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Average Price: $3,727

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass is not just any guitar—it's a work of art crafted for those who appreciate the exquisite blend of tradition and innovation. As part of the Ball Family Reserve (BFR) collection, this guitar is one of only 50 available worldwide, making it a true collector's item. Its vintage-inspired design is elevated by modern features that cater to today's discerning musicians. The contoured alder body and roasted maple neck provide a comfortable, familiar feel, while the trio of custom-wound single-coil pickups delivers a broad spectrum of tones, from bright Texas twang to mellow Memphis blues.

This guitar's standout feature is the active wide-spectrum Silent Circuit, ensuring your sound remains pure and hum-free. The meticulously crafted stainless steel frets and locking tuners offer enhanced playability and tuning stability, while the compensated nut keeps intonation precise. Additionally, the vintage-style vibrato bridge/tailpiece with bent-steel saddles provides classic tone and feel, allowing versatile expression. The Ernie Ball Music Man BFR Cutlass is an instrument that feels like an old friend yet offers fresh possibilities for modern players.

Key Features:

  • Limited run of only 50 pieces worldwide
  • Part of the prestigious Ball Family Reserve (BFR) collection
  • Contoured alder body with roasted maple neck and fingerboard
  • Trio of custom-wound single-coil pickups
  • Active wide-spectrum Silent Circuit for hum-free performance
  • Stainless steel frets and locking tuners for durability and stability
  • Vintage-style vibrato bridge/tailpiece with bent-steel saddles
  • Compensated nut for superior intonation

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Ball Family Reserve Cutlass
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Pickup Configuration SSS

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass?

The Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass features a solid alder body, known for its balanced tone and excellent resonance, making it a versatile choice for various music styles.

What is the neck profile of the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass?

This guitar features a 25.5"-scale roasted maple neck with a smooth, comfortable profile that suits both rhythm and lead playing, providing excellent playability for guitarists of all levels.

What pickup configuration does the Ball Family Reserve Cutlass have?

The Ball Family Reserve Cutlass is equipped with custom-wound pickups in an HSS configuration, offering a wide range of tonal options from bright single-coil sounds to powerful humbucker tones.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, it features a Music Man tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques without compromising tuning stability.

Are the tuners on the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass locking?

Yes, the guitar comes with locking Schaller tuners, which provide enhanced tuning stability and make string changes quick and easy.

What is the Silent Circuit in the Ball Family Reserve Cutlass?

The Silent Circuit is a feature that reduces hum and noise typically associated with single-coil pickups, ensuring a cleaner sound without sacrificing the distinctive tone of the guitar.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass.

Build quality

  • The necks are consistently praised for their smooth, comfortable feel, often described as a soft V to C shape, ideal for detailed fretwork.

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User experience

  • Owners highlight impeccable tuning stability and intonation, even with heavy tremolo use, making it a reliable choice for dynamic playstyles.

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  • Owners with over 20 years of use report that their Ernie Ball guitars remain their main instruments, citing durability and consistent performance.

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  • One user was surprised by the Cutlass RS HSS model's obscurity despite its standout performance and feels it is underrated in the market.

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Comparisons

  • The Albert Lee model is preferred over multiple American Fenders, with superior build quality and playability being key differentiators.

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Mods and upgrades

  • One user plans to install Bareknuckle pickups and a custom pickguard on a Cutlass for enhanced tonal customization.

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Value and pricing

  • Many suggest purchasing used or open box models to mitigate high costs, with quality remaining on par with boutique brands.

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  • Limited availability in stores and a price point around $2,000 may contribute to its lesser-known status despite high quality.

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Features and functionality

  • The Cutlass RS HSS offers diverse tonal options that impressed a user who expected to choose a Fender but was swayed by its versatility.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Stock Ernie Ball strings are 9s, but some owners prefer switching to heavier 10s immediately for personal preference.

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