Petrucci Model Questions

[poultond]

Hi everyone. New to the EBMM forum.

Question about the Petrucci model. My wife last night told me "just get it". I'll need to sell my other guitar though to cover a bit of the cost. I don't currently play in a band but I've been playing for 22 years. I like everything from Martina McBride to Dream Theater.
My main concern is that the Petrucci is good for one thing - shred. I like a guitar that's as versatile as possible.

So I'm here looking for some opinions/thoughts about that.

 

[fogman]

I don't have a PET yet.
I think if you want absolute versatility, you might want to consider a Silo or Morse.
But from what I understand, the PET is very versatile.
Hang in there and some PET owners will confirm!

Oh, welcome to the forum. This is the best you'll ever see!

 

[beej]

Welcome! You're in the right place

All the EBMMs have great necks and play like butter. Each is a little different and everyone has their own preference. So first off, I'd suggest trying a few to see what's for you.

What kind of versatility are you looking for? Things to consider:

- Humbuckers vs single coils (HH, SSH, HSH, HSSH)
- Hardtail vs Floyd Rose vs floating trem vs non floating trem
- Maple vs Rosewood fretboard
- Piezo pickup

 

[deadringer]

Well, I can give you my 2 pennies.

I play in three or four cover bands (depends on the season) ranging in material from modern country to blues to pop to rock to classic rock to metal to nu metal to... you get the picture right?

I also play in an original modern blues band (I say modern because it's more of a Kenny Wayne Sheppard meets AC/DC kind of vibe). I also own and operate a small Pro Tools project studio out of my home that does demos and limited run full length albums. I've already recorded a full blues band, have a country singer coming in soon, and record my own crazy progressive metal tracks in it.

And oh yeah, I only use one guitar for all of it. My EB/MM John Petrucci seven string model with piezo and matching headstock in Pearl Redburst. If you want a tone and you can't find it on a Petrucci, you're not looking hard enough. The only tone I can't seem to get is that of a Jazz box or hollowbody electric. I'm sure you can understand why.

That said, the JP's don't sound like Les Pauls, PRS, Strats, Teles, Ricks, or anything else out there. They have their own thing happening but are very versatile, and that's stock. Change out the pickups to your preference, add push pull knobs for coil tapping and you can do just about anything you can dream of.

 

[Warg Master]

Well, I can give you my 2 pennies.

I play in three or four cover bands (depends on the season) ranging in material from modern country to blues to pop to rock to classic rock to metal to nu metal to... you get the picture right?

I also play in an original modern blues band (I say modern because it's more of a Kenny Wayne Sheppard meets AC/DC kind of vibe). I also own and operate a small Pro Tools project studio out of my home that does demos and limited run full length albums. I've already recorded a full blues band, have a country singer coming in soon, and record my own crazy progressive metal tracks in it.

And oh yeah, I only use one guitar for all of it. My EB/MM John Petrucci seven string model with piezo and matching headstock in Pearl Redburst. If you want a tone and you can't find it on a Petrucci, you're not looking hard enough. The only tone I can't seem to get is that of a Jazz box or hollowbody electric. I'm sure you can understand why.

That said, the JP's don't sound like Les Pauls, PRS, Strats, Teles, Ricks, or anything else out there. They have their own thing happening but are very versatile, and that's stock. Change out the pickups to your preference, add push pull knobs for coil tapping and you can do just about anything you can dream of.

That pretty much sums it up.

 

[phatduckk]

I have a JP6 and its great. I'm a punk rock bassist but for giggles i recorded a bluesy tune with my JP6 and here's a clip of it. Ignore my playing but the JP pulled off a great tone.

here's a link dude:
http://www.phatduckk.com/music/etc/GarageBand test recording.mp3

The recording was done on a Mac laptop using Garage Band and the "modern nashville" guitar preset ...

 

[MikeVt]

Wow...I don't like the sound of this. I wonder if the acceptance of the JP in general is being hurt by the fact that people think it is a shred only guitar? I think a fully loaded Pet is actually MORE versatile than most guitars (piezo, mag, single coil config, etc.) In fact, it's the main reason I bought one!

MikeVt

 

[Terry]

I would agree 100%, the Petrucci is a very versatile guitar... metal, blues even some jazz and if you have the Piezo option, it's even better.

 

[Dugger]

I have a Pet with the piezo option, and it's easily the most versitale guitar I own. I let a GOOD friend borrow mine the other night (He's in a top 40 band) and he thought it sounded more like a Strat than his Strat did!

The piezo really helps expand your boundaries, and is one of my favorite features.

IMO, the only thing 'shred' about the JP6 would be the neck profile, which tends to be flatter than a Strat or Les Paul, and also has the flatter radius. I happen to love my Pet for this reason. I grew up on Jacksons/ Ibanez's, and being older now, I play much mellower stuff, but still prefer the feel of a 'shred-ish' style neck.

If you've not played one before, it's definitely a must-do. I also own a few Axis and a Morse, but I feel most comfortable with the Pet.

Just my $ .01

 

[poultond]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm going to try and find a music store that has one to check it out.

 

[Roxy]

If you "just get it" then you must be whipped (but in a good way) Most guys would love to hear that! I definately think you better listen to the wife on this one. Is there a catch? Have fun shopping!

Seriously, Its a very versatile instrument. I think the piezo makes it even that much better. The tremolo is the best. It feels like a stop tail if you leave the bar off. The ergonomic design is awesome. The coil tap sounds like the #2 position on a Strat. The tuners are locking (no wraps/quick changes). Nice neck radius that reminds me of most classical guitar necks, excellent fretwork. Designed by an educated, great player. Try one out!

 

[SteveB]

My main concern is that the Petrucci is good for one thing - shred. I like a guitar that's as versatile as possible.

First off, welcome to the forum.

Wow! JP only fgood for shred? I own one, and I the only shredding I do involves a cheese grater...

Seriously, the Pet is plenty versatile. Does Rock great, Blues too. I'm sure a country player could make it do country well. I also have the piezo in mine, and that opens up many more sonic options, too.

If you can find one, try it. If you can't, order it blindly with confidence. It's a great guitar, and the EBMM craftsmanship is first-rate.

 

[Big Poppa]

Hey Poultond

Maybe your wife could come to the open house and give a seminar to the other wives!

 

[Bassplyr]

No kiddin' BP!!!!

 

[MikeVt]

Hey Poultond

Maybe your wife could come to the open house and give a seminar to the other wives!

I'll volunteer my wife to help. She's always telling me to buy stuff for me...I have to keep reeling her in to remind her that she derserves stuff too. She's the reason I have my one and only Pet. I hope to 'give in' and buy myself another at some point!

It's SOOOO much more fun when your wife supports your interests!!!
MikeVt

 

[fogman]

Hey Poultond

Maybe your wife could come to the open house and give a seminar to the other wives!

My wife would!
She's excited for me to eventually get my guitar.
If she had the money, she would have bought it for me a long time ago!