Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$3,299.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$3,099.00
Amazon
$3,099.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$2,899.00 5 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$3,099.00
zZounds
$2,599.00

Average Price: $3,016

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa, a unique electric guitar that is a collaborative design between the award-winning Ernie Ball Music Man team and celebrated guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez. This guitar is not only a feast for the eyes but also a dream to play.

The Mariposa is marked by its offset lightweight African mahogany body, roasted maple neck, and ebony fingerboard that showcases pearlescent style block inlays. The guitar's standout feature is its Ernie Ball Music Man Tethered Tone System, offering a myriad of tonal options. The guitar is equipped with two custom wound Ernie Ball Music Man humbucking pickups, each with separate volume control for versatility and precision in sound shaping.

The Mariposa's pickguard is laser etched with an ornate design that complements specific finish options, adding a touch of elegance. With medium profile 22 stainless steel frets, gold and chrome hardware options, and a matching headstock, the Mariposa is stylish, playable, and robust. The guitar is also outfitted with the stable and smooth Ernie Ball Music Man tremolo system, known for its reliability and tuning stability.

Key Features:

  • Offset lightweight African mahogany body
  • Roasted maple neck
  • Ebony fingerboard with pearlescent style block inlays
  • Two custom wound Ernie Ball Music Man humbucking pickups
  • Separate volume control for each pickup
  • 3-way pickup selector switch
  • Ernie Ball Music Man Tethered Tone System
  • Laser etched pickguard with ornate design
  • Medium profile 22 stainless steel frets
  • Gold and chrome hardware options
  • Matching headstock
  • Ernie Ball Music Man tremolo system
  • Ships in a custom black tolex G&G case

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Mariposa
Body Material Okoume
Body Finish High Gloss Polyester
Neck Material Roasted Maple
Neck Shape C
Neck Joint 5-way Bolt-on
Radius 10"
Fingerboard Inlay Atlante Blocks
Number of Frets 22, Medium, Stainless Steel
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.625"
Nut Material Ernie Ball Compensated
Bridge/Tailpiece Music Man Modern Tremolo with Chevron Cover and Vintage Bent Steel Saddles
Tuners Schaller M6-IND Locking
Neck Pickup Custom-wound Music Man Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Custom-wound Music Man Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Ernie Ball Slinky, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of wood is the body of the Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa made from?

The body of the Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa is made from Okoume, a lightweight tonewood known for its balanced sound and resonance.

What is unique about the pickups on the Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa?

The Mariposa features custom-wound Music Man humbuckers, designed to deliver a powerful and versatile tone suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Mariposa is equipped with a Music Man Modern Tremolo, which includes a chevron cover and vintage bent steel saddles for smooth vibrato effects.

What is the neck profile of the Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa?

The neck of the Mariposa has a C-shaped profile, providing a comfortable grip that suits both rhythm and lead playing styles.

How many frets does the Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa have?

The Mariposa features 22 medium stainless steel frets, offering durability and smooth playability across the fingerboard.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its locking tuners and robust construction, the Mariposa is well-suited for live performances, ensuring tuning stability and reliable performance on stage.

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

First Look - Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa

Video thumbnail for First Look - Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa by Premier Guitar

First Look - Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa Guitar Demo | No Talking by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa Guitar Demo | No Talking

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for Music Man Mariposa Standard Demo by Guitarist

Music Man Mariposa Standard Demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Music Man Mariposa - One Year Review by Jack Fossett

Music Man Mariposa - One Year Review

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa Deluxe  •  SN: G94779 by Wildwood Guitars

Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa Deluxe • SN: G94779

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Minute: Mariposa Guitar (ft. Sadler Vaden) by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man Minute: Mariposa Guitar (ft. Sadler Vaden)

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa Deluxe Demo - Cooper Carter by Cooper Carter

Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa Deluxe Demo - Cooper Carter

Cooper Carter

Cooper Carter

Video thumbnail for Music Man Mariposa - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Music Man Mariposa - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa  •  SN: G95346 by Wildwood Guitars

Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa • SN: G95346

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and super comfortable for extended playing sessions

  • Roasted maple neck is exceptionally smooth and comfortable

  • Unique dual volume controls offer versatile sound sculpting

  • Tremolo system maintains tuning stability effectively

  • Eye-catching design with laser-etched pickguard

  • Custom Wound Humbuckers deliver powerful and clean tones

  • High-quality build synonymous with boutique guitars

  • Suitable for a wide range of music styles

  • Rare and distinctive color options like Dorado green

  • Unfinished neck back feels amazing in the hand

CONS

  • Lack of a dedicated tone knob can affect high-end frequencies when volume is reduced

  • Hard angle of the bottom horn can obstruct access to topmost frets

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Mariposa lacks tone controls but is calibrated for a clear, bright sound, adaptable through volume adjustments or pedal tone tweaks.

    Source
  • Each knob on the Sterling Mariposa controls volume and tone for each pickup, and lowering volume also rolls off tone, offering tonal flexibility.

    Source
  • The guitar features a standard three-way pickup switch, enabling neck, bridge, or both pickups to be used, with interesting tonal results in the mid position.

    Source
  • The Music Man Mariposa utilizes hardware that feels more substantial than the Sterling, with improved pots and overall components.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners rave about the roasted maple neck, describing it as the best they've played in over 20 years.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the Sterling Mariposa's lightweight feel, making it comfortable to handle without feeling cheap.

    Source
  • Owners transitioning from Sterling to Music Man versions note a substantial improvement, particularly in the neck feel and overall weight, despite the high price difference.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Though some compare its configuration to a Gibson LP, owners note that it feels unique with no clear direct comparison.

    Source
  • The Music Man version is significantly lighter than the Sterling, with at least a pound and a half difference, despite the smaller body size of both models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for indie rock players who utilize funky delays, dissonant soloing, and tritone appearances.

    Source
  • The Sterling Mariposa is praised for its playability and quality, often compared favorably to higher-priced models, making it a strong candidate for indie rock styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Mariposa is sometimes available at discounts, such as a $2300 sale price down from $3000, making it more accessible.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Sterling Mariposa's sanded neck is unexpectedly smooth, possibly finished and then sanded, giving a unique feel compared to typical glossy necks.

    Source
  • The Music Man Mariposa features a highly polished neck with stainless steel frets and an ebony fretboard with a 10” radius, enhancing playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It is noted that the Sterling Mariposa can have its pickguard swapped with the Ernie Ball version for customization.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Sterling version may require a shim in the neck pocket to correct a slight neck angle issue.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Reviewed: Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa is a stunning fusion of vintage aesthetics and modern playability, offering a unique guitar experience that inspires creativity. While its design may raise eyebrows—particularly the placement of the pickup toggle switch—the craftsmanship and tonal quality are undeniably top-notch. The hand-wound humbuckers deliver exceptional sound, whether clean or distorted, making it perfect for experimentation with effects pedals. However, its limited tone-shaping options might frustrate traditionalists. Overall, the Mariposa stands out as a visually striking and musically rewarding instrument, albeit with quirks that may not suit every player.

positive

Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa Standard Review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Omar Rodríguez-López's Music Man Mariposa is a stunning signature guitar that combines eye-catching design with superb playability. Boasting exemplary build quality, a lightweight mahogany body, and a comfortable neck, this guitar excels in feel and tone. The unique dual volume control setup offers a fresh take on tonal versatility, though some may find its sonic capabilities too simplistic. At $3,599, the price may deter budget-conscious players, but those seeking a distinctive instrument will appreciate its artistic flair and performance. Overall, it’s a bold choice for musicians ready to stand out.

positive

Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Ernie Ball Music Man's Mariposa is a strikingly original guitar that combines comfort and playability with a unique design. While its lightweight body and smooth neck make for easy handling, the high-output pickups may not suit every player's taste, as some might crave a more traditional tone control. This guitar shines in rock settings, delivering aggressive, bright tones that cut through mixes, although a vintage-wound option might enhance its versatility. Overall, the Mariposa is a powerful tool for creative players but comes with a price tag that could prompt reconsideration for some.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Omar Rodríguez-López uses Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa

Omar Rodríguez-López

Guitarist, Bassist

At the Drive-In

...
Verified via Ernie Ball Music Man guitars

Signature guitar he collaborated on with Music Man, Omar was featured speaking about the design process here: http://blog.music-man.com/artists/chaos-meets-beauty-our-collaboration-with-omar-rodriguez-lopez-on-the-mariposa/.

The guitar was used in a promotional video which features a composition written by Omar using the Mariposa which was featured in this video: https://youtu.be/rkDwmg6IedE

See how Hayley Williams uses Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa

Hayley Williams

Singer, Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, Hayley Williams plays a Music Man Mariposa guitar with an Imperial Black finish.

See how James McVey uses Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa

James McVey

Guitarist, Singer

The Vamps

...
Verified via YouTube

James plays this instrument through the Married in Vegas music video, appearing for the first time at :11s.

See how Cameron Liddell uses Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa

Cameron Liddell

Guitarist

Asking Alexandria

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post, he can be seen using a Music Man Mariposa Imperial White

See how Emily Roberts uses Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa

Emily Roberts

Guitarist

The Last Dinner Party

...
Verified via Photo

Emily Roberts uses the Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa, as evidenced by a post on her Instagram account, emilyrobertsguitarist, showing her playing the guitar at Victoria Dalston. The post features a photo by wildblanketphotography with the caption: "One from @dinnerpartyband at Victoria Dalston @victoriadalston 💋 #musicman #musicmanmariposa @music_man #guitar #guitarra #guitarplayer #guitarsofinstagram #thedinnerparty #guitarsdaily #femaleguitarist #girlguitarist".

See how Bela Salazar uses Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa

Bela Salazar

Singer, Guitarist

The Linda Lindas

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "The Linda Lindas - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)," at the 6:40 mark, Bela Salazar can be seen playing an Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa. This guitar is identifiable by its distinctive styling on the pick guard, dual humbucker pickups, rectangular fretboard inlays, and the arrangement of tuning pegs on the headstock.

See how Mariah Schneider uses Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa

Mariah Schneider

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Mariah can be seen playing an Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa in Pueblo Pink. She mentions it by name in the caption, but the guitar can also be identified by the pickguard, headstock, and unique body shape.

Album Usage

The Ernie Ball Music Man Mariposa has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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