Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

[Diego]

Went to pick up some strings today and couldn't help myself at the local EB dealer. I saw a John Petrucci JP16 and the Valentine in display and I played them a bit.

That JP16 might be the easiest guitar to play I've ever tried. I'm not really into shred guitars but the attention to detail, the quality and the playability is incredible. Loved the push-push for boost, the fretwork was impeccable. I wouldn't own one because the neck is just too small and I'm not really into metal guitars or anything with Floyd Rose systems. But it's truly outstanding.

The Valentine is something else. Almost half the price of the Petrucci and I found it much more suited to my taste. The neck is fatter, the tones a bit more versatile and interesting, and frankly I could use that guitar for almost any imaginable situation. It felt more reminiscent of a traditional instrument and I guess I prefer that. I can't think of a single element that wasn't top-notch about it or the JP. Hardware, quality, resonance and details.

I hadn't tried any Ernie Ball guitars before and frankly, I'm impressed. I was expecting them to be very good, but they feel extremely refined and mature, something I only found in some PRS guitars before. They're really, really good.

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

They really are great. One of the JPs I tried once is in the top 5 guitars I've ever played; maybe even the best.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

I have 2 EBs- a Silhouette Special and an SUB1, both USA made. The Silhouette Special is the best guitar I've ever played.

 

[Pierre]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

They're incredible. I've had 11 over the past years. And indeed the Valentine is GREAT. SUPER loud, looks amazing, and the tonality options are exactly what I'd want out of a more vintage-type guitar (the lack of forearm contour meant I didn't keep mine unfortunately).

My favorites so far have been my AL HHs, or the JP15 I currently own. But they're just a top-notch brand. It's a shame their prices outside of the US make them out of reach of so many, compared to here where prices are more reasonable, especially second hand.

(Interesting that you mentioned PRS: to me PRSi have always felt super plasticky and not pleasant to feel or play, while MusicMen have always felt to me very solid and smooth-feeling...)

 

[dave74]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

Out of all the jp models the (the jp16) is the one I'd choose at this moment if I were buying.

What did you think of the sonic xtacy pickups without the boost engaged? (oh he can have them in plain uncovered black but we can't? lol)

 

[Diego]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

What did you think of the sonic xtacy pickups without the boost engaged? (oh he can have them in plain uncovered black but we can't? lol)

No idea. I tested it briefly through a very unappropiate Egnater Tweaker 15 combo, not much of a screamer on it's own. It sounded good, though that's the part where superstrats tend to fall flat for me. I much preferred the snappier, woodier sounding Valentine.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

I daren't try them in case I get hooked! I really like the look of the new Valentine trem version.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

I haven't compared the new Sterling line to actual USA EB/MM models. I have read that the Sterlings are excellent guitars.

 

[VinceT]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

Yup - I love my MM Reflex - great guitars.


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[justFred]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

https://reverb.com/item/12052558-ernie-ball-music-man-sub1-guitar-2005-graphite

What do you all think...should I go for this...am all wound up over EB...never had one...

 

[VinceT]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

I’d be more tempted by this:

Music Man Silhouette HSH 2009 Black

https://applink.reverb.com/item/13687149-music-man-silhouette-hsh-2009-black


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[justFred]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

I’d be more tempted by this:

Music Man Silhouette HSH 2009 Black

https://applink.reverb.com/item/13687149-music-man-silhouette-hsh-2009-black


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What is better about the Silhouette???looks like the sub in HSH config...

 

[Exojam]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

Since I do not know, I will ask.

What is the purpose of the preamp inside of the John Petrucci JP16? Thanks.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

What is better about the Silhouette???looks like the sub in HSH config...

I like the Silhouette Special a little better- 22 frets, and I switched mine to HH configuration...I also have a scalloped neck. It is a remarkable instrument.

 

[VinceT]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

What is better about the Silhouette???looks like the sub in HSH config...

The Sub1 was a lower price version of the Silhouette. US made, still a great guitar (though a specific look and feel, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea).

My point was more that, if your aim is to try a MM, then for a few more $$$ you can get the full thing, and the one I linked was just one of several with different pickup configs, colors, etc.




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[VinceT]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

Since I do not know, I will ask.

What is the purpose of the preamp inside of the John Petrucci JP16? Thanks.

20+ decibel Boost

https://www.music-man.com/instruments/guitars/jp16



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[Diego]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

Since I do not know, I will ask.

What is the purpose of the preamp inside of the John Petrucci JP16? Thanks.

Hey. The circuit gives a huge output boost, taking your crunchy rhythm tone to instant lead territory. Lots of sustain and saturation. Very useful and easy to activate, with a push-push switch in the volume pot.

 

[Exojam]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

Thank you for the explanation folks!

 

[justFred]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

if I pull the trigger on a Silhouette are the pickups good as is or am I looking at spending more to replace them?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Tried a couple of Ernie Balls today... Wow!

I have to say that the pickups in my Silhouette Special were great, it is just that I wanted an HH setup rather than HSS. Their 'Silent Circuit' is really wonderful.