More than just a spin on the classic StingRay formula, the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay electric bass is engineered for players who want distortion and tone shaping built directly into their instrument. Created in collaboration with the team at Darkglass Electronics, it features a custom Darkglass 2-band active preamp and a three-mode distortion circuit—Clean, Alpha and Omega—selected via a color-coded LED and 3-way switch. A roasted maple neck, ebony fingerboard and single alnico humbucker round out the design, producing tight lows, articulate mids and a controlled attack. For musicians who shape their sound in real time, the onboard gain and blend knobs make it easy to move from clean reinforcement to aggressive grit without relying on external pedals.

Darkglass Preamp and Distortion Circuit Streamline Tone Creation

The custom Darkglass preamp brings three distinct modes—Clean, Alpha distortion and Omega fuzz—each delivering its own character and response. A 3-way selector with an LED ring allows players to move between modes instantly, making onstage changes fast and intuitive. With dedicated gain and blend controls, you can push the preamp into overdrive, mix distortion with clean tone or create saturated fuzz textures. This system centralizes tone creation onboard the bass, keeping hands-on sound shaping efficient and musical.

Single Alnico Humbucker Delivers Focused, Defined Output

A single alnico humbucker positioned near the bridge drives the DarkRay’s punchy, articulate signature. Its voicing maintains clarity through the low end and keeps midrange response strong—even when distortion is added. The pickup pairs naturally with the Darkglass circuit, ensuring that every note cuts through whether you're using fingerstyle, slap or pick attack. This design provides consistent output and control, regardless of how much drive or fuzz is engaged.

Intuitive Layout Supports Real-Time Adjustments

The streamlined control set—volume, gain, blend, bass and treble—keeps tonal changes straightforward and immediate. An LED ring surrounding the mode selector provides clear visibility of the active distortion setting, even on dim stages. The six-bolt neck joint enhances structural stability, while open-gear tuners make fine-tuning fast and reliable. This player-focused layout lets you stay locked into your performance rather than navigating menus or complex switching.

Roasted Maple Neck and Nyatoh Body Add Durability

A roasted maple neck paired with a nyatoh body ensures long-term stability against humidity shifts and heavy use. The ebony fingerboard’s smooth surface and 21 medium frets support both comfort and precision, with white-dot inlays aiding visibility. Satin hardware, robust tuners and the included padded gig bag contribute to road-ready durability. Every component is selected to keep the DarkRay reliable across rehearsal spaces, studios and live venues.

Player Experience With the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay

Players who want instant access to distortion and advanced tone shaping will appreciate how easily the DarkRay adapts to changing musical demands. Its roasted maple neck promotes comfort during long sets, while the onboard Darkglass circuitry opens up a broad palette of mix-ready sounds. By merging modern distortion control with the familiar feel of a StingRay, this model empowers bassists to stand out onstage and craft expressive tones—no pedalboard required.