The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H 5-string electric bass guitar represents a modern evolution of one of the most influential bass designs ever created. Built for players who demand clarity, punch and control, this StingRay pairs a resonant ash body with a roasted maple neck for a balanced feel that holds up through long sessions and heavy touring. A neodymium humbucker and an 18V 3-band active preamp deliver massive headroom, fast attack and a focused low end that stays articulate across all five strings. Refined hardware and durable materials make this instrument a dependable choice for bassists who need consistent performance in demanding live and studio environments.
Neodymium Humbucker Captures the Iconic StingRay Voice
The single bridge-position neodymium humbucker delivers the aggressive attack and tight low end that define the StingRay sound. With higher output and improved clarity over traditional magnet designs, this pickup keeps notes punchy and well defined even in dense mixes. It’s a sound closely associated with bassists like Flea and Tony Levin—bassists known for articulation, presence and rhythmic authority.
18V 3-Band Active Preamp Expands Headroom and Control
The onboard 18V active preamp provides significantly more headroom than standard 9V systems, allowing you to boost bass, mids and treble without unwanted distortion. This wider dynamic range keeps your tone clean and responsive whether you’re dialing in subtle shaping or pushing the front end of an amp hard.
Roasted Maple Neck and Stainless Steel Frets Enhance Durability
The roasted maple neck adds stability and a smooth broken-in feel while resisting changes from humidity and temperature. A comfortable C-shaped profile and 34" scale length maintain familiar StingRay ergonomics, and 22 stainless steel frets ensure long-term durability with consistent feel under the fingers. Dot inlays and a 10" fingerboard radius make fast position changes easy and intuitive.
Lightweight Hardware Improves Balance and Comfort
Custom lightweight tuning machines and a sculpted 5-bolt neck joint reduce overall weight while improving balance on a strap. The compensated melamine nut enhances intonation, and the modern hardware layout keeps the bass comfortable during extended rehearsals or performances. These refinements make the StingRay Special 5 H one of the most comfortable and playable five-string StingRay models available.
A Refined StingRay Built for Modern Bassists
The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H delivers the authoritative tone that made the model legendary, paired with updates that meet the expectations of today’s players. From its articulate pickup and powerful preamp to its stable neck and lightweight hardware, every detail supports confident performance in professional settings. It’s a modern StingRay that respects its legacy while offering the control and reliability serious bassists rely on.