Finally it's here, it's open, and it's real, thank you

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:25 AM

Hello guys,

I am taking the time to write this whole life story and I apologize for its length. The waiting has finally come to an end but it was a rough time for me. I did not have a job prior to the purchase of this guitar. I was enjoying the life of an unemployed college student.

I knew about MM due to our other guitarist owning a JP. He was also a manager of a Guitar Center in Cali. He would always tell how great these instruments were. As a lefty we don’t have much choice in selection which could be quite depressing. I started doing research on Music Man. I saw they had a big variety of left handed models but no JP (at the time). I have always been a great fan of John Petrucci and Marty Friedman but the JP is just so classy and beautiful. I didn’t put too much thought on ever owning a JP (it seemed impossible at the time).

I remember I once posted in the Line 6 forum that I wish I had a left handed Music Man JP but it was close to impossible. Out of nowhere, I get a PM from Slingy. He told me to check%

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:33 AM

I remember I once posted in the Line 6 forum that I wish I had a left handed Music Man JP but it was close to impossible. Out of nowhere, I get a PM from Slingy. He told me to check this thread out and told me about the big dawg “BIG POPPA.”

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/musi...-fruition.html

My heart just dropped and I could not believe what I was reading. So many thoughts went through my head. Why would such a respectable company take the time and “RISK” to please a couple of lefties? I felt like there was a catch to this for some reason. After this, I started lurking around and noticed that one person was actually interacting with people. His screen name is Big Poppa which I didn’t know who he was. I searched a found that he is The Man, Sterling Ball. Another thought crossed my head, “Why would the big dawg take the time and interact with his customers this way.” I was immediately overwhelmed and had to start posting.

Soon I had the pleasure to meet Scott (leftyguitarblue). He always came across as a cool cat and very respectful. He shared his knowledge at no cost and I thank him for that. All of us knew that there would a left handed JP but we didn’t know when we could actually order it. Some more months passed and one thread appears.

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/musi...available.html

I read this around 3 a.m. and freaked out. I started jumping around and had to wake me fiancée up. She was lost and asked why I was acting like a jackass. I asked her, “Finally, can I please order?” She immediately knew. Her answer was, “yes, of course you can.”

The next step was who to order it from. The name Pete Dubaldo was always around. I gave it a go and started harassing the poor man. He was always respectful and extremely cool. Gave me an immediate quote (what a great deal) and gave him the go.
Waiting started and it sucked badly. We started posting random thoughts of joy and nonsense. Another guy pops up, Steve (Nik_Left_RG). I expected him to post about ordering and leave like many others. Boy was I wrong. He immediately became part of the gang. He came across as a very nice guy and easy to get along with. He joined the waiting torture with us.

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:34 AM

Implications

I went through a couple of tragedies throughout this period. One of my best friends passed away in the beginning of this period (was a marine). This hit me hard and I felt terrible for a while. Some time passed and my aunt died. I could not believe what was going on. Why was this happening to our family? The worst happened last week. One of my college friends was killed in an accident. This hit us the worst. We went through the guilt trip. If we would’ve kept him a little longer at school and taking him to lunch with us, none of this would have ever happened.

Another implication was working and school. During the holidays I was working 15 hour shifts to make some extra cash. I am still working in that crappy job and I hate it. They are giving me 35 hrs a week and I’m doing 16 credits at school. I am lab tech in 2 different labs at school (working for letters of recommendation). This is very hard for me but it has paid off.

I am not going to lie. I was confused for the delay of my guitar. This was torture for me and I have no idea of why this happened but the end of the waiting torture is finally over. I don’t know what I would have done without my 2 LH brothers (Scott and Steve). These guys helped me so much through tough times and I thank them for helping me out when I was ready to go on rage rants. Guys, if you ever need anything you can count on me. Pete, I want to thank you for everything. You were patient when you shouldn’t have and kept your cool. Pete I know you hooked me up on some things and I won’t mention them specifically.

Thank you again Pete.

I have become a fanboy too but only due to getting this great product. The guitar feels great, it looks beautiful, and I am in love with it. This has started a new addiction. Big Poppa, you are the man and wish you the greatest of success.

Thank you everybody
Sorry for my grammar, I didn’t check it at all.

Eddi

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:37 AM

Now here are some pics

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:38 AM

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:40 AM

I literally stared at her for around 1 minute, my family asked me if I was ok lol

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:42 AM

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:44 AM

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:45 AM

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:47 AM

**edrod** · 03-14-2009, 01:47 AM

**Jonny Dubai** · 03-14-2009, 02:28 AM

wow. Great short stroy and amazing guitar.

Congrats mate

J

**Dizzy** · 03-14-2009, 02:29 AM

Congrats Man

**brasco68** · 03-14-2009, 03:25 AM

Quite a journey you've been on to get to this point Ed...after reading your story...this is truly a great day for you and very much deserved.

Many congrats buddy!