Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$3,099.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$3,099.00
Reverb
$2,899.00 New
$2,599.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$3,099.00
zZounds
$3,099.00

Average Price: $2,992

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into a world of dynamic tones and sleek design with the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5-String Electric Bass. This is not just another bass guitar; it’s a sonic powerhouse designed in collaboration with the innovative minds at Darkglass Electronics. At its core lies a custom Darkglass preamp that offers unparalleled versatility with three modes: clean, Alpha distortion, and Omega fuzz. Whether you’re looking for a clean, resonant tone or want to unleash a wall of fuzz-laden sound, the DarkRay’s preamp lets you sculpt your ideal sound with ease.

The DarkRay’s playability matches its tonal prowess. Crafted with an alder body and a roasted maple neck, this bass offers comfort and sustain that feels as good as it sounds. The ebony fingerboard is equipped with 22 stainless steel frets, ensuring durability and a smooth play feel. Meanwhile, the neodymium humbucking pickup delivers a hot, punchy output with rich midrange growl, perfect for any musical genre.

Visually, the DarkRay is a striking instrument with its sleek contours and black-plated hardware. The familiar 4+1 tuner arrangement and the easy-access truss rod make adjustments a breeze. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, this bass is built to perform and inspire.

Key Features:

  • Custom Darkglass 3-band preamp with Clean, Alpha (distortion), and Omega (fuzz) modes
  • Neodymium humbucking pickup for powerful output
  • Alder body with a roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard
  • 22 stainless steel frets for durability and smooth play
  • 4+1 tuner configuration and easy truss rod access
  • Black-plated steel hardware for a bold visual statement

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape DarkRay 5
Body Material Select Hardwood
Body Finish High Gloss Polyester
Neck Material Roasted Maple
Neck Shape C
Neck Joint 5-way Bolt-on
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 22, Stainless Steel
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.75"
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 Regular Slinky Bass, .045-.130
Case/Gig Bag Softshell Case

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5?

The DarkRay 5 offers a versatile tonal range with its single humbucking pickup featuring neodymium magnets. The 3-way blade switch allows you to select between clean, overdrive, and fuzz tones, making it suitable for various genres from funk to rock.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the DarkRay 5 is designed with professional features such as a roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, and active EQ controls, making it an excellent choice for advanced players seeking high-quality build and sound versatility.

How does the neck profile of the DarkRay 5 affect playability?

The DarkRay 5 features a C-shaped roasted maple neck, providing a comfortable grip that accommodates fast playing styles and intricate fingerwork, ideal for bassists who require both speed and precision.

What is the scale length of the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5, and why is it important?

The DarkRay 5 has a 34" scale length, which is standard for 5-string basses, offering balanced tension and playability across all strings, especially beneficial for maintaining clarity on the low B string.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 come with a case or gig bag?

Yes, the DarkRay 5 comes with a softshell case, providing protection and convenience for transport and storage.

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 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 5 in Starry Night by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: The DarkRay 5 in Starry Night

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Darkglass DarkRay 5-String Bass Demo by Dave Porter

Ernie Ball Music Man Darkglass DarkRay 5-String Bass Demo

Dave Porter

Dave Porter

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5  Demo by Safe Haven Music

Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 Demo

Safe Haven Music

Safe Haven Music

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: The DarkRay 5 in White Sparkle by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: The DarkRay 5 in White Sparkle

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Music Man DarkRay vs Stingray Special - This is THE Stingray Showdown! - LowEndLobster Tone Shootout by LowEndLobster

Music Man DarkRay vs Stingray Special - This is THE Stingray Showdown! - LowEndLobster Tone Shootout

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Music Man DarkRay | DarkRay 5-String - Starry Night by Peach Guitars

Music Man DarkRay | DarkRay 5-String - Starry Night

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

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 5.

Features and functionality

  • The DarkRay 5 features a unique Darkglass 2-band preamp, providing more modern tones compared to other Stingrays.

    Source
  • The DarkRay 5 has a unique combination of blacked-out hardware, a roasted maple neck, and an ebony fretboard not available in Stingray Specials.

    Source
  • The onboard Darkglass blend knob allows mixing of fuzz or distortion with the dry signal, maintaining low-end presence and providing a crunchy tone.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The clean tone of the DarkRay 5 is distinct from other Stingrays, offering a more modern sound with a focus on treble.

    Source
  • Owners suggest pairing a regular Stingray with a Darkglass pedal for greater tonal flexibility compared to the onboard preamp of the DarkRay 5.

    Source

User experience

  • The DarkRay 5 is praised for its ability to produce aggressive tones that suit metal genres, indicating its versatility beyond traditional bass styles.

    Source
  • Despite onboard effects limitations, the DarkRay 5's built-in FX are appreciated for casual play, such as noodling on the couch or plugging directly into a DI.

    Source
  • One user transitioned from Fender P-Basses to the DarkRay and noted the learning curve in dialing in the desired tone using the onboard EQ.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the bass suitable for metal, highlighting its ability to "djent" with an aggressive setup.

    Source
  • The ability to switch between clean and A/O effects onboard is beneficial for musicians who move around on stage and prefer a minimalist setup.

    Source
  • Pairing the DarkRay with a Mesa TT-800 head and Subway 4x10 cab can enhance its gritty tone, especially with a boost in low mids and added top-end sparkle.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite being seen as expensive, the bass is considered a worthwhile investment for its unique sound and limited nature.

    Source
  • Purchasing a used DarkRay 5 can offer value similar to new Stingray Specials, providing unique features at a comparable price.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners raised concerns about the durability of the black coating on the tuners, although issues seem more common with Sterling models rather than EBMM.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 is a masterclass in craftsmanship and versatility, merging the classic StingRay feel with innovative built-in distortion and fuzz circuits. Its stellar build quality and rich tonal options make it a top choice for bassists seeking more than just standard sounds. However, the electronics can drain batteries quickly, which may inconvenience some players. Still, for those who thrive on tonal exploration, this bass provides a wealth of textures that make it a worthy investment.

positive

Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 delivers an impressive blend of versatility and high-quality construction, appealing to players across genres. With outstanding tones, a sleek aesthetic, and superb playability, it’s a standout choice. However, the limited finish options and absence of left-handed models may disappoint some. Overall, this bass excels in performance but comes at a premium price, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tony Levin uses Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5

Tony Levin

Bassist

King Crimson

...
Verified via YouTube

Tony showcases this bass and its capabilities in this video.

See how Justin Morrow uses Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5

Justin Morrow

Guitarist, Bassist

Motionless In White

...
Verified via YouTube

During the live performance at WrestleMania XL, Justin Morrow is seen using an Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 bass, as documented in a video by WWE on YouTube.

See how Vince Hornsby uses Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5

Vince Hornsby

Bassist

Sevendust

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black Rock Year: 2021

Vince Hornsby, bassist of Sevendust, is shown playing an Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 in Black Rock in a photo shared on Facebook. The image was uploaded with a caption celebrating Hornsby's birthday, providing visual confirmation of his use of this specific bass guitar. The stage set pieces in the background suggest the photo was taken in 2021 on tour with Tremonti.

Album Usage

The Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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    jakub98

    Gear IQ 140