Sterling RAY5HH-RRBS 5-String Active Bass Guitar

The Sterling by Music Man Ray5HH in Ruby Red Burst Satin adds two humbucking pickups to the familiar five-string StingRay platform. It is built for bassists who need a strong fundamental sound and enough switching flexibility to cover different bands and genres. A 9V active preamp and five-position selector provide useful adjustments without requiring complicated onboard electronics.

Two humbuckers and five pickup choices

The Ray5HH uses two ceramic humbucking pickups. With the five-way pickup selector, you can move between different pickup combinations to find a sound that suits the arrangement. The dual-humbucker layout is useful when you want both focused attack and a broader, rounded response from one bass. Rather than claiming one position is best for every style, start with your amplifier set neutrally and compare pickup selections at equal playing volume.

Active EQ for practical sound shaping

A two-band active preamp gives you bass and treble adjustment directly on the instrument. This can help balance darker fingerstyle passages, tighter picked rhythms or more aggressive slap playing. The electronics use a 9V battery, so keeping a spare is sensible for rehearsals and performances. Active EQ is a useful convenience, but the final sound still depends on strings, technique and amplification.

Five-string playability and construction

The Ray5HH features a 34-inch scale, a basswood body and a hard maple neck with jatoba fingerboard. It has 22 medium frets and a fixed bridge. The fifth string extends your available low range, which is particularly useful in modern pop, gospel, rock and contemporary arrangements that use low B notes. If you normally play four strings, allow time to adjust your muting technique and right-hand spacing.

Who should choose this Ray5HH?

This Sterling is a sensible option for bassists seeking a five-string instrument with familiar StingRay-inspired punch and more tonal flexibility than a single-pickup model. The Ruby Red Burst Satin finish adds visual character without affecting the control layout. Barbad Musical Instruments can help you choose an appropriate bass amplifier, strings and carrying protection for use in the UAE.