DarkRay - Man, I went there...

[Ant B 2021]

Thank you for doing this-the first honest review I’ve seen, still want it!

I'll elaborate further once I spend a little more time.

 

[Les Fret]

Ok. Initial thoughts...

Fit and finish is superb. Balance is a treat. I don't have scales, so you will have to take my word for this. It's light.

Clean sound: I don't hear any compromises here. I compared it with my 2004, 3 band Ray. Sounds more like the Classic Ray I used to own. The two band EQ is subtle. Some great tones. Definitely a 'Ray. But that's not why you buy this sucker...

The Fuzz tone (Red): Sounds much better finger style. Harsh with a pick. That could be the pick, or more likely, my style (I'm heavy handed). Finger style for me, brings out the natural undertones. The flesh on my fingers brought out those undertones, with the effect being more of a pleasant embellishment.

The Overdrive (Blue). Takes it up a notch. Again, sounds better finger style. IMO. See above. I would use this to a lesser extent.

Early days. The blend is very sensitive, but in a good way. I will be more conclusive once I've reflected a little more, listened more to the nuances of blending and once I'm in the mix.

For me, first impression? Happy with it. Very much so. No buyer's remorse.

However, I'm pretty sure it will not be for everyone. I would wholeheartedly recommend trying it out before purchasing. It's a quality bass and comparable (or less) than the price of the latest specials. And I feel, the clean tone is certainly there.

Thanks for the review. If you think it sounds harsh with a pick you can try to reduce the treble of the bass when engaging the overdrive. Does that help?

 

[Ant B 2021]

Did that. Still didn't like the pick. And I'm predominantly a pick player by choice. Fair shout though.

 

[Cantstandsya]

Did that. Still didn't like the pick. And I'm predominantly a pick player by choice. Fair shout though.

Are you able to get a mild overdrive that isn’t harsh, with low blend and gain settings ?

 

[Ant B 2021]

I wouldn’t say “overdrive” IMO. Not like upping the gain on a tube amp. It’s a little more “processed” if that makes any sense?

 

[4bluestrings]

Great looking bass. I got my shipping notification today. Can’t wait.

 

[Cantstandsya]

I wouldn’t say “overdrive” IMO. Not like upping the gain on a tube amp. It’s a little more “processed” if that makes any sense?

Yep

 

[Les Fret]

I wouldn’t say “overdrive” IMO. Not like upping the gain on a tube amp. It’s a little more “processed” if that makes any sense?

I guess that is the nature of the Dark Glass sound (?). Not much you can do about it.

 

[Cantstandsya]

I guess that is the nature of the Dark Glass sound (?). Not much you can do about it.

All the demos I’ve seen of the Dark Ray distortion sound a little fuzzier than the actual Darkglass pedals to me. The Omega side does inherently have some fuzz to it, but I can get a nice mild breakup with the Alpha side.

 

[Les Fret]

All the demos I’ve seen of the Dark Ray distortion sound a little fuzzier than the actual Darkglass pedals to me. The Omega side does inherently have some fuzz to it, but I can get a nice mild breakup with the Alpha side.

But the DarkRay doesn’t have all the sound shaping options of the pedals. Only gain can be adjusted.

 

[Cantstandsya]

But the DarkRay doesn’t have all the sound shaping options of the pedals. Only gain can be adjusted.

It also has a blend and 2 band EQ. It should be capable of subtle overdrive. I know that watching a YouTube video isn’t the best representation of what any piece of gear can do in your own hands. I should just put myself out of my misery and order one.

 

[4bluestrings]

Where’d you get the September ship date from? Did you order yours by phone somehow?
After a few days now my order is still just listed as “processing”…

I just emailed in and they responded... easy peasy

 

[glocke1]

Great looking bass. I got my shipping notification today. Can’t wait.

Did you order early and get one of the ones already made ?

 

[4bluestrings]

Did you order early and get one of the ones already made ?

So I was told that there were already building them prior to launch and as they finished some up my order made it into the shipment. Can't wait. I made room in the rack for it already.

 

[bostonasphalt2]

I ordered one of these the day they came out, but I don’t think mine will be shipping until September. There were 51 left when I ordered.
I haven’t picked up any of my basses in close to 6 years, but this struck my fancy and as such it’s time to start playing again!

 

[4bluestrings]

yeah I ordered mine in the first 15-20 so they must have made at least that many... we'll see but it'll be here Tuesday

 

[4bluestrings]

Mine arrived yesterday. Love it. Plays like a dream. My kid loves it, he agrees that it plays great. Sounds awesome.

 

[LowEndLobster]

.... Just gonna leave this here... It's not done yet but we're getting there.

Artec QDD2 drive circuit (four different drive modes) modified with an external gain control (the second pot). That's paired to a Darkglass Tone Capsule 3 band modified with a Noble B50k concentric pot w/ center detents (tested this on another project, works flawlessly!). DIY Darkray vid coming soon

 

[4bluestrings]

Awesome job. I still don't regret my purchase. I love this bass. The look, the feel. Just a great playing bass. But this is an awesome mod you are working on and I may look at this for another bass

 

[Ant B 2021]

Awesome job. I still don't regret my purchase. I love this bass. The look, the feel. Just a great playing bass. But this is an awesome mod you are working on and I may look at this for another bass

Did you get the Black or Grey one? Love to see some pics.