Introducing myself and some questions--

[the24thfret]

Hey everyone,

I'm a newb to these forums, never really been on a music forum before. But the reason is I'm looking to buy a JPMM soon enough and I want to learn a lot in advance so I can make an educated purchase.

A bit about me:
From US, living in Japan
Currently playing an Ibanez RG neck-thru in black (believe its a RGT42DXBP)
and a cheap Yamaha acoustic
Back in the US I have a few cheaper electrics waiting for me and an Ovation A/E
and for some reason I'll volunteer that I only play D'Addario strings, I don't like slinkys

I've more-or-less decided to throw down the cash on a new JP, it being my dream guitar in most respects.

So I've surfed a bit on here and elsewhere online and can't really get specs on the newest JPMM's. I've played the JP before, but that was about 3 years ago, near after they first came out, and I guess they've changed since then? I'm generally wondering what the current model being produced is like (I hear neck-thru and some different pickups?) and, of course, where best to get my hands on a new one with the options I want for a decent price. Can someone give me a general rundown on what the changes have been since the beginning and where I can pick one up?

Thanks in advance, look forward to chatting on the forum,
chris

 

[puppyonacid]

In actual fact, the current JP model hasn't really changed much over the last 3 years. The 2 main differences are that it now comes with the D-Sonic in the bridge position and it also has a compensated nut. Some people still prefer the original pick-up but in all other aspects it hasnt changed...........yet. So, the model you tried is pretty much how they still feel.

The neck-thru thing was talked about but it never happened.

The is a new JP on the horizon that has been called the F-1.

see this thread:

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-guitars/18382-new-john-petrucci-proto-really-close.html

Go to page 7 and you'll see a post by JP himself about how he feels about the new design. It hasn't been released yet, but NAMM is just around the corner!

 

[Bungo]

Hi Chris

Welcome aboard! Enthusiastic owner of several JPs here so clearly you are making a great choice.

The only changes I'm aware that the JP has undergone is that new ones now come with a D-Sonic pickup in the bridge and a compensated nut.

Having said that, we are eagerly awaiting an updated version to be known as the F-1 which I believe will feature a maple top, a larger lower cutaway and the secret tone block that MM have recently used on the 20th anniversary Silo. This is going to be part of a new 'special' series known as BFR or Ball Family Reserve.

I think more details on these may emerge after the NAMM show.

I'm sure someone else will chip in if I've got any of this wrong!

Edit: Beaten to the punch there! At least we seem to be 'singing from the same hymn sheet!'

 

[puppyonacid]

Edit: Beaten to the punch there! At least we seem to be 'singing from the same hymn sheet!'

Yea , but you put it way more eloquantly

 

[the24thfret]

Thanks for the quick responses, guys, I really appreciate it. Alright, I've read that thread, and I guess NAMM is in about a week? At which point we'll know what exactly the next production year holds? I'm excited.

... and whats a "secret tone block" ?

 

[GWDavis28]

It's the "Double Secret Tone Block", read these:

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-guitars/19762-tone-block.html?highlight="tone+block"

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/mus...hogany-tone-block.html?highlight="tone+block"

Oh yah welcome man. Glenn |B)

 

[the24thfret]

Ah, thanks! And back to my original question... how do I order a JP? Where's best to get them from when I am ready to buy?

 

[GWDavis28]

Where are you at, when are you gonna buy. If your in the US, I recommend Pete Dubaldo, DuBaldo Family of Business

Pete, I want my cut, hahahahahahahahahaha

Glenn |B)

 

[Jamie]

If i ever get anough ££££££££ together i will probally order mine from machinehead. is it not one of the guys in this forum that owns machinehead.co.uk

 

[Bungo]

If i ever get anough ££££££££ together i will probally order mine from machinehead. is it not one of the guys in this forum that owns machinehead.co.uk

That would be DaveB who bought it fairly recently.

They have a couple listed on their site right now which look to be at pretty good prices for the UK.

Also a purple Axis....hmmmmm..........

One word of caution, if you're thinking of one with a piezo, make sure you don't swing your arm about too much or you'll keep hitting the switch and turning your mag pickups off as I do!

Glad I ordered my Dargie without one now!

 

[beej]

Yup, Machinehead is owned by our very own Dave B. Helluva guy, his hospitality is second to none and I have the inside track that he can put away some serious pints

Chris- as for ordering the JP ... see if you can find a local dealer in Japan as dealers can't ship internationally. Beth on the forum handles international distribution; I'm sure she can lend a hand to help find a local dealer. Or, since you're from the US, you could always get a family member/friend to order it and then ship it out to your locale. Not sure which is your best bet.

Oh, and don't worry about the string thing. I'm sure we'll have you brainwashed in no time.

 

[THE_EB_KID]

GO for the F-1!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kbaim]

Also see the petrucci and Poppa sticky thread from summer '05. Jp basically answered any and all q's from forumites one evening.

 

[the24thfret]

How can I get in contact with Beth?

And that Dubaldo link just confuses me!

 

[mbgreene]

How can I get in contact with Beth?

And that Dubaldo link just confuses me!

Beth is in international customer service [email protected] and also checks into the forum.

I believe the DuBaldo reference you need is this one Welcome To DuBaldo Music Center . Pete is an exceptional dealer who frequents the forum also, but can only deal within the US.

I think the other website includes the rest of the extended DuBaldo businesses. Apparently, the family rules the town of Manchester CT with an iron fist.

 

[rmh925]

[QUOTE=Bungo

This is going to be part of a new 'special' series known as BFR or Ball Family Reserve.



Correct me if i'm wrong, but i don't think the new F-1 will be as part of the BFR family i thought it was a regular standard model....Now i'm sure they might make a special limited edition BFR for this model, but the one with the maple top is standard...maybe someone could shead some light on this i'm a little confused ..

 

[robelinda2]

the JP will be a regular full time BFR. the one offs will come later. so i gather.

 

[the24thfret]

I am totally missing what you guys are talking about... common man's terms please?

 

[GWDavis28]

BFR = Ball Family Reserve limited quantities of various instruments. However, BFR's may also become part of the normal stock.

Sorry about the Dubaldo link.

Glenn |B)

 

[Jamie]

Can you give some examples of BFR's