Building on the punchy, player-friendly foundation that has made the SUB Series StingRay a favorite, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay 5 Plus 5-string bass adds elevated style and expanded tonal flexibility to the classic single-humbucker formula. A solid poplar body topped with ash veneer showcases beautiful natural wood grain beneath a classic Vintage Sunburst finish, complemented by a black pickguard and matching headstock. A hard maple neck and maple fingerboard with 22 medium frets provide smooth playability across the 34" scale, with a 12" radius and 1.77" nut comfortably accommodating the broader five-string format. At the heart of the StingRay 5 Plus, a ceramic humbucker offers series, parallel and single-coil voicings for three distinct starting points, backed by a two-band active preamp for further tonal shaping and a push-push volume boost for extra output on demand. Black block inlays, open-gear tuners and a fixed bridge round out a versatile, elegantly appointed five-string that brings more range and personality to the accessible SUB Series platform.
Poplar Body With Ash Veneer for Timeless Sunburst Style
The StingRay 5 Plus starts with a solid poplar body, providing a balanced tonal foundation for the punch and definition of its active electronics. A thin ash veneer adds the pronounced natural grain that comes to life beneath the Vintage Sunburst finish, giving this version a more traditional wood-forward aesthetic without changing the poplar construction at its core. Paired with the unmistakable StingRay shape and classic black pickguard, the combination brings a classic look to a bass built around decidedly versatile modern electronics.
34" Scale Maple Neck Designed for Five-String Playability
A hard maple neck gives the StingRay 5 Plus a solid, responsive feel, with a full 34" scale providing familiar tension across its extended range. The hard maple fingerboard features a flatter 12" radius and 22 medium frets, creating a broad, comfortable playing surface for navigating the five-string format. A 1.77" nut provides appropriate spacing across the expanded string set, while the neck widens to 2.72" at the final fret for comfortable access throughout the upper register. A sturdy six-bolt neck joint and dual-action truss rod provide a stable, adjustable foundation, while bold black block inlays stand out against the maple fingerboard.
Three Pickup Voicings and Active EQ for Expanded Tonal Range
A ceramic humbucker gives the StingRay 5 Plus its powerful core voice, while a three-way switch unlocks series, parallel and single-coil configurations for significantly more range from a single pickup. Series mode delivers the fullest, most muscular humbucker response, while parallel mode opens up the sound with greater clarity and definition; single-coil mode provides a leaner, more articulate alternative that can help bring extra definition to the extended low register. A two-band active preamp lets you further shape the lows and highs to suit your instrument, amp or mix. When extra presence is needed, a push-push volume control engages an additional output boost, putting an immediate lift within easy reach without interrupting your playing.
Stage-Ready Hardware and Elevated StingRay Style
The StingRay 5 Plus carries its Vintage Sunburst presentation from the ash-veneered body through the matching headstock, with a black pickguard and black block inlays complementing the warm, dusky finish. Open-gear tuning machines provide straightforward, precise adjustment with the traditional look of classic bass hardware, while the fixed bridge offers a stable platform for dependable intonation and string support. Together, these details give the 5-string StingRay Plus a polished, distinctive look while remaining unmistakably part of the SUB Series family.
A 5-String StingRay Bass Built for Versatile Modern Players
For players drawn to the direct punch and unmistakable attitude of a StingRay but looking for greater tonal versatility and extended low-end range, the Sterling by Music Man StingRay 5 Plus 5-string bass adds meaningful flexibility without complicating the formula. Three pickup voices provide distinctly different starting points, the active preamp offers quick tonal shaping and the push-push boost adds another layer of performance control when it's needed. Paired with an extended five-string format, familiar 34" scale playability and striking ash veneer and Vintage Sunburst aesthetics, the StingRay 5 Plus expands the possibilities of the fan-favorite SUB Series platform with a distinctive visual identity all its own.