So is the BFR moniker actually meaning that they're limited or is it marketing?

[Random Hero]

Serious question.

I thought I remembered when the BFR line first came about, it was almost like they would be available for a limited time only. Add to that I remember seeing a vid with Lukather where he said he thought the BFRs would be offered for "this year only" with the select woods and whatnot, and that had to be 2007 or 2008?

I understand if it's just a marketing thing, I'm just curious that's all.

 

[Oh3AreSicks]

Curious as well.

 

[beej]

Neither.

The idea with BFR was to be able to offer all kinds of interesting things to customers that didn't normally fit the standard product lines. So that could be one-offs, artist protos, limited runs, and some production models (the toneblock'd instruments, for example).

So you can't assume anything about a BFR instrument, it can be a variety of things.

 

[ScoobySteve]

Neither.

The idea with BFR was to be able to offer all kinds of interesting things to customers that didn't normally fit the standard product lines. So that could be one-offs, artist protos, limited runs, and some production models (the toneblock'd instruments, for example).

So you can't assume anything about a BFR instrument, it can be a variety of things.

BP told us straight many times, to clarify, that BFR's will be whatever BP and Co. want them to be. And as beej has so helpfully already outlined, they are generally instruments that do not fit the typical production mold. For example, the Reflex/25th and 20th are toneblocks but are not BFR. The BFR LUke and JP are toneblock and are BFR.

Basically there is no set axiom or standard which must be fulfilled in order "qualify" as a BFR.

A BFR is an instrument which BP and Co. have determined to be deserving of the Ball Family name.

 

[bkrumme]

Ball Family Reserve

Think of it as "Private Stock" or "Private Reserve" guitars and/or basses.

 

[Big Poppa]

It is a canvas that we can play around with...somethings like the jp bfr are available some are one offs...I don think its marketing or I would advertise it!

 

[dwells]

BFR Luke is Gold!!!!!

 

[straycat113]

Well since there is no custom shop, I look at the BFR guitars as if they were Customs since they are the cream of the crop. I mean it would of been a bummer if they only did it for a year.

 

[Random Hero]

Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[colinboy]

Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.

I am one of the lucky few on our side of the pond that has a BFR JP model that i bought in the uk when they first came out in 2007.
Id highly recommend one if you can get your hands on one in the uk

 

[tele_savalas]

I've just acquired a BFR Reflex, and it's quite a guitar. Can't find any information on it on the net, though. Plain headstock, not body-coloured, twin HH and a bound black speckled body.

 

[Lou]

Could be the Black Magic color run. Post a pic!

 

[tele_savalas]

BFR Reflex

First attempt at uploading a pic..

 

[DrKev]

I think this is the Black Sugar run, which IIRC one of the first offerings with the roasted maple neck (lacquered). Nice!

 

[GWDavis28]

That is the Black Sugar run, post the serial number in the Serial Number thread for DOB and to 100% positive. Ebony fret board, nice looking guitar, I've got an Albert Lee HH in that configuration, just awesome!!!!

Congrats, Glenn |B)

 

[tele_savalas]

Thanks! It does indeed have the roasted maple neck, and is lacquered- quite a departure from every other MM I've owned.

 

[tele_savalas]

It does indeed have the ebony board, thanks. I'm off to check the serial number now... (shuffles off)...