Any new models gonna come out soon?

[puppyonacid]

i get what you are saying, but even high end companies like Surh, Tom Anderson, don grosh etc....they make changes from time to time to keep things fresh. Even if they are subtle changes gotta make em.

Yup. I agree with that. I like the way this thread has gone. What do you define as subtle changes. MM have introduced new colours and pickups etc. And the BFRs, even though somewhat based on established models aren't exactley what you'd call subtle changes. Those are almost overhauls.

I'm just helping you clarify what you're saying here because I do know what you're driving at. Heck! We'd all love to see a brand new EBMM at Namm. Or a brand new high profile endorsee. But we all know why it wont happen if indeed it doesn't.

As far as endorsees I think it's a chemistry/goodwill thing. It has to be right for both parties. We could all list 5 players we'd love to see playing EBMM. But why? Not because EBMM are missing out on those artists, more because we feel that they are missing out on these instruments. Like my guitar playing friends. My JP6 isn't missing out on the fact that they dont play EBMM, more it's them that are missing out, if you see what I mean.

2 players. Andy Timmons would be a fab addition to this endorsees roster. I know nothing of how this all would work, but personally, I think it could work.

Nuno Bettencort. Much as I love his playing and am a big fan would that work? I'm not too sure. I dunno. Perhaps I'm stepping over the line and my talk is also muffled by the seat I'm sat on. Really interesting discussion though!

 

[guertzi]

I'd rather have EBMM keep their high quality instead of throwing out some weird new models every three months just for the sake of it...

Let us not forget: they don't have a custom shop at EBMM - they ARE the custom shop!!!

In comparison, EBMM is a rather small manufacturer as opposed to... the other ones in terms of employees, production capacities, endorsers etc.

I think it is something very special that I can buy an instrument which has the same quality standard like the instruments being made for the endorsers and that has been built by the same people who made these instruments.
Plus, they do have a customer support which absolutely RULES!!!

To me, THIS is what really matters!

Or do you REALLY believe that i.e. any JEM or, say, Eric Johnson Signature Strat is of the same quality like the instruments which are played by Vai or Johnson themselves? And go try to get some support...

I feel EBMM do listen very closely and then they try to meet the demands of their customers. I hope it will stay like that for many years to come!

 

[Astrofreq]

Or do you REALLY believe that i.e. any JEM or, say, Eric Johnson Signature Strat is of the same quality like the instruments which are played by Vai or Johnson themselves?

I believe that the first and second year JEMs were absolutely as good as Steve's. The one's I played from back then were great guitars. After the company grew immensely, quality control went down fast.

 

[guertzi]

I believe that the first and second year JEMs were absolutely as good as Steve's. The one's I played from back then were great guitars. After the company grew immensely, quality control went down fast.

Yes, I agree!
I used to work in a music store back then and the first JEMs were great instruments.

Not too long ago I had the opportunity to try a 2006 (I believe) model (the Japanes one, not the Korean series), and that was a joke, especially considering the price tag!

You get a fully loaded JP 6 for less than that over here, and that was exactly my point: superior quality and craftmanship equals reliability!
I believe John Petrucci could walk into any music store here in Germany, just in case his whole arsenal of JP's gets lost on tour and play a concert with it no matter what.

(I hope I'm not hijacking here...)

 

[Astrofreq]

As for new EB models, I heard they are making one that is clear but looks like someone threw up on it. It lights up too and is only $4300.

 

[TNT]

Yeah Tone,

You're right about "marketing"!! Yes, every company needs to be in the "now".

Toyota is a perfect example of a quality company with minimal products; they don't flood the market with cars and end up competing against themselves. They give attention to their legendary line of "hit" cars and introduce only "limited specific models" occasionally.

Kinda like MM!! Impeccable quality - love it!

 

[guertzi]

As for new EB models, I heard they are making one that is clear but looks like someone threw up on it. It lights up too and is only $4300.

LOL
That's a good one - I'd love to see the prototypes, hehe

 

[roburado]

So after writing the thread about other Axis ideas, i was thinking how it has been awhile since some new EBMM guitar models have come out. Hasnt it???

I love my Axis so much that i would love to see some new fresh ideas/designs to come out.

you know i have played some real high end guitars out there, but they lack the character of EBMM's and thats why i dont buy em. I would just like to see some new models come out.

anything out there???

Personally, I don't agree with much that you've said about EBMM not having put out new guitars or improvements to existing products, but maybe, it has to do with how differently one views the pace of change and introductions of new instruments and artists.

I've only been on this forum since about 2005. In that span of time, what have we had? If I'm forgetting anything, please, anyone, jump in to add to my list.

1. JP guitars go from the old bridge pickup to the D-Sonic in both the JP6 and JP7.
2. Buttercream as 2005 LE.
3. Compensated nut on all EBMM instruments.
4. 20th Anniversary Silhouette.
5. BFR JP6
6. BFR JP7
7. BFR Luke
8. BFR Luke with sparkle back/GC Exclusive
9. 30th Anniversary Sting Ray
10. 20th Anniversary Sting Ray 5
11. BFR 20th Anniversary Sting Ray 5 in a few different configurations
12. a few BFR ASS
13. 2006 LE, including AL with rosewood.
14. 2007 LE, including AL with rosewood.
15. John Myung comes on board with EBMM.
16. JP guitars ship with 9s instead of 10s.
17. Dargie Delights including AL with rosewood.
18. SM Y2D
19. Being able to specify quilt vs. flame.
20. No longer being able to specify quilt vs. flame.

Coming soon:
1. Sterling 5
2. Bongo 6
3. BFR AL
4. A few new colors for 2008
5. 2008 LE
6. BFR JP Baritones
7. Whatever EBMM have been working on in secret for the NAMM show.

How much more do you want?

We have come up with so many things its crazy and have a bunch at Namm COming out

Poppa, I think you guys have come up with a lot of great stuff in the short time that I've been on this forum, and I'm always excited to have more. However, I think you guys deserve a lot of credit for constantly coming up with new stuff.

Someone could come out with the 'perfect' instrument, but after 20 years of selling it, you gotta change the package, colors, etc... something or else it will die off.
It doesnt mean you dont make a good enough product. It is just a consumer habit/trend.

EBMM have been doing that constantly. Remember your history here too. EB has only been in control of MusicMan for a little over 20 years. They have been making changes. Again, how fast do you want these changes to come? How many do you want? I think EBMM are doing a fine job.

If you look at the Strat and see how many models have came out on the same design, it is mind boggling. And especially after the number crunchers took over! Relics in my opinion came out cause the vintage market was in high demand and too pricey so some people wanted it to be accessible to more of a market. A clever thing to do.
If you take a handful of guitarists over a course of 20 years, how many changes have they made to their instruments? quite a few. and the more time goes by with endorsements and new marketing techniques the more often they change now. It a business.

Yeah, but how many of those little changes to the Strat did anything to make them any more playable? How many of those changes did anything to make the guitars sound better. Sure, it's marketing. Maybe, it makes Fender a lot of money, but really, I couldn't care less what Fender do in that realm. I don't think it helps their instruments in a substantive way. It might sell more guitars to the masses, but, I don't know if that's what EBMM is after.

I dont think that guitarists nowadays endorse for more than 3 years. It may be rare to keep someone on the bandwagon that long. If i owned one of these companies i wouldnt forecast to keep people that long. I would try but i wouldnt bet on it.

Well, which guitarists are you talking about? I can think of one, but I'll keep his name to myself. I think Eric Clapton has stayed put for a long time. So have Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

 

[Multiversal]

That was a great post, man! Wow.

There you have it.

 

[Multiversal]

Oh, and I've played a lot of Eric Johnson strats. Some were AMAZING, others.. were crap. Hit or miss with those folks.

However, WITH EBMM??!?! Hell no! Always a great piece!