Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,999

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Joe Dart artist series signature bass is perfect for players who love simplified controls with a rich passive tone. The Dart bass features a lightweight ash body, 22 stainless steel frets, one humbucking pickup, and one volume control for a distinguished funky low-end punch and attack you won't find on other passive basses.

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Joe Dart
Finish Black Velvet, Velvet Natural
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Natural
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Maple
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 4-String
Nut Width 1.5"
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 34"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the pickup configuration of the Joe Dart Signature bass?

The Joe Dart Signature bass features a single humbucking bridge pickup designed for powerful, punchy tones.

Is the Joe Dart Signature bass suitable for fast playing styles?

Yes, the Joe Dart Signature bass is designed for straightforward performance with a focus on ease of playability, making it ideal for fast playing styles.

What materials are used in the construction of the Joe Dart Signature bass?

The Joe Dart Signature bass has an ash body and a maple neck and fretboard, providing a bright and resonant sound.

Does the Joe Dart Signature bass have active or passive pickups?

The Joe Dart Signature bass is equipped with passive pickups, offering a natural and dynamic sound.

What is the scale length of the Joe Dart Signature bass?

The scale length of the Joe Dart Signature bass is 34 inches, which is standard for most electric basses, providing balanced tension and playability.

How many frets does the Joe Dart Signature bass have?

The Joe Dart Signature bass features 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and musical expression.

Scott's Bass Lessons

Scott's Bass Lessons

Is the Joe Dart Signature Musicman Bass any good? Mmmmm...

Video thumbnail for Is the Joe Dart Signature Musicman Bass any good? Mmmmm... by Scott's Bass Lessons

Is the Joe Dart Signature Musicman Bass any good? Mmmmm...

Scott's Bass Lessons

Scott's Bass Lessons

Video thumbnail for Music Man Joe Dart Signature Bass First Look by Almost Free Bass

Music Man Joe Dart Signature Bass First Look

Almost Free Bass

Almost Free Bass

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: Joe Dart's Signature Bass Guitar Unveil at NAMM 2019 by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: Joe Dart's Signature Bass Guitar Unveil at NAMM 2019

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for The Joe Dart Bass Signature by Francky GLB

The Joe Dart Bass Signature

Francky GLB

Francky GLB

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man "Joe Dart Signature" Bass Guitar by L.A. Vintage Gear

Ernie Ball Music Man "Joe Dart Signature" Bass Guitar

L.A. Vintage Gear

L.A. Vintage Gear

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Joe Dart Signature.

Features and functionality

  • The Joe Dart Signature features a single bridge humbucker, passive electronics, and a volume-only control, with a maple body and one-piece maple neck/fingerboard.

    Source
  • The natural finish and single control knob contribute to the bass's minimalist aesthetic, which some players find appealing for its simplicity.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Sterling Ray4, this model lacks active electronics and paint, providing a minimalist design that appeals to Joe Dart fans.

    Source
  • Active basses like the Stingray can be adjusted to imitate the Joe Dart tone, but some users argue the tonal differences between active and passive setups.

    Source
  • The Sterling "Sterling" bass is similar to the Joe Dart model but includes a tone knob, offering slightly more tonal flexibility.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's noted that the large back plate opening allows for easy addition of a tone pot if desired.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players appreciate the fixed tone as it encourages reliance on technique, while others miss the flexibility of tone controls.

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  • Owners appreciate the short scale for ease of play, particularly benefiting those with smaller hands or looking for a faster playing experience.

    Source

Build quality

  • The bass uses a Sterling body shape, which is the only current option for this size and design since other Sterling models were discontinued.

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  • The Joe Dart basses, despite their minimalist design, are considered to be built to high standards, comparable to other top-tier Music Man instruments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Joe Dart basses are noted to be among the more affordable options within the high-end Music Man lineup, despite their signature status.

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Critic Reviews

Sterling by Music Man Joe Dart Artist Series Bass review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Sterling by Music Man Joe Dart Artist Series Bass is a solid entry-level option, boasting impressive build quality and value at just $399. With a sleek design and commendable playability, it suits beginner and intermediate players alike. However, its stripped-back aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, and some finishing details, like the volume control, could use refinement. While the sound is versatile, it lacks the sharpness and depth of higher-end models, making it slightly limiting for more experienced players. Still, for those on a budget, this bass delivers enough performance to gig confidently.

positive

Bassic Review - Sterling by Music Man Joe Dart Artist Series Bass

bassgearmag.com

The Sterling by Music Man Joe Dart Artist Series Bass is a stellar funk machine that offers impressive playability and a unique aesthetic at an affordable price. With its all-maple construction and robust build quality, this bass feels and sounds much more expensive than its $399 tag. While it excels in delivering a bright, punchy tone suited for funk, its lack of a tone knob may deter some players seeking versatility. The weight might also be a concern for those who prefer lighter instruments. Nevertheless, its dynamic range and responsiveness inspire creativity across genres, making it a worthy addition to any bassist's collection.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Dart uses Joe Dart Signature

Joe Dart

Bassist

Vulfpeck

...
Verified via Facebook

in this video, you can see him use this bass.

See how Cory Wong uses Joe Dart Signature

Cory Wong

Guitarist, Composer

Vulfpeck

...
Verified via Photo

You can see the bass hanging on a stand in ghe background. It is pretty easy to identify, based on the single volume knob and humbucker.

See how Vulfpeck uses Joe Dart Signature

Vulfpeck

Bassist, Drummer

...
Verified via Ernie Ball Music Man basses

Ernie Ball Music Man collaborated with Joe Dart to work on his Signature bass and he has been using it with Vulfpeck ever since.

See how Justus West uses Joe Dart Signature

Justus West

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram clip Justus West plays the Joe Dart Signature Bass

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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