Ernie Ball has pre-announced its line-up of Music Man guitars for 2017 – and heading the parade are new John Petrucci models, the Monarchy Series John Petrucci Majesty. The Monarchy series feature a highly flamed maple shield seated in an African mahogany body. While previous models have featured a completely matte finish, the Monarchy series features a glossy finish on the front and a matte finish on the back. Equipped with DiMarzio Sonic Ecstasy pickups and a piezo bridge, the Monarchy series will be available in new finishes, Black Knight, Imperial Blue, Majestic Purple and Royal Red, in both 6 and 7 string configurations.
Following the new Petrucci models will be new colours in Music Man’s St. Vincent series, designed with the singer/songwriter/guitarist. The guitars will be available in four new versions: Stealth Black with black hardware, matte finished maple neck and ebony fretboard, Tobacco Burst, Polaris White and Heritage Red with gold hardware.
Building on Music Man’s bass heritage, Ernie Ball is introducing the 30th Anniversary StingRay5. Its ash body sports a transparent buttercream finish and each neck features roasted figured maple. There is a choice of maple or rosewood fretboard is accented with a white binding white face dots and stainless steel frets. The pre-amp and pickup are exclusive to this anniversary model. Each instrument ships with a red tortoise shell pickguard and a certificate of authenticity.
Also new is the Luke III Ball Family Reserve, billed by Ernie Ball Music Man as ‘The next evolution in the design process started with the original Luke model. Addressing Steve’s performance needs as a touring guitarist has been critical in the development of this new edition’. Instruments are available in new Tumescent finish, and signed by Steve Lukather himself. Limited to 300 instruments worldwide.
The rest of the growing Music Man range get new colours and, of course, there is always room for a surprise introduction at NAMM. Info: www.ernieball.com