Best Music Man Miscellaneous 5-String Basses 2026
Premium Music Man miscellaneous 5-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship
Last updated: August 27, 2026
⚡ The best miscellaneous 5-string basses in 2026 are Music Man Stingray 5 HH Special Wine Red (top pick), Music Man Stingray 5 Special Wine Red for tighter budgets, and Music Man Stingray 5 Special Raspberry for pros — selected from 14 options, priced $3,498–$4,199, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Stingray 5 HH Special Wine Red
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
279.4 mm (11")
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Custom Features
Extended Range
Professional Use
Key Feature:
This bass feels solid thanks to the roasted maple neck and lightweight aluminum hardware. The neodymium pickups give you a punchy sound that cuts through the mix easily. It is a great choice for players who want a reliable five-string that stays stable on stage.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck stays stable in humidity
- • Neodymium magnets drive loud and tight lows
- • Graphite nut reduces string breakage quickly
- • Aluminum bridge keeps the whole body light
CONS
- • No bridge pickup for extra tone options
- • Body is ash which can crack if mistreated
- • Active electronics require battery power constantly
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 616484
$4,200
#2
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Special Wine Red
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
279 mm (10.98")
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Alternative Styles
Unique Designs
Extended Range
Key Feature:
This bass has a great ash body and a sturdy bolt-on neck that feels solid in your hands. The active preamp gives you real control over your tone without needing extra pedals. It's a premium-priced choice for players who want that classic Stingray sound in a striking color.
PROS
- • Ash body with bolt-on maple neck for solid stability
- • Neodymium pickups deliver strong, tight low-end response
- • Active 18V preamp lets you shape tone precisely
- • Wine Red finish looks unique and stands out well
CONS
- • No weight or string gauge specs listed in text
- • Missing detailed string count or brand info
- • Limited control options compared to full EQ models
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 616482
$3,965
#3
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Special Raspberry
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
279 mm (10.98")
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Custom Features
Professional Use
Extended Range
Key Feature:
The Stingray 5 Special Raspberry is a powerhouse – a real statement instrument. The roasted maple neck and ebony board make it a joy to play, while those classic Music Man pickups and active EQ deliver a seriously versatile and powerful tone. This is a top-tier bass perfect for the gigging musician or studio player seeking a refined and impactful low-end.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a silky smooth feel.
- • Music Man humbuckers deliver a powerful, articulate tone with excellent clarity.
- • Ebony fretboard provides a snappy response and refined upper-midrange attack.
- • Active preamp with 3-band EQ allows for precise tonal shaping and stage-ready volume.
CONS
- • The substantial hardware and 5-string design contribute to a relatively heavy bass.
- • The Raspberry Burst finish, while striking, may not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
- • The high-end price point places it out of reach for many aspiring bassists.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 531863
$3,966
#4
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Dark Ray 5 Silverburst
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
279 mm (10.98")
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Unique Designs
Custom Features
Extended Range
Key Feature:
This bass shines with its roasted maple neck and jumbo frets for easy playing. The Custom Darkglass preamp adds real crunch without losing clarity. It suits players who want a punchy tone and reliable distortion. While missing weight specs and more pickups, the build quality stands out.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck reduces finger fatigue during long sessions
- • Stainless steel jumbo frets offer smooth playability
- • Custom active preamp provides distinct Alpha and Omega distortion
- • Ash body delivers a punchy, articulate low-end response
CONS
- • No information given about the guitar's total weight
- • Single pickup limits stereo or multi-pickup options
- • No details on bridge construction or hardware stability
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 626093
$3,659
#5
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Dark Ray 5 Plasma Purple
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
279 mm (10.98")
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Custom Features
Extended Range
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This bass sounds thick and tight thanks to its special pickup and active preamp. The roasted maple neck feels great for playing fast, though the heavy body is a bit hard to carry. It's perfect for players who want a unique distortion sound without complicated controls.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers tight, fast action feel
- • Neodymium humbucker delivers thick, tight low-end punch
- • Custom Darkglass preamp adds unique distortion textures
- • Plasma Purple finish looks striking and unique
CONS
- • No active EQ controls beyond basic tone stack
- • Blended distortion requires specific mixing technique
- • Heavy 5-string body may be hard to carry
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 626091
$4,083
#6
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Dark Ray 5 Stealth Black
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
279 mm (10.98")
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Professional Use
Alternative Styles
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
This bass has a roasted maple neck that feels great to play and holds its shape well. The custom distortion circuits let you shape your sound without losing clarity. It's a solid choice for players who want a bright tone and easy bending. Perfect for those who need a reliable five-string in the studio or on stage.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck stays stable in heat and humidity
- • Custom distortion circuits give unique sound options
- • Jumbo frets make bending notes easier for players
- • Ash body offers bright, punchy tone in the mix
CONS
- • No bass weight listed means it could be heavy
- • Only one distortion circuit type available per switch
- • Active preamp might need external power source
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 626092
$4,083
#7
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Bongo 5 HH Stealth Black
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
The Bongo 5 HH is a serious player’s bass – that 4-band EQ and 18v preamp give you incredible control over your tone, and the ebony board really shines. This is perfect for modern players needing a versatile, powerful bass for funk, rock, and heavier styles. It’s a beautifully built instrument with a modern feel and a killer sound.
PROS
- • Ebony fingerboard provides exceptional clarity and note definition.
- • Music Man humbuckers deliver a powerful, articulate low-end response.
- • Bolt-on neck construction offers a snappy, aggressive attack.
- • Active EQ allows for precise tonal shaping and stage-ready sound.
CONS
- • Basswood body, while resonant, isn’t the most tonally complex material.
- • Stealth Black finish might be a fingerprint magnet for some users.
- • Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for budget-conscious players.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 589738
$3,791
#8
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Special HH Burnt
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Experimental Music
Professional Use
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
This Stingray 5 Special HH Burnt is a serious contender for players wanting a modern, versatile 5-string. The roasted maple neck and powerful humbuckers combined with the active EQ give it a punchy, defined sound ideal for rock, funk, and modern genres. It's a high-end instrument built for the player who demands performance and a distinctive look.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel.
- • Neodymium humbuckers deliver a powerful, articulate tone with plenty of growl.
- • Ash body provides a resonant, balanced foundation for the active preamp's shaping.
- • Graphite nut minimizes tuning instability and contributes to overall reliability.
CONS
- • The active preamp demands a power source, limiting passive tonal options.
- • Burnt Ends finish, while striking, can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for many bassists.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 531862
$3,791
#9
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Dark Ray 5 Gold Bar
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
279 mm (10.98")
Strings
5-string
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Alternative Styles
Unique Designs
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
The Dark Ray 5 Gold Bar is a powerhouse for players needing serious low-end aggression and modern tones. The roasted maple neck and ebony board make it a joy to play, while the Darkglass preamp delivers a huge range of distortion options. This is a premium-priced instrument geared toward experienced bassists in rock, metal, and progressive genres.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- • Darkglass preamp delivers a wide range of aggressive, modern tones.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a slick, fast playing experience.
- • Solid hardware and build quality ensure reliable performance.
CONS
- • The weight, typical of hardwood bodies, may be tiring for some players.
- • The Darkglass preamp's complexity may be overwhelming for beginners.
- • Limited tonal flexibility compared to basses with more pickup configurations.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 595488
$3,498
#10
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Dark Ray 5 Starry Night
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
279 mm (10.98")
Strings
5-string
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Experimental Music
Extended Range
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
The Dark Ray 5 Starry Night is a powerhouse bass built for modern metal, progressive rock, and anyone craving serious low-end aggression. That Darkglass preamp and the extended scale really deliver a unique, focused sound, and the roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play, even during intense sessions. This is a top-tier instrument for experienced players who want to stand out.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- • Darkglass preamp delivers aggressive, articulate low-end tones.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a slick, fast playing experience.
- • Starry Night finish is visually striking and unique.
CONS
- • The extended scale can be challenging for players with smaller hands.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many bassists.
- • Limited tonal flexibility outside of modern, aggressive genres.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 544932
$3,675
#11
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Raspberry
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Extended Range
Custom Features
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This Stingray 5 Sp HH is a powerhouse – seriously punchy and articulate with that signature Music Man growl. The roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play, and the active preamp adds a ton of tonal flexibility. It's ideal for players needing a versatile, high-performance bass for modern music and demanding stage work.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and feel.
- • Neodymium humbuckers deliver a powerful, articulate low-end response.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience.
- • 5-bolt neck joint enhances resonance and sustain.
CONS
- • Raspberry Burst finish might not appeal to all players' aesthetic preferences.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many bassists.
- • Active preamp requires a power source, potentially limiting versatility.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 513795
$4,082
#12
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Special Burnt Ends
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Experimental Music
Professional Use
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
This Stingray 5 Special Burnt Ends is a serious instrument. The roasted maple neck and ash body combo give it a fantastic blend of clarity and warmth, while the active preamp adds serious punch and tonal flexibility. It’s a great choice for professional bassists needing a versatile, high-performance 5-string for a wide range of genres.
PROS
- • Ash body delivers a tight, articulate low-end with a pleasing resonance.
- • Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth, fast playing feel.
- • Music Man humbuckers offer a powerful, defined tone with excellent clarity.
- • The 18-volt active preamp unlocks a wide range of tonal possibilities and punch.
CONS
- • The ash body contributes to a noticeably heavier weight, potentially fatiguing for some.
- • Rosewood fretboard might not be preferred by players seeking a slick, modern feel.
- • The premium-priced tag puts it out of reach for many budget-conscious players.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 513774
$4,200
#13
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Frost Green
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Unique Designs
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This Stingray 5 Sp HH is a serious instrument—it's got that unmistakable Music Man growl, a fantastic active EQ for dialing in your sound, and a gorgeous, eye-catching finish. It's perfect for players wanting a modern, versatile 5-string with a powerful punch, ideal for rock, funk, and modern styles where clarity and articulation are key.
PROS
- • Exceptional build quality with premium hardwood body and stainless steel frets
- • Music Man humbuckers deliver powerful, articulate tone with excellent clarity
- • Active electronics and 3-band EQ offer extensive tonal shaping possibilities
- • Frost Green Pearl finish is stunning and sets this bass apart visually
CONS
- • The 5-string configuration can feel wide for players with smaller hands
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many bassists
- • The bolt-on neck, while stable, lacks the resonance of a neck-through design
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 531835
$4,200
#14
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp H MN Frost Green
by
Music Man
Nut width
44.5 mm (1.75")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
22 frets
Strings
5-string
Alternative Styles
Professional Use
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This Stingray 5 Sp H is a serious instrument—a powerhouse for modern music and a fantastic option for players wanting that signature Music Man tone. The roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play, and the active preamp gives you a huge sonic palette. It's ideal for bassists in funk, rock, and progressive bands who demand both clarity and aggressive low-end.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel.
- • Music Man humbucker delivers a powerful, articulate low-end with excellent clarity.
- • Active 3-band preamp provides precise tonal shaping and a wide range of sounds.
- • 5-bolt neck joint maximizes sustain and provides a comfortable playing experience.
CONS
- • The Frost Green Pearl finish, while stunning, can be a fingerprint magnet.
- • The weight, typical of a 5-string, might be fatiguing for extended playing sessions.
- • Active electronics require a power source, limiting passive tonal options.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 525204
$4,082
Miscellaneous 5-String Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 278 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $1,341
from $361 to $6,533
Nut width
median 45 mm (1.77")
from 43 mm (1.69") to 47.5 mm (1.87") · 213 models
Scale
median 864 mm (34.02")
from 864 mm (34.02") to 889 mm (35") · 242 models
Neck profile
C, D
most common · 35 models
Body
okoume, ash, alder
most common · 211 models
Strings
median 5-string
from 5-string to 5-string · 271 models
Weight
median 4.04 kg
from 3.8 kg to 4.8 kg · 41 models
Frets
median 24
from 21 to 24 · 109 models
Fingerboard radius
median 305 mm (12.01")
from 279 mm (10.98") to 660 mm (25.98") · 89 models
Fingerboard
maple, rosewood, ebony
most common · 152 models
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 14 of 278 miscellaneous 5-string basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 14 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
How to Choose the Best Miscellaneous 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 miscellaneous 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.
