Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray5HH Review: Five String StingRay On A Budget

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

Sterling by Music Man positions the StingRay Ray5HH as a five string solidbody electric bass in the Stealth Black finish with a black pickguard. The listing identifies a Jabon body, a maple neck, and a jatoba fingerboard. It also notes that all Sterling by Music Man instruments receive final setup and inspection in California. The HH in the model name suggests a dual humbucker configuration, but the listing does not describe the pickups in detail.

The Ray5HH extends the well known StingRay silhouette into five string territory. On paper, that means the added low B string opens up deeper grooves and modern styles without changing the overall body shape. The Stealth Black finish with matching pickguard gives the instrument a unified dark appearance.

Because this review is based on published listing information rather than in-person testing, several specifications remain unconfirmed. The scale length, string spacing, bridge, tuners, and electronics are not listed. Readers should treat this as a research summary of the bass as described by the listing.

Body, Neck and Playability

The body is listed as Jabon, a tonewood commonly used in affordable solidbody basses. Jabon is generally known as a workable material that keeps production costs down while offering a balanced foundation. The listing does not state the body weight or overall instrument weight, so how it hangs on a strap is not known from the published data.

The neck is maple and the fingerboard is jatoba. Maple necks are standard on many basses and provide a stable platform. Jatoba is sometimes used as an alternative to rosewood, with a similar density and smooth feel, though it may require occasional conditioning in dry climates. The listing does not publish the neck profile, nut width, or fretboard radius.

Playability for a five string bass depends heavily on string spacing and neck depth. Without those numbers, buyers cannot know how comfortable the wider neck will feel for their hand size. The Ray5HH should feel like a typical StingRay style five string, but the exact dimensions are not part of the listing.

Pickups and Tone

The model name includes HH, which in the StingRay family commonly refers to a dual humbucker layout. However, the listing does not specify the pickup brand, magnet type, or whether the bass has an active preamp. That makes it impossible to confirm the exact tone profile from the published data alone.

StingRay style basses in general are known for a punchy, clear midrange and a strong low end. A dual humbucker design would typically offer more output and tonal options than a single pickup version. On paper, the Ray5HH should be capable of covering modern rock, funk, and pop styles, but the absence of pickup and control details leaves some uncertainty.

Players who value a bright, aggressive attack may find the StingRay lineage appealing even without full published specs. The five string range further supports low B grooves and extended chord voicings. Still, this review cannot describe specific pickup voicings or preamp character because the listing does not provide them.

Hardware and Electronics

The listing does not publish the bridge type, tuner brand, string gauge, or control layout. That is a notable gap for a bass in the mid range tier. Without those details, direct comparison to other five string basses in the same price range is difficult.

One hardware related detail the listing does state is the California final setup and inspection. This suggests the bass should arrive with basic playability checks completed before it reaches the buyer. The black pickguard is also listed, which contributes to the all black Stealth look.

• Body: Jabon
• Neck: maple
• Fingerboard: jatoba
• Finish: Stealth Black with black pickguard
• Final setup and inspection in California

Build Quality and Finish

The Stealth Black finish with a black pickguard is the most visible build choice. All black finishes can hide minor scratches well but may show fingerprints and dust more easily in bright light. The listing does not mention the finish type, such as gloss or satin, so buyers cannot know the exact sheen.

The use of Jabon for the body and jatoba for the fingerboard is consistent with a cost conscious build. These materials are not typically found on premium instruments, but they are common in the mid range. The maple neck adds a familiar and durable component to the overall construction.

The final inspection in California is a build quality plus. It suggests the instrument is checked for functional issues before shipping. However, the listing does not describe fretwork details, fret count, or body construction method, so overall build quality cannot be fully assessed from the published data.

Setup Out of the Box

The listing states that all Sterling by Music Man instruments receive final setup and inspection in California. In practice, that should mean the bass arrives with a playable action, reasonable intonation, and properly tightened hardware. Buyers often report that these factory setups are adequate for immediate practice.

A five string bass with unknown string gauge may still need a personal setup once the player changes strings or adjusts the low B tension. The listing does not mention the factory string brand or gauge, so buyers should expect to fine tune the truss rod and bridge to their own preference.

Daily Use and Practice

A five string bass adds both range and neck width. For practice, the low B opens up positions below the standard four string E, which can be helpful for transposing and playing in lower keys. The wider neck may require a period of adjustment for players coming from a four string.

The solidbody design and StingRay body shape are generally comfortable for seated and standing playing. However, without a published weight, daily practice comfort is uncertain. The black finish and pickguard should hold up to regular use, though no case or gig bag is listed as an included accessory.

Jatoba fingerboards can feel smooth and fast under the fingers, but they may benefit from occasional conditioning. Players in very dry or very humid climates should monitor the fingerboard to prevent drying or swelling. The listing does not mention any specific maintenance requirements.

Versatility and Styles

The StingRay platform has a reputation for cutting through a mix, which suits rock, funk, pop, and aggressive styles. The dual humbucker configuration suggested by the HH model name would add flexibility, but the lack of published electronics means the exact range of tones is not confirmed.

The five string range makes the Ray5HH a candidate for modern metal, gospel, R&B, and pop where low B and C notes are common. The Stealth Black look is also stage friendly for visual styles that favor a darker aesthetic. Without control details, though, players cannot know if the bass supports series, parallel, or coil tap options.

For a mid range bass, the Ray5HH should cover a broad range of gigging scenarios on paper. The absence of a case or bag limits immediate portability, but a standard gig bag should fit. Players who already own five string accessories will find the transition straightforward.

Who Should Buy It

This bass fits players who want the StingRay look and five string range without paying for a US built Music Man. The mid range price tier and California final setup suggest a value oriented buying proposition for intermediate players.

Buyers who like an all black instrument with a matching pickguard will find the Stealth Black finish visually cohesive. Those who are comfortable with some missing published details and can try the bass in person will be in the best position to make a confident decision.

Verdict

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray5HH offers a familiar StingRay silhouette, five string range, and a striking Stealth Black finish at a mid range price. The published Jabon body, maple neck, and jatoba fingerboard are sensible choices for this tier, and the California final setup is a meaningful quality control step.

The biggest drawback is the lack of published scale length, pickup, preamp, bridge, and tuner information. That makes it hard to evaluate tone and playability without seeing the bass in person. For buyers who can try it first, the Ray5HH may be a solid five string workhorse. For those who need complete specs before buying, the listing does not provide enough detail to make a fully informed decision.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass

Players who want a vintage-inspired Jazz Bass with a classic look and Fender-designed pickups at a mid-range price.

Read the Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass review →

Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass

A right-handed player seeking a Fender-designed, 1970s-style Jazz Bass with a natural finish, maple fingerboard, and alnico pickups in the mid-range tier.

Read the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass review →

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4HH

A player who wants a lower mid-range four string bass with a Stealth Black look and does not need full spec documentation.

Read the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4HH review →

Questions Buyers Ask