Using your Ernie Ball Music Man Dark Ray Bass Guitar is a breeze. First, make sure your strings are properly tuned using the custom Music Man tuning machines. When you start playing, the single humbucking pickup at the bridge will give you a rich and full sound. You can experiment with different playing techniques to explore the wide range of sonic capabilities this bass offers. For maintenance, keep your bass in a dry and cool place. Wipe the strings with a clean cloth after each use to prevent dirt and sweat build - up. Every few months, you can use a guitar polish to keep the high - gloss polyester body finish looking shiny. If you need to change the strings, make sure to use the same gauge (45w - 65w - 80w - 100w) for the best performance. Also, be gentle when adjusting the bridge and tuning machines to avoid any damage.