Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special 5 String H Maple Fretboard

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5–String represents a modern recalibration of a bass that's defined five–string tone since the mid–1980s. Built in San Luis Obispo, California, this iteration sheds unnecessary weight whilst preserving the signature voice that's driven countless touring and studio players. The roasted maple neck paired with a classic natural maple fretboard delivers a lighter, more responsive playing feel without sacrificing the tonal character that defines the StingRay lineage.

Construction centres on select hardwood bodies with a high–gloss polyester finish, anchored by a 5–bolt neck joint with sculpted profile for unrestricted upper–fret access. The 22 stainless steel frets sit atop an 11” radius neck measuring 1–3/4” at the nut and 2–3/4” at the last fret. Electronics comprise an 18–volt, 3–band active preamp with independent volume, treble, mid, and bass controls, paired with neodymium single or dual humbucking pickups. Lightweight custom Music Man tuning machines with tapered posts stabilise tuning whilst reducing headstock weight and improving overall balance.

The 34” scale and graphite–shielded cavity accommodate standard 45–130w gauge strings, making the instrument equally suited to fingerstyle clarity or aggressive slap techniques. Sculpted body contours reduce fatigue during extended sessions whether on stage or in the studio, whilst the vintage–style top–loaded bridge with nickel–plated steel saddles maintains traditional intonation stability and tonal coupling to the body.