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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve St. Vincent HH is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and standout design, drawing inspiration from the ingenuity of celebrated artist St. Vincent (Annie Clark). As part of the limited-edition Ball Family Reserve series, this guitar boasts unparalleled quality and exclusivity, with only a small number available worldwide. The striking angular body shape crafted from resonant African mahogany is not just a visual spectacle but also enhances the guitar's tonal richness.

At the heart of this electric marvel are two custom-wound Music Man humbuckers, designed to deliver a versatile range of tones from lush jazz chords to searing high-gain solos. The guitar features a sleek roasted maple neck adorned with a luxurious ebony fingerboard, offering a silky, responsive touch for any playing style. The inclusion of Schaller M6-IND locking tuners and the deluxe Music Man tremolo ensures immaculate tuning stability and effortless string bending.

Perfect for musicians who seek both aesthetic and sonic excellence, this guitar offers a 5-way blade switch for diverse pickup configurations, expanding your creative palette. Its premium black hardware complements the instrument's bold character, while a hand-signed back control cavity cover by St. Vincent adds a personal touch of authenticity.

Key Features:

  • Exclusive Ball Family Reserve edition with limited worldwide availability
  • Distinctive angular African mahogany body
  • Roasted maple neck with an ebony fingerboard and 22 high-profile medium frets
  • Two custom-wound Music Man humbuckers with a 5-way blade switch
  • Custom Ernie Ball Music Man tremolo and Schaller M6-IND locking tuners
  • Comes with a hand-signed back control cavity cover by St. Vincent

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Ball Family Reserve St. Vincent Signature HH
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve St. Vincent HH?

The Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve St. Vincent HH features a roasted, figured maple neck that offers a smooth and comfortable playing experience, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What tonal options does the dual humbucker setup provide on this guitar?

The dual Ernie Ball Music Man custom humbuckers, combined with a 3-way switch, deliver a versatile range of tones from warm, rich lows to bright, cutting highs, suitable for various genres from rock to jazz.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve St. Vincent HH suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its robust construction, locking Schaller tuners for tuning stability, and the Music Man Modern tremolo for expressive playing, this guitar is well-suited for live performances.

How does the Dargle Delight satin finish affect the guitar's playability?

The limited-edition Dargle Delight satin finish not only provides a unique aesthetic but also offers a smooth feel that enhances playability and comfort during extended playing sessions.

What is the primary wood used in the body of the St. Vincent HH guitar, and how does it affect the sound?

The body is made from select African mahogany, known for its warm, resonant tonal qualities that contribute to the guitar's rich sound profile.

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 St. Vincent HH.

Comparisons

  • Compared to some Fender models, Ernie Ball guitars, including the St. Vincent, are praised for better fit, finish, and attention to detail.

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  • The St. Vincent HH offers superior upper fret access compared to a Strat, enhancing playability for intricate solos and high-register playing.

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  • The St. Vincent HH's neck is described as a thin C shape, providing a comfortable feel for players used to a Strat's V shape, contrasting with Gibson's chunkier necks.

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  • Users note that the neck profile of the St. Vincent HH is smaller and more rounded compared to other models like the Cutlass.

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  • Compared to the Sterling Mariposa, owners highlight the St. Vincent's more extensive tonal options due to its pickup configuration and the presence of a tone knob.

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Use cases and applications

  • The St. Vincent HH is favored by indie rock players for its tonal versatility and unique aesthetics, fitting well into modern and experimental music styles.

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Value and pricing

  • A used St. Vincent HH in mint condition was bought for $1,600, a significant discount from its typical $2,200 retail price, highlighting value in second-hand purchases.

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User experience

  • The guitar's lightness can make it feel almost like plastic to some players, which might not appeal to those favoring heavier guitars like Les Pauls.

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  • Some players initially find the neck too small but acknowledge its playability improves over time with adjustment.

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  • The guitar's tremolo system is noted for being bulkier than those on some Sterling models, but users acclimate quickly and appreciate its stability.

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  • Some users find the guitar's body shape to be divisive, though many appreciate its unique, retro-modern aesthetic and find it more appealing when played.

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Features and functionality

  • The 3 mini humbuckers and unique switching enable versatile tones, from jangly Strat-like sounds to classic humbucker tones, without losing tonal versatility.

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  • The St. Vincent HH is praised for its lightweight feel and an exceptionally smooth neck, making it highly comfortable to play for extended periods.

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  • The guitar's neck is reported to be on the slender side, which may not suit players with larger hands.

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  • The guitar's three mini humbuckers offer versatile tonal options, covering a wide range of sounds from beefy humbucker tones to more strat-like sounds.

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Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the St. Vincent HH's robust construction, noting its consistent intonation and tuning stability even during heavy tremolo use.

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  • The guitar features some of the largest frets users have encountered, contributing to its exceptional playability and smooth action.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Despite some initial discomfort due to its light body sliding when played seated, using a strap resolves this issue effectively.

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Critic Reviews

Review: Ernie Ball Music Man St. Vincent HH | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man St. Vincent HH is a head-turner with its retro-modern design and dual-humbucker configuration, offering a more traditional yet versatile tonal range. While it drops one pickup from its predecessor, the five-position blade switch still delivers a variety of tones, maintaining clarity and consistency across settings. A roasted maple neck and new finish options add to its allure, making it a dynamic and visually striking choice for players seeking both style and substance. However, those seeking the full three-pickup experience might miss the original's unique setup.

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