flavor."
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Build quality
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The G string on the 5-string model is reported to sit on the edge of the fretboard, which can lead to it slipping off during play.
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Some users have noted that the Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special 5H model can be lighter than other 4-string basses they own, enhancing playability during long sessions.
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Some owners report that hardware on the Stingray 5, particularly tuning pegs, can be unreliable, but this is considered a minor issue due to easy replacement options.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
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