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Description

The Ernie Ball OLP Stingray 5 is a versatile and budget-friendly electric bass that delivers powerful sound and reliable performance. Designed with inspiration from the iconic Music Man Stingray series, this bass guitar offers musicians a chance to experience high-quality craftsmanship without breaking the bank. Featuring a 5-string configuration, it provides extended range and depth, perfect for genres that demand lower frequencies and greater versatility.

The OLP Stingray 5 is equipped with a single humbucking pickup, which ensures a rich, full-bodied tone that handles everything from smooth jazz to heavy rock. Its simple yet effective control layout includes volume and tone knobs, allowing you to shape your sound with ease. The bolt-on maple neck offers a smooth playing experience, complemented by a rosewood fingerboard that provides a classic feel and look. With its robust build and reliable hardware, this bass is well-suited for both studio recordings and live performances.

Key Features:

  • 5-string electric bass guitar
  • Single humbucking pickup for a full, versatile sound
  • Bolt-on maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Volume and tone control knobs for easy sound shaping
  • Inspired by the iconic Music Man Stingray series
  • Reliable hardware for consistent performance
Bob Stoney

Bob Stoney

OLP StingRay 5 String Electric Bass Guitar

Video thumbnail for OLP StingRay 5 String Electric Bass Guitar by Bob Stoney

OLP StingRay 5 String Electric Bass Guitar

Bob Stoney

Bob Stoney

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Noted for being as heavy as an 8x10 cab, the OLP Stingray 5 is well-balanced and solidly constructed.

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  • Some owners reported the basswood body can dent easily with minimal impact, suggesting a softer material was used.

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  • The pickguards are made from cheap plastic, prone to warping and cracking over time.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A Nordstrand vintage MM pickup and John Ashby Preamp upgrade can drastically enhance the bass's sound, reportedly outperforming pricier models.

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  • Despite attempts with copper foil tape, the pickups are inherently noisy, suggesting limited improvement potential through shielding.

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User experience

  • Owners report long-term satisfaction, with one user retaining theirs for 16 years, appreciating the neck and reliability.

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  • A user mentioned their blue sparkle finish was visually appealing but didn't translate into a standout sound quality.

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  • An owner has been using their OLP bass for 18 years, indicating long-term durability despite initial perceptions of sound quality.

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Comparisons

  • The OLP Stingray 5 is preferred over the Epiphone Thunderbird for balance and sound quality.

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  • One owner suggested considering lower spec Sterling models for potentially better sound and build quality at a similar price point.

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  • Sterling models like the RAY4 and RAY4HH are noted for better tonal variety compared to the OLP, though they lack the classic Stingray sound when soloing the rear pickup.

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Value and pricing

  • Prices have risen from around $150 to $300, reflecting increased demand and value perception.

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  • In Europe, high-end Sterling basses can cost more than their Ernie Ball counterparts on the used market despite offering Squier and Sire level quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • Used as a beater bass, it has the potential to become a primary instrument due to its tonal quality.

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Features and functionality

  • OLP models feature two volume pots for each coil and a tone pot, but the hardware is considered low quality and likely to fail.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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