Best Sterling by Music Man Miscellaneous 5-String Basses 2026
Premium Sterling by Music Man miscellaneous 5-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship
Last updated: August 27, 2026
⚡ The best miscellaneous 5-string basses in 2026 are Sterling by Music Man Bongo 5 SBK (top pick), Sterling by Music Man Bongo 5 FMPS for tighter budgets, and Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35 VSB for pros — selected from 13 options, priced $570–$1,982, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Sterling by Music Man Bongo 5 SBK
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
300 mm (11.81")
Strings
5-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Alternative Styles
Custom Features
Professional Use
Key Feature:
This bass gives you a big, thick sound with its two humbuckers and mahogany body. The active preamp helps you adjust the bass and treble, but you can't cut the low end like on a standard bass. It's great for players who want power in the mix without needing a huge amp.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body offers strong resonance and sustain
- • Maple bolt-on neck ensures stable tuning and fast response
- • Active preamp lets players shape tone with bass and treble controls
- • Two ceramic humbuckers deliver thick, powerful low-end punch
CONS
- • Heavy 5-string design may be hard for smaller players
- • No bass control on preamp limits tone shaping options
- • Rosewood fingerboard needs frequent oiling to prevent drying
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 638060
$1,166
Sterling by Music Man Bongo 5 FMPS
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
300 mm (11.81")
Strings
5-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Unique Designs
Professional Use
Extended Range
Key Feature:
This bass packs a warm mahogany body and a smooth rosewood neck. The active electronics let you cut through a mix, though the fixed humbuckers can sound heavy. It's a solid choice for players who want deep bass and long reach.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body for warm, thick low-end response
- • Maple bolt-on neck ensures strong connection and stability
- • Rosewood fretboard offers smooth playability across 24 frets
- • Active preamp lets you shape tone with volume and blend
CONS
- • Two ceramic humbuckers may sound too thick for some
- • No bass-only mode means all frequencies are boosted
- • Weight is not listed, likely heavy with the hardware
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 638057
$1,166
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35 VSB
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Body
Nyatoh body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Custom Features
Extended Range
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
This bass suits players who need that high E string to cut through a mix. The roasted maple neck feels fast under your fingers, while the active preamp lets you shape the sound without losing clarity. It's a solid choice for anyone wanting a big, mid-heavy tone from the Nyatoh body.
PROS
- • Nyatoh body offers distinct midrange punch
- • Roasted maple neck plays fast and smooth
- • Active preamp handles high E easily
- • Music Man bridge gives solid sustain
CONS
- • No weight data listed in specs
- • Single humbucker limits tone variety
- • No built-in effects loop mentioned
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 638410
$1,166
#4
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35 PSK
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Body
Nyatoh body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Professional Use
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This bass uses a Nyatoh body for a warmer sound than wood usually does. The active preamp lets you adjust the tone without changing settings. It fits players who want a thick, mid-heavy voice at a high-end price. The long scale length might feel tight to smaller hands.
PROS
- • Nyatoh body adds warm, thick tone compared to maple
- • Alnico humbucker delivers rich, mid-heavy bass sound
- • Active 3-band preamp lets you shape tone on stage
- • Bolt-on neck ensures stable tuning and fast playability
CONS
- • Purple sparkle finish may scratch easily in daily use
- • No weight listed makes handling feel uncertain
- • 5-string scale length is long for some players
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 638404
$1,341
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 WS
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Jatoba fingerboard
Experimental Music
Unique Designs
Professional Use
Key Feature:
This bass uses a solid basswood body and a maple neck for a strong, stable feel. The active preamp lets you adjust the treble and bass to match any room. It works well for players who need a wide nut width and a fixed bridge for reliability.
PROS
- • Solid basswood body offers a balanced, warm tone foundation
- • Maple bolt-on neck provides a stable, responsive connection
- • Active preamp lets you shape sound with treble and bass knobs
- • 45mm nut width fits large hands and wide string spacing
CONS
- • Jatoba fingerboard material is uncommon and hard to source
- • Fixed bridge lacks traditional tremolo system for pitch bends
- • No weight or string gauge range data provided in specs
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 638038
$571
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 BK
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Custom Features
Unique Designs
Extended Range
Key Feature:
This is a great choice if you need a loud, punchy 5-string on a budget. The maple neck feels solid and the active preamp gives you real control over the sound. It suits players who want something reliable without breaking the bank.
PROS
- • Solid maple bolt-on neck ensures strong connection
- • Ceramic humbucker delivers punchy, loud output
- • Active preamp lets you shape tone easily
- • Affordable price for a 5-string bass
CONS
- • No weight listed makes it hard to judge balance
- • Fixed bridge limits string height adjustment
- • Black dot inlays are simple, not fancy
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 638035
$571
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY25CA Olympic White
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Body
Nyatoh body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Unique Designs
Professional Use
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This Sterling StingRay is a fantastic entry point into the Music Man world. It delivers that iconic StingRay growl and feel at a more accessible price point—the active preamp adds some serious punch and the maple neck makes it a joy to play. It’s perfect for players wanting a versatile, aggressive 5-string without the premium price tag.
PROS
- • Nyatoh body delivers a surprisingly resonant, warm low-end.
- • Maple neck provides a snappy, articulate feel for fast playing.
- • Ceramic humbucker delivers aggressive, punchy tone with plenty of growl.
- • Sterling bridge offers stable tuning and decent sustain for the price.
CONS
- • Nyatoh body can feel a bit less premium compared to mahogany or alder.
- • Active preamp adds complexity; may not suit players seeking purely passive tone.
- • Open gear tuners, while classic, aren't quite as precise as sealed.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585270
$851
#8
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35HH BOB
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Body
Nyatoh body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Unique Designs
Experimental Music
Professional Use
Key Feature:
The RAY35HH BOB is a serious contender for players wanting a modern, aggressive 5-string tone without the premium Music Man price tag. It's got a great feel, versatile EQ, and those humbuckers just *roar*. Perfect for rock, metal, and funk players who want a workhorse bass with a distinctive look.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel.
- • Dual humbuckers deliver a thick, powerful tone suitable for rock and modern genres.
- • Active 3-band EQ provides flexible tonal shaping and precise control.
- • Spalted maple top adds a visually striking and unique aesthetic appeal.
CONS
- • Nyatoh body, while functional, lacks the resonance of more premium woods.
- • Open gear tuners are charming but may not hold tuning as consistently as sealed gears.
- • The RAY35HH's tone might be too aggressive for players seeking a vintage, mellow sound.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585174
$1,516
#9
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35HH Charc Frost
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Body
Nyatoh body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Alternative Styles
Professional Use
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
This Sterling StingRay RAY35HH is a seriously capable 5-string, offering a lot of the Music Man vibe at a more accessible price. The roasted maple neck and those powerful humbuckers make it a great choice for rock, funk, and heavier genres, while the 5-way switch gives you some surprisingly nuanced options. It's a fantastic value for players wanting that aggressive StingRay tone without the top-tier price tag.
PROS
- • Nyatoh body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- • Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and smooth playability.
- • Alnico humbuckers deliver thick, aggressive lows and articulate highs.
- • 5-way switch expands tonal versatility beyond typical StingRay voicing.
CONS
- • Nyatoh, while good, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or ash.
- • Open gear tuners can be slightly less precise than sealed ones.
- • Active preamp requires a power source; battery replacement needed.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585180
$1,399
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH ST BLK
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Fingerboard
Jatoba fingerboard
Unique Designs
Custom Features
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
The Sterling StingRay5 HH is a seriously impressive bass for the money. It delivers a surprising amount of Music Man vibe and performance at a budget-friendly price point. This is a fantastic choice for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a powerful, versatile 5-string without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Jabon body offers a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- • Active preamp delivers a powerful, focused low-end with excellent clarity.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides a comfortable, familiar feel and quick response.
- • Humbucker pickups deliver thick, aggressive tones ideal for rock and modern genres.
CONS
- • Jabon can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- • Open gear tuners aren't as precise or stable as locking tuners.
- • Fixed bridge limits string-through-body sustain and setup flexibility.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585179
$664
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH Cobra Blue
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Alternative Styles
Unique Designs
Custom Features
Key Feature:
The S.U.B StingRay5 HH is a fantastic entry point into the Music Man world. It's got that aggressive StingRay growl, but with a warmer, rounder tone thanks to the Jabon body and humbuckers—perfect for rock, funk, and heavier genres. It’s a really solid instrument for players looking for a powerful, versatile 5-string without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Jabon body offers a surprisingly resonant, warm tonal foundation.
- • Maple neck provides excellent clarity and fast playing feel.
- • Humbuckers deliver thick, powerful low-end and aggressive upper harmonics.
- • Active preamp allows for significant tonal shaping and output boost.
CONS
- • Jabon can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more premium woods.
- • Open gear tuners aren't quite as precise as sealed ones for ultra-fine tuning.
- • Fixed bridge limits tremolo/vibrato capabilities; less versatile.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585176
$664
Sterling by Music Man StingRay 5 HH Ruby Red Burst
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
5-string
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Jatoba fingerboard
Experimental Music
Unique Designs
Custom Features
Key Feature:
This StingRay 5 has a thick, punchy sound thanks to its two ceramic humbuckers and longer scale length. The Jatoba fretboard feels smooth under your fingers, and the Ruby Red Burst finish catches the light beautifully. It is a solid choice for players who need an extra string but want a sturdy build.
PROS
- • Ruby Red Burst finish looks striking on stage
- • Jatoba fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface
- • Bolt-on neck ensures a solid and stable connection
- • Dual ceramic humbuckers deliver thick, powerful output
CONS
- • Basswood body can feel thinner than maple alternatives
- • No active electronics or preamp mentioned in spec
- • Scale length is longer than standard four-string instruments
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 582171
$664
#13
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 Black
Strings
5-string
Body
Nyatoh body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Experimental Music
Unique Designs
Custom Features
Key Feature:
The DarkRay 5 is a serious contender for modern bassists who want a powerful, aggressive voice. The Darkglass preamp is the star here, offering a ton of sonic flexibility. It's a great choice for rock, metal, and any genre where you need a growling, defined low end.
PROS
- • Nyatoh body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- • Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth playing feel.
- • Darkglass preamp delivers a wide range of aggressive and articulate sounds.
- • Sterling bridge design enhances sustain and tuning stability.
CONS
- • Nyatoh, while good, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or walnut.
- • Active preamp demands a power source, limiting battery life.
- • Omega distortion can be overly aggressive for some playing styles.
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
5/10
Art. 612237
$1,983
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 13 of 278 miscellaneous 5-string basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 13 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.
