Sterling by Music Man today announced the next chapter of the Joe Dart Artist Series Bass Collection, created in collaboration with acclaimed bassist Joe Dart of Vulfpeck and Fearless Flyers. The 2026 “Crop” introduces two limited-time models: the all-new Joe Dart Vision and the return of the original Joe Dart I. Both instruments will be available exclusively for pre-order throughout May, with orders closing May 31.
Both models embody the core philosophy of the original Ernie Ball Music Man collection: maximum expression with minimal complexity. Each bass features passive electronics, a vintage-inspired Sterling-shaped body made from soft maple, a hard maple neck, open-gear tuners, and Ernie Ball flatwound strings. Every bass will feature a “2026 Crop” stamp on the back of the headstock to mark the release year.
The all-new for 2026 Joe Dart Vision is a minimalist design stripped to the essentials, featuring a single powerful humbucking bridge pickup, passive electronics, and zero onboard controls. Finished in white with a gold pickguard, the instrument is designed for maximum player focus— no knobs, no batteries, just a direct connection between player and sound.
The Joe Dart I returns in its original form, featuring a single humbucker and a single volume knob, delivering a straightforward, no-frills playing experience. Each instrument features a natural wood finish that highlights unique variations in grain and color, ensuring no two basses are exactly alike.
“Jack Stratton and I had a vision — a bass pared down to its essential elements. Nothing extra, not even a volume knob. The first bass I know of without one. And thus, we call this bass The Vision,” said Dart. “It strikes the perfect balance of punch and warmth that I’m always chasing, and it sits in the pocket like it was built for it. The original Dart I is back too, which feels right. That bass has history. It belongs in people’s hands. I’m thrilled to share both of these with the world.”
This limited “Timed Edition” release is available only through pre-order on the Sterling by Music Man website. Each instrument is built to order, with pre-orders closing May 31 and shipping scheduled to begin in September through December 2026. A gig bag is included with each purchase.
The Joe Dart I is priced at $549 and the Joe Dart Vision is priced at $599.
Pre-orders will be available globally at https://sterlingbymm.co/JoeDartCollection beginning May 1st at 11 a.m. PT.
For more information on Joe Dart, visit https://www.vulfpeck.com/.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source bassmagazine.com ’
