Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,735
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock a new realm of sonic potential with the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4, a masterpiece designed in collaboration with the renowned Darkglass Electronics. This electric bass is not just an instrument; it's an auditory adventure waiting to be explored. At its core, the DarkRay boasts a custom Darkglass 3-band active preamp that houses two formidable distortion circuits—Alpha for tight distortion and Omega for fuzz. Seamlessly switch between clean tones and full-on heavy metal ferocity with the flick of a switch, all while a color-shifting LED indicates your current mode.
The DarkRay doesn’t just sound incredible; it feels amazing too. Its roasted maple neck, polished with wax and gunstock oil, offers a blend of comfort and speed, complemented by a sleek ebony fingerboard. The contoured hardwood body ensures prolonged playability without sacrificing style or substance. Designed with the iconic StingRay DNA, this bass features a neodymium humbucking pickup, delivering hot output and punchy sound.
Whether you're crafting subtle harmonies or unleashing raw power, the DarkRay 4 is your versatile partner in musical expression.
Key Features:
- Custom Darkglass 3-band active preamp with Alpha and Omega distortion circuits
- Single active humbucking pickup with neodymium magnets
- Roasted maple neck with ebony fingerboard for premium feel and stability
- 22 stainless steel frets for long-lasting performance
- Contoured hardwood body for comfort and sustain
- Color-shifting LED for mode indication
- Easy-access truss rod adjustment wheel
- Black-plated steel hardware for a bold aesthetic
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | DarkRay 4 |
| Body Material | Select Hardwood |
| Body Finish | High Gloss Polyester |
| Neck Material | Roasted Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 11" |
| Fingerboard Material | Ebony |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Stainless Steel |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Nut Material | Melamine |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Vintage Music Man top loaded Black plated, steel bridge plate with vintage Black plated steel saddles |
| Tuners | Custom Music Man |
| Bridge Pickup | Single Humbucking with Neodymium magnets |
| Controls | 1 x volume, 1 x gain, 1 x blend, 2-band Active EQ |
| Switching | 3-way blade switch (distortion selector) |
| Strings | Super Slinky Bass, .045-.100 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Softshell Case |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4 use?
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The Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4 features a single humbucking pickup with neodymium magnets, designed to deliver powerful, clear bass tones suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
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How does the DarkRay 4's distortion feature work?
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The DarkRay 4 includes a 3-way blade switch for distortion selection, integrated with a custom Darkglass 2-band preamp, allowing players to toggle between clean and distorted tones seamlessly.
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What materials are used for the neck and fingerboard of the DarkRay 4?
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The neck of the DarkRay 4 is made from roasted maple, providing stability and a smooth playing experience, while the fingerboard is crafted from ebony, known for its durability and sleek feel.
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Is the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the DarkRay 4 is well-suited for live performances, featuring robust construction, versatile tone controls, and a powerful humbucking pickup that can cut through a mix effectively.
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What is the neck profile of the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4?
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The DarkRay 4 features a C-shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for both fast playing and complex fingerwork.
Videos
Patrick Hunter
Darkglass x Music Man!!! - Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay! [Demo]
Reviews
PROS
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Darkglass electronics offer exceptional distortion and overdrive with clarity and intact low-end
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Unique Dark Rainbow paint job draws attention and compliments
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Lightweight design while maintaining rich tone quality
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Minimal neck dive for comfortable playing
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Roasted maple neck provides a smooth playing experience
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Maintains classic MM StingRay bridge humbucker sound
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LED light adds a unique aesthetic appeal
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Ideal for Hard Rock and Metal genres
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High-quality build makes it a reliable pro-level instrument
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Plays like a dream and feels like butter
CONS
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None noted in reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4.
Features and functionality
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The DarkRay has a unique combination of blacked-out hardware, roasted maple neck, and ebony fretboard not found on Stingray Specials.
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The DarkRay includes a different Darkglass preamp that offers a range of tones beyond the classic Stingray sound.
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Onboard effects provide convenience for switching between A/O or clean tones without needing proximity to a pedalboard.
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The onboard Darkglass fuzz and distortion can be blended with a dry signal to maintain low-end presence, providing a crunchy tone favored by users.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for traveling musicians due to its ability to streamline gear setup and reduce equipment when flying.
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Onboard effects are suitable for casual playing like couch noodling but may limit effects chaining, such as adding a compressor.
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The DarkRay is appreciated for its lightweight and ergonomic design, making it suitable for players who value comfort.
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Value and pricing
Comparisons
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Owners suggest that a regular Stingray with a Darkglass Tone Capsule and a high-end overdrive pedal offers a cost-effective alternative to the DarkRay.
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A Warwick Thumb is noted for its unique low-mid growl, which some players find challenging to replicate with other brands.
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The DarkRay's onboard effects, particularly the Darkglass Alpha and Omega, are highlighted as a standout feature compared to traditional outboard effects, offering convenience and unique tonal versatility.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some users recommend upgrading a Sterling bass with Aguilar pickups and a Darkglass preamp to create a DIY DarkRay clone.
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Build quality
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Some users report concerns about the black coating on the tuners potentially stripping quickly, although no widespread issues with EBMM DarkRay have been confirmed.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Bassist Josh Paul is confirmed to use the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4, as he is prominently featured in promotional content on the Ernie Ball website and demonstrates the instrument in a video titled "Ernie Ball Music Man: The DarkRay 4 in Starry Night," produced by Ernie Ball on YouTube. He is using this guitar on multiple videos across the internet in social media, on his instagram channel. He recently was interviewed on Scott's Bass Lessons where he specifically mentioned this is his main instrument.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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