👕 Get New Ernie Ball Merch Now!
  • Ernie Ball
  • Music Man
  • Sterling by Music Man
  • Security notice: Ernie Ball staff will never send you a direct message about a prize or giveaway, and will never ask you to click a link to "claim" anything.
    If you receive a message like that - even from an account whose name looks official - do not click the link. Please report it using the Report link on the message so the moderators can act. A scam campaign impersonating admin accounts was blocked on 29 July 2026; those accounts are banned and their messages have been deleted.
Bongo 2026 Collection

MusicMan Armada

WOW.

That thing just radiates cool. Somehow looks futuristic and Retro at the same time.

Will be interested to see just how much over the normal MusicMan price point these will be.
 
Aesthetics aside, as those are subjective, I'm kinda disappointed in this. I just don't see what this offers that is new. Short scale guitars have been done to death. I personally can't play a short scale guitar with my gorilla hands so this wouldn't even be something I could consider. Out of all the things that could have come out of R&D, we get a retro styled guitar that in the end is just a Les Paul or a PRS 58 in a different shell. Just my 2 cents!
 
DrewH said:
Aesthetics aside, as those are subjective, I'm kinda disappointed in this. I just don't see what this offers that is new. Short scale guitars have been done to death. I personally can't play a short scale guitar with my gorilla hands so this wouldn't even be something I could consider. Out of all the things that could have come out of R&D, we get a retro styled guitar that in the end is just a Les Paul or a PRS 58 in a different shell. Just my 2 cents!
Click to expand...

Collective sharp intake of breath followed by a long silence!

TBH I can see your point but sometimes less is more, and personally I like it, but I also like bells and whistles so if it came with the gamechanger shizum inside I'd gas for that just as much!
 
We get TWO COLOR options at ONCE? Already imagining wine red + gold overlay = iron man guitar. Even a natural body with black v-cap would just radiate cool. Black on black?? Can't wait to play one of these. I can see it becoming my main guitar over the AL HH because of how big the body is. I'm a big boy.

Hoping this opens doors for more neck-thru designs!
 
Big Poppa said:
It has only taken 25 years for the A L to be accepted
Click to expand...

It was a kick a$$ design from the start. Not that I can relate, but one of the most frustrating parts of being a creative genius/visionary must be that it takes others much longer to realize what is plainly apparent. Keep the faith, BP. Hopefully it will take a fraction of that time (25 seconds!) for folks to appreciate the Armada for what it is --an awesome advance in guitar design.

:)
 
I'm looking forward to playing it! It's pretty hard to pass judgement on a guitar until you've actually had it in your hands ;)
 
Got a sort of "Corvette" look to it...think '67 Stingray. Very Retro and not really my style. I certainly wouldn't NOT play one if it were handed to me, just not my thing.
 
OU812 said:
First time I saw a photo of an Axis I thought meh, its ok. Then a saw one in person at a music store, and was sold.
Click to expand...

Sometimes it takes a little while for something to grow on you...I wasn't a big Albert Lee guitar fan at first, but after a year of watching my son play his Big Al, I can't get that shape off my mind. Plus, the arm carve looks comfortable. Now, I lust after one.

I like how the triangle part of the Armada's top meets at the center seam in a raised point. It looks cool to look at it from under the bridge.
 
Last edited:
DrewH said:
Aesthetics aside, as those are subjective, I'm kinda disappointed in this. I just don't see what this offers that is new. Short scale guitars have been done to death. I personally can't play a short scale guitar with my gorilla hands so this wouldn't even be something I could consider. Out of all the things that could have come out of R&D, we get a retro styled guitar that in the end is just a Les Paul or a PRS 58 in a different shell. Just my 2 cents!
Click to expand...

I'm curious what you would think of as truly new. The guitar market as a whole hasn't had much seriously different innovation since the 60's, at least not anything that's still popular today. How many people play Steinbergers or instruments that are truly different? Even those use older style scale lengths, neck dimensions, pickups, and electronics.
 
Drew thanks for the critique seriously....and the people who love it thanks but none of it means anything until you strap it on and play it....also Drew it may be retro on the outside but is state of the art on the inside....trust me,

Understand that Leo did the strat...it wasnt successful at first....thats why there are so few old ones....same with Les pauls...if it was a hit then there would be more around and supply and demand wouldnt elevate those few to holy grail status.

Now look at the vice that the internet experts put us in...really anybody who is trying to design and create....One that has too big of hands isnt impressed...on the other side others only want Strat copies what they want.... If we took a poll on the next R and D project it would be argued about and never get done.We are creating.....thats it....creating tools for artists and if there are a handful of people who resonate and create with this guitar then Im happy. I hope that some of my lifes work will someday me more accepted but what the heck Im still hanging in there.

I want to make something very clear...This is the first guitar that we have made without any of my input or involvement other than paying the bill.....This is Scotty (dargie) and Dudley baby and I love it....
 
Last edited:
I think the problem is that so many of us forget the business aspect of things. Think of how many builders who will customize every aspect of the guitar for you, but they are no longer in business.
Yes, I would pay to send back my AL MM-90 for a larger neck if I could.
Having said that, my AL is the best guitar I own.
I am sure that BP has considered "customization" of standard products. I am also sure that it causes more problems for the manufacturing process or business model.
Keep making innovative products and folks will buy them.
"Strat" players I know joke about the George Jetson looks of my AL. I have them play it (hanging from the strap) and then they "Get it".
There is plenty of room for instruments that have a flavor of the past but offer innovation and improvements.
People who say there is nothing new should just look at the EBMM two post trems on the AL. It has the modern reduced friction dual fulcrum points, vintage style steel saddles and a brass trem block. It improves upon the vintage design but does but seems familiar.
 
Last edited:
It is great and I get to trademark the name... :)
This one is so unique, and it has the Gibson scale set neck thing which is very different for MM.
It is great to be able to play something different from everyone else. It would look great on that new Nashville show...
 
Looks to be a painted neck in the video, that would be the deal breaker for me. The gunstock oil neck is why I like EBMM. Too bad as I love the other features. B.P., please don't paint the necks!
 
rjudo said:
Looks to be a painted neck in the video, that would be the deal breaker for me. The gunstock oil neck is why I like EBMM. Too bad as I love the other features. B.P., please don't paint the necks!
Click to expand...

I say this with complete respect for your opinion......I love the "shape" of EBMM necks but would rather have a finished neck over gunstock. I have owned several EBMM guitars in the past and I now have a Black Sugar AL model. I think whatever works best for the particular model is in order. In this case a finished neck seems to be the best fit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Classic Rock N Roll Slinky
Back
Top