Basswood BFR JP a possibility?

[MechMech]

I was wondering if you guys at SLO are considering building the typical basswood/maple/rosewood JP with the BFR body shape.
I mean redesigning the current JP, doing away with the scoop, extending the horns etc....

I m asking mainly because i m seriously considering the JP as my 1st EBMM, but i m finding it quite hard to come to terms with the scoop (especially as far as aesthetics are concerned, comfort is superb), while i really like the classic contour of the BFR.

On the other hand, i'm really in love with the GS oil rub finish on the EB maple necks, and do not like the finished neck on the BFR as much.

So, to sum it up, i d love a JP6 with a plain, un-finished maple neck, basswood body, and the body configuration of the BFR F1...
I m sure a few other people feel the same way..?

So, any such plans for you in the near future?

Edit: Forgot to mention, i started thinking about this when i saw the Dargie BFR John played during that recent tour of the factory.
I realised how gorgeous the body looked even without a maple top, on a single-color paintjob (well, i should admit dargie worked its magic as well )

PS: Since it IS my first post here, let me greet you all, thx in advance for the very warm welcome that i m sure i ll get, and congrats on the wonderful community you are maintaining here!

 

[DT1607]

Welcome to the forums, I don't speak for EB but I don't think this would happen.

 

[greenwizard]

Welcome to the forum!
I haven't heard anything about plans to redesign the JP. I doubt that they'll do away with the scoop. Most people wish they could have maintained the scoop on the BFR.

 

[MechMech]

I see........Any chance they could eventually start offering both?

 

[greenwizard]

Both what?

 

[MechMech]

Both builds of the same instrument...
A BFR-bodied JP and a normal 'scooped" one...

Anyway, lets stop talking hypothetically.

It would be nice if an EB insider could reply.
Even better if BP could jump in and let us know, much more if he would even comment on the concept.

I do believe i dont only speak for myself when i say the BFR body offers this little extra in comfort. Whats more, aesthetically, i believe everyone agrees the scoop is not exactly a knocker!

I m honestly not trying to propagandise everyone, i d just like to hear opinions.
And to clarify, i of course do not think the JP is anything short of an excellent instrument as it is...

 

[whitestrat]

I do believe i dont only speak for myself when i say the BFR body offers this little extra in comfort. Whats more, aesthetically, i believe everyone agrees the scoop is not exactly a knocker!

Erm... I don't know if I speak for a lot, but I'm saying this for myself... I actually LOVE the scoop aethetically AND ergonomically. I wish ALL my guitars had it...

 

[DaPatrooch]

Yeah I really love the look and comfort of the scoop on the JP. Making the body shape on the regular JP the same as the shape on the BFR would kinda ruin the purpose of making the BFR, which was to have something different (I'm assuming that's the reason )

 

[roburado]

If JP doesn't want a guitar like that, it's not going to be built. It's probably as simple as that.

 

[greenwizard]

I do believe i dont only speak for myself when i say the BFR body offers this little extra in comfort. Whats more, aesthetically, i believe everyone agrees the scoop is not exactly a knocker!

Not everyone agrees, as you can see. The scoop is one of my favorite things about the JP, for comfort and look reasons.
If you do a search of the forum you'll find a bunch of people who complained when the scoop was taken away on the BFR. As far as I know you're the first to take your position.
I'm not an "EB insider", but I'd imagine that the cost of R+D that would go into offering a non-scoop JP would be impractical given the potential market. If BP really feels like chiming in then I'm sure he can provide an authoritative answer.

 

[SteveB]

Personally, I like the deep scoop of the regular JP model. But in the end, I'd bet the guitars will be offered however JP wants them. If he decides he doesn't like the scoop anymore.. maybe it will go away. I don't think they're having any trouble with regular JP model sales though.. so there's very little reason to 'fix' what isn't broken!

 

[MechMech]

Thx for the backup, phantom, exactly my thoughts.

As for popularity of the scoop, i ll admit i was surprised to see how many people like it, aesthetics-wise, because it just looks like a *hole* in the body for me... But i guess taste is the definition of subjectivity...
Ergonomics-wise, it does rock.

Someone, i believe roburado, commented on how JPs own desire is the ultimate factor in what JP models were, are and will be like.
But, see, thats exactly how i started thinking about it.
I ve heard and read of JP saying numerous times how he wanted the body behind the bridge to be larger for his arm to rest upon, and how he loves the increased access on the higher frets.

Like phantom wrote above this very post, the design is there, the CNCs are set, etc, so no further design costs for EB. Well, there may be some, because of details only the professionals know of, but undoubtedly, they will be minimal.

All we need is BP to jump in and confirm..... well, i may have been carried away a bit

 

[greenwizard]

You're probably right about the CNC set up. I was thinking that carving basswood would be different than carving alder+maple but that probably won't make a huge difference.

Someone, i believe roburado, commented on how JPs own desire is the ultimate factor in what JP models were, are and will be like.
But, see, thats exactly how i started thinking about it.
I ve heard and read of JP saying numerous times how he wanted the body behind the bridge to be larger for his arm to rest upon, and how he loves the increased access on the higher frets.

By the same argument, JP also wanted the push/pull pot, the mahogany neck/tone block, and the alder body. If you changed the regular JP to fit all the mods of the BFR then you'd just end up with the BFR.

I'm sure there are more people in his position, you just have to realize not everybody wants to sign up on a forum and talk about it.

Statistically it seems odd that only people who love the JP's scoop would sign up for this forum.
I'd be cool with increasing the size of the body and changing the horns, but you have to realize that there are no plans to just make the JP a cheaper version of the BFR. The JP is a premium instrument that was designed for JP, and with it he recorded many DT albums and his solo album. The BFR is also premium instrument designed for JP, with which he recorded Systematic Chaos. I like the fact that EB offers both.

 

[kneeoh]

I ve heard and read of JP saying numerous times how he wanted the body behind the bridge to be larger for his arm to rest upon, and how he loves the increased access on the higher frets.

That pretty much is the reason the BFR was developed as it is and why JP really only uses them as opposed to the original JP. I understand where you are coming from but you have to realize that signature guitars are designed first and foremost for the player... in this case JP. If he had wanted the original JP changed to the specifications you have suggested, BP would have accommodated him. As it is, they went through 24 different prototypes to come up with what JP ultimately wanted. The reality is that the original JP is one of EBMM's biggest sellers, scoop and all. There is no reason to change it unless JP gives the OK to do so, because he would want one too. But then, why would he?.... he's got his BFRs.

 

[MechMech]

There is no reason to change it unless JP gives the OK to do so, because he would want one too. But then, why would he?.... he's got his BFRs.

Because he would like the recognised-as-better ergonomics and comfort of the BFR on the typical basswood-maple instrument that has been his favourite for ages?

I mean, since the man,himself, has admitted the BFR body feels better, why would he not want the BW Jp6 made that way too?
And what do you mean "he s got his BFRs"... Is he quitting on basswood guitars overall...and therefore does not care? I doubt it.

 

[kneeoh]

JP has stated that he wanted to move away from the basswood guitars.

see this: Ernie Ball Music Man Media Gallery

Again, if JP wanted a basswood version of the BFR, he would have had it built that way. He didn't so BP built him what he wanted. If JP says, "let's do a basswood version of the BFR" i'm sure BP would accommodate him. That hasn't happened yet. Is it possible, sure, but I wouldn't count on it.

 

[mesavox]

That's fine if he wants to move away from it but that doesn't mean EB can't produce the guitars in different variations. Just cause JP doesn't play basswood doesn't mean it can't be produced in basswood.

EB doesn't need John's permission to make a basswood version of the BFR. You have to remember he is an artist the company is providing instruments for. They still have the right to produce the guitar in any way shape or form for public consumption.

Keep in mind he's not playing a basswood guitar right now, yet EB continues to produce the standard JP6.

Dude... EB decided to not discontinue the regular basswood version because it's popular. Other than that, they do need JP's permission because that's how they work. BP has said many times that when JP wants a change, that's when they look at it. They aren't going to make a basswood BFR if John doesn't want one himself.

As for the money discussions... this has been beaten to death too. They offer hundreds of thousands of options as it is... offering another major set of options is indeed cost prohibitive because it cuts down on the other sales, and may or may not sell itself anyway.

If JP wants a basswood BFR shape, we'll probably see it. Other than that, it doesn't matter of two or three people on the forum want one or not... it's not likely going to happen.

I'd love one myself... I love the bigger scoop... but, I'm not a major endorser with the close relationship with the company.

 

[petruccirocks02]

Dude... EB decided to not discontinue the regular basswood version because it's popular. Other than that, they do need JP's permission because that's how they work. BP has said many times that when JP wants a change, that's when they look at it. They aren't going to make a basswood BFR if John doesn't want one himself.

As for the money discussions... this has been beaten to death too. They offer hundreds of thousands of options as it is... offering another major set of options is indeed cost prohibitive because it cuts down on the other sales, and may or may not sell itself anyway.

If JP wants a basswood BFR shape, we'll probably see it. Other than that, it doesn't matter of two or three people on the forum want one or not... it's not likely going to happen.

I'd love one myself... I love the bigger scoop... but, I'm not a major endorser with the close relationship with the company.

+1

-Phil

 

[petruccirocks02]

I guess I just think it's a little goofy that you guys are saying that EB will only make the BFR in basswood if JP let's them. I love EB as everyone else does but I can't see that as fact. I can understand the desire to sell only what the artist plays but ultimately, at least what I'm saying is, EB can produce a guitar with or without JP, proved by the Axis line of guitars without Van Halen's approval.

I guess I'm seeing it differently.

I'm not saying that JP has to let them do it, but it pretty much comes down to they make the guitar to the specs JP wants. If he wanted a Basswood BFR, it probably would have been made already. He wanted a different choice of woods, which is why the BFR was made. Remember, JP plays the same guitars that are on the shelves, so if he doesn't want the Basswood, there's not gonna be one. Also, they built the Petrucci from the ground up with a lot of his input. To change the body wood to something that he's not currently using would be pointless I think. I like the fact that there's the regular Basswood JP and the super special BFR.

-Phil

 

[greenwizard]

I'm not saying that JP has to let them do it, but it pretty much comes down to they make the guitar to the specs JP wants. If he wanted a Basswood BFR, it probably would have been made already. He wanted a different choice of woods, which is why the BFR was made. Remember, JP plays the same guitars that are on the shelves, so if he doesn't want the Basswood, there's not gonna be one. Also, they built the Petrucci from the ground up with a lot of his input. To change the body wood to something that he's not currently using would be pointless I think. I like the fact that there's the regular Basswood JP and the super special BFR.

-Phil

Add to that the fact that EB couldn't in good faith make a JP signature guitar that wasn't approved by John Petrucci. That's not the way they work. Even if it were economically beneficial to do so, I don't think they'd screw with Petrucci like that.