John Petrucci 6-string

[Danjp1928]

Hi guys, I have recently ordered a John Petrucci 6-string with all the optional extras. I have played many Musicman guitars, including this one, and I know that they are top quality and are highly recommended by many players. The only thing bugging me is the fact that the Petrucci bodies are made of basswood. I suppose I would of preferred it to be a tonewood of better quality, like mahogany or alder, but, being impressed with the sound of this guitar anyway i did not let this influence my decision. Just wondering what the rest of you think. Thanks, Dan

 

[francric]

Don't let the wood type make you doubt your decision to go with the JP6. Remember, JP uses it, I believe Satch and Vai use basswood also and I am sure there are others. Other members will add to the list of basswood guitar users.

 

[SteveB]

I, too, have a loaded JP6.

It plays and sounds great. I don't care if it's made out of basswood or driftwood, it's a fine instrument.

Let me ask you this, if I played an alder body guitar and then a basswood guitar, could you tell me which was which just by listening? If you answered no, then it doesn't really matter, does it?

If you answered yes, then I think I'll have to upload some MP3's and put that ear to the test!

 

[sundar]

JP6 is an excellent choice and I hope you will enjoy it.

This *basswood* topic was beaten to its death about (n+1) times. Here is one of the threads @ http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5897.

 

[ripley]

I have a not-so-loaded JP model. I actually switched down from a mahogany brian moore C-55 to an Axis because I found the basswood slightly more "snappy" and controlable. I have a couple of alder guitars that I play regularly and aside from them being a little lighter, I can't tell a fantastic difference in the sound compared to a basswood guitar. I think basswood has a bit of a bad reputation. people are often pretty quick to write off a basswood instrument, but there's some very positive qualities that make basswood pretty useful.

 

[koogie2k]

Welcome to the addiction!

....and what sundar said.

 

[Danjp1928]

Hi guys

Hello everyone, thank you for help and support, Dan

 

[jimmyp]

I think basswood is tonally fantastic. Not only does my EVH rock, but I have a Japanese reissue strat with a basswood body that is one of the best natural sounding guitars I've ever played (the electrics and hardware were rubbish however and are long gone)- the Petrucci models sound and play great, so don't worry what they're made of

 

[jongitarz]

I have never heard of a Strat with a basswood body I would love to hear one..Maybe a/b it with another Strat.

 

[jimmyp]

I have never heard of a Strat with a basswood body I would love to hear one..Maybe a/b it with another Strat.

My strat is a Japanese 62 reissue from 1996 with basswood body and rosewood board. It plays and sounds like a dream (before the other forumites deride me for saying anything nice about a strat, build quality wise it is no-where near EBMM) - it has that jangle and brightness that a good strat should have. As I said before, the electrics, pots, pickups, machine heads etc were truly terrible and have since been upgraded. I also had the neck scalloped as it was choketastic before. A couple of weeks ago, I stuck a Clapton mid-boost circuit in as well and it sounds amazing. I hate to say it, but it is my current fave. Hopefully, my Silhouette's return will change all that...

 

[jongitarz]

The new body shipped last week. If customs doesn't screw things up again, it should be in your hands soon.

Keeping fingers crossed,

Jon

 

[jimmyp]

Thanks Jon - hopefully my luck isn't quite bad enough for that to happen again. I'm sure it will be sweet

 

[kbaim]

Jon Jon He's our man.

If he can't do it.

No one can.