Ernie Ball Music Man's Storied History
Sweetwater's relationship with Ernie Ball goes way back, so bringing Ernie Ball Music Man onboard was an easy decision. Between the versatility of their guitars and the popularity of their basses, it's no wonder why Music Man instruments have been a smash hit with Sweetwater musicians. Just pick one up, and you'll understand why top artists such a John Petrucci, Tony Levin, and many others choose these instruments.
It began in 1972, when Leo Fender and two Fender veterans, Tom Walker and Forrest White, founded Music Man. Music Man launched a number of innovative products, including a now-legendary amp and the original StingRay and Sabre guitar and bass models. They foundered until 1984, when the owners sold the company to Ernie Ball, and Ernie Ball Music Man was born. Under Ernie's direction, Music Man went from obscure to highly visible, and by the early '90s, it was a go-to guitar maker for artists including Eddie Van Halen, Albert Lee, and Steve Lukather.
There are several key features of Ernie Ball Music Man instruments that make them stand out, from their noteworthy electronics to their super-comfortable necks. It starts with the design and essential construction, processes that combine meticulous handcrafting combined with precision millwork to ensure the highest possible quality. It's everything you'd expect from a custom shop!
Two of the things players here at Sweetwater particularly love about Ernie Ball Music Man guitars and basses are the finish and the electronics. The paint and body finish itself demonstrates the kind of care you rarely see. This includes three layers of polyurethane, which gives each instrument a lustrous sheen. On the flip side, many working musicians swear by the smooth feel of gunstock oil and wax finished necks found on many popular models.
On the electronics side, depending on the model, you'll either find top-shelf pickups from today's most popular pickup makers or Music Man's own in-house electronics, which are every bit as impressive. Specifically, Music Man's custom humbuckers are legendary for their exquisite detail and impressive punch. They also deliver unrivaled, noise-free sound courtesy of a graphite acrylic resin body cavity coating and aluminum control cover lining found on even their most affordable instruments.
Ask anyone at Sweetwater, and they'll tell you: Ernie Ball Music Man guitars and basses are among the best instruments you'll find. Whether it's a classic StingRay bass or the latest John Petrucci signature 7-string, if you're looking for custom-shop quality in an instrument that's a few steps off the beaten path, then you'll get the tone and the performance you desire. If you need any help deciding which Ernie Ball Music Man instrument to grab, don't hesitate to contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700.
