Can I order just a natural JP6 body from Ernie Ball?

[Dr.Strangenote]

ALL:
I have a project that I foresee in the near future which might require some major stripping, sanding, etc. (I don't think as detailed as Morbid's restoration project - but could be if I had to strip some paint). I was thinking that my project would come out a lot cleaner if I just was able to order the natural (unfinished) body. All I plan to do with it is nitro lacquer and install the electronics. It's a signature for many guitars of mine now and to have a first EBMM JP6 in the natural headstock/natural body combination would be swell. Please do let me know if this is possible, and I will make the call.

Thank you,
Dr. Strangenote.

 

[Colin]

sorry the answer is no.

 

[walleye]

i wish they did too

 

[Dr.Strangenote]

Yeah, I kinda figured, but at least didn't hurt to ask. thank you.

 

[the24thfret]

It's a no.

Examples: EB doesn't do custom shop work. They won't sell proprietary parts like that. They won't even sell you a new neck unless you send them the old one.

These aren't bad things. Keeps the marketplace full of high quality gear, not ripoffs.

But phantonzer0 is right... you should get the official answer from them.

 

[Zippoman]

1000% Agree with Phantom. I like to think that if you talk to the right people, say the right things, be polite, be prepared to pay a bit more, and be respectful of the final decision made (whatever it is) anything could be within reach.

Anyway, definitely give EBMM customer service a call about it. They're all great people and it doesn't hurt to ask at all.

Edited: June 21 2010

 

[the24thfret]

That being said I think I read that EBMM frowns upon having users do really deep custom jobs on their models. I've also noticed that BP or any other EBMM staff doesn't really post or comment on custom threads. Then again I could be really off here; I'm just stating the impression I get from them.

They don't "frown upon" custom jobs done by any of us, but they don't want one individual's craftsmanship to reflect the entire company...

Example is Morbid's refurb project... BP was very supportive of it but asked that Morbid not try to replicate the official EBMM logo and JP signature on the headstock. The reason was that if Joe Schmoe bought this guitar later on eBay, he would think that the guitar was built by EBMM when it was really built by Morbid... So if he had problems, he'd think EBMM was a poor quality manufacturer...

Likewise, if EBMM sold parts to let people build their own, they are completely giving up any quality control and thus their entire reputation. We know EBMM has some of the highest quality build standards in the industry. We see the examples everytime we play one. If Joe Schmoe can buy parts and assemble his own EBMM, then what constitutes an actual EBMM product.

Now, I am NOT putting words into BP's or the company's collective mouths. You should call customer service and ask them. And if BP chimes in for this thread, even better -- that way he can express himself and for the company.

What I am saying is that this has been talked about before. Some people don't like this about EBMM but personally I think it is a great thing.

 

[the24thfret]

BTW, you're pretty new here, Strangenote and Zippoman. To fill you in, "Morbid's refurb project" as I refer to it was a member's refurb of a JP model that he bought on eBay for cheap that had been modified (albeit terribly) by its previous owner. He spent about a year returning it to its previous condition as closely as possible to factory spec.

The thread is here.... BP chimes in multiple times:
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/mus...-man-john-petrucci-6-restoration-project.html

 

[Zippoman]

Thanks for clearing that up for me 24th. I've been following Morbid's Restoration Project since before I joined the forum. It's truly amazing how he was able to save it that guitar. I guess "frowned upon" was the indeed the wrong word.

 

[the24thfret]

Thanks for clearing that up for me 24th. I've been following Morbid's Restoration Project since before I joined the forum. It's truly amazing how he was able to save it that guitar. I guess "frowned upon" was the indeed the wrong word.

Again, I don't speak for EBMM or BP in any way, so thanks for understanding...

btw yeah that was an amazing thread and process! Unbelievable work by Morbid for sure.

 

[Dr.Strangenote]

I have contacted EB customer service. I tried calling, but missed them by 30 minutes after they closed last night, so I wrote to them. Very quick response received early this morning.

"Unfortunately we can only sell bodies as direct warranty replacements."

So the official answer is "no". This is what I thought would be the answer, being an avid Ibanez guy since 1987, same QC and regulations. That is, now you can get replacement 3rd party bodies all over the place, but never from hoshino or USA custom shop. I just figured that since EBMM is already superb, perhaps they 'might' have some sort of policy in place to order an unfinished body. I guess no harm, no foul in asking. I really appreciate it!

I did read through the thread closely and got that impression that the previous owner modified that JP6 and Morbid did a tremendous job with restoring it. I have bought two JP6's within a week apart from each other. I gotta say that I am in love with these guitars. My next one is going to be a JP7, then a BFR, perhaps test drive a JPX. I'd hate to have to destroy the finish on the 2nd one I own to have the natural body, but we'll see what happens perhaps later down the road.

My very first JP6 that I bought not long ago was brand spankin new, fully loaded. This second one that I plan to work on is 2nd hand, but still in terrific shape. I ended up parting with an Ibanez prestige S series, added a set of brand new liquifire and crunchlab pups to seal the deal. The condition of the JP6 that I bought is about 9.5 out of 10, with some very minor chip under the back of the body, not bad at all and I can live with it for a while, plus not worry about dinging it further. I'd just like to have an EBMM in my signature mark, (the natural body, natural headstock [this one being already there with the Petrucci sig, EBMM branded]) is really cool already. Anyway, thanks for all the help.

You'll be seeing me around the boards more often as it looks like I am having a really good relationship with EB, great company, great guitars!!

 

[the24thfret]

Glad you like the JP so much. It's a great guitar. And do try to get your hands on a JPX for a test drive.... you won't regret it...

 

[azazael]

There are plenty of high end luthiers out there who can do what you need.

 

[Dr.Strangenote]

I can do the job, just not sure when, or if I even want to at this point. But thank you for the advice.

 

[straycat113]

I would just say to keep an eye out on ebay for a JP that has not been treated well and that you could grab for a good price as you are going to strip it. Now that you have brought it up I really would like to see one in a natural finish as there is no doubt that would be one wicked looking ax.