👕 Get New Ernie Ball Merch Now!
  • Ernie Ball
  • Music Man
  • Sterling by Music Man
Majesty Premium Select

John Petrucci 6-string

D

Danjp1928

Active member
Joined
Mar 2, 2005
Messages
39
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
 
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.
 
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! :D
 
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.
 
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 :)
 
I have never heard of a Strat with a basswood body :eek: I would love to hear one..Maybe a/b it with another Strat.
 
jongitarz said:
I have never heard of a Strat with a basswood body :eek: I would love to hear one..Maybe a/b it with another Strat.
Click to expand...

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...
 
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
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Flex Capo
Back
Top