MM JP6 questions...

[RonR]

I'm a huge JP fan no doubt and have had the pickups he uses in another guitar but ultimately didn't like the guitar, so I sold it. Now I'm in a position where I can probably afford an MM JP model so, here's the issues.

I want a plain blue MM JP6 as I hate finished/painted necks and don't think I need to spend the extra $1k for a "roasted" neck. I would like one without matching headstock, but with the shield inlays. Is that something that I can order? I love nice plain wood and am hoping I can get one in this configuration. No piezo, no matching colored headstock, but with the JP shieled inlays. Can it be done!?

The other issue is that the tech I use at a local guitar store doesn't have great things to say about the MM brand. He has mentioned that the general quality control is poor, and the necks have a really hard time staying true. He says that of all the brands he deals with for adjustements and set ups, he has the hardest time with the MM necks in particular. Please tell me that he has had bad luck and that the brand is quality!

I really want this guitar, but don't want to shell out $1600 for a POS.

Thanks for any input.

Ron

 

[LegGodt]

Question 1:
I'm pretty sure you can get that configuration. Just call your local rep and talk to them about placing the order.

Question 2:
I just took my 2 Steve Morse EBMM's in to get set up. One of them is a yr old and the other is 6yrs old. The tech at the store said that he loves when someone brings in EBMM guitars because they are built so well, easy to set up, and sound great even when not plugged into an amp. He also mentioned that, in his opinion, EBMM guitars have the best necks, both aesthetically and playability wise. When I picked them up he said he barely had to do any adjustments except for crowning the frets (I have a heavy hand) and a littel bit on intonation work. But I play them alot, both practice and on the road ... so they get used heavily.

As far as staying in tune, I traded in another brand guitar for my first SM EBMM because that other guitar would not stay in tune and the intonation was a disaster. I have never regretted the trade.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Welcome - if you go to this link it gives you the options available and shield inlays are shown as an optional extra.


Now it's a shame when you hear something like that from a supposed guitar tech.

My mate - a pro guitar builder/Tech is a huge fan of Fenders & Gibsons but he recognizes that Ernie Ball guitars are really well made instruments and has had a lot across his bench. In spite of his preferences he won't have a bad word said about them.

I've had one for a couple of years and a Guitar Tech worth his salt should have absolutely no trouble at all setting one of these up( a JP6) . Basic bread and butter set up - job done. The range uses the same trems either the classic trem similar to the ones found on Fenders or Floyds. Each has the same truss rod adjustment, so there should be no head scratching about setting one of these up.

Now why a guitar tech should give you an opinion to intimate that they are a POS(sic) is beyond me and he can take this offline and PM me on this - because I'd really like to know why.

So let me assure you, shelling out $1600 will not buy you a POS (sic)

 

[shredhed]

Opinions are like .....well....you know.....everyone has one. Your tech may not be worth his salt, or just had a bad experience "one" time - which can happen I suppose.

I own 2 EBMM guitars and think they are superb. The necks are easy to adjust with the adjustment wheel. The JP seems to respond the fastest to adjustments due to the fact it is a thinner neck (I suppose).

Never had any issues with either one.

I can't speak to the headstock color or whatever else you specified. But if it were me, and I wanted a certain color, I wouldn't let the HS color be a deal breaker.

Just my opinion

 

[RonR]

Thanks for all the input everyone!!

The headstock thing is not a deal breaker, but when you're making that kind of investment, you want what you want y'know. Especially if it can happen the way you want.

Time to start making some calls and thanks again!!

 

[Luc]

Piezo is an option, shields are an option, matching headstock is an option. So your configuration is an option. I'd call EB if there's a guitar in stock that is exactly the one you'd like to have, otherwise you'll have to order one. My local guitar tech said it's a treat to setup EBMM guitars because they're so well built. Good luck finding the JP you like, post pics when you get it!

 

[ScoobySteve]

I can understand brand loyalties and even being a fan boy (because lets face it we're all EBMM fan boys here) but I cannot even begin to state how negative blind ignorance can be a disservice to a musician. I prefer and love EBMM but we all wholly recognize the excellent options available elsewhere. As BP has said on numerous ocassions, choice is a good thing.

I'm sorry for your negative experience with your tech, as he is entitled to his opinions no doubt, but for a musician seeking advice from him, a more objective response would have been more useful.

Unfinished necks require more maintainence. Its the nature of the beast: give and take. For that sublime comfort and feel there is more effort needed on your part. It is wholly possible that the frustrations your tech encountered where issues of maintaince (or lack thereof) on the owners part.

As a former JP owner I can attest that with the proper care necessary to the maintainence of your instrument, you will have many hours of fun ahead. My. 02

 

[beej]

Excellent post. I totally agree.

 

[JPSixx]

Good luck finding what you really want and make sure to post pics after taking delivery!