# What is the quietest 5-string bass guitar with active pickups? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What is the quietest 5-string bass guitar with active pickups?

## Products

### Ibanez SRMS805 (SR Multi-Scale 5)
```yaml
product: ibanez-srms805-sr-multi-scale-5
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 820.71
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Mono-Rail VS
scale_length: 34 in-35.5 in
body_material: Okoume (Poplar Burl top)
neck_material: 5-piece Jatoba/Walnut
number_of_frets: 24
fingerboard_material: Panga Panga
```

- **Price:** £820.71 [^1]
- **Summary:** The SRMS805 is a 5-string multi-scale bass with a 34 in-35.5 in fan-fret neck, Bartolini BH2 pickups, active 3-band EQ with bypass and a Mono-Rail VS bridge for string isolation. It pairs a poplar burl top over an okoume body with a 5-piece jatoba/walnut neck and Panga Panga fingerboard, offering stability, balanced tone, and ergonomic playability. Suited to players who want modern multi-scale string tension and tonal versatility.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for a player seeking a quiet 5-string with active-style clarity because its Mono-Rail VS bridge isolates strings and Bartolini BH2 pickups provide clear, articulate passive tone with onboard 3-band EQ for precise control.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3], [^1], [^2], [^3]

### Music Man StingRay5 HH Active
```yaml
product: music-man-stingray5-hh-active
brand: Music Man
price_gbp: 395.43
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Vintage Music Man top loaded steel bridge plate with nickel plated steel saddles
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Select Hardwoods
neck_material: Select roasted maple
number_of_frets: 22
fingerboard_material: Maple, Rosewood, or Ebony
```

- **Price:** £395.43 [^4]
- **Summary:** The StingRay5 HH Active is a 5-string, bolt-on StingRay with dual humbuckers, a 3-band active preamp and 34 in scale for tight low-end. It features a select hardwood body, a roasted maple neck, and choice of maple, rosewood or ebony fingerboards, suited for high-output, versatile tones. It is built for professional players needing clarity and punch across five strings.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for those seeking the quietest 5-string with active pickups because its dual humbucking design and 3-band active preamp reduce noise while the 34 in scale and roasted maple neck maintain string tension and clarity on low B.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5], [^6], [^4], [^5], [^6]

### Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray5 HH
```yaml
product: sterling-by-music-man-sub-ray5-hh
brand: Sterling by Music Man
price_gbp: 395.43
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Fixed Bridge
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Jabon
neck_material: Hard Maple
number_of_frets: 22
fingerboard_material: Hard Maple
```

- **Price:** £395.43 [^7]
- **Summary:** A 5-string HH variant of the SUB StingRay with two ceramic humbuckers, a 9V active 2-band preamp, 5-way selector and a fixed bridge. It has a 34 in scale, 22 frets and an affordable solid Jabon body, aimed at players wanting StingRay tones in a budget instrument.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for a player seeking the quietest 5-string with active pickups because its dual ceramic humbuckers reduce hum and the fixed bridge and solid Jabon body provide stable resonance and sustain.
- **Additional Sources:** [^7]

### Yamaha BBP34 (BB Premium 5) Active
```yaml
product: yamaha-bbp34-bb-premium-5-active
brand: Yamaha
price_gbp: 1492.2
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Vintage Plus (convertible brass saddles, steel plate)
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Alder/Maple/Alder
neck_material: 5-piece Maple/Mahogany
number_of_frets: 21
fingerboard_material: Rosewood
```

- **Price:** £1492.2 [^8]
- **Summary:** The BBP34 (5-string BBP35 variant) is a Japan-made Pro Series BB with a three-piece alder/maple/alder laminated body, a 5-piece maple/mahogany bolt-on neck, standard-sized YGD Alnico pickups in a P/J layout, and Yamaha's Vintage Plus convertible bridge. It offers strong midrange presence, excellent sustain and premium build quality suited to studio and gigging players.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for someone seeking the quietest 5-string with active-like clarity because its 34 in scale, rosewood fingerboard, and vintage plus bridge deliver tight string response and defined mids that reduce unwanted low-end rumble.
- **Additional Sources:** [^9], [^10], [^8], [^9], [^10]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: American Musical Supply, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.americanmusical.com/p/ibanez-bass-workshop-srms805-5-string-multiscale-bass-guitar
[^2]: Find My Guitar, accessed 2026-06-14. https://findmyguitar.com/reviews/Ibanez-SRMS805-review.php
[^3]: Reverb (listing ended but spec page), accessed 2026-06-14. https://reverb.com/item/36318052-ibanez-srms805-btt-workshop-5-string-multi-scale-electric-bass-brown-topaz-burst
[^4]: Ernie Ball Music Man (official), accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.music-man.com/instruments/basses/stingray-5-special
[^5]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ernie-Ball-Music-Man/StingRay5-Special-HH-5-String-Electric-Bass-Ivory-White-1500000385111.gc
[^6]: Sterling by Music Man, accessed 2026-06-14. https://sterlingbymusicman.com/products/stingray-ray5h-stealth-black-bass
[^7]: Sterling by Music Man (official store), accessed 2026-06-14. https://sterlingbymusicman.com/products/stingray-ray5hh-cobra-blue-bass
[^8]: Yamaha (official), accessed 2026-06-14. https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/guitars_basses/el_basses/bb_2017/pro_series.html
[^9]: Music & Arts, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.musicarts.com/yamaha-bbp35-5-string-electric-bass-main0432333
[^10]: Irvine Art & Music, accessed 2026-06-14. https://irvineartandmusic.com/products/yamaha-bbp34-bass-guitar