What's the going rate for Stingrays nowadays?

[Terry M.]

6 minutes ago, Lozz196 said:

Yes, very good basses, a few years back I had a US Stingray with a Sterling by Musicman Ray34 as backup. There was very little in them, the Ray34 being possibly a little sharper on the top end, but only a touch at most. In terms of playability & quality very close indeed.

I'll go as far to suggest that the price difference flatters the US made ones somewhat when you actually consider what you get with the Ray34/5s. 

[Terry M.]

9 minutes ago, SteveXFR said:

I might have to get another one day

You know you won't regret it based on your personal experience. 

[SteveXFR]

Just now, Terry M. said:

You know you won't regret it based on your personal experience. 

 

I might when the wife sees another bass turn up!

[40hz]

Bought and sold a few, and am always searching/on the lookout for a good ray!

 

You do get the odd nutjob seeing what Specials go for new and assuming their early 00s 2-band is worth 2k used, but generally you'll see standards at £1100-1500 (max) and Specials from £1500-£2000.

 

 

[Bolo]

Return to this thread every year and add 7-10% of estimates given

[Terry M.]

11 hours ago, 40hz said:

Bought and sold a few, and am always searching/on the lookout for a good ray!

 

You do get the odd nutjob seeing what Specials go for new and assuming their early 00s 2-band is worth 2k used, but generally you'll see standards at £1100-1500 (max) and Specials from £1500-£2000.

 

 

https://thebassgallery.com/collections/bass/products/ernie-ball-music-man-5

 

I've actually played this bass in the store and believe me when I say my recently acquired used Ray35 is no worse. It's hard to look at this price tag after that.

[warwickhunt]

If you are on the ball (1 hr ago) they still turn up cheap (I didn't buy it)!  

 

[SteveXFR]

On 08/02/2026 at 11:04, Terry M. said:

https://thebassgallery.com/collections/bass/products/ernie-ball-music-man-5

 

I've actually played this bass in the store and believe me when I say my recently acquired used Ray35 is no worse. It's hard to look at this price tag after that.

 

I like how the website allows you to select a quantity. Dangerous when drunk online shopping. You could end up with 12 of the bastards and no house. 

[peteb]

16 minutes ago, warwickhunt said:

If you are on the ball (1 hr ago) they still turn up cheap (I didn't buy it)!  

 

That is pretty cheap for a 95! 

 

Having said that, the 95 that I had, sported a 'transition' bridge (or that's what I was told), i.e. the bigger, original style bridge, but without the damper felts. Also, the battery cover for my 95 had a metal battery cover, rather than the plastic battery box. 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by peteb

[The fasting showman]

32 minutes ago, warwickhunt said:

If you are on the ball (1 hr ago) they still turn up cheap (I didn't buy it)!  

 

My tastes regarding Stingrays are always the blue, honey or cherry burst that harked back to the ebmm relaunch of the Stingray that hit UK music shops in about '87. Those early EB basses had very figured maple necks...as a skint teenage bassist I was very impressed!

 

Regardless of the merits of pre EB and more recent Rays, my tastes are fixed. The bass above appeals to me for those reasons....obviously its got mid '90s changes but it's in that mould.

[Misdee]

32 minutes ago, warwickhunt said:

If you are on the ball (1 hr ago) they still turn up cheap (I didn't buy it)!  

 

Just like I said,  in the real world you can still pick up a decent used Stingray for under a grand if you are patient and keep an eye out.

 

Some poor soul in Lincolnshire who thirty years ago fantasised of breaking free from a life of servitude on the local potato farm and playing bass for Oasis has just sold the last vestiges of his youthful dreams for £850, and is probably glad with that sum.

[warwickhunt]

Just now, Misdee said:

Just like I said,  in the real world you can still pick up a decent used Stingray for under a grand if you are patient and keep an eye out.

 

Some poor soul in Lincolnshire who thirty years ago fantasised of breaking free from a life of servitude on the local potato farm and playing bass for Oasis has just sold the last vestiges of his youthful dreams for £850, and is probably glad with that sum.

 

I looked at the seller's profile; a 'proper' gigging bassist who has sold some very tasty gear in the last couple of years!

 

They knew what they were selling but possibly misjudged the value... well it sold in under 1 hour and the description actually said that they'd take £800 for it but no less... as if!  LOL

[Misdee]

1 minute ago, warwickhunt said:

 

I looked at the seller's profile; a 'proper' gigging bassist who has sold some very tasty gear in the last couple of years!

 

They knew what they were selling but possibly misjudged the value... well it sold in under 1 hour and the description actually said that they'd take £800 for it but no less... as if!  LOL

I still prefer my indentured potato farmer Britpop casualty story.