Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay II Electric Bass Guitar - Black

Bold, expressive and unapologetically modern, the Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay II pushes the aggressive, high-gain DNA of its predecessor into uncharted sonic territory. Built around a custom Darkglass two-band preamp with selectable Alpha and Omega distortion voices, the DarkRay II expands upon the original platform with fully switchable octave up and octave down effects that extend its range from subterranean low-end reinforcement to cutting, synth-like upper harmonics. A three-way selector makes it easy to move from tight, punchy clean tones to massive, harmonically rich textures, while LED-ringed controls provide instant visual feedback on active settings. A high-output neodymium humbucker ensures clarity and definition across every mode, supported by a resonant ash body that delivers punch and balance. The roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard offer a fast, stable playing surface, while a vintage-style Ernie Ball top-loaded steel bridge provides solid sustain and precise intonation. The result is a bass that feels as powerful and responsive as the tones it produces.

Ash Body for Punch, Balance and Dynamic Response

The DarkRay II is built on a solid ash body, chosen for its tight low-end response, clear midrange and balanced resonance. Ash provides a focused, punchy foundation that keeps notes articulate and well-defined across a wide range of playing styles. Whether played clean or pushed into more aggressive tones, the body maintains clarity and control, giving players a reliable tonal platform that responds consistently in both live and studio settings.

Darkglass Electronics With Integrated Distortion and Octave Control for Total Tonal Command

A high-output neodymium humbucker and custom Darkglass two-band active preamp drive the DarkRay II, delivering a powerful, articulate signal with exceptional clarity and low noise. The preamp is paired with two distinct drive circuits—Alpha for tight, focused distortion and Omega for more saturated, fuzz-like textures—both fully blendable to retain low-end definition while adding gain. Newly integrated octave up and octave down effects expand the instrument’s range even further, adding harmonic weight or upper-register presence on demand. A three-way selector allows seamless switching between clean tone, octave-only processing or combined octave and distortion modes, while LED-ringed controls provide clear, color-coded feedback for every setting.

Roasted Maple Neck and Ebony Fingerboard for Speed, Stability and Precision

A roasted maple neck carved to a comfortable C profile delivers exceptional stability and a smooth, broken-in feel right out of the case. The ebony fingerboard provides a fast, durable playing surface with crisp attack and clear note definition across 22 stainless steel frets. Finished with a hand-rubbed oil and wax blend, the neck feels natural and responsive, supporting fluid movement across the fretboard. Together, these elements create a playing experience that stays precise and controlled, even during aggressive, high-energy performances.

Music Man Hardware for Stability, Sustain and Reliable Performance

The DarkRay II is equipped with premium Music Man hardware designed to support its performance-driven design. A vintage-style top-loaded steel bridge provides solid sustain and precise intonation, anchoring the instrument’s powerful low-end response. Lightweight custom tuning machines with tapered string posts ensure smooth tuning and consistent string tension, even under aggressive playing conditions. Finished in stealthy black, every component complements the bass’s modern aesthetic while delivering the durability and reliability required for demanding live and studio environments.

A Next-Generation Bass Built for Sonic Exploration

The Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay II takes the aggressive identity of its predecessor and expands it into a more versatile, expressive instrument. With its integrated Darkglass electronics, blendable distortion circuits and octave effects, it offers a level of tonal control that moves effortlessly from clean precision to fully saturated, effects-driven soundscapes. Combined with its stable neck, resonant body and performance-ready hardware, the DarkRay II delivers a modern bass experience built for players who want to push beyond traditional boundaries.