Best Ernie Ball Music Man Guitars
Top 10 picks ranked by EJ Score
Our Top Picks
Looking for the ernie ball music man guitars? We've ranked the top picks based on our EJ Score system, which combines professional critic reviews and real user feedback into a single score out of 100. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this list will help you find the right fit.
Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special 4 H Limited-Edition Roasted Maple Fingerboard Electric Bass Burnt Apple
The Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special 4 H Limited-Edition scores 100/100 (Legendary) because it sets the standard for premium basses. Music Man Stingray tone is legendary for a reason—punchy, articulate, cutting through any mix with authority. Roasted maple fingerboard…
Pros
- +Music Man Stingray tone is legendary—punchy, articulate, and cutting
- +Roasted maple fingerboard is stable and beautiful
- +Offset body is ergonomic for bass players
Cons
- −At $2899, it's a premium investment—mainly for gigging professionals
- −Offset bass shape takes adjustment for players accustomed to P/J basses
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 Special HH 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Grape Crush
The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 Special HH 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Grape Crush is an investment piece — you’re paying for the absolute best in materials, craftsmanship, and tone. It’s a dependable choice for players who prioritize playability and…
Pros
- +Solid construction and reliable hardware
- +Comfortable playability across the fretboard
- +Good tonal range suitable for multiple genres
Cons
- −High price tag puts it out of reach for many players
- −May require minor setup adjustments for optimal playability
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 Special HH 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Kiwi Green
Ernie Ball Music Man’s StingRay 5 Special HH represents the pinnacle of modern StingRay engineering — building on decades of legacy while embracing contemporary materials and electronics. This bass exudes professional credibility and legendary tone in equal measure. The neodymium…
Pros
- +Neodymium pickups deliver more output and wider tonal range than ceramic alternatives, with powerful clean punch
- +18-volt 3-band preamp provides exceptional headroom and tonal flexibility from modern aggression to vintage warmth
- +Roasted maple neck offers stability, reduced weight, and professional craftsmanship without compromise
Cons
- −Premium price ($3,049) limits accessibility for developing musicians and budget-conscious players
- −Neodymium pickups can sound overly hot and aggressive in some amplifier pairings
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H 5-String Bass Guitar Translucent Oxblood
That perfect 100 critic score from Guitar World isn’t hyperbole—Music Man genuinely nailed the refresh. The Special addresses the two main complaints about StingRays (weight and tonal inflexibility) without diluting what makes them iconic. That TalkBass review saying “the B…
Pros
- +Significantly lighter than previous StingRay 5s thanks to select ash, weight-relieved contouring, and lightweight hardware
- +18-volt 3-band preamp provides exceptional headroom—clean tones stay clean even when you dig in hard
- +Neodymium pickup delivers more output and tonal range than ceramic predecessors without sacrificing classic StingRay punch
Cons
- −At $2,849, this is serious money for a 5-string—Ibanez and Yamaha offer excellent 5ers for half this
- −StingRay tone is distinctive and forward—if you need vintage Fender thump, this ain't it
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 HH 5-String Bass Guitar Dazzler
The StingRay Special 5 HH in Dazzler earns a Legendary 100/100 EJ Score by combining versatile electronics with modern ergonomics. Community feedback on TalkBass confirms that Ernie Ball absolutely nailed it with the redesign, praising the B-string clarity and the…
Pros
- +Dual neodymium humbuckers provide an expanded array of punchy, articulate tones
- +Stunning Dazzler finish offers incredible visual appeal under stage lights
- +Roasted maple neck and stainless steel frets ensure effortless playability and longevity
Cons
- −The 5-way selector switch adds complexity compared to the classic single-pickup model
- −Premium price tag reflects its status as a top-tier professional instrument
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 HH 5-String Bass Guitar Butane Blue
Like its siblings in the Special line, the StingRay 5 HH in Butane Blue is a Legendary 100/100 instrument. It addresses the weight concerns of previous generations while expanding the tonal palette. TalkBass users rave about the Stingray Stank that…
Pros
- +Lightweight body and hardware significantly reduce shoulder fatigue during long gigs
- +Five distinct tonal positions via the 5-way switch offer incredible versatility
- +Roasted maple neck feels incredibly smooth and remains stable in changing climates
Cons
- −Significant financial investment for hobbyist players
- −Dual humbucker setup might be too much for those seeking the original 1H simplicity
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H 5-String Bass Guitar Faded Vintage Sunburst
The StingRay Special 5 H is a masterclass in how to evolve a classic. It earns a Legendary 100/100 EJ Score by fixing the one major complaint of the original (weight) while enhancing the tone and playability. Whether you’re playing…
Pros
- +Exceptional weight reduction compared to older models makes it comfortable for long sets
- +Neodymium humbucking pickup delivers the iconic 'StingRay Stank' with more headroom
- +Roasted maple neck with 22 stainless steel frets offers incredible playability and durability
Cons
- −Premium pricing puts it out of reach for most hobbyists
- −The aggressive StingRay tone isn't always suitable for traditional jazz or folk contexts
Ernie Ball Music Man Axis Super Sport Electric Guitar Quilt Top Olallieberry
This is what $3,500 should get you: impeccable fretwork, premium components, and a tone that competes with anything in the boutique market. The 96 EJ Score isn’t inflated—both critics and the limited community feedback agree this thing rips. The roasted…
Pros
- +Perfect 5/5 rating from Sweetwater users (2 reviews) and 4.5/5 from Guitar World shows consensus on quality
- +Roasted maple neck provides superior stability and a fast, responsive feel compared to standard maple
- +Custom DiMarzio humbuckers deliver powerful tone with excellent string-to-string balance for both cleans and high-gain
Cons
- −At $3,499 you're paying for the Music Man name—similar specs can be found for $1,000 less from Ibanez or Schecter
- −Basswood body means this guitar is lighter on midrange punch than mahogany-bodied alternatives
Those dual 96/90 scores from Guitar World and MusicRadar reflect genuine consensus: this is exceptional execution of a specific vision. The DarkRay isn’t trying to be all things to all bassists—it’s built for players who need classic StingRay DNA with…
Pros
- +Neodymium pickup delivers commanding output with prominent mids and deep low-end—massive tonal foundation
- +Two integrated Darkglass drive circuits (Alpha and Omega modes) provide everything from gentle grit to full-on metal aggression
- +Custom two-band EQ designed specifically for DarkRay optimizes the Darkglass circuits—not generic tone stack
Cons
- −At $3,899, this is serious investment territory—double the cost of a standard StingRay Special
- −Darkglass circuits are polarizing—if you don't play aggressive styles, you're paying for features you won't use
Ernie Ball Music Man Dustin Kensrue Stingray Electric Guitar Dark Satin Tobacco
The Ernie Ball Music Man Dustin Kensrue Stingray scores 90/100 (Legendary) because it’s a signature guitar built on the foundation of a classic instrument. Dustin Kensrue’s connection to Thrice adds credibility—he’s a respected songwriter and player, not just a celebrity…
Pros
- +Dustin Kensrue's signature adds prestige and connects to Thrice's legacy
- +Single humbucker Music Man tone delivers clarity and punchy articulation
- +Offset body is ergonomic and visually distinctive
Cons
- −At $2999, it's a luxury signature guitar—not entry-level
- −Single humbucker limits tonal versatility compared to dual-pickup guitars
Side-by-Side Comparison
 Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Special... |  Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 Special... |  Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay5 Special... |  Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special... |  Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special... |  Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special... |  Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special... |  Ernie Ball Music Man Axis Super... |  Ernie Ball Music Man BFR DarkRay... |  Ernie Ball Music Man Dustin Kensrue... | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EJ Score | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 96 | 93 | 90 |
| Price | $2,899.00 | $2,949.00 | $3,049.00 | $2,849.00 | $3,099.00 | $2,949.00 | $2,999.00 | $3,499.00 | $3,899.00 | $2,999.00 |
The Bottom Line
That wraps up our picks for the ernie ball music man guitars. Every product on this list has been evaluated through our EJ Score system, combining critic expertise with community feedback. Click through to any product page for the full breakdown of scores, specs, and reviews.