Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$459.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (8)
$459.99 $439.99 $20.00
Amazon
4.3 (162)
Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (4)
$459.99 $399.99 $60.00 · All time low
zZounds
4.0 (21)
$459.99
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$477.00 $475.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£473.00

Average Price: $429

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 (duplicate)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the world of deep grooves and dynamic tones with the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5. This 5-string electric bass is more than just an instrument—it's a sonic powerhouse designed for the modern bassist. With a bolt-on maple neck and a smooth maple fingerboard, this bass offers a comfortable playing experience that invites creativity and precision. The body, crafted from Jabon wood, ensures a resonant and balanced sound, making it perfect for both studio recordings and live performances.

Equipped with dual H-1 ceramic humbuckers, the StingRay5 delivers a robust and versatile tonal range. Whether you're laying down a funky slap line or a melodic bass solo, the active 2-band preamp and 5-way switch provide endless opportunities to sculpt your sound. The controls for volume, treble, and bass allow for quick adjustments on the fly, ensuring you can adapt to any musical setting.

The fixed bridge and open gear tuners keep your bass in tune through the most demanding gigs, while the chrome-plated hardware adds a touch of elegance to its rugged design. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring bassist, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 is your ticket to sonic excellence.

Key Features:

  • Body: Jabon
  • Neck: Bolt-on maple
  • Fingerboard: Maple with black dot inlays
  • Fingerboard radius: 305 mm (12")
  • Scale length: 864 mm (34")
  • Nut width: 45 mm (1.77")
  • 21 Medium frets
  • Pickups: 2 H-1 ceramic humbuckers
  • Active 2-band preamp
  • Volume, treble, and bass controls
  • 5-Way switch
  • White pickguard
  • Fixed bridge
  • Open gear tuners
  • Chrome-plated hardware
  • Original strings: .045 - .125

Product specs

Available since August 2024
Colour Blue
Soundboard Jabon
Neck Maple
Fretboard Maple
Frets 21
Scale Long Scale
Pickup System H
Elektronic Active
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 feature?

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 is equipped with a single humbucking pickup, providing a powerful and versatile tone suitable for various music genres.

Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and active electronics, which offer a wide range of tones.

Does the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 come with a gig bag or case?

No, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 does not include a gig bag or case. You may need to purchase one separately to protect the instrument.

What is the scale length of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5?

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 features a long scale length, which is typically around 34 inches, providing a full and resonant tone.

What materials are used for the neck and fretboard of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5?

The neck and fretboard of the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 are made from maple, contributing to its bright and clear sound.

Is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 an active or passive bass?

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 is an active bass, featuring onboard electronics that provide enhanced tonal control and output.

Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

STERLING by MUSICMAN 🔥 RAY5

Video thumbnail for STERLING by MUSICMAN 🔥 RAY5 by Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

STERLING by MUSICMAN 🔥 RAY5

Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

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 (duplicate).

Features and functionality

  • The Sterling SUB Ray5 offers a 3-band EQ and a 5-way selector switch, although its sound may differ from a traditional StingRay.

    Source
  • Ray4's default preamp is considered too hot; users rarely adjust knobs beyond the 12 o'clock position for better clarity.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Little space between the fretboard and neck pickup makes slapping difficult; owners suggest lowering the pickup to mitigate this issue.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Sterling SUB Ray5 is likened to a "Squier" version of the StingRay, starting around €550 in Europe.

    Source
  • The Sire Z3 is praised for its rolled edges and excellent fretwork, making it a strong contender against Sterling models.

    Source
  • The Sterling Ray34 is regarded as a step up from the Ray4, with closer similarities to the Music Man USA models, though it features cheaper hardware and electronics.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate Harley Benton's entry-level quality, but caution that demo sounds are often processed and may not reflect the actual tone.

    Source
  • It's noted that in Europe, the Ray34 can be found for around 1.4k, highlighting regional pricing differences.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading the Ray4 with Seymour Duncan pickups and a new preamp significantly improves tone, achieving 90% of the EBMM sound.

    Source
  • One owner successfully upgraded a SUB 4 with EMG electronics, enhancing its sound quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some Sterling models exhibit poor fretwork, with high frets reported along the neck, suggesting inspection before purchase.

    Source
  • Owners have reported tuner issues on the Ray34 and Ray35 models, with some tuners falling apart over time, necessitating replacements.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Ray24CA is favored for its thin, Jazz-like neck, making it ideal for gigging musicians seeking comfort.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Ray4 models are available around $300 and are noted for being high-quality instruments at this price point.

    Source
  • The Sterling Classic series, including used Ray24 and Ray34CA models, are considered less desirable than the regular StingRay line.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

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 Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 (duplicate), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

TC electronic bh 500 Bass head
1
Eminence Delta Speakers
Eminence Delta Speakers Guitar Amp Speakers
1

Community setups

Show yours
mamukagafrindashvili

mamukagafrindashvili

Gear IQ 279

More Sterling by Music Man Electric Basses

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Similar

Gear Guides