A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on
zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier
for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
With its basswood body, heavy-duty humbucking pickup, and 2-band active EQ, the Sterling StingRay 5 was made to bring the house down with its huge low end.
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
--Update--Had to return the Dented and scratches bass, customer support was incredibly helpful in with getting an exchange order. Phone call with customer support was quick and easy, best method to get any issues sorted out. _Not sure if this is relevant to quality, but the original bass was made in China, and the new factory bass is made in Indonesia._New bass (Factory New), brought the much needed truss rod adjustment bar and string saddle hex key. Anyone purchasing this bass, do yourself a huge favor and ditch the stock strings. I replaced my set with the Elixir nickel plated steel (.45-.130). Having both the amp and bass EQ to flat is very bright and bass heavy compared to the stock strings, which needed a lot of boosting in the treble spectrum. Now for the bad. The tuners that come with this bass are really good at staying in tune, but quality-wise they are lacking. By taking off the stock strings, the chrome on the machine head windings were stripped. Thus revealing the interior metal; bronze, now whenever I tune up or down there is a persistent 'scratching' feel to it. Silicon based lube has helped it out tremendously but unfortunately it is still stripped. Best upgrades for this phenomenal bass would be, tuning machines, bridge and saddles. I would suggest Hipshot ultralite tuning machines, and for the bridge I would swap it out for a Babicz solo rail system. These two upgrades would improve the bass greatly, and be able to compete against instruments around the $700 area.Overall I would give this bass a 4 out of 5!
20 of 20 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
You can't beat any of the Sterling basses in this price range. Definitely a little low-end heavy sound wise compared to the sub ray 4 but that helps the low B-string resonate more. Only surprise was that I was expecting the fretboard to be a little darker colored than what I actually received. Not necessarily a bad thing but the picture of the trans blue satin bass is slightly misleading. Other than that I'm completely satisfied with this purchase!
Musical Background:
16 years playing music. I play bass, guitar, piano and sing
Musical Style:
Mostly rock and alternarive
19 of 20 people (95%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Overall:
Features:
Quality:
Manufacturer Support:
Sound:
Ease of Use:
Value:
The Wow Factor:
Submitted August 20, 2019 by Scott aka Bugs Allen in Santa Clarita, CA
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
For less money than a college kid will spend on a fast food and Starbucks in a month, this bass can be had. And for the working musician, it'll pay for itself before zZounds debits a payment from your credit card.As a back up bass for rehearsals (and and gigs where I want to get a more vintage Funk or soul tone than I can render from my fancy 6-string bass with Barts and a 3-band eq) this bass cannot be beat for twice the price.Right out of the box the tone is punchy and lively at nearly every volume and tone setting. Depending on your playing style and technique, you can get all the retro tones and MOST of the new ones.
Musical Background:
35 years professionally, I'm also a trumpeter, singer and percussionist
Musical Style:
Funk, Jazz,R&B, Latin, Blues, Gospel, Pop
2 of 2 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Overall:
Features:
Quality:
Manufacturer Support:
Sound:
Ease of Use:
Value:
The Wow Factor:
Submitted May 25, 2020 by James F in NORTH DARTMOUTH, MA
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I bought this bass about 7 months ago and I have to say to this day I don't regret it. It sounds amazing overall for the style of music I play ands the action on it is beyond what it's price should be. Highly recommend to anyone starting out on bass or anyone who has played for years!
Musical Background:
Been playing music for 14 years, Guitar, Bass, Drums and Audio Engineering
Musical Style:
Rock, Metal, Electronic,
1 of 1 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Overall:
Features:
Quality:
Manufacturer Support:
Sound:
Ease of Use:
Value:
The Wow Factor:
Submitted May 13, 2020 by Moises Vargas in San Juan, PR
"Sterling by Music Man SUB Series Ruby Red 5 string bass"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This is an incredible bass for the price. The sound is very similar to the original Music Man's Sting Ray 5 and the fingerboard feels amazing and very comfortable. I also have to give a lot of credit to zZounds because the shipping was really fast.
Musical Background:
I've been playing electric bass since 1993 with several bands and musicians.
Musical Style:
Rock, Funk, Jazz, Salsa, Hip Hop and more.
1 of 1 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Overall:
Features:
Quality:
Manufacturer Support:
Sound:
Ease of Use:
Value:
The Wow Factor:
Submitted January 27, 2020 by Chris R in El Dorado Hills, CA
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Minimal set up needed when I received the bass. Amazing tone, but wish I had a little more options for dialing in different tone beyond the 2 band pre-amp. After spending all weekend with this bass, I'm liking it more than my $2K Warwick, plays and sounds much better.
Musical Background:
Playing for over 25 years, at home or at church
1 of 1 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Overall:
Features:
Quality:
Manufacturer Support:
Sound:
Ease of Use:
Value:
The Wow Factor:
Submitted December 29, 2020 by John H in Miami, FL
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I ordered this bass in Vintage Sunburst and I’ve been finding it hard to put it down. The highs sing beautiful with the rumbling lows, this is probably the best bass you can find for under $500. I’ve put it head to head with Mexican Fender, Ibanez, and ESP/LTD basses and nothing comes close to beating it. Definitely could get a great deal of mileage with this one, whether you are a seasoned professional, or a fledgling newcomer.
Musical Style:
Metal, Jazz, Funk, Trap, Blues, Hip Hop
Did you find this review helpful?
Thanks for your opinion!
Overall:
Features:
Quality:
Manufacturer Support:
Sound:
Ease of Use:
Value:
The Wow Factor:
Submitted January 30, 2021 by a customer from yahoo.com
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Arrived yesterday! I compared this Indonesia-made SR5 to my trusty SanLuisObispo-made SR5 that cost 4x more. Hardware quality and pickup switching ability are the only major differences, and they don't affect the sound quality. The sound is comparatively equal and playability is identical. I'm planning to defret this cheaper $ bass and transform it into a 5-string fretless. Already pulled one fret and looks like it's a go!
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I have a Musicman Stingray 5 , and this cheaper version can produce the same tone I'm used to, and the same feel I'm used to without breaking the bank.
Musical Background:
Bassist for Stereoside
Musical Style:
Rock
2 of 2 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Bought the dented and scratches version, and it played really well! Due to a dent (most likely from a fall) the truss rod rattles when I play an open E or any note on the low B. Aside from the annoying rattle, this bass is a beast! The 2 band EQ really helps tighten up the low end/ high end frequencies of this bass. Will definitely purchase another mint green bass (this time no blemishes), that way I can give the instrument a fair review without issues from a rattling truss rod.Will post an update review once the new bass comes in the mail!
2 of 4 people (50%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Overall:
Features:
Quality:
Manufacturer Support:
Sound:
Ease of Use:
Value:
The Wow Factor:
{#
@var spinnerColorClass string
#}
Please wait.
Shipping to
Open Now
Mon - Fri 6:30AM - 10:30PM (EST)
Sat - Sun 8:00AM - 9:00PM (EST)