Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$2,999.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$2,699.00
Amazon
$2,999.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$2,799.00 New
$2,000.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$2,949.00
zZounds
$2,699.10
Gear4Music
£3,049.00

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

What type of pickups does the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4 use?

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.

How does the DarkRay 4's distortion feature work?

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.

What materials are used for the neck and fingerboard of the DarkRay 4?

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.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4 suitable for live performances?

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.

What is the neck profile of the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4?

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.

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Darkglass x Music Man!!! - Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay! [Demo]

Video thumbnail for Darkglass x Music Man!!! - Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay! [Demo] by Patrick Hunter

Darkglass x Music Man!!! - Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay! [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: DarkRay Bass in Obsidian Black by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: DarkRay Bass in Obsidian Black

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for NEW Music Man DarkRay - Music Man's Most Modern Bass Yet?! by Andertons Music Co

NEW Music Man DarkRay - Music Man's Most Modern Bass Yet?!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Music Man DarkRay - Does Darkglass Make the Stingray Special.... Specialer? - LowEndLobster Review by LowEndLobster

Music Man DarkRay - Does Darkglass Make the Stingray Special.... Specialer? - LowEndLobster Review

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: The DarkRay 4 in Starry Night by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: The DarkRay 4 in Starry Night

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: The DarkRay 4 in White Sparkle by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: The DarkRay 4 in White Sparkle

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for What they don't tell you about the Dark Ray bass by Eddie's Guitars

What they don't tell you about the Dark Ray bass

Eddie's Guitars

Eddie's Guitars

Video thumbnail for DarkRay Bass IMPORT vs USA Which is better? by Safe Haven Music

DarkRay Bass IMPORT vs USA Which is better?

Safe Haven Music

Safe Haven Music

Video thumbnail for Introducing 2 Fresh New Darkray 4 And 5 Finishes! by Ernie Ball

Introducing 2 Fresh New Darkray 4 And 5 Finishes!

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Reviews

PROS

  • Darkglass electronics offer exceptional distortion and overdrive with clarity and intact low-end

  • Unique Dark Rainbow paint job draws attention and compliments

  • Lightweight design while maintaining rich tone quality

  • Minimal neck dive for comfortable playing

  • Roasted maple neck provides a smooth playing experience

  • Maintains classic MM StingRay bridge humbucker sound

  • LED light adds a unique aesthetic appeal

  • Ideal for Hard Rock and Metal genres

  • High-quality build makes it a reliable pro-level instrument

  • Plays like a dream and feels like butter

CONS

  • 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

  • The DarkRay has a unique combination of blacked-out hardware, roasted maple neck, and ebony fretboard not found on Stingray Specials.

    Source
  • The DarkRay includes a different Darkglass preamp that offers a range of tones beyond the classic Stingray sound.

    Source
  • Onboard effects provide convenience for switching between A/O or clean tones without needing proximity to a pedalboard.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for traveling musicians due to its ability to streamline gear setup and reduce equipment when flying.

    Source
  • Onboard effects are suitable for casual playing like couch noodling but may limit effects chaining, such as adding a compressor.

    Source
  • The DarkRay is appreciated for its lightweight and ergonomic design, making it suitable for players who value comfort.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In Australia, the DarkRay is priced around $6000, making it less cost-effective compared to assembling a full Darkglass rig with a bass.

    Source
  • In Germany, the DarkRay is priced at €2980, slightly cheaper than the black MM Special at €3200.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • A Warwick Thumb is noted for its unique low-mid growl, which some players find challenging to replicate with other brands.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users recommend upgrading a Sterling bass with Aguilar pickups and a Darkglass preamp to create a DIY DarkRay clone.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report concerns about the black coating on the tuners potentially stripping quickly, although no widespread issues with EBMM DarkRay have been confirmed.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the DarkRay as addictive, noting difficulty putting it down after setting up a gritty tone with low-mid emphasis and added top-end sparkle.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4 is a bass guitar that marries classic design with modern innovation, thanks to a collaboration with Darkglass Electronics. Players will appreciate its limitless tone sculpting options, sturdy build, and exceptional playability. The onboard distortion and fuzz circuits provide dynamic sound versatility, allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities. However, some players might wish for a bit more top-end brightness, and the LED indicator may not appeal to everyone. Overall, this bass offers an impressive return on investment for those seeking a high-quality, feature-rich instrument.

positive

Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay is an audacious blend of classic and modern, combining the iconic StingRay bass with Darkglass Electronics' distortion wizardry. The result is a powerhouse with dual mixable distortion circuits, making it a formidable choice for bassists seeking depth and versatility. Pros include its immaculate build, effortless playability, and the dynamic range of sounds it offers. However, this versatility comes at a premium price, and left-handed players are left out of the mix. Overall, the DarkRay is a thrilling, albeit pricey, evolution of a classic design.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Paul uses Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4

Josh Paul

Bassist

Suicidal Tendencies

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Starry Night

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

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