Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,400

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man JP6 BFR is more than just a guitar—it's a homage to the artistry of John Petrucci. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this solidbody electric guitar combines an alder body with a stunning quilted maple top, offering both visual allure and resonant sound. The mahogany neck, finished with a proprietary blend of gunstock oil and wax, ensures a smooth and instantly playable experience, while the 5-bolt attachment promotes remarkable stability.

What sets the JP6 BFR apart is its dual pickup system. Two DiMarzio humbuckers, the Crunch Lab at the bridge and the LiquiFire at the neck, are paired with an internal piezo system for unparalleled tonal versatility. Whether you're dialing in high-gain crunch or rich acoustic textures, this guitar can handle it all. The separate three-way switches offer discrete outputs, allowing you to blend magnetic and piezo pickups for a soundscape limited only by your imagination.

Designed for the discerning guitarist, the JP6 BFR embodies the pinnacle of Ernie Ball Music Man's craftsmanship. Its comfortably contoured body and smooth tremolo system make it a joy to play, whether you're shredding solos or laying down lush chords. A true masterpiece, this guitar is a testament to the legacy of the Ball Family Reserve.

Key Features:

  • Alder body with quilted maple top and mahogany tone block
  • Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Dual pickup system: DiMarzio humbuckers and piezo
  • Proprietary gunstock oil and wax finish on neck
  • Smooth Music Man tremolo system
  • 5-bolt neck attachment for enhanced stability

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Ball Family Reserve John Petrucci Signature JP6
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist John Petrucci
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Fretboard Radius 15"
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.687"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"

FAQs

What makes the Music Man JP6 BFR suitable for progressive rock or metal genres?

The JP6 BFR features a double humbucker pickup configuration that delivers powerful, articulate tones ideal for progressive rock and metal. Its 24 frets and 15" fretboard radius provide excellent playability for technical solos and complex chord work.

What is the neck profile of the Music Man JP6 BFR like?

The JP6 BFR has a sleek, fast neck profile designed for comfort and speed, making it ideal for advanced players and intricate playing styles.

How does the tremolo bridge on the Music Man JP6 BFR enhance its performance?

The tremolo bridge allows for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing while maintaining tuning stability, perfect for dynamic solos and creative soundscapes.

Is the Music Man JP6 BFR suitable for live performances?

Yes, the JP6 BFR is crafted for live performances with its robust build, reliable tuning stability, and versatile tonal range, ensuring it can handle the demands of stage use.

What are the standout features of the Music Man JP6 BFR's construction?

The JP6 BFR boasts a bolt-on neck construction, a 25.5" scale length, and a matching headstock finish, all contributing to its aesthetic appeal and solid performance characteristics.

The Guitar Pit

Music Man JP6 BFR Guitar Review - The John of All Trades

Video thumbnail for Music Man JP6 BFR Guitar Review - The John of All Trades by The Guitar Pit

Music Man JP6 BFR Guitar Review - The John of All Trades

The Guitar Pit

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man JP6 BFR Premier Dealer Limited Edition - Tobacco Burst by N Stuff Music

Ernie Ball Music Man JP6 BFR Premier Dealer Limited Edition - Tobacco Burst

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for SOLD - Music Man Petrucci JP6 BFR Black Burst Flame - #G58408 by stationmusic

SOLD - Music Man Petrucci JP6 BFR Black Burst Flame - #G58408

stationmusic

stationmusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Unbelievably comfortable neck, surpassing expectations for playability

  • High-quality pro-level construction, highly praised by experienced players

  • Superior piezo bridge tone, clear and well-defined

  • Versatile pickups suit various music genres beyond just shredding

  • Tremolo system is stable and reliable, enhancing performance

  • Outperforms many iconic guitars, highly rated by seasoned musicians

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Music Man JP6 BFR.

Build quality

  • 2008 JP6 models likely have nickel-silver frets, which show wear but maintain good playability and intonation over time.

    Source
  • Owners mention that the JP6's neck finish and weight contribute significantly to its comfort and playability compared to other models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Pre-switch to stainless steel frets, JP6 models feature a trem post inline with the high-E string, indicating different fret material.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The JP6 offers a roasted neck, preferred by some over the painted glossy neck on the Majesty for comfort and feel.

    Source
  • The JPX offers a more open and airy sound, while the JP15 is noted for its precise attack and higher presence, suiting different tonal preferences.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer the fast, comfortable necks on older JP models over the super-shredder necks of the JP15 for playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the superior tactile satisfaction and playability of genuine Ernie Ball Music Man models compared to Sterling models.

    Source
  • One user, after trying multiple JP models, found the base spec year one JP6 the easiest and most comfortable to play, despite having owned higher-end models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The JP6 20th anniversary model retains original CL/LF pickups and a piezo system, providing a modern twist on the classic Petrucci sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci BFR 6 Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Music Man JP6 BFR is a testament to high-quality craftsmanship and versatility, offering a wealth of tonal options with its dual humbuckers and piezo system. Its immaculate construction and elegant design stand out, though the shallow maple top might not appeal to all. Despite its ease of use, the guitar's extensive features can overwhelm those who prefer simplicity, and its premium price tag could deter budget-conscious players. Overall, it’s an exceptional instrument for those who appreciate John Petrucci's technical prowess and seek a wide array of sonic possibilities.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Petrucci uses Music Man JP6 BFR

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by Ernie Ball, John Petrucci demonstrates his Music Man JP6 BFR guitar. This model, an evolution of the original JP6, features a slightly larger body with a unique taper for comfort. It is crafted with an alder body, a mahogany neck, and tone blocks. Equipped with DiMarzio Signature CrunchLab and LiquiFire pickups, Petrucci highlights its incredible sound quality.

See how Tim Henson uses Music Man JP6 BFR

Tim Henson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Polyphia

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses it in this clip

See how Jordan Rudess uses Music Man JP6 BFR

Jordan Rudess

Keyboardist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Jordan can be seen playing his music man ball family reseve jp 6. He states that his “partner in crime” john Petrucci created a beautiful range of guitars.

See how Scott LePage uses Music Man JP6 BFR

Scott LePage

Guitarist, Music Producer

Polyphia

...
Verified via Photo

What is your musicman guitar? Thanks :D

It's a JP6 BFR in Solar burst! Specifically with a flamed maple top and neck/headstock :)

Genre Usage

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

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