The Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 is a bold, genre-defying 5-string bass that delivers brutal drive, studio-quality clarity and unmistakable StingRay punch. Designed in collaboration with the tone architects at Darkglass Electronics, it features a custom 2-band active preamp with three powerful modes: Clean, Alpha distortion and Omega fuzz. Players can sculpt everything from tight, punchy cleans to aggressive, snarling drive with onboard volume, treble, bass, gain and blend controls. Paired with a roasted maple neck, ebony fingerboard and sleek blacked-out styling, the DarkRay 5 is built for bassists who demand maximum flexibility, fierce tonal firepower and an edgy, modern aesthetic in one stage-worthy package.

Custom Darkglass Preamp Delivers Massive Sonic Range

At the heart of the DarkRay 5 bass is a custom-designed Darkglass 2-band active preamp, tuned specifically for modern bassists who want more from their instrument. Three voicings—Clean, Alpha distortion and Omega fuzz—cover a wide tonal spectrum, from warm and articulate to overdriven chaos. The system is fed by a powerful alnico humbucker that delivers tight lows and snarling midrange, making it an ideal match for the preamp's sonic versatility. This is not just another active bass—it's a full-featured tone machine built to handle any gig or recording session with authority.

Comprehensive Controls Give You Real-Time Flexibility

With five intuitive knobs and a dedicated toggle switch, the DarkRay 5 makes deep tone shaping easy and immediate. You'll find controls for master volume, gain, blend, treble and bass—each voiced to interact smoothly with the onboard preamp. A 3-way toggle lets you switch between Clean, Alpha and Omega modes instantly, with a color-coded LED ring that shows your current setting: red for Alpha, blue for Omega, and off for Clean. Whether you're punching through a mix or diving into distortion mid-set, the DarkRay's layout puts powerful sounds just a flick away.

Roasted Maple Neck and Ebony Fingerboard Enhance Feel

Built for players who demand a responsive feel and reliable performance, the DarkRay 5 features a roasted maple neck that adds structural stability while enhancing resonance. The 6-bolt construction provides a rock-solid connection to the body, while the sleek ebony fingerboard keeps things fast and friction-free. The 12" fingerboard radius provides a balanced feel that's ideal for everything from pummeling riffs to expressive lead lines. With 22 medium frets and smooth fretwork, this neck offers a comfortable playing experience, whether you're at home, in the studio or up on stage.

Iconic StingRay Silhouette Meets Sleek DarkRay Styling

The DarkRay 5 maintains the StingRay's classic double-cutaway silhouette, offering balanced weight and excellent upper-fret access. Its nyatoh body keeps things lightweight yet punchy, while the stealthy black finish and all-black hardware push it firmly into modern territory. A matching black pickguard and the illuminated control switch give it a futuristic vibe, while Sterling's signature 4+1 headstock and high-mass bridge anchor the look in proven StingRay tradition. With its aggressive styling and performance-first design, the DarkRay 5 is built to stand out on any stage.

Modern Tone, Classic StingRay Feel—All Without a Pedalboard

If you're looking for an instrument that delivers raw tonal power with refined playability, the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 bass is your answer. It bridges the gap between boutique pedal tones and effortless plug-and-play simplicity, letting you go from smooth and clean to full-on distortion without breaking stride. With pro-level components, iconic StingRay DNA and the innovation of Darkglass Electronics, it's built for modern players who want it all in one instrument.

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