Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $432
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man StingRay5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 is a 5-string electric bass that combines classic design with modern performance. Perfect for any player seeking the iconic sound of the Music Man lineage, this bass is equipped with a robust ceramic humbucker pickup and a 2-band active preamp system, giving you a versatile range of tones. Whether you're laying down a funky groove or a heavy rock riff, the StingRay5 delivers a punchy, responsive sound that stands out in any mix.
Crafted with a balanced-sounding basswood body and a hard maple neck, the StingRay5 ensures comfort and durability, making it an excellent choice for both practice and performance. The slim body style and distinctive cutaway shape not only provide easy access to higher frets but also maintain the timeless look that musicians have adored for decades. With its onboard volume and EQ controls, this bass allows you to finely tune your sound to fit any musical scenario.
Sterling by Music Man continues to make high-quality instruments accessible with the StingRay5, offering a piece that embodies both the heritage and the innovative spirit of its predecessors. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass's blend of classic charm and modern features is sure to inspire.
Key Features:
- 5-string electric bass with classic Music Man StingRay design
- Balanced-sounding basswood body with hard maple neck
- Ceramic humbucker pickup for responsive, interference-free sound
- 2-band active preamp system for versatile tonal control
- Slim body style and cutaway shape for comfortable playability
- Onboard master volume and EQ controls for precise tone shaping
- 21 medium-sized frets and a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | StingRay |
| Body Material | Basswood |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Hard Maple |
| Neck Shape | StingRay |
| Neck Joint | 6-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Material | Hard Maple |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Black Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Medium |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.77" |
| Nut Material | Polyphenylene Sulfide |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Fixed Bridge |
| Tuners | Open Gear |
| Bridge Pickup | Sterling by Music Man Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 2-band active preamp |
| Strings | .045-.125 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What kind of music genres is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 suitable for?
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The Sterling by Music Man StingRay5, with its powerful humbucking pickup and active 2-band EQ, is versatile enough for a range of genres, including rock, funk, and jazz. Its strong midrange presence helps it cut through mixes, making it ideal for live performances and recording.
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How does the neck profile of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 affect playability?
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The StingRay5 features a hard maple neck with a 12" radius and a StingRay neck shape, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience. This design is suitable for both fast playing and complex finger techniques, appealing to both beginners and seasoned bassists.
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Does the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 offer any tonal control options?
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Yes, the StingRay5 includes a 2-band active preamp with controls for master volume, bass, and treble, allowing you to shape your sound to fit different musical contexts and personal preferences.
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Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 suitable for live performances?
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With its robust construction, active electronics, and humbucking pickup, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 is well-suited for live performances. Its strong tonal presence ensures it can be heard clearly in a band setting, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5?
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The Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 features a basswood body with a gloss finish and a hard maple neck and fingerboard. These materials contribute to the bass's durability and its balanced tonal qualities, offering a blend of warmth and clarity.
Videos
Bassku
Sterling by Musicman Ray 5 Bass Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man StingRay5.
Setup and maintenance
Build quality
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The bass is heavy; owners recommend using a wide, comfortable strap for better weight distribution.
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Tuning pegs are prone to failure; some owners have had to glue them back together.
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The purple sparkle finish with black hardware is highly praised for its aesthetic appeal, considered superior to other color combinations by some owners.
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User experience
Comparisons
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One owner compared it to Mexican Fenders in terms of quality, noting it’s not as refined as American Fenders but still impressive for the price.
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The Sterling by Music Man 5-string is perceived as offering about 50-60% of the sound and feel of the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5.
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A user expressed a preference for the black hardware on the Sterling over the gold hardware on higher-end models, considering it a better aesthetic choice.
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Use cases and applications
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The bass is effective for experimenting with low B string techniques and alternative fingerings.
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Features and functionality
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Electronics on the Ray35 are scratchy, notably the 5-way selector switch, indicating less refined hardware compared to higher-end models.
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Value and pricing
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One owner felt the quality difference between the Sterling and Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 doesn't justify the $2,000 price gap.
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Mods and upgrades
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
186
A lot of bass for a good price
I was in the market for a 5 string and tried a few out at the shop near me. I've never really liked active basses but this one blew me away. I probably spent around 10 minutes just tweaking the EQ knobs and getting different sounds out of it.
Pros: Neck is incredibly comfortable. It's a very easy bass to play. It sounds great. Stock pickup is excellent.
Cons: I didn't really care for the stock strings. They were a little too bright for my liking but that's something that's getting changed anyway.
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sterling by Music Man StingRay5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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