Question New BFR's don't have matching headstocks?

[Prosthetic Rec]

I don't know how I missed this... What is the reason for no longer doing matching headstocks? I was planning on getting another BFR JP7 relatively soon...but the non-matching headstock is a pretty big turn-off. I'm thinking I might get an "older" one now.

 

[Dizzy]

It depends on the finish.

I think the Walnut and Tobacco Bursts are still MHS, but they stopped the MHS on other colours due to difficulty staining the mahogany ???

(Someone correct me if I'm wrong)

eg. My first run BBB BFR JP is MHS, but I think they come black now ?

Oh, Cherry Burst is also MHS

 

[robelinda2]

Bah. Matching headstocks are for sissies.

 

[Colin]

from memory it was to improve efficiency in production.

 

[DaPatrooch]

I think Tobacco Burst and now Cherry Burst are the only colors that still have matching headstocks. They said it was because it was very difficult to get the stain on the maple to match the stain on the mahogany, so as Colin said, it was to improve efficiency in production.

 

[banjoplayer]

I believe, the answer lies here somewhere:
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/mus...-family-reserve-production-change-update.html

 

[Prosthetic Rec]

I believe, the answer lies here somewhere:
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/mus...-family-reserve-production-change-update.html

I'm sorry, but with all due respect, I do not understand this at all. The reason they no longer make matching headstocks is because it's too difficult? If I'm paying nearly $3,000 for a guitar, I sure as hell hope some difficulty went into it. And if it's too difficult- then why are they still doing matching headstocks for some finishes?? Shouldn't they have phased all of them out?
This is the same excuse that was used to not make ebony boards- even though everyone I have talked to prefers the look and feel of ebony, they don't want to use it because it's "hard to work with".
There is no word to describe this marketing technique other than INSANE. I'm almost afraid to think of what's coming next.... or rather, NOT coming.



Has anyone here ever done a poll to see if the users here would prefer an Ebony fretboard option over rosewood? Would such a poll, with results favoring ebony, persuade EBMM to reconsider- or do the consumers wants not matter?

Don't get me wrong, my BFR JP7 is the best production model 7 string I've ever played, but I'm about one more 'not a finish option/no longer a finish option' excuse away from selling my JP7s and having some customs commissioned.

 

[Slav123]

Hey look it's a GoodYear Blimp...


Hey Rob,

This sissy likes matching headstocks. The carpet should always match the drapes...

Slav

 

[SteveB]

So, you'd sell your guitar.. the best production model you've ever played.. just because EBMM has to make some tough business decisions to ensure they can continue to make quality instruments?

I don't follow the logic.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

I will be happy with the Ebony fretboard on my Dargie Gold Roller!

 

[Dizzy]

I lub my "collectible" MHS BBB JP6

 

[leftyguitarblue]

I lub my "collectible" MHS BBB JP6

you gotta rub it in Dizzy! hahaha

(and I'm not talking about sheep right now)

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I understand the frustration, but come on . . . it's a color choice. Strictly for aesthetics and does not affect the payability of the guitar at all. There's no difference between a BFR JP with a matchng headstock and a JP with a black painted headstock, except to your eye.

 

[leftyguitarblue]

I understand the frustration, but come on . . . it's a color choice. Strictly for aesthetics and does not affect the payability of the guitar at all. There's no difference between a BFR JP with a matchng headstock and a JP with a black painted headstock, except to your eye.

Let me just say that a matching headstock isn't the end of the world for me and it doesn't affect the playability, but I understand him wanting a matching headstock. If I had a red lamborghini with a black hood, I'd be pissed!

 

[Dizzy]

Seriously, the MHS with the burst colour / black is SO hard to notice that it may as well be black anyways. Unless there's some pretty bright light, you can be 12" away from it and it's very hard to notice.

(on mine and most I've seen)

No biggie.

 

[leftyguitarblue]

Seriously, the MHS with the burst colour / black is SO hard to notice that it may as well be black anyways. Unless there's some pretty bright light, you can be 12" away from it and it's very hard to notice.

(on mine and most I've seen)

No biggie.

+1 I agree 100% Dizzy, black works just fine.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

FWIW I do have 2 BFR JPs here with color-matched headstocks. They are still in the factory boxes but have been hanging around a while and need to go. Email me for pricing/details. [email protected]

 

[fogman]

Bah. Matching headstocks are for sissies.

 

[petruccirocks02]

I'm sorry, but with all due respect, I do not understand this at all. The reason they no longer make matching headstocks is because it's too difficult? If I'm paying nearly $3,000 for a guitar, I sure as hell hope some difficulty went into it. And if it's too difficult- then why are they still doing matching headstocks for some finishes?? Shouldn't they have phased all of them out?
This is the same excuse that was used to not make ebony boards- even though everyone I have talked to prefers the look and feel of ebony, they don't want to use it because it's "hard to work with".
There is no word to describe this marketing technique other than INSANE. I'm almost afraid to think of what's coming next.... or rather, NOT coming.



Has anyone here ever done a poll to see if the users here would prefer an Ebony fretboard option over rosewood? Would such a poll, with results favoring ebony, persuade EBMM to reconsider- or do the consumers wants not matter?

Don't get me wrong, my BFR JP7 is the best production model 7 string I've ever played, but I'm about one more 'not a finish option/no longer a finish option' excuse away from selling my JP7s and having some customs commissioned.

No offense, but because they stopped the matching headstock thing is not a reason to sell your guitar. If its that much of a big deal, have someone do the headstock custom for you to have it matching in color. FWIW, I actually think that the black headstocks look better. But its all personal preference. I am one of the people that is frustrated that they don't make gold hardware/ebony boards/etc. an option like all the other companies, but the bottom line is that its their company and they'll make what they want to make. Luckily, my Koa JP6 has an ebony board and gold hardware, and my Dargie JP6 & JP7 coming in will have ebony boards as well. I don't quite understand their choices either, but one thing I've learned is that complaining about it won't change anything. Keep your BFR, I think you'd regret selling it.

-Phil

 

[Big Poppa]

I'm sorry, but with all due respect, I do not understand this at all. The reason they no longer make matching headstocks is because it's too difficult? If I'm paying nearly $3,000 for a guitar, I sure as hell hope some difficulty went into it. And if it's too difficult- then why are they still doing matching headstocks for some finishes?? Shouldn't they have phased all of them out?
This is the same excuse that was used to not make ebony boards- even though everyone I have talked to prefers the look and feel of ebony, they don't want to use it because it's "hard to work with".
There is no word to describe this marketing technique other than INSANE. I'm almost afraid to think of what's coming next.... or rather, NOT coming.



Has anyone here ever done a poll to see if the users here would prefer an Ebony fretboard option over rosewood? Would such a poll, with results favoring ebony, persuade EBMM to reconsider- or do the consumers wants not matter?

Don't get me wrong, my BFR JP7 is the best production model 7 string I've ever played, but I'm about one more 'not a finish option/no longer a finish option' excuse away from selling my JP7s and having some customs commissioned.

IF you decide to sell Ill understand. We try to make everybody happy but have found after 25 years and 120,000 available options/combinations that just isnt going to always work.

Seems like a very aggressive response to a PRODUCTION issue....We are up against price points that are really critical and if you read the news selling these guitars is very hard.....
WE do offer ebony on selected guitars...
Sorry we couldnt make you happy. Sometime you should walk a mile in a mans shoes before attacking. The guitar market is absolutely brutal and if it wasnt for slinkies Im not sure that we could survive.

There are all kinds of big name makers in deep trouble with warehouses full