Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$2,949.00
Guitar Center
$2,949.00
Amazon
$2,949.00
Reverb
5.0 (19)
$1,695.00 11 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (5)
$2,949.00
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$2,949.00

Average Price: $2,740

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Stingray 5 String HH". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Stingray 5 String HH is a masterclass in bass guitar craftsmanship, offering a dynamic blend of precision and power. Perfectly engineered for the discerning bassist, this instrument delivers an exceptional tonal range through its dual alnico-powered humbuckers and five-way pickup selector, ensuring you can dial in the perfect sound for any musical style. Whether you're laying down funky grooves or creating atmospheric soundscapes, the Stingray’s responsive active preamp provides unparalleled control over your sonic palette.

The ergonomic design of the Stingray 5 String HH enhances playability, making it an excellent choice for both stage and studio settings. Its robust construction not only provides durability but also contributes to a resonant, full-bodied sound that bassists crave. The smooth neck profile offers effortless playability, allowing for quick transitions and fluid finger movements. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an ambitious beginner, this bass guitar is designed to elevate your performance to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Five-string configuration
  • Dual alnico-powered humbuckers
  • Five-way pickup selector for diverse tonal options
  • Active preamp for enhanced sound control
  • Ergonomic design for improved playability
  • Durable construction for long-lasting performance

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model StingRay 5 HH
Finish Black, Blue Pearl, Blue Sparkle, Cabernet Pearl, Candy Apple Red, Carbon Blue Pearl, Cherry Burst, Chili Red, Classic Natural, Dark Cherry Burst, Egyptian Smoke, Electric Blue, Firemist Purple, Firemist Silver, Galaxy Black, Gold Sparkle, Graphite Pearl, Green Sparkle, HD Yellow, Honey Burst, Ice Blue, Ivory White, Lava Pearl, Natural, Natural Gloss, Neptune Blue, Olive Gold, Orange Firemist, Pacific Blue Burst, Powder Blue, Red Sparkle, Sapphire Black, Silver Sparkle, Sky Blue Pearl, Stealth Black, Stealth Crimson, Stealth White, Sterling Silver, Tangerine Pearl, Teal Pearl, Tectonic Blue Sparkle, Tobacco Burst, Trans Blue, Trans Gold, Trans Orange, Trans Red, Trans Teal, Translucent Gold, Translucent Orange, Translucent Red, Translucent Teal, True Gold, Vintage Sunburst, White, White Pearl
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 H, HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the StingRay 5 String HH have?

The StingRay 5 String HH features dual humbucking pickups with active electronics, providing a wide range of powerful tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the StingRay 5 String HH suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the StingRay 5 String HH is well-suited for slap bass techniques, offering a punchy and articulate sound thanks to its active electronics and robust pickup configuration.

What is the neck profile like on the StingRay 5 String HH?

The StingRay 5 String HH features a comfortable maple neck with a smooth finish, designed for easy playability and fast action, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced players.

How does the StingRay 5 String HH handle different music genres?

The StingRay 5 String HH is versatile, with its dual humbuckers and active preamp delivering a range of tones from deep and warm to bright and cutting, suitable for rock, funk, jazz, and more.

What is the body material of the StingRay 5 String HH?

The StingRay 5 String HH is crafted from ash, known for its balanced tone and resonance, contributing to the bass's overall sound quality and sustain.

South Shore Music

South Shore Music

Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 5 Special HH Sound Demo

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 5 Special HH Sound Demo by South Shore Music

Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 5 Special HH Sound Demo

South Shore Music

South Shore Music

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 HH  |  Nick Guiffrida by Eddie's Guitars

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 HH | Nick Guiffrida

Eddie's Guitars

Eddie's Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Intuitive roasted maple neck enhances playability and hand guidance

  • Versatile tone with clear, dynamic sound across registers

  • Classic Stingray sound with a perfect balance of low growl and high-end bite

  • Effortless plug-and-play sound without extensive knob adjustments

  • Dual HH pickups offer diverse tonal options

  • Outstanding playability and action for a 5-string bass

  • Powerful sustain and articulate, punchy notes

  • Beautiful aesthetics, especially in all-black finish

  • Records well with a classic phat MM sound

  • Competes with high-end boutique basses in sound and feel

CONS

  • Heavy bass, which may affect comfort during prolonged playing

  • Requires precise right-hand technique, especially for slap style due to neck pickup placement

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Stingray 5 String HH.

Features and functionality

  • The active preamp can cause distortion if the bass knob is cranked high, with noticeable volume drops in single coil modes due to reduced output.

    Source
  • Some players find the HH model's neck humbucker placement can obstruct slap technique, particularly affecting finger popping.

    Source
  • The 5-way switch on the HH model allows for a variety of sounds, but some find the classic bridge pickup tone most satisfying.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The neck pickup's close proximity to the neck end challenges slap technique, requiring precise hand placement due to limited space.

    Source
  • Some owners find it challenging to balance low action and fret buzz, though the Musicman truss rod adjustment is praised for its ease of use compared to Fender's.

    Source
  • Proper pickup height adjustment at 1/4 inch for both pickups can limit slap space, causing players to adjust their technique.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha BB735 is preferred by some for its solid preamp, similar to the TRBX line, noted for its superior setup feel over the Ray5 at Guitar Center.

    Source
  • The Ray35's electronics are described as slightly more scratchy compared to American-made models, particularly the 5-way selector switch.

    Source
  • The HH model offers more tonal variety, but some owners feel the classic Stingray sound is more pronounced in the single H version.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners note issues with tuning pegs on the Ray35, describing them as prone to falling apart, with some resorting to gluing them back together.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users consider upgrading the Ray35's pickups and preamp, but express uncertainty if it would significantly enhance the already satisfactory sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • An owner describes the Sterling by Music Man as offering about 50-60% of the EBMM's sound and feel, indicating a noticeable quality gap justifying the price difference.

    Source

User experience

  • One user highlights the Sterling by Music Man as an excellent practice bass, but notes a distinct quality and sound difference compared to the EBMM Stingray 5.

    Source
  • Owners note that, while the neck pickup offers versatility, it doesn't quite replicate a P-bass's tone, leaving some players preferring the single H's simplicity.

    Source
  • Owners of both H and HH models often prefer the single pickup for its traditional Stingray sound, despite the additional options of the HH.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The HH Stingray is praised for its versatility across genres like blues, rock, metal, and gospel, making it a suitable replacement for both jazz and P-basses.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review - Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special HH - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special HH is a standout bass that combines classic design with modern enhancements. Musicians praise its exceptional build quality, versatility, and iconic sound, making it a reliable choice for both studio and live performances. However, the price point, starting just over $2K, may be daunting for some. While its aesthetic appeal and tonal range are lauded, some players might find it slightly heavy for extended sessions. Overall, the StingRay Special HH is a fantastic investment for serious bassists, provided they can overlook the heft and budget accordingly.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jared Leto uses Stingray 5 String HH

Jared Leto

Singer, Guitarist

Thirty Seconds to Mars

...
Verified via YouTube

It can be seen in the background of his studio in this video

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 Stingray 5 String HH, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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