Music Man StingRay Special 5 Faded Vintage Sunburst

A StingRay heritage, redesigned for 5 strings

A true icon of active basses, the StingRay has shaped modern music since the 1970s. This StingRay Special 5 version continues that immediately recognizable sonic character by lightening and modernizing every detail: more resonant luthiery, optimized hardware, and 18 V electronics for more headroom. The result: a 5-string bass that is livelier, more versatile, and more comfortable.

For whom and for which styles?

Designed for demanding bassists (intermediate to professional) seeking a reliable 5-string, this StingRay excels in funk/slap, pop, rock, R&B, gospel, and fusion, while perfectly handling the heavy registers of modern rock. The 34" / 863.6 mm scale length ensures balanced tension on the low B string for a solid low-end foundation.

The sound

The ash body provides attack, projection, and definition, while the roasted maple neck enhances stability and clarity. The neodymium bridge humbucker delivers solid lows, authoritative mids, and clear highs, perfectly sculptable via the 18 V active 3-band preamp (bass, mid, treble). The stainless steel frets increase attack precision and longevity, and the combination of 10" / 254 mm radius + C profile offers low action without fret buzz and full control, from fingerstyle to aggressive slap playing.

Recommended compatible accessories

To maintain the original feel and balance, opt for a set of 5-string long scale strings identical to the factory setup: Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Bass #2836 (46w-65w-80w-100w-130w). A quality 1/4" mono instrument cable and a strap with standard strap locks ideally complete the gear. Mono case included.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	H	Body	Ash
Category	ST	Bridge / tailpiece	Music Man vintage
Format	Stingray	Electronics	Active
Strings	Steel	Color	Sunburst
Nbr of strings	5	Finishing	Glossy
Nbrs of frets	22	Hardware	Black

Material	Ash	Nut	Compensated melamine, width 1-3/4" / 44.45 mm
Finish	High gloss polyester	Headstock	Natural
Scale length	34" / 863.6 mm	Bridge	Top-loaded steel plate, vintage Music Man, black vintage plated steel saddles
Profile	C	Pickguard	Black
Joint	5-bolt sculpted	Knobs	Knurled dome
Thickness at 1st fret	0.830" / 21.082 mm	Tuners	Custom lightweight Music Man, tapered posts, ergonomic clover buttons
Thickness at 12th fret	0.975" / 24.765 mm	Configuration	1 neodymium magnet bridge humbucker
Radius	10" / 254 mm	Type	Active
Truss rod	Adjustable, no component or string removal required	Preamp	3-band, 18 V
Neck and fingerboard finish	Gunstock oil and hand-rubbed wax	Controls	Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass
Inlays	Dots (front and side)	Output	Mono 1/4"
Frets	22 stainless steel (.047" x .104")