Best Music Man 5-String Basses 2025

Premium Music Man 5-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Raspberry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Raspberry

Extended Range Custom Features Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range with low B string
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may feel cramped
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Raspberry5-String Electric BassBody: Selected hardwood5-bolt neck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...

5.0/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Frost Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Frost Green

Unique Designs Alternative Styles Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • More complex muting techniques required

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Frost Green5-String Electric BassSelected hardwood body5-Piece bolt-on maple neckMaple...

5.0/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Music Man Bongo 5 HH Stealth Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Music Man Bongo 5 HH Stealth Black

Alternative Styles Experimental Music Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Music Man Bongo 5 HH Stealth Black5-String Electric BassBody: Basswood5-Piece bolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

4.9/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp H MN Frost Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp H MN Frost Green

Alternative Styles Professional Use Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp H MN Frost Green5-String Electric BassBody: selected hardwood5-Bolt neck: Roasted...

4.6/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Special Raspberry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Music Man Stingray 5 Special Raspberry

Custom Features Professional Use Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Music Man Stingray 5 Special Raspberry5-String Electric BassBody: selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted...

4.5/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Music Man Dark Ray 5 Gold Bar - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Music Man Dark Ray 5 Gold Bar

Alternative Styles Unique Designs Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range with low B string
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Music Man Dark Ray 5 Gold Bar5 String Electric BassBody: selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...

4.4/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Special HH Burnt - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Music Man Stingray 5 Special HH Burnt

Experimental Music Professional Use Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range with low B string
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may feel cramped
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Music Man Stingray 5 Special HH Burnt5-String Electric BassBody: Ash5-bolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...

4.8/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Music Man Dark Ray 5 Starry Night - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Music Man Dark Ray 5 Starry Night

Experimental Music Extended Range Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Music Man Dark Ray 5 Starry Night5-String Electric BassBody: Selected hardwoodBolt-on neckl: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

4.6/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Special Burnt Ends - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Music Man Stingray 5 Special Burnt Ends

Experimental Music Professional Use Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • More complex muting techniques required

Music Man Stingray 5 Special Burnt Ends5-String Electric BassBody: Ash5-Bolt bolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFretboard:...

4.5/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10

How to Choose the Best 5-String Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 5-string basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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