What motivated EBMM to pick Petrucci, all those years ago?

[Andrew Whitmore]

Just as the title says, what were the motivators?

I mean, from what I've read here, MM only makes signature instruments for artists who want something different from the Market and from EBMM.

After John left Ibanez, he was sought out by EBMM. I am curious as to why. DT have never been a radio-pop-rock band with legions of fans (not eleven years ago, at least).

Did EBMM see the potential for sales? Did EBMM want to fill a gap with a more "metal" guitar model?

Or is Sterling just a huge prog fan?

 

[TNT]

Well, only BP knows for sure, however, I would think that there are many variables that he would weigh before making that offer of a "sig" guitar to an artist. Economics and artist stability/longevity/popularity are probably the first of the criteria considered, I would think.

He certainly has picked some very good winners in addition to JP; EVH was also successful for MM (and still is to a certain extent) in the context of his sig guitar, regardless of the way things may end between an artist and the company.

In addition, ALL guitar players hold EBMM instruments in a "top level" of a quality production build.

 

[littlephil]

Most likely because he is a big name artist (Its been said here a few times that the JP's are EBMMs best sellers), not really mainstream, but he definitely has a lot of fans.
And JP was looking for the company who could offer him the best guitar for his needs, which EBMM obviously did!

 

[Colin]

Wasn't he using Ernie Ball strings and so the relationship was already established?

 

[walleye]

this is not a question for me to answer of course. but the way i understand it was that JP wanted more modifying to the RG-style ibanez guitar, and ibanez weren't prepared to fork out for him. as we can all see now, sterling and the lads work tirelessly for their artists and explore every avenue for them.

as for dream theaters popularity 11 years ago, no theyre not radio/commercial etc. but they did have a large fanbase, and more to the point an extremely large guitar-playing fanbase. maybe some of the older members here can give some insight, but I'm quite sure that when the ebmm petrucci hit the streets, tons of guitar fans would have been very curious to try the new petrucci signature, especially after seeing the live in new york dvd, which i believe showcased prototypes of the eb petruccis (can someone confirm or deny?) live in new york is a sweet dvd and i'm sure would have generated hype about the models

 

[littlephil]

this is not a question for me to answer of course. but the way i understand it was that JP wanted more modifying to the RG-style ibanez guitar, and ibanez weren't prepared to fork out for him.

I don't think thats it. His contract with Ibanez ended, and he didn't renew it, he chose to move on.

 

[RocketRalf]

I seem to remember reading something about 7 string guitars and piezo, am I on the right track?

 

[Big Poppa]

Great question.

First off we didnt pick him. We have neve solicited an artist. period.

John's manager also is Steve Morse's Manager. He knew that John was looking for another guitar company. He called us and said you should talk to John. I said have him come visit and we will see how we get along. John came to SLo and we hit it off great. WE bbqed and talked and listened to music. I played him a lot of old players from different genres that he wasnt familiar with like lenny Breau, buddy emmons, etc and he played me a bunch of stuff...We talked about the guitar and what he was looking for and decided to give it a go. I was gun shy as I had publically said that after working with a certain guitarist that I had no intention of making another signature guitar. I had no idea the commercial viability of the JP guitar. I liked him and thought it would be fun and informative to work with him. We had no plans to make it a line but as with all artists we work with we make a commitment to provide them with the tools they need and hopefully dream of. What I have learned wioth John is that listening to your artist and progressing with him has a lot of benefits. He has a burning passion for the creation of music and the tools he needs to get it done.

It has been a wonderful experience both from a design perspective,business results and more importantly a valued personal relationship.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Fantastic answer BP - thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[Andrew Whitmore]

Killer anecdote, BP!

Glad I asked.

Yeah, guys I think we can ALL speculate as to why Petrucci didn't push to go back with Ibanez, but I'd rather not disrespect either company

 

[browndog]

Thanks Big Guy, that was nice to know.

 

[vTach120J]

Thanks BP for the fantastic response! Very informative....

 

[paranoid70]

I figured Steve Morse had something to do with it. In early 2000 I saw Dream Theater with the Dixie Dregs as an opener, and JP was still playing Ibanez. When I saw them again that summer he was playing Music Man. I know JP always admired Morse, so I assumed that he influenced JP's decision. Guess my theory wasn't too far off.

 

[Tung]

I remembered when JP went to EBMM. Neither him or Dream theatre were as big as they are now, although they do have a huge underground following.
The forearm scoop is probably one of the best innovation for guitar design in the last decade. i play a JP6 mainly because of 2 factors: the nice neck and the forearm scoop. Just a great design.

 

[Big Poppa]

Thanks that scoop was my idea!

 

[smd24fan]

I couldn't live without that scoop! Makes a fantastic guitar amazingly comfortable. Thanks for the great answer BP. More importantly, thanks for the scoop!

 

[Tung]

Thanks that scoop was my idea!

Really? wow, i would've thought that would be something that John would think of, since his style is dominant with fast right picking.
this shows that Sterling and his team are really into building guitars for accomadate the player's technical demands.

 

[dmcguitar]

The prototypes were taken on tour for scene's from a memory, and are in the NYC Dvd. that was one of the best concerts i have gone too (i was at the nyc one) I still want one of the black sparkle JP6s from back in the day

i'll just have to hope that sparkles come back in fashion

 

[agt]

Thanks for sharing that, BP.

EBMM is such a class act. And all of the EBMM artists are too.

 

[GWDavis28]

The prototypes were taken on tour for scene's from a memory, and are in the NYC Dvd. that was one of the best concerts i have gone too (i was at the nyc one) I still want one of the black sparkle JP6s from back in the day

i'll just have to hope that sparkles come back in fashion

Sorry doubt they ever will, but there is always Ebay and they show up here from time to time.

Glenn |B)