My final verdict if it means anything is I wouldn’t see why anyone interested in a darkray shouldn’t buy this bass. If you don’t have a stingray in your possession this will come pretty darn close. Are the full on ernie ball darkray’s better? Of course they are. If you had a stingray special I’m sure getting the alpha omega pedal would do the same thing. But how many folks that had stingrays went out and purchased ernie ball darkrays anyway? Come on guys, it’s GAS. If you buy this bass just make sure the place you buy it from has a good return policy and you should be good. But that rule applies to any bass you are ordering online. I’m happy with mine but you may not be with yours and I respect that.