Reflections of the BFR JP F-1 Development

[Big Poppa]

Hey Knuckleheads!

You were trendsetters without knowing it. This guitar is the first guitar that was designed in a virtual enviornment for all to see every step of the way. Previous to this the common wisdom was to not let anyone see what you are doing for fear of losing a competitive advantage. From the first block of wood we posted to the final final you have seen everything.

Figuring out how to do this is the tough part. If we could get your help with future endeavors we would love to continue this trend. We need help in explaining to people that when we open the virtual doors that we really are not doing it for input at that stage. Helping the mods keep the perspective will insure that we continue. The creative process is so delicate that hunreds of strong opinions only interfere with the process.

The new guitar is signifigant in many ways. It allowed Dudley and I to stay very involved while letting Drew (Drewbixcubed) grow as a designer. Drew you did a great job! It allowed Dargin to continue his development getting the presentation and finishes together. Great job also Dargie!

I cant speak for Dudley but mentoring is the greatest reward these days for me. Knowing that in some small way you can make sure that your experience and knowledge can be passed on and hopefully exceeded by young talent is extremely gratifing. THere are so many other people who make this ball roll...Linda Tomas Bill Enjoneer Aziah and there are more and dont get pissed if I left you off!

FInally, JP. Wow. You gave us a chance to put our ego and dough where our mouth is. Thanks. The ability to take vague words and expressions and desires and turn it into a guitar that makes him proud is the cherry on the sundae. There were times in JP and my numerous and lengthly conversations that he was ready to call it good when I knew it really wasnt what he was dreaming of. He is a class act that I had to reassure that we could go as long as he could. That is why we do what we do. That is why I got into this in 1984. Create tools for artists. Thank you JP for the exercise. It is an honor to have you in the Family.......

 

[adamrogo]

We're having as much fun as you are BP, thanks for letting us in on the design and development of probably the coolest guitar to make production!

Looking forward to 'beta-viewing' the newest designs, though I don't think anything can top this for me (though maybe a new JP model...)

And congradulations on being able to create the perfect guitar, for arguably one of the best guitarists in the business.. Not an easy task I'm sure, and sometihng only EBMM could do. Kudos!

All the best!

Adam

 

[SteveB]

It was fun to come along for the ride!

What a stunning instrument the BFR JP F-1 turned out to be! Far different than the early ideas, and even some of the later ones.

 

[jazzbo jim]

Forgive my ignorance, but what does BFR and F-1 stand for?
Also, what are the Dargie's delights? (Are these "premium" or "limited run"?

Sorry for being so out of the nomenclature loop.

 

[adamrogo]

Forgive my ignorance, but what does BFR and F-1 stand for?
Also, what are the Dargie's delights? (Are these "premium" or "limited run"?

Sorry for being so out of the nomenclature loop.

BFR is Ball Family Reserve, the way I see it, EBMM's version of a Private stock.
F-1 is the name of the new JP model, Formula one, aka damn fast.

 

[CudBucket]

Sterling, congratulations to you, John and everyone at Ernie Ball on what I'm sure will be a superior instrument.

Dave Frattaroli

 

[MikeVt]

Thanks BP! This company and the interaction you provide here are very rare. It's the biggest reason I've stuck around for the past two years. Not many companies open their doors and let us see what is going on, and even in a small way, influence it. I wish more companies/industries would take this approach - because it can only help their businesses grow and develop brand loyalty.

In this case, it was really fun to see the F-1 develop, to be there with Pete in CT when you shipped JP the first prototype, etc. I've been a DT fan for many years, and it is really cool to be connected in two ways - first with the music, then with the instruments and company that develops them.

I guess I need to go back and read more of the F-1 threads to catch up. I missed the whole discussion on how you do or don't want input at various stages, so I'm not sure what you meant by that one. I certainly understand that being flooded with requests for changes and ideas can just end up being counterproductive. I guess I'd just look to you to tell us when/where you want our input. Otherwise, I'll just stick too oogling at how pretty the new stuff is...

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[jeffrey]

Great read, thanks for sharing, Sterling.

 

[koogie2k]

Great post...love it. I will say for myself...Thank you Big Poppa for all you have done for us as far as letting us in your circle. It is one thing to communicate with your customer base, yet another to let us in as far as you do. Watching the development of the F-1, Dargie, BFR's, etc is something alot of us are priviledged to see...great job to you and all at EBMM. The Open House and Factory Tour, Jack's B-day bash, Warped Tour, etc....were and still are class acts and will forever be remembered by us!

You have mentored many of us here on the forum and in person. You have been a great and positive influence on my life and I am eternally grateful. I love our conversations and how happy you make people feel. The world needs more like you! Thanks Sterling....you have done more for me than you know.

 

[Psychicpet]

thanks for letting us see "behind the curtain" BP!

 

[Big Poppa]

THanks Koogs.....

 

[Quarter]

Now there is a Proud Poppa and rightfully so!!
You have a top shelf team of craftsmen with a great passion.

 

[drewbixcubed]

Sterling, thank you for opportunity to work with everyone involved in this project. It is an amazing thing to work with artist such as John and be able to create such a great instrument for everyone to share.

Thank you too, fellow Knuckleheads! Keep up the good work/questions/insight/opinions /pictures/news.....you get the point

 

[adamrogo]

Drew, the new design is incredible, great job!

 

[kneeoh]

Thank you BP and everyone at EBMM for letting us knuckleheads feel like part of the family.

 

[TwAn]

I'm proud to be a very small part of this family! It's good to see that there are still a lot of good people on this crazy planet!! BP, your passion for your job is something that is not seen very often! I think it's an inspiration for all of us!

To all the people at EBMM: keep up the good work!!

 

[adambilz]

Ain't no family like the EB family...because it is a family!

 

[GHWelles]

How about a separate "prototype development" area that only moderators can post in, and any "comment or "suggestion" threads elsewhere in the forum get deleted?

 

[francric]

Thanks for sharing BP and congratulations to everyone at EB.............

 

[rmh925]

BP thanks for letting us be part of the greatest guitar co. in the world, and for always keeping us posted with all the newest designs......In my opinion the quality of your instruments surpass any other one i have ever seen and played....Once again thanks for everything and keep them comming....JP you are the best and would like to thank you as well for bringing the best guitar i have ever played to life.