Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,317

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$400

$1001+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Ernie Ball Music Man James Valentine Signature Tremolo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man James Valentine Signature Tremolo is a masterful blend of vintage charm and modern innovation, crafted to meet the eclectic demands of Maroon 5's acclaimed guitarist, James Valentine. This guitar's wedge-shaped ash body not only promises ergonomic comfort but also delivers a resonant and articulate tone that suits everything from funky rhythms to hard rock riffs. The roasted maple neck and fretboard offer a smooth playing experience and remarkable stability, no matter the climate.

At the heart of this instrument are its custom-wound pickups, developed in collaboration with Valentine himself. The combination of a vintage-sounding single-coil bridge pickup and a versatile neck humbucker opens up a world of tonal possibilities. Engage the coil tap functionality and transform the neck humbucker into a single-coil for that classic snap and sparkle. For those moments when you need a boost, a simple push of a control pot activates an active gain boost, ensuring your solos cut through the mix.

Adding to its modern features is the custom floating vibrato system, made of chrome-plated hardened steel, which ensures you remain in tune even with expressive playing. The Schaller M6 locking tuners simplify string changes and maintain tuning stability, making this guitar a reliable companion on stage and in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Signature model of Maroon 5's James Valentine
  • Ash body with a comfortable wedge shape
  • Roasted maple neck and fretboard for stability and sustain
  • Custom-wound single-coil and humbucking pickups
  • Coil-splitting and active boost functionality
  • Custom floating vibrato system for expressive play
  • Schaller locking tuners for quick string changes and tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model James Valentine Signature Tremolo
Year 2018 - 2022
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash, Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Blue, Brown, Gold, Pink, Red, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic, Satin
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 10"
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ernie Ball Music Man James Valentine Signature Tremolo?

The neck of the James Valentine Signature Tremolo features a comfortable, modern "C" shape profile, designed for smooth playability and easy access across the fretboard.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickup configuration on this guitar?

The SH (single-coil, humbucker) pickup configuration offers a versatile range of tones, from bright and clear single-coil sounds to warm, full humbucker tones, making it suitable for various music genres.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man James Valentine Signature Tremolo suitable for beginner guitarists?

While it offers professional-quality features, its comfortable neck and versatile tones make it accessible for beginners who are serious about their playing and want a high-quality instrument to grow with.

How does the tremolo bridge on this guitar affect its playability?

The tremolo bridge allows for expressive pitch modulation, providing smooth vibrato effects while maintaining tuning stability, which is ideal for players who incorporate dynamic playing techniques.

What body materials are used in the construction of this guitar?

The guitar features an ash body with a mahogany tone block, offering a balanced tonal response with a blend of warmth and brightness.

What is the fretboard radius of the Ernie Ball Music Man James Valentine Signature Tremolo?

The fretboard has a 10" radius, providing a comfortable playing surface that suits both chordal and lead playing styles.

Cooper Carter

Cooper Carter

Ernie Ball Music Man VALENTINE 2018 Demo - Cooper Carter

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man VALENTINE 2018 Demo - Cooper Carter by Cooper Carter

Ernie Ball Music Man VALENTINE 2018 Demo - Cooper Carter

Cooper Carter

Cooper Carter

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional neck and fretwork, described as the finest and smoothest by multiple reviewers

  • Wide variety of tones, from bluesy humbucker to Tele-like single coil sounds

  • Versatile features like coil tap and dB boost switch are highly usable

  • Stays in tune well even with aggressive playing and string bending

  • High-quality craftsmanship with attention to materials, fit, and finish

  • Comfortable and lightweight design at approximately 7lb 7oz

  • Locking tuners praised for their effectiveness, even converting skeptics

  • Understated but attractive design, appealing to those who prefer subtle aesthetics

CONS

  • Stainless steel frets may feel too bright for some players

  • Tremolo system needs adjustment, can be too tight or too light

  • Slightly narrow nut width may not suit players with larger fingers

  • Vintage type saddles make setup more finicky compared to other models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man James Valentine Signature Tremolo.

Features and functionality

  • The string path from the tuner to the nut is highly praised for its precision.

    Source
  • The bridge features a proprietary MM design, unavailable as a standalone part, indicating exclusive customization for Ernie Ball guitars.

    Source
  • The body style, especially with cream binding, is appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, surpassing even the classic 335 design for some users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users find the price comparable to Fender Custom Shop models, making it less accessible despite its quality.

    Source
  • The Sterling Valentine model is mentioned as a budget-friendly alternative at around $800, with a similar roasted neck and pickup configuration, though lacking in component quality.

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  • Some users express a desire for an arm contour to enhance comfort, hinting at potential ergonomic improvements compared to other models.

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  • An owner preferred the birch Valentine over a Les Paul for its understated look and eventually favored it for its feel and playability.

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Value and pricing

  • A user reported acquiring the guitar through a trade, valuing it at around $1800, offering more quality than any $3,000 guitar they had played.

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Build quality

  • The neck grain is notably praised, with one user describing it as resembling a "tiger" when opting for a roasted maple neck.

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  • The guitar is noted for being exceptionally sturdy, with one owner comparing its durability to Music Man's renowned Stingray basses.

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User experience

  • Despite being a signature model for a Maroon 5 member, owners appreciate its design and feel it doesn't overtly represent the band.

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  • The guitar's versatility is highlighted, with an owner favoring it for open mics and jams due to its comfort and adaptability across styles.

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Use cases and applications

  • The translucent buttermilk finish is highlighted for its aesthetic appeal, with early runs noted for having particularly striking finishes.

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  • Despite mixed opinions about Maroon 5, the guitar's design and specs appeal to musicians beyond the band's fanbase, making it a versatile choice for various music genres.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have swapped pickguards to preserve the signed version, showing flexibility in maintaining the guitar's appearance without compromising playability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Music Man Valentine Tremolo Review

guitar.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man James Valentine Signature Tremolo is a versatile gem, boasting easy access to a wide range of tones, a luxurious neck feel, and a smooth vibrato bridge that keeps tuning stable. It shines in genres from pop to rock, with its coil-split options adding a Strat-like flair. However, its compact dimensions might not suit taller players. The guitar's rich variety of sounds comes from a combination of high-quality pickups and innovative design features, making it a robust choice for those needing a do-it-all instrument. Despite its premium price, it's a worthy investment for serious musicians.

positive

Music Man Valentine Tremolo review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

A masterclass in design and versatility, the Ernie Ball Music Man James Valentine Signature Tremolo is a sonic powerhouse. It blends vintage charm with modern features, showcasing superb build quality, sound, playability, and style. This guitar offers a wide range of tones, thanks to the Silent Circuit and onboard boost, making it ideal for various genres, from Americana to Britpop. While the lack of a left-handed version and the limited customization (beyond the hard-tail version) might deter some, the addition of the modern vibrato elevates its appeal. Overall, a luxurious choice for players seeking both style and substance.

positive

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