Blending cutting-edge innovation with undeniable attitude, the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay 4 is a boundary-pushing flagbearer of modern bass design built for pure sonic expression. Born from a collaboration with the tone-shaping masterminds at Darkglass Electronics, the DarkRay combines classic Music Man craftsmanship with boutique-grade power and control. A single neodymium humbucker feeds a custom Darkglass preamp loaded with Clean, Alpha (distortion) and Omega (fuzz) modes, giving you everything from crystalline clarity to earth-shaking growl. The roasted maple neck and contoured ash body deliver signature StingRay playability, while new Plasma Purple, Silverburst and Stealth Black finishes bring bold, stage-ready attitude to this next-generation powerhouse.
Darkglass Electronics: The Heart of the Beast
At the center of the DarkRay’s ferocious tone lies its exclusive Darkglass two-band preamp loaded with three switchable voices. Clean mode delivers hi-fi transparency, Alpha unleashes muscular distortion and Omega pushes into full-on fuzz territory. A three-way lever switch allows you to seamlessly toggle between modes, while onboard gain and blend controls let you dial in just the right amount of grit while maintaining that massive StingRay low end. Paired with a powerful neodymium humbucker and illuminated LED ring for instant visual feedback, this system gives you studio-grade tone sculpting right from the bass itself—no pedals required.
Contoured Ash Body With Striking New Finishes
The DarkRay’s sleek, contoured ash body perfectly balances player-focused comfort and aggressive, stage-ready style. The lightweight ash construction delivers an articulate tonal punch that pairs perfectly with the aggressive voice of the Darkglass preamp. A suite of striking new finishes—Plasma Purple, Silverburst and Stealth Black—add shimmering new dimension to the iconic StingRay silhouette, while the high-gloss polyester coating highlights the grain and gives the instrument a deep, reflective luster under stage lights.
Rock-Solid Roasted Maple Neck and Smooth Ebony Fingerboard
Built for speed, stability and style, the DarkRay’s roasted maple neck provides exceptional strength and responsiveness, enhanced by a smooth gunstock oil and hand-rubbed wax finish for an effortlessly fast feel. The ebony fingerboard adds visual contrast and a touch of luxury, offering a slick, glassy surface that complements the instrument’s dark, commanding look. With a comfortable 34" scale length, 11" radius and 22 stainless-steel frets, this neck delivers classic StingRay playability with a modern edge—perfect for players who demand precision and punch from every note.
Premium Hardware and Blacked-Out Appointments
From top to bottom, the DarkRay is loaded with pro-grade hardware built for the rigors of the stage. Its custom lightweight tuning machines provide rock-solid stability, while the vintage-style Music Man bridge and steel saddles ensure precise intonation and sustain. Every detail—from the black-plated hardware to the color-matched headstock and minimalist black pickguard—adds to its stealthy, aggressive character. Combined with its bold finishes and Darkglass-driven sound, the DarkRay is as much a visual statement as it is a tonal weapon.
The DarkRay 4: Built for the Modern Bassist
With its fusion of Music Man tradition and Darkglass innovation, the DarkRay 4 is a bass built for players who crave tone-shaping power without compromise. Whether you’re chasing pristine clarity, snarling distortion or bone-crushing fuzz, its onboard controls and high-performance design make it easy to find your voice. Between its roasted maple neck, sleek contoured body and striking finishes, every element of the DarkRay reflects forward-thinking craftsmanship and unapologetic attitude. For today’s creative, adventurous bassist, this is where power meets precision—and the future of tone begins.