JP6 vs. BFR JP6 - soundwise?

[Steinar29]

Hi!

I'm planning to buy a JP6. I assume the BFR ad BFR-non version are identical in feel and playability. The piezo and finish aren't that crucial to me, but the tone is obviously the most important thing. I'm kind on a tight budget here, and I would really like to know if there is a huge difference in sound with the BFR model? I mean, one can get the ordinary JP6 quite cheap - and the BRF is twice the money.
If anyone could break down the difference in sound between these two models, it would be great!
Thanks for reading.

Steinar

 

[eliot323]

Hi there
The difference between the two versions is more than skin deep. The shape of the lower bout/horn on the BFR is different to the standard JP6, with better access higher up (in my view). The standard JP6 is an awesome guitar so don't get me wrong, I love it but...

The BFR body is high grade maple on top of alder with a mahogany neck (as opposed to basswood body and maple neck on the standard JP6).

There is also the coil connecting push/pull to get the two humbuckers in series in the middle switch position (as well as the standard JP6 middle position - two single coils in parallel), which offers more tonal variation.

Describing guitar tone is a bit like wine-tasting - it's hard to express in universal terms. But here goes...To me, the BFR has a very marked midrange and top end boost, with much greater clarity and note separation across the strings, especially under distortion. But it isn't harsh - the mahogany seems to add a richness to the overall sound.

The clean sounds are bigger, more complex and more 3D than the standard JP6. This is most likely a result of the wood choices, as the pickups are the same (AFAIK) as the standard JP6. In short, The BFR just seems to have that bit more personality and class.

Two suggestions:
1. Try and play both (if you can find a dealer that has both in stock) before you decide - only you can make the decision
2. Failing that, listen to Systematic Chaos compared with earlier DT albums. I know JP used different amps but you can hear the difference between guitars very clearly.

Yes, the BFR is twice the price; to be honest, in my view it is worth the extra money but you get top notch quality with MusicMan at whatever price point you buy their guitars; in the final analysis, it's what sounds best for you.

Happy hunting!

 

[the24thfret]

Hi there
The difference between the two versions is more than skin deep. The shape of the lower bout/horn on the BFR is different to the standard JP6, with better access higher up (in my view). The standard JP6 is an awesome guitar so don't get me wrong, I love it but...

The BFR body is high grade maple on top of alder with a mahogany neck (as opposed to basswood body and maple neck on the standard JP6).

There is also the coil connecting push/pull to get the two humbuckers in series in the middle switch position (as well as the standard JP6 middle position - two single coils in parallel), which offers more tonal variation.

Describing guitar tone is a bit like wine-tasting - it's hard to express in universal terms. But here goes...To me, the BFR has a very marked midrange and top end boost, with much greater clarity and note separation across the strings, especially under distortion. But it isn't harsh - the mahogany seems to add a richness to the overall sound.

The clean sounds are bigger, more complex and more 3D than the standard JP6. This is most likely a result of the wood choices, as the pickups are the same (AFAIK) as the standard JP6. In short, The BFR just seems to have that bit more personality and class.

Two suggestions:
1. Try and play both (if you can find a dealer that has both in stock) before you decide - only you can make the decision
2. Failing that, listen to Systematic Chaos compared with earlier DT albums. I know JP used different amps but you can hear the difference between guitars very clearly.

Yes, the BFR is twice the price; to be honest, in my view it is worth the extra money but you get top notch quality with MusicMan at whatever price point you buy their guitars; in the final analysis, it's what sounds best for you.

Happy hunting!

Very well said.

One thing, however, is that most of the guitar tracks on Systematic Chaos are actually the standard JP, from what I understand. The BFR wasn't in John's hands until late in the sessions. He did use the prototype, which we can see in the DVD video. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the BFR sound is in parts but not all of SC.

 

[zif]

Hi there
The difference between the two versions is more than skin deep. The shape of the lower bout/horn on the BFR is different to the standard JP6, with better access higher up (in my view). The standard JP6 is an awesome guitar so don't get me wrong, I love it but...

The BFR body is high grade maple on top of alder with a mahogany neck (as opposed to basswood body and maple neck on the standard JP6).

There is also the coil connecting push/pull to get the two humbuckers in series in the middle switch position (as well as the standard JP6 middle position - two single coils in parallel), which offers more tonal variation.

Describing guitar tone is a bit like wine-tasting - it's hard to express in universal terms. But here goes...To me, the BFR has a very marked midrange and top end boost, with much greater clarity and note separation across the strings, especially under distortion. But it isn't harsh - the mahogany seems to add a richness to the overall sound.

The clean sounds are bigger, more complex and more 3D than the standard JP6. This is most likely a result of the wood choices, as the pickups are the same (AFAIK) as the standard JP6. In short, The BFR just seems to have that bit more personality and class.

Two suggestions:
1. Try and play both (if you can find a dealer that has both in stock) before you decide - only you can make the decision
2. Failing that, listen to Systematic Chaos compared with earlier DT albums. I know JP used different amps but you can hear the difference between guitars very clearly.

Yes, the BFR is twice the price; to be honest, in my view it is worth the extra money but you get top notch quality with MusicMan at whatever price point you buy their guitars; in the final analysis, it's what sounds best for you.

Happy hunting!

Very well said!

The only thing I can add is that when i play the JP6 I grin, and when I play the BFR I cry tears of joy

 

[MN246]

Steiner, welcome to the board. While I haven't played a BFR yet, I'm sure it has great tone. I'd keep two things in mind if I were you. First, the standard JP was good enough for JP until the BFR came out. Second, whichever guitar you get, your are ultimately still going to sound like yourself.

I made the same decision a while back that you are making now. I'm expecting my Radiance Red standard JP to be here any day now.

 

[eliot323]

Hi guys
Thanks for the inside info on the SC album - I suspect I looked at the DVD and assumed that he'd used it more.

I also forgot to mention JP's fantastic live tone on their recent short trip to the UK (I saw them in Newcastle in June) - he played the BFRs almost exclusively.

I can definitely concur with the "tears of joy" comment - I'm still getting over the quilt on my Blackburst, and the drop top/forearm contour and bookmatching are nothing short of perfect.

The case is nice too...and I do like having a certificate of authenticity - makes it feel even more special.

Thanks to all the team at MusicMan and to DaveB and the guys at Machinehead, Hitchin.

PS. Machinehead have just got another 3 BFR Pets in today. I don't know if they are special orders or stock but get cracking if you want one! There was another Blackburst quilt and (I think) two Bahama bursts.

 

[Warthog]

Very well said.

One thing, however, is that most of the guitar tracks on Systematic Chaos are actually the standard JP, from what I understand. The BFR wasn't in John's hands until late in the sessions. He did use the prototype, which we can see in the DVD video. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the BFR sound is in parts but not all of SC.

Here is something from a recent Guitar Player article...

"Did you use your new guitars on Systematic Chaos?
I used the new 6-string for just about everything except “Forsaken,” which was the original 6-string model. The 7-string prototype hadn’t been completed while we were recording, so for “Repentance” and “The Dark Eternal Night”—the album’s two 7-string songs—I used the older model."

Here's the link - (if it is allowed)
Dream Theater’s John Petrucci Carries the Torch of Prog-Shred

As for me, I love my Regular JP6. A lot has to do with the amp you use. I play through a Rivera K55 Knucklehead and my sound is thick, rich and very tasty... better than some of my other guitars.

Sure the BFR is a Beautiful instrument and if I could have afforded it, I might have went there, but I am TOTALY Satisfied with the fact that I sold 4 guitars to buy my JP6... It rocks!!

 

[colinboy]

alrite mate,congratulations on you new blackburst BFR JP6.the other bfr,s that machinehead have,one of them is a flame top bahama blue and its mine.can wait to get it,im living in ireland so i will have to wait till monday or tuesday before i get it i would think.

im soooooo happppppppyyyyyyyyyyyyy

PROUD NEW OWNER OF A BAHAMA BLUE BFR JP6!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Steinar29]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the comments. I can most likely get hold of a standard JP6 very cheap. As far as the BFR JP6 guitar, they are criminally expensive here in Norway - though that is not Music Man's fault (customs, imports etc.). A BFR JP6 is over 7200$, when converting Norwegian kroner over to US dollar. Lots of money.. Though, I'm getting a BFR JP6...someday..

Right now I have a Framus Diablo Custom, which is a very good guitar. Since it's made in Germany, it's a very good price vs. performance-wise deal. Though, I miss a more stable and robust vib system and 24 frets. I use to have a Ibanez J-custom (with a finish much like JP's Picasso guitar), which was excellent. For some inane reason, I sold it several years ago.
Regarding the JP-guitar: Do the vib system stay in perfect tune? Is there a "deadzone", giving a variance in pitch all after how you let go of the vib arm? Can you do a "divebomb" and still stay in tune? Are tone and sustain better on the MM vib system than a floyd rose?
Thanks.

Again, thanks for the comments on the BFR - it certainly made me want one - but I think I'll stay with the standard model for now. Not so expensive..

 

[Lou]

The JP trem is the best around, IMO. All the features of a FLoyd with ZERO hassles. Excellent feel, easier to adjust, changing strings is a breeze, etc...
No problems with tuning.

 

[colinboy]

alrite my norwegian friend.im from ireland and i ordered a BFR JP6 about 6months ago.it has only arrived today in the uk and will be shipped out to me tomorrow.i too was only going to buy standard jp model but i said what the hell,you only live once.you will probably have to wait 6months for it anyway so plenty of time to save.

 

[gerry d]

alrite my norwegian friend.im from ireland and i ordered a BFR JP6 about 6months ago.it has only arrived today in the uk and will be shipped out to me tomorrow.i too was only going to buy standard jp model but i said what the hell,you only live once.you will probably have to wait 6months for it anyway so plenty of time to save.

hey Colin, good to see a fellow Irishman here... I get my second Ball next week.. a nice trans gold Axis...

 

[MrMusashi]

shoot me a pm steinar and ill give ya a good quote on a bfr

alltid kjekt med flere nordmenn her

MrM

 

[unclerico]

Well Forsaken was all the Standard JP. I think he probably used it just because he didn't want to waste the time tuning his BFR for Forsaken's awkward tuning.


But I do have the same problem. I don't know whether to buy the BFR or the Original. I guess the BFR might be better, but I dont have 2,600 dollars. I dont even have a job, I'm 14 years old. So I'll probably have to just save up for the Original. Which isnt a bad guitar. If JP could play it and it got him to great places and gave him a great tone, whats so bad about it. I loved JP's tone even when he had the Original. Especially on the Score DVD. It was amazing

 

[acwild]

GuitarPlayerTV Petrucci BFR

I love the piezo demo.

 

[Steinar29]

6 months order time? Hmm, maybe I should order one then..hehe.
MrMusashi, thanks for the offer. I'll check my bank accounts, and get back to you..

So the vib system is that good? I have the latest Dream Theater live DVDs, and JP certainly has no problem with using the vib system there.
(BTW, the Score DVD is just amazing. Damn, I need to practice more!!)
Unfortunately I have some grief with the Diablo Custom (Framus), as the vib system doesn't return to the correct pitch. I've tried to fix it myself, but to no avail. It looks like I have to return the guitar and have the store to look at it.

Unclerico, I thought the BFR was listed at $4000. If you can get it for $2600, it must be in some dark alley from the back of a car or something..

 

[unclerico]

6 months order time? Hmm, maybe I should order one then..hehe.
MrMusashi, thanks for the offer. I'll check my bank accounts, and get back to you..

So the vib system is that good? I have the latest Dream Theater live DVDs, and JP certainly has no problem with using the vib system there.
(BTW, the Score DVD is just amazing. Damn, I need to practice more!!)
Unfortunately I have some grief with the Diablo Custom (Framus), as the vib system doesn't return to the correct pitch. I've tried to fix it myself, but to no avail. It looks like I have to return the guitar and have the store to look at it.

Unclerico, I thought the BFR was listed at $4000. If you can get it for $2600, it must be in some dark alley from the back of a car or something..

No really, I have heard quotes of Musicman Dealers for a BFR for 2,600. But I mean unless I get a job at McDonalds, ill just save for a Original.


But yeah Petrucci's tone at Radio City , So fricking amazing. It should be illegal to sound that good

 

[91MusicMan]

so do you still have that Music Man jp6 BFR?? Iam in the Market for one and just deciding...

Having owned it, what do you think about it?
Are there and issues you have had with it?
is it worth the money?
Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[QuietSpike]

Holy bump....


They're incredible. Worth every penny. Go for it.

 

[91MusicMan]

Very well said!

The only thing I can add is that when i play the JP6 I grin, and when I play the BFR I cry tears of joy

U have a BFR?