Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $2,992
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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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
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5?
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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.
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Is the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 suitable for advanced players?
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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.
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How does the neck profile of the DarkRay 5 affect playability?
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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.
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What is the scale length of the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5, and why is it important?
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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.
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Does the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 5 come with a case or gig bag?
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Yes, the DarkRay 5 comes with a softshell case, providing protection and convenience for transport and storage.
Videos
Patrick Hunter
Darkglass x Music Man!!! - Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay! [Demo]
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
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The DarkRay 5 features a unique Darkglass 2-band preamp, providing more modern tones compared to other Stingrays.
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The DarkRay 5 has a unique combination of blacked-out hardware, a roasted maple neck, and an ebony fretboard not available in Stingray Specials.
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The onboard Darkglass blend knob allows mixing of fuzz or distortion with the dry signal, maintaining low-end presence and providing a crunchy tone.
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Comparisons
User experience
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The DarkRay 5 is praised for its ability to produce aggressive tones that suit metal genres, indicating its versatility beyond traditional bass styles.
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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.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners find the bass suitable for metal, highlighting its ability to "djent" with an aggressive setup.
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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.
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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.
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Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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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.
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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