Get ready to rock the music world in 2026, as Ernie Ball Music Man pulls out all the stops to celebrate 50 years of the legendary StingRay bass! But here's where it gets exciting: they're not just resting on their laurels—they're unveiling a slew of new instruments that promise to shake up the industry. From the highly anticipated DarkRay II to the jaw-dropping Jason Richardson Artist Series, this lineup is a dream come true for bassists and guitarists alike. And this is the part most people miss—each release is packed with innovative features and limited-edition finishes that will have collectors and players alike clamoring for more.
Celebrating a Half-Century of Bass Excellence
The StingRay bass has been a cornerstone of music for five decades, defining what it means to have a bold, forward-leaning tone. To honor this legacy, Ernie Ball Music Man is introducing the 50th Anniversary StingRay Special, available in two breathtaking limited-edition finishes: Molten Gold and Liquid Gold. But here's the kicker—the Liquid Gold version is limited to just 50 instruments worldwide, each hand-numbered and featuring a stunning golden reflective pickguard. The Molten Gold, while slightly more accessible at 300 units, boasts a unique metallic gold finish on both the body and headstock, ensuring no two basses are exactly alike. Both models come equipped with an ebony fretboard, gold face dot inlays, and glow-in-the-dark side markers, making them as functional on stage as they are beautiful. The roasted flame maple neck and poplar body provide a fast, comfortable playing experience, while the gold hardware—including a 50th Anniversary-stamped bridge—adds a touch of class. Each bass ships in a deluxe hardshell case with a certificate of authenticity, ensuring its place in history.
Key Features of the 50th Anniversary StingRay 4:
- Roasted figured maple neck
- Gold face dot inlays with glow-in-the-dark side dots
- 50th Anniversary stamped bridge
- Certificate of authenticity
- Deluxe hardshell case
While the Molten Gold version will be available at all Ernie Ball Music Man retailers, the Liquid Gold is an exclusive offering from the Ernie Ball Music Man Vault, starting this spring. But here's the controversial part: with such limited availability, is this a celebration of accessibility or an elite collector's item? Weigh in below!
DarkRay II: Pushing the Boundaries of Bass
The DarkRay II takes the aggressive, modern foundation of its predecessor and cranks it up a notch with fully integrated octave up and octave down effects. This isn't just a bass—it's a sonic powerhouse. Featuring a master volume, bass and treble EQ, distortion control, and an octave control with push/push functionality, the DarkRay II offers unparalleled versatility. LED rings on the distortion and octave knobs provide instant visual feedback, changing color to indicate the selected mode. A three-way switch allows players to toggle between core tone, octave only, or octave combined with distortion, making it easy to transition from tight, punchy basslines to massive, harmonically rich textures. Available in Black, Showtime, Spectralite, and Mean Green Burst, the DarkRay II is set to redefine what a bass can do. But here's the question: is this innovation or overcomplication? Let us know your thoughts!
StingRay Special: A Timeless Classic
First introduced in 1976, the StingRay has cemented its place as one of the most iconic bass guitars in history. The StingRay Special retains the signature features that made it a legend—solid construction, the iconic oval pickguard, 3+1 tuning key configurations, and the beloved Music Man humbucker. Available in 4 or 5-string configurations with H or HH pickup options, the StingRay Special continues to deliver the unmistakable look, feel, and sound that players have trusted for decades. New finishes will be available this spring, but the real question is—can you ever truly improve on perfection?
John Petrucci Signature Majesty Premium Select: The Ultimate Guitarist's Dream
John Petrucci's Signature Majesty Premium Select is the culmination of years of touring and recording, offering refined tone, precision, and versatility. Featuring a mahogany neck-through body with alder wings and a thick maple top, this guitar is designed for depth, sustain, and articulation. A 24-fret ebony fingerboard with stainless steel frets, glow-in-the-dark side dots, DiMarzio Rainmaker and Dreamcatcher humbuckers, and a piezo-equipped Music Man floating tremolo make this instrument a technical marvel. Available in Carnelian Red, Ka’anapali Dream, Mystic Dream, Purple Nebula II, and Strawberry Moon, the Majesty Premium Select is set to dominate stages worldwide. But here's the debate: is this guitar a masterpiece of modern design or a niche instrument for the elite?
Jason Richardson Artist Series Cutlass HT 8-String: Redefining Modern Guitar
The Jason Richardson Artist Series Cutlass HT 8-String is a bold evolution of the signature line, now available in three striking translucent finishes: Water Temple, Death Mountain, and Kokiri Forest. Designed for modern technical players, this multiscale guitar features a 25.5”–27” scale length, providing exceptional clarity, tension, and articulation across its extended range. An alder body with a buckeye burl top, roasted figured maple neck, and ebony fretboard deliver premium feel and stability. Outfitted with Jason Richardson HT humbuckers, this guitar offers crushing output and dynamic tonal versatility. Pro-level features include 24 stainless steel frets, a hardtail bridge, and a push/push volume knob for a 20+ dB boost. But here's the question: is this the future of guitar design or a niche product for a select few?
30th Anniversary Axis Guitar: A Nostalgic Revival
To celebrate 30 years of the Axis, Ernie Ball Music Man is revisiting the translucent finishes that defined its 1996 debut. Available in Translucent Gold, Black, Pink, Red, Blue, and Purple, each guitar features a hand-stained quilt maple top and a black, lightly sparkled back. A figured maple neck with stainless steel frets, glow-in-the-dark side dots, and DiMarzio custom-wound pickups ensure this guitar sounds as good as it looks. Limited to 90 Gold, 60 Black, Pink, and Purple, and 30 Blue and Red instruments worldwide, each guitar comes with a certificate of authenticity and a deluxe Music Man hardshell case. But here's the controversy: are these limited editions a collector's dream or a marketing gimmick?
Custom Design Experience: Your Dream Bass, Your Way
The Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience has expanded with 14 new finishes, offering even more ways to create your dream StingRay bass. This online configurator allows you to choose from 4-string and 5-string models, right- and left-handed orientations, pickups, finishes, necks, pickguards, hardware, and more. Built in the Ernie Ball Music Man facility in San Luis Obispo, CA, and shipped directly to you, this is customization at its finest. But here's the question: with so many options, is this the ultimate expression of individuality or a recipe for decision fatigue?
Visit www.ernieball.com and www.music-man.com to explore these groundbreaking releases. Distributed in Australia by CMC Music (https://www.cmcmusic.com.au/home), the future of music is here. What’s your take on these new offerings? Are they the next big thing or a step too far? Let us know in the comments!
