Sterling by Music Man DarkRay - What To Know & Where To Buy

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Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (1)

$1,599.99

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$1,599.99

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5.0 (1)

$1,599.99

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$1,300.00 10 available New

$1,000.00 2 available Used

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5.0 (1)

$1,599.99

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$1,599.99

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$1,550.00 $1,529.00 $21.00 · All time low

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£1,699.00

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Average Price: $1,479

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Sterling by Music Man DarkRay is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

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Discover a new realm of sound with the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay Bass Guitar. This modern StingRay model, crafted in partnership with the esteemed bass accessory creator, Darkglass Electronics, takes your performance to the next level.

The key feature of DarkRay is Sterling's custom Darkglass 2-band active preamp, which provides three distinct distortion circuits: Clean (Preamp-only), Alpha (Distortion), and Omega (Fuzz). This eliminates the need for an external pedalboard, offering you a more streamlined playing experience.

With volume, treble, and bass adjustments, as well as onboard gain and blend knobs, this bass gives you complete control over your sound. An illuminating LED ring and 3-way selector clearly indicate which circuit the bass is using, making it easy to switch modes on the fly.

The DarkRay design is rounded off with a roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard, complementing the iconic StingRay contoured body shape. This bass is not only a sonic powerhouse but also a visual standout.

Key Features:

Nyatoh body with iconic contoured shape
Roasted maple neck with ebony fingerboard
Custom Darkglass 2-band active preamp
3 distinct circuits: Clean (Preamp-only), Alpha (Distortion), and Omega (Fuzz)
Onboard gain and blend knobs for customized distortion
LED ring and 3-way selector indicate which circuit the bass is in
Single Humbucker pickup in bridge position
Gig bag included

Product specs

Number of Strings	4
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Shape	StingRay
Body Material	Nyatoh
Body Finish	Gloss
Neck Material	Roasted Maple
Neck Joint	6-way Bolt-on
Radius	9.5"
Fingerboard Inlay	White Dots
Number of Frets	21, Medium
Scale Length	34"
Nut Material	Polyphenylene Sulfide
Bridge/Tailpiece	Fixed Bridge
Tuners	Open Gear
Bridge Pickup	Sterling by Music Man Designed Humbucker
Controls	1 x volume, 1 x gain, 1 x blend, 2-band Active EQ
Switching	3-way blade switch (distortion selector)
Strings	Ernie Ball Slinky, .045-.100
Case/Gig Bag	Gig Bag

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay's pickups?: The Sterling by Music Man DarkRay features a humbucker pickup designed for a powerful and clear tone. It offers versatile sound options due to its active 2-band EQ and a 3-way blade switch for distortion selection, making it suitable for various music genres, especially rock and funk.
How does the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay's neck feel in terms of playability?: The DarkRay's neck is made of roasted maple with a 9.5" radius, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience. Its medium frets and 34" scale length make it ideal for fast playing and easy access across the fretboard.
Is the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay is well-suited for live performances. Its robust construction and versatile tone-shaping controls, including active EQ and distortion options, allow for dynamic sound adjustments on stage.
What materials are used in the construction of the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay?: The Sterling by Music Man DarkRay features a nyatoh body with a gloss finish and a roasted maple neck. These materials contribute to its durability and rich tonal quality, while the ebony fingerboard enhances playability.
Does the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay come with a gig bag?: Yes, the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay comes with a gig bag, providing convenient protection and portability for musicians on the go.

Videos

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Patrick Hunter

The New Sterling By Music Man DarkRay

Patrick Hunter

Sterling by Music Man: DarkRay Demo (ft. Matt Rubano)

Ernie Ball

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man DarkRay.

Features and functionality

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The onboard Darkglass preamp offers a unique setup not found in Stingray Specials, enhancing tonal variety beyond the classic Stingray sound.
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The DarkRay features a Darkglass 2-band EQ plus Alpha and Omega distortion, differing from the 3-band EQ of the Stingray Special.
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The DarkRay lacks a mid control but compensates with a preamp voicing that inherently boosts mids, making it suitable for genres requiring more aggressive tones.
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Build quality

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The DarkRay is distinguished by blacked-out hardware, a roasted maple neck, and an ebony fretboard, which are exclusive features compared to other Stingray models.
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Use cases and applications

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It's convenient for traveling musicians, offering built-in effects that minimize the need for extra pedals, making it ideal for minimalistic setups.
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If onboard fuzz or distortion isn't utilized, the Stingray Special is recommended as a better choice, providing versatility with external effects.
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User experience

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Owners report no battery life issues due to LED lights on the knobs, maintaining the same longevity as other active basses with dual 9v batteries.
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Some users find that the onboard distortion of the DarkRay may not integrate well with other effects like envelope filters, suggesting limitations in effect order flexibility.
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Some owners transitioned from the DarkRay to other basses due to preference for a more classic Stingray sound, highlighting the DarkRay's distinct tonal departure.
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Comparisons

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The DarkRay's tonal range is impressive, yet the onboard effects cannot be modulated with external compressors, unlike effects pedals.
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The DarkRay shares the same body, neck, hardware, and pickup specs as the Stingray Special, with the key difference being the preamp and EQ configuration.
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The DarkRay is compared to the Stingray Special, with the DarkRay offering a more mid-forward sound, while the Special provides a mellow/warm clean tone.
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The Stingray Special HH configuration offers more tonal versatility due to double humbuckers, providing a "bark" characteristic, which is less pronounced in the DarkRay.
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Other

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The Granite Stone DarkRay finish from the initial run is a sought-after color, noted for its distinctive appearance and limited availability.
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Value and pricing

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The DarkRay's price, which is similar to a Stingray Special plus a Darkglass Alpha-Omega pedal, raises questions about its value given reduced onboard functionality.
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Critic Reviews

Bassists, ditch your pedalboards: the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay features two Darkglass distortion circuits in one bass | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Sterling by Music Man DarkRay offers a compelling blend of affordability and high-end features, including dual Darkglass distortion circuits that allow for versatile tone shaping. While its design and build quality impress, the lack of color options and its exclusive 4-string format may disappoint some bassists looking for variety. Overall, this bass is a great choice for those seeking a professional-grade instrument without breaking the bank, but it’s not without its limitations.

positive

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