NAMM 2026: Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Bass & More New Guitars! (2026)

Get ready for a musical revolution! Ernie Ball Music Man is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 50 years of the legendary StingRay bass. But here's where it gets exciting - they're not just resting on their laurels. Along with the iconic StingRay, they're unveiling a host of new instruments that will take your breath away.

First up, the 50th Anniversary StingRay Bass, a limited-edition masterpiece. With two exclusive finishes, Liquid Gold and Molten Gold, each hand-numbered and limited to just 50 and 300 instruments worldwide, respectively, this bass is a collector's dream. The Liquid Gold features a stunning reflective pickguard, while Molten Gold showcases a unique metallic gold finish. Both versions offer an ebony fretboard with glow-in-the-dark markers, ensuring you'll always find your way on stage.

But wait, there's more! The DarkRay II bass takes the original's aggressive sound to new heights with integrated octave effects, offering a broader sonic palette. With LED rings on the knobs for instant visual feedback, you'll have complete control over your sound.

And for those who crave versatility, the StingRay Special is back with new finishes and the same signature features that made it an icon. Available in 4 or 5-string configurations, it's a bass that's as versatile as it is iconic.

For the guitarists, the John Petrucci Signature Majesty Premium Select offers refined tone and precision. With a mahogany neck-through body and alder wings, it's a guitar that delivers depth, sustain, and articulation.

The Jason Richardson Artist Series Cutlass HT 8-String is a multiscale powerhouse, designed for modern technical players. With a unique scale length and striking finishes, it offers exceptional clarity and articulation.

To mark the 30th Anniversary of the Axis guitar, Ernie Ball Music Man is revisiting the translucent finishes that made it famous. Each guitar is a work of art, with a hand-stained quilt maple top and a limited-edition 30th Anniversary logo.

Lastly, the Custom Design Experience has expanded, offering 14 new finishes for players to create their own custom StingRay bass. With an online configurator, you can design your dream bass and have it built at the Ernie Ball Music Man facility in San Luis Obispo, CA.

So, which of these musical masterpieces piques your interest? And this is the part most people miss - these instruments are not just about sound, they're about the experience and the story they tell. What's your take on these new releases? Let's discuss in the comments!

NAMM 2026: Ernie Ball Music Man 50th Anniversary StingRay Bass & More New Guitars! (2026)

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