Sterling by Music Man StingRay 5 RAY5 HH Bass Stealth Black
A 5-string StingRay with dual humbuckers, active 2-band preamp, and the iconic StingRay punch. Versatile tone from percussive slap to rich fingerstyle.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Ceramic humbucker pickups deliver the legendary StingRay growl with articulate clarity across frequency ranges
- +5-way selector switch provides five distinct pickup configurations — bridge alone to both together to endless tonal options
- +Active 2-band EQ with boost provides clarity and cut options without overwhelming menu complexity
- +34-inch scale length provides excellent string tension and snappy response for both slap and fingerstyle
Cons
- −Dual-humbucker configuration sacrifices traditional single-coil snap found in some bass voicings
- −Active electronics require battery changes mid-tour, an unnecessary complication for gigging musicians
- −Heavy relative to lightweight alternatives — extended playing sessions can tax shoulders
The Verdict
Sterling by Music Man’s RAY5 HH distills the StingRay’s essential character into a versatile 5-string platform. The legendary StingRay punch is real — it cuts through dense mixes with authority, whether you’re playing percussive slap lines or sitting in the pocket with fingerstyle grooves. This bass does both better than most.
The ceramic humbuckers are warm and articulate. The 5-way selector switch is genius — you can voice the bridge humbucker solo for aggressive modern tone, both pickups together for the classic StingRay thump, or anywhere in between. Combined with the active 2-band EQ, you have genuine tonal range without menu-diving. Slap tone is punchy and defined. Fingerstyle tones are fat and singing. Both pickups together give you that iconic growl that defined decades of bass playing.
The 34-inch scale length provides the string tension necessary for aggressive playing techniques. The jabon and maple construction is solid if not spectacular. If you’re a bassist seeking versatility, studio-ready tone, and the StingRay pedigree, the RAY5 HH delivers. The active preamp is the only real compromise — you’re managing batteries on tour rather than passive reliability. But for the tone, it’s a small price.
