A flexible collaboration bringing bold new tones to a classic design.
The Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay bass unlocks a universe of tones. Designed in collaboration with Darkglass Electronics, this 5-string bass features a custom-designed preamp with three distinct modes: clean, Alpha distortion and Omega fuzz. The preamp's onboard gain and blend controls allow you to mix the distortion modes to your taste for an astonishing range of sounds with full low end. An LED ring and 3-way switch indicate the selected mode.
Darkglass Preamp Provides Tone Versatility
The DarkRay's 2-band preamp was custom-designed by Darkglass to provide a wealth of useful bass tones with extended frequency range and tight low end. In Clean mode, the natural warmth and clarity of the DarkRay's pickups shine through. Alpha mode adds rich overdrive with blendable grit, perfect for rock and fusion. Omega mode unleashes a huge fuzz tone that retains note definition—ideal for modern metal and grunge. With the gain and blend controls, you can fine-tune the overdrive and fuzz to suit your needs. The preamp's active 3-band EQ provides further tone shaping.
Premium Components and Playability
Beneath the preamp, the DarkRay is a StingRay Special. It features an alder body, maple neck, ebony fingerboard and Music Man's familiar 4+1 tuner arrangement. The neck has a smooth satin finish and fast, slim profile. The fingerboard's 22 high-profile stainless steel frets provide a low, buzz-free action. A neodymium humbucker delivers a clear, punchy tone with plenty of midrange growl.
Modern Looks to Match the Modern Sound
The DarkRay pairs its progressive electronics with a sleek, stylish aesthetic. The contoured alder body comes in a glossy Starry Night finish that catches the light with a metallic shimmer. Satin nickel pickup covers, knobs and tuner buttons provide a contemporary complement. The matching painted headstock continues the sleek visual theme.
The Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5-string bass delivers modern distorted tones and premium playability. Plug in and unleash everything from nuanced overdrive to all-out fuzz—your tone is in your hands. Try the DarkRay for yourself at your local Guitar Center store.
Specifications
- Material: Alder
- Finish: Glossy Starry Night
- Material: Maple
- Finish: Smooth satin
- Material: Ebony
- Number of frets: 22
- Fret type: High-profile, stainless steel
- Pickup configuration: H
- Pickup: Neodymium humbucker
- Preamp: Darkglass Custom
- Controls: Master volume, master tone, gain (for distortion/fuzz), blend (for distortion/fuzz)
- EQ: Yes, 3-band
- Switching: LED-ring 3-way switch
- Tuning machines: 4+1 tuner arrangement, Music Man
- Hardware finish: Satin nickel
- Control knobs: Satin nickel
- Number of strings: 5
- Orientation: Right handed
- Case: Sold separately
Features
- Comfort contoured alder body with high gloss polyester finish
- Roasted maple neck, 22 stainless steel frets, ebony fingerboard, 34" scale length
- Modern 2-band preamp by Darkglass Electronics, modes include Clean, Alpha (distortion), Omega (fuzz)
- Neodymium humbucking pickup, 4+1 familiar headstock configuration
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.