Pricing and availability

* 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

The Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 5 30th Anniversary bass guitar is a true celebration of innovation and craftsmanship, marking three decades of the iconic StingRay5's presence in the world of music. This limited edition model combines classic design with modern enhancements, creating an instrument that resonates with both seasoned musicians and aspiring bassists alike. The exclusive preamp and pickup, crafted specifically for this anniversary edition, deliver a powerful punch and precise articulation, ensuring your sound is both robust and crystal clear. The ash body, paired with a roasted figured maple neck, not only provides a stunning visual appeal but also enhances the guitar's tonal richness and sustain. A rosewood fretboard, adorned with white binding and face dots, adds a touch of elegance and playability.

Whether you're laying down funky grooves or driving rock rhythms, the Stingray 5 30th Anniversary stands out with its combination of timeless aesthetics and cutting-edge electronics. It ships with a red tortoise shell pickguard and a certificate of authenticity, ensuring you own not just an instrument, but a piece of musical history. To top it all off, it comes with a rugged hardshell case to keep your investment safe on the road or at home.

Key Features:

  • Anniversary edition with exclusive preamp and pickup
  • Ash body with roasted figured maple neck
  • Rosewood fretboard with white binding and face dots
  • Stainless steel frets for durability and smooth playability
  • Includes a red tortoise shell pickguard
  • Comes with a certificate of authenticity and hardshell case

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Stingray 5 30th Anniversary bass?

The Stingray 5 30th Anniversary features a standard Music Man neck with a low-profile, narrow fret size, offering a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of pickups does the Stingray 5 30th Anniversary have?

This bass is equipped with passive pickups in an HH configuration, providing a versatile range of tones ideal for different music genres.

Is the Stingray 5 30th Anniversary suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its solid ash body, bolt-on maple neck, and active custom Music Man preamp, the Stingray 5 30th Anniversary delivers powerful sound and reliability, making it excellent for live performances.

What is the scale length of the Stingray 5 30th Anniversary bass?

The Stingray 5 30th Anniversary has a 34-inch scale length, which is standard for most 5-string basses, providing a balanced feel and sound.

Does the Stingray 5 30th Anniversary come with a case?

Yes, the Stingray 5 30th Anniversary comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection during transport and storage.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man 30th Anniversary StingRay5 featuring Tony Levin

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man 30th Anniversary StingRay5 featuring Tony Levin by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man 30th Anniversary StingRay5 featuring Tony Levin

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Bass Musician Magazine Reviews - Ernie Ball Music Man 30th Anniversary Stingray 5-String bass by Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine Reviews - Ernie Ball Music Man 30th Anniversary Stingray 5-String bass

Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine

Video thumbnail for "Al desandar" Music Man StingRay5 30th anniversary by Sebastián Tozzola

"Al desandar" Music Man StingRay5 30th anniversary

Sebastián Tozzola

Sebastián Tozzola

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball 30th Anniversary Stingray 5 by Guitar Center

Ernie Ball 30th Anniversary Stingray 5

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Bajos de cuarentena - Music Man Stingray 5 30th anniversary by Sebastián Tozzola

Bajos de cuarentena - Music Man Stingray 5 30th anniversary

Sebastián Tozzola

Sebastián Tozzola

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2017: MusicMan 30th Anniversary Stingray 5 E-Bass by session

NAMM 2017: MusicMan 30th Anniversary Stingray 5 E-Bass

session

session

Video thumbnail for Taking The Music Man Stingray5 30th Anniversary For A Spin by WINDHAM BASS

Taking The Music Man Stingray5 30th Anniversary For A Spin

WINDHAM BASS

WINDHAM BASS

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Stingray 5 30th Anniversary.

Features and functionality

  • The Stingray 5 30th Anniversary features a unique neck binding, a rare aesthetic detail not commonly seen on other Stingrays.

    Source
  • The shark fin-shaped pickguard on the Stingray 5 differentiates it from the oval pickguard found on its 4-string counterpart.

    Source
  • The pickup selector switch allows for series, single coil, and parallel configurations, offering versatile tonal options for various musical styles.

    Source
  • The Trans Buttercream body color paired with a shell pickguard is uniquely stunning and not commonly seen on other basses.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 30th Anniversary Stingray 5 is often compared to the BFR Old Smoothie, though it lacks the mutes and string-through body design.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Stingray's humbucker in the "sweet spot" offers a punchy tone that integrates well into various musical mixes, making it versatile for different styles.

    Source
  • Inspired by Tony Levin's demo, the bass is noted for its aesthetic and tonal appeal among enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The extra humbucker provides a mellow, wooly sound suitable for classic rock and blues, contrasting with the aggressive Stingray tone suited for metal and alternative genres.

    Source

Build quality

  • The fretboard is made of roasted maple, providing a visually appealing and durable playing surface.

    Source
  • Owners note that the mahogany body of the 30th Anniversary Stingray is heavier than a jazz bass but manageable compared to an Epiphone Thunderbird.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the 17.5 mm string spacing feels natural and not too tight, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • A former owner of the 30th Anniversary Stingray highlights the satisfaction of returning to a Stingray, immediately playing "Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 30th Anniversary Bass | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 30th Anniversary bass impresses with its stunning aesthetics and innovative features. With a roasted maple neck, lightweight ash body, and an exclusive preamp/three-band EQ circuit, it delivers exceptional acoustic tones and versatile electronic performance. The ergonomic design ensures comfort, especially for four-string players transitioning to a five-string setup. While its price may be steep at $2,399, the instrument's expanded tonal palette and playability make it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians seeking quality and versatility.

positive

Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 30th Anniversary 5 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 30th Anniversary 5 is lauded as a beautifully crafted bass with a prestigious heritage. The review praises its solid build, luxurious feel, and the precision of its components, noting the seamless construction and the standout MM bridge. The tonal capabilities are highlighted, with the reviewer appreciating the variety of sounds achievable through the three-band EQ and unique pickup setup. However, the bass demands time to unlock its full potential, making it a choice for dedicated players. The steep price is a downside, yet justified by its heritage and high-quality features. Overall, this bass is deemed an ultimate choice for those with a penchant for classic design and substantial sound.

positive

Review - Ernie Ball Music Man 30th Anniversary Stingray 5-String Bass - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

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.

More Electric Basses

Rickenbacker 4003

$2,099.00 - $2,899.00

# 3

Rank

Paul McCartney Cliff Burton Jason Newsted
187 artists using
Gibson EB-3

$359.00 - $2,250.00

# 16

Rank

Josh Homme Billy Corgan Flea
108 artists using
Rickenbacker 4003S

$1,999.99 - $2,599.00

# 19

Rank

John Lennon Mike Rutherford Jack Bruce
22 artists using
Ibanez GSR200

$229.99 - $258.00

# 28

Rank

Mike Starr Adam Neely Roger Lima
14 artists using
Squier Jazz

$279.99 - $399.99

# 29

Rank

Jesse F. Keeler Noel Redding Glen Matlock
25 artists using
Fender Bass VI

$874.99 - $2,734.69

# 40

Rank

John Frusciante Wes Borland David Gilmour
102 artists using
See also: Electric Basses

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides