Music Man Stingray 5

Electric Fretted 5-String Bass

Made by Music Man

Description A very solid, 5 string monster, designed by Leo Fender. Used by various famous artists. This is a bass that lasts a lifetime at the top the list of your favourite basses.
Posted By Patrick Verheij (46)
Directory Equipment: Basses
Rate/Review This Resource
Overall Rating: 4.8 (of 5)
Rating Votes %
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1 7 ||
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From 15 votes total

Member Reviews


On 7/19/2006, Rod Lowe (232) posted:
Overall Rating:
Have tried many other basses-
Price: $1900.00 AUD
Where Obtained: 2nd hand
Features:
US made Maple neck & fingerboa
Playability:
Action is as it came to me- &
Sound Quality:
Play funk, rock, soul, Rnb, ja
Durability:
Haven't had it long but it is
On 8/27/2004, Steve Gee (61) posted:
Overall Rating:
Having owned/used many basses in my career to date, including Rickenbacker, Fender, Tobias, Gibson, Kramer, Yamaha, etc., I must say the Stingray 5 encapsulates the qualities from just about all of them in the one instrument. The biz!
Where Obtained: s/h
Features:
Where was it made? USA Body and neck materials? maple neck. How many frets and what kind? How many strings? 22 frets, 5 strings. What controls does it have? volume, 3-band eq: bass, mid, treble, 3-way p/u switch. How many pickups and what's the configuration? one MusicMan humbucker/single-coil hybrid with ability to run in series and/or parallel. Does it have active or passive electronics? active (9-volt battery). What kind of finish? white with white pearl scratch-plate. What's the body style? jazz-precision hybrid. What's the bridge style? MusicMan's own. What kind of tuners? classic Fender-style.
Playability:
I honestly can't fault this bass. It simply "does what it says on the box!" A real all-rounder able to cover all styles (rock, funk, jazz, country, etc) - the Strat of basses!?
Sound Quality:
Durability:
On 3/15/2004, Marc Wise (11) posted:
Overall Rating:
I looked at many basses and this was the best in my price range. I knew right when I played it.
Model Year: 2002
Price: $1100.00 (new)
Where Obtained: guitar center
Features:
Made in California. 5 strings. It has three tone controls, one volume control, and active electronics.
Playability:
It has no flaws I know of.
Sound Quality:
I use the David Eden series. It sounds great.
Durability:
It is very reliable. I have had no problems with it.
On 9/5/2003, Andy Greening (34) posted:
Overall Rating:
If there was a way of inproving this bass i would say through neck, more treated neck ie glosed or the finish counting up it. the neck is nice but i think it could be better but musicman have very good neck ecpecaily there guitars. i think this bass is one of the best basses u can get but some may disagree, try it and see 4 ur selfs.
Model Year: 2002
Price: $1200.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Guitar mania (poole)
Features:
Made in CA,USA. my ray features mapel neck, 22 fret, and 5 string hense 'stingray5'. The electricts are amazing on it, bringing the bass to life with its eq (vol,tre,mid,bass) 4 nobs and also even though it has one humbucker its has a seltion on were it picks up from it wat sounds as good as the diffrence in a neck and bridge pickup. my finish is a plain shiny cheery red (i think) with a black stratch plate. bolt on neck and 4/1 formation on machien heads.
Playability:
I got my bass for 1200 quid at the guitar shop i work at 300 off so the rrp is 1500 but personal i think its a littel over priced. the neck is nice with a deacent action and the whole thing plays like a dream but it may not suit some bass players, i'm in a rock band and its perfect could'nt be any better but if u are a jazz musician and what that speed and punchy sound, i would'nt reckonmend it because it feel like shuch a rock bass to me but some may think im wrong.
Sound Quality:
I have a 220watt ampeg combo and i now don't even need to turn it over half way to beat a drummer because this bass has such power its louweder than most basses. like i said this to me is a rock bass but im shore it can also suit things like country and simular genres. the bass is noisless and has a deep meaty sound but also has a jazz bass sound at the same time bit like a pj i guess. this bass is a recording dream its tone is perfect making the drums sound twice as good. this bass is one of the best 5 stings i have played also has a good B string the tension is not complety loose. this bass is also amazing in some live conditions. i would choose no other bass for rock/pop ect but ive plaed some other basses and i prefure jazz basses for jazz and slap.
Durability:
Strong heavy bass what can be a downside but at least it wont crack and snap. it seems to stay in tune all the time only if i nock it it goes out and its fine in the climate changes.
On 12/17/2002, Erik Dennard (31) posted:
Overall Rating:
Personally I think for the money that MM is asking for this bass it could be a lot better than what it is in my opinion they need to smooth out the electronics and really better the bridge.If this bass were stolen I truly doubt that I would buy this bass again unless some major changes were made
Model Year: 1998
Price: $900.00 (new)
Where Obtained: SamAsh music
Features:
The bass has a nice black finish(if you keep it polished.which to he honest with I'm kinda sick of)maple fretboard and the usual MM electronic(of which I've changed)for most of you who are familar the MM bass
Playability:
The bridge on this bass could be improved for what this bass cost if you do not have a trade-in.the neck is a little wide for my liking my prefence is more toward a jazz style type neck with which my 1978 MM Sabre came with.However,finally i have been able to have the bass setup decent of enough to my liking since I like my action low.the strings still buzz but you cant hear it when i'm plugged in
Sound Quality:
I've changed out the stock pickup/preamp to a Bartolini MM pickup and the DNTBT 18 VOLT preamp which gives this bass more versatiliy than what it had with the stock electronics.I play all types of music jazz,funk,bluegrass,and gospel but personal opinion i thought the stock electronics were more suited toward rock style type players so i think me upgrading was a good thing
Durability:
It is a little on the heavy side but, if i were to get into a fight in a bar this would be ther bass to have because you'd break someone in two if were to hit them with this bass.It stays in tune pretty well
On 11/9/2002, Kasra Saboktakin (7772) posted:
Overall Rating:
I would suggest to any bass player who prefers traditional design basses and is planning to buy a 5 string.although it's a modern bass in the traditional skin. the only big problem with the badd is it's price!! it's a dream bass that anyone would love to own one.and you know that one of a kind quality and design is not easily affordable.
Model Year: 2002
Price: $2050.00 (new)
Where Obtained: factory direct-custom order(left handed)
Features:
Although I think most guys who play bass most know about this legendary instrument,but i'll describe anything needed to know this bass: first materials:the body is made out of swamp ash/southern ash,the neck is maple came from north east,the fingerboard is rosewood came from africa,it's got 22 frets-high profile-wide, 5 strings Electronics: are active and supplied with one 9 volt battery,the controles are volume,treble,mid,bass and a 3 way lever switch(position one is closest to neck): 1- both coils series mode 2-single coil with hume cancelling phantom coil 3- both coils paralell mode the bass has one humbucking pickup with hum cancelling phantom coil. the finish:the color is burnt apple and is matching painted headstock with black pickguard body finish is high gloss polyester,neck is finished with gunstock oil and hand-rubbed special wax blend the body design is traditional but one of a kind. the bridge is chrome plated,hardened steel with stainless steel saddles and is topload strung. tuners are schaller bm,with tapered string post. some great advantages of construction i'd like to mention are: 1-the truss rod is adjustable with no string or component removal 2- the neck atachments are 6 bolts producing perfect allignment with no shifting 3-the original mm patent for 3+1(on 4 strings) or 4+1( on 5 strings) tuners which has no need for additional string guides with perfect intonation and traditional feel.
Playability:
The action can be set to any point you want,i prefer a bit action as a result of my playing style which is mostly with fingers and slap style stuff. one of the most interesting thing to me was the neck feel.when i switched to this bass from my american hot rodded p-bass,i had no specific problem. i just had some minor problems that when i changed the strings and used my favorite DR high beams on it,the minor problem was completely gone it was a magic to feel when you switch to 5 string,you'd have no problem and the reason is the perfect design for string spacing on this bass,i had tested some other 5 string basses but not any of them was this much comfortable. by the way the body is a bit heavy(10 lbs-5 kilograms varies slightly) but traditional design lovers would not have any problems with this.
Sound Quality:
I think that a great bass can sound great with any equipment.I tested the bass with a marshall bass state B 150 combo direct with no effect.after spending a bit time i could get very nice sounds out of it.there's a special definition of any string through other ones.my favorite setting is paralell mode with a bit treble and more bass and leaving mid in the center position. I used it during rehearsal with my other basses a p-bass and a japanese bass collection,the main different was plenty of headroom and low end with a special definition and clarity which I never had before. I think it's suitable for any music style but it's a natural born funk machine. becouse of the good shielding of the bass(graphite acrylic resin coated body cavity and aluminum lined pickguard)there's no bothering noise during playing.when you pump up the treble it gets a bit noisy but bot harshly.the result ia a perfect instrument for stage or studio.
Durability:
I think with a good maintenance this bass will last longer than my bones!!!!it's very solid and lasts all your lifetime with a bit care. Since the neck is unfinished, it is more susceptible to humidity changes. A very occasional dose of gunstock oil will help to keep the neck maintained; i use Birchwood-Casey Tru-Oil, but any good quality gunstock oil will work.if the dirt has gotten into the wood, it cannot be removed except by sanding it down, It is better to keep it clean in the first place. it's all you should do,besides general cleaning and care and enjoy your lifetime bass.
On 10/20/2002, Art Hauffe (5) posted:
Overall Rating:
I've looked at them all. I've had them all The Ric is my favorate but the Music Man sounds better. I would like to try a 5-string Ric. That will probably be my next bass if I liked it after playing it. ???? I guess I'm more comfortable with the Ric because I've played a 4 string so long. The 5 string plays super and sounds super too. I wish it just wasn't so heavy after a few hours of play.
Model Year: 2002
Price: $1515.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Sam Ash
Features:
I also have a 4 string "Ric" Mapleglow that was made in 2000 and bought new for $1,400.00
Playability:
I like playing the 5-string because it's punchy and has very good action. When I switch to the 4-string I find I miss the low B but play the 4 string better.
Sound Quality:
I use a Sunn 1200s rack head with a Sunn cabinet with 4-10's and a Fender (Same grill & look couldn't find a Sunn) cabinet with 1-15. I play quite a bit of Country but because I have played 33 years + of classic music I have a little different style (So I'm told) I really like the active pickups but the bass gets very heavy after a couple of hours. That's when I'd rather play my Ric.
Durability:
The 5-string is new so I haven't experenced any problems. The Ric stays in tune and after two years it still looks and plays like it's brand new. I've had it set up twice since I've had it.
On 2/12/2002, Joel Schaefer (696) posted:
Overall Rating:
This is the third bass i've owned and probably the hunderth I've played and i havn't played a better one yet.
Model Year: 2001
Price: $2550.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Jeffs Morrel's Kingsport Tennessee
Features:
I purchased this a stingray with the burnt apple color pearloid pickguard maple neck and fret board. Besides the shear beauty of a bass made by the founder of fender, it has a solid, but simplistic feel to it. Compared to many basses i've played it is very easy to play. Nice warm sound with some of my favorite pickups made. And if it's good enough for Flea, it's good enough for me.
Playability:
Smooth playability. very easy to move up and down the fret board and strings press down with the greatest of ease.
Sound Quality:
This bass will fit any sound, funk, metal, punk, etc. I know because i play them all. Very dynamic sound.
Durability:
This is one of the greatest parts about this bass. I play very hard espeacially when i slap. I very seldomely have to tune it and it's great. the only down fall is no strap locks, but with a small 30 dollar upgrade perfection.
On 1/22/2002, Charles Eldridge (48) posted:
Overall Rating:
Alembic,Fender,Modulas,Lakland, Pedulla, I would highly recomend product, I am looking at purchase a clone MM Fretless very near future.
Price: $1250.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Reliable Music
Features:
US made, 34in scale, Sunburst body w matching headstock, Rosewood fretboard. 3Way active tone and series,parallel, single coil switch. This bass is very punchy! Not overdone with gimmicks
Playability:
Playability is like a great P-Bass. Heavy about 10 lbs but more wood the better the sound. Great thumping machine!
Sound Quality:
I use a 1985 Trace Elliot rig w 410 and 115 cabnet, Nice combination. I used to have a old P and custom Jazz. Wanted to go totaly different direction. This bass can go warm like a P or single coil selection for that rear jazz pu sound and then the classic MM sound which is my main voice!Love It
Durability:
Rock solid !
On 11/23/2001, Joe Green (4) posted:
Overall Rating:
I've looked at Precision and Jazz fender basses and Ibanez basses as well as the yamaha Brx and John Patticcuci models and this was more comfortable.I would buy this Bass without any doubt if it was lost or stolen.My favourite aspect would be the pickups as I just get a lovely sound.The worse aspect would certainly be the bridge.
Price: $1500.00 Pounds (new)
Where Obtained: Octave,Dunstable,UK
Features:
Made in the US.Body made from Maple and rosewood fretboard.5 strings 24 fret.3 controls 1 volume 2 tone.1 Humbucker Bass pick up.Active electronics.Cherry sumburst colour.Body style's standard Stingray.Bridge is thru-body.Non locking Fender precision tuners.
Playability:
The neck is slightly wider than most other 5-string basses and it can be quite arkward if u've gone from playing 4 strings for a while.It's main flaw is that the B-string is very clos to the edge of the neck and many a time has my finger slipped off.
Sound Quality:
I tend to use it with mainly Carlsbro amps with a sustain pedal.I play Jazz and Rock with this and it fits into both -but sounds much better with a pick in rock than fingers.It would suit big band music quite well and has a full warm sound when played close to the the neck and a very hard hitting sound when played near the bridge.I'm considering changing the bridge and the strings as they are not what I prefer.There is absolutely no background noise from it.It fairs well both in both live and studio situations.
Durability:
It's reasonably reliable for live playing-but make sure u have a electronic tuner wired intour other effects as it has a tendacy to go out of tune.The stap locks are fantastic it has not fallen off once yet!The hardware is still immaculate and the electronics are faultless.
On 10/18/2001, Chris Arnold (694) posted:
Overall Rating:
Don't put the basslines replacement pickup it it!!!!!!! great bass!!!
Price: $1300.00 (new)
Where Obtained: hell (guitar center)
Features:
Made in the U.S. This 5 string bad boy doesn't have 24 fretts.It's a 34" scale. It has active electronics with bass, mid, and treble. Well of corse it has a volume too. The finish is rather crappy I think.
Playability:
It plays great, but different at first (I had an Ibanez before, thin neck).
Sound Quality:
The first time I used this bass in the studio every one was shocked how good it sounded.
Durability:
Very durable. this thing could take a massive beating and come out and kick some ass.
On 9/29/2001, Greg Whiteside (310) posted:
Overall Rating:
All I can say is go out and play one. The one downside to the Musicman products is that their demand is so high, it usually takes 6 months or so for an order to arrive. Despite this, any music store with a line of decent basses and amps should have a few stingray's in stock.
Model Year: 2000
Price: $1250.00 (new)
Where Obtained: West Chester Music, West Chester PA
Features:
US made of course, it is standard sunburst with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard; 5 string. It has volume, bass boost/cut, mid boost/cut, and treble boost/cut. VERY versatile, the five string model also has a 3-way switch for coil selection on the single humbucker. Ie. Series, parallel and hum-cancelling I think. Not too sure, but it just adds to the tonal palette. I don't know why the 4-string model doesn't have this... Active electronics, and a bolt-on (solid!) neck. If you're reading this and haven't played one- be sure to, and play it through a good amp. Actually, you could probably play this through a cardboard box amp and the tone controls on the stingray could compensate for any shortcomings.
Playability:
Very playable. The neck is well spaced and despite the smaller body size, nothing is lost. I like the neck on this pretty straight, but then again, I've always kept it that way on this bass. Seems to work just fine. One thing, there is a bit of neck dive due to its heaviness, but after playing it for a while, that goes completely unnoticed. Another thing about the 5 string, the string spacing is perfect. The neck isn't incredibly wide, and there is still plenty of space for clean slapping, etc. One thing that bothered me about the fender 5's...
Sound Quality:
I run it through an SWR Basic Black combo in the studio and smaller practices, and as soon as I get some cabinets, I'll be using an Ampeg SVT-4PRO. I use DBX 266XL compression, Crybaby Bass Wah Q, and the Korg G5 with a filter sweep/volume pedal and this bass does wonders. Between the general tone settings on this bass and any amp/effects you would be running it through, anything is possible. It suits every style I've played on it... Funk, Rock, Drum and bass, Jazz, fusion styles, you name it. I've seen artists from all circles use this bass live. It can be mellow, bright, warm, punchy, subtle... hard to believe its just a single pickup. Compared to other basses I've played, this one is a reasonable price for a wonderful bass. I've played a few Warwicks, Laklands, Fenders, Ken Smith, Tobias, and Specters, and out of the bunch that I played and toyed with, this one came out on top. No fancy "flamed tops" or other expensive frills keep this bass reasonable, sharp yet humble-looking, and amazing sounding.
Durability:
This bass is SOLID. The bold on neck, and fat bridge seem really durable. These basses have been around a long time, and I don't hear of many people having trouble with them. I've only owned it for 3/4 of a year, and I'm not the type to slam it against the stage, but if you tried, it might hold up. It has done pretty well with climate changes, and here in the Philly area, we get an even 4 seasons.
On 6/6/2000, Patrick Verheij (46) posted:
Overall Rating:
Who needs a Fender when you can have a Stingray? If you want my Stingray, you'll have to kill me.
Price: $1100.00 2400 guilders
Where Obtained: Second hand
Features:
It was made in the US. The neck is vintage and unfinished. It has three tone controls: bass, medium and treble. Add a volume knob to that. Of course it's an active bass. The battery can be replaced very easily. Mind the huge bridge! My own trinket has a solid black finish (body) and big, old fashioned machine heads. This bass is excellent. It will be in my stock untill the thrill of owning this bass kills me.
Playability:
In one word: great. It has an excellent B string, which gives you that really smooth low end. The only drawbacks are the thin sound of the G string and the fact that the G string is hard to play while it's too close to the pickup...but it must be, or the sound will be even thinner. But hey, who uses a G string??
Sound Quality:
I play my MM5 on several amps. I own an old Peavey Century 100 watt. Unfortunately I also use a H&K 505 300W. That sucks big time. The low B produces just a big hum. This bass was made for 10" and 12" speakers. Slappers and poppers will love that sound!
Durability:
EVen if you throw it off a cliff, it will still be alive. Try it...just for fun.