Get ready to rock the music world, because Ernie Ball Music Man is pulling out all the stops for NAMM SHOW 2026! Celebrating 50 years of the legendary StingRay bass, they’re unveiling a lineup so epic, it’ll make your fingers itch to play. But here’s where it gets controversial—can they really top the iconic original? Let’s dive in and find out.
First up, the 50th Anniversary StingRay Bass takes center stage with two jaw-dropping limited-edition finishes: Molten Gold and Liquid Gold. Molten Gold, limited to 300 instruments, boasts a metallic gold body and headstock, each with its own unique character. But the real showstopper? The Liquid Gold, hand-numbered and capped at just 50 units worldwide, features a golden reflective pickguard that screams exclusivity. Both models come with an ebony fretboard, gold face dot inlays, and glow-in-the-dark side markers—perfect for navigating any stage. And let’s not forget the roasted flame maple neck, poplar body, and gold hardware, including a 50th Anniversary-stamped bridge. Each bass ships in a deluxe hardshell case with a certificate of authenticity. Talk about a collector’s dream!
But here’s the kicker: While the Molten Gold will be available at all Ernie Ball Music Man retailers, the Liquid Gold is exclusively locked in the Ernie Ball Music Man Vault. Will you be one of the lucky few to snag it? Available this spring.
Next, the DarkRay™ II bass is here to shake things up. Building on the aggressive foundation of the original DarkRay, it introduces fully integrated octave up and octave down effects, expanding its sonic palette to new heights. With a master volume, bass and treble EQ, distortion control, and octave control (both with push/push functions), this bass is a tone-shaping powerhouse. LED rings on the knobs provide instant visual feedback, and a three-way switch lets you toggle between core tone, octave only, or octave with distortion. Available in Black, Showtime, Spectralite, and Mean Green Burst, the DarkRay II is a modern player’s dream. But is it too much of a good thing? Some purists might argue it’s overkill. What do you think?
Switching gears, the John Petrucci Signature Majesty Premium Select is a masterpiece of refined tone and precision. Crafted from years of touring and recording, it features a mahogany neck-through body with alder wings and a thick maple top for added depth and sustain. Outfitted with a 24-fret ebony fingerboard, stainless steel frets, DiMarzio Rainmaker and Dreamcatcher humbuckers, and a piezo-equipped Music Man floating tremolo, this guitar is a beast. Available in Carnelian Red, Ka’anapali Dream, Mystic Dream, Purple Nebula II, and Strawberry Moon, it’s set to drop in the USA this spring.
And this is the part most people miss: The Jason Richardson Artist Series Cutlass HT 8-String is a game-changer for modern technical players. With a 25.5”–27” multiscale length, alder body, buckeye burl top, and roasted figured maple neck, it delivers unparalleled clarity and stability. Equipped with Jason Richardson HT humbuckers, a hardtail bridge, and a push/push volume knob for a 20+ dB boost, this guitar is built for peak performance. Available in Water Temple, Death Mountain, and Kokiri Forest finishes, it’s a bold evolution of the signature line. But is an 8-string overkill for the average player? Let’s debate that in the comments.
Celebrating 30 years of the Axis guitar, Ernie Ball Music Man is revisiting the translucent finishes that defined its 1996 debut. Think Translucent Gold, Black, Pink, Red, Blue, and Purple, paired with hand-stained quilt maple tops and sparkled backs. Each guitar features a figured maple neck, stainless steel frets, glow-in-the-dark side dots, and DiMarzio® custom-wound pickups. Limited to 90 Gold, 60 Black, Pink, and Purple, and 30 Blue and Red instruments worldwide, these guitars come with a certificate of authenticity and a deluxe hardshell case. But are these limited editions worth the hype? Share your thoughts below.
Finally, the Custom Design Experience has expanded with 14 new finishes, giving players even more ways to create their dream StingRay bass. From 4-string to 5-string models, right-handed to left-handed orientations, and every pickup configuration imaginable, the possibilities are endless. Built in San Luis Obispo, CA, and shipped directly to you, it’s customization at its finest.
So, what’s your take? Is Ernie Ball Music Man’s 2026 lineup a home run, or are they trying to do too much? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
