STERLING BY MUSIC MAN Darkray 5 Stingray Darkglass

Essential Information About the Sterling by Music Man DarkRay5 Bass

• Integrated Darkglass Electronics: three modes (Clean, Alpha, Omega) to switch from hi-fi sound to powerful distortion, no pedal needed.


• Immediate On-Stage Control: 3-position selector and LED ring for quick switching between circuits.


• Modern Feel: torrefied maple neck and ebony fingerboard for a sharp attack and excellent definition.


• StingRay 5-String Format: an Alnico humbucker at the bridge for punch and presence that cuts through the mix.

A StingRay Reimagined with Darkglass DNA

With the DarkRay5, Sterling by Music Man offers a decidedly modern take on the StingRay format: an instrument designed for bassists who want to keep the punchy grain of the humbucker while accessing a palette of more aggressive and contemporary sounds. The collaboration with Darkglass Electronics puts distortion at the heart of the instrument, thanks to a custom 2-band active preamp and dedicated modes ranging from precise clean to massive fuzz.

For Which Bassist and Styles?

The DarkRay5 is especially aimed at intermediate to advanced bassists seeking a versatile 5-string bass capable of delivering a very defined clean sound as well as saturated textures ready for the stage. It excels in rock, metal, punk, modern fusion, worship, as well as in punchy pop where the bass needs to remain clear and present. The Clean mode also works very well in more "studio" contexts or for crisp, articulated sounds.

The Sound

The combination of a nyatoh body and torrefied maple neck provides a direct response with good stability and quick attack, while the ebony fingerboard enhances precision, clarity, and definition in the low end, ideal for a 5-string. The Alnico humbucker pickup in the bridge position delivers solid lows, punchy low-mids, and a well-present high spectrum. The active Darkglass electronics add a true "modern rig" dimension: Clean for a dynamic and detailed base, Alpha for sharper distortion, and Omega for thicker fuzz-like textures. Volume, bass, and treble controls, along with gain and blend knobs, allow fine adjustment of the amount and character of saturation.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To stay within original specifications, you can opt for a set of Ernie Ball 2836 Regular Slinky 45-130 strings (5-string). A good quality 6.35 mm jack instrument cable is also recommended to get the best out of the active electronics.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	H	Cover/case	Gigbag
Category	Other	Scalloped	Double
Format	Stingray	Body	Nyatoh
Left handed	No	Bridge / tailpiece	Sterling
Strings	Steel	Nbre of pickups	1
Nbr of strings	5	Bridge pickup	Alnico Humbucker
Top	Nyatoh	Electronics	Active
Neck	Roasted maple	Selector	3-position
Radius	305 mm	Settings	2-band equalization
Nut Width	45 mm	Electroacoustic	No
Fingerboard	Ebony	Color	Black
Nbrs of frets	22	Colours	Black
Scale (mm)	864 mm	Finishing	Glossy
Original Strings	Ernie Ball 2836 Regular Slinky (45-130)	Hardware	Black

Finish	Glossy lacquer	Number of pickups	1
Number of frets	22	Controls	2-band EQ
Scale length	34" / 864 mm	Number of strings	5
Bridge/tailpiece	Sterling	Case/bag	Gigbag