Ernie Ball Music Man reveals August’s Ball Family Reserve line-up

Ernie Ball Music Man has lifted the lid on this month’s Ball Family Reserve guitars. The new arrivals comprise special editions of the Valentine, Majesty and five-string Bongo bass. These three models are available in limited quantities. Here are the details:

Valentine Target Burst

As its name suggests, this James Valentine signature model features a vintage-style Target Burst finish. Its tonewoods include a double-bound ash body, a bound ebony fretboard with pearl block inlays, as well as a roasted figured maple neck sporting a herringbone skunk stripe inlay on its back.

The axe derives its sound from two custom-wound Valentine pickups: a single-coil and a double-coil. These pups are hooked up to an active preamp that comes with a push/push gain boost function. Rounding out the axe’s features are a Music Man Modern Tremolo bridge and Schaller locking tuners.

Limited to only 41 pieces worldwide. Each is autographed by James Valentine and retails at $3,499.

Majesty Blue Steakhouse

John Petrucci’s signature Majesty guitar has been spruced up with a large spalted maple top laid over carbon charcoal blue-finished mahogany back and sides. This striking aesthetic is complemented by cream pickup covers – encasing the DiMarzio Dream Catcher and Rain Maker humbuckers – as well as an ebony fretboard styled with cream binding and Allante pearlescent style shield inlays. Wrapping up the guitar’s features are a mahogany neck-thru design, a piezo bridge and a built-in preamp.

Limited to only 87 pieces worldwide. Each is autographed by John Petrucci and retails at $4,999.

Bongo 5 HH Wild Chery Burst

With its roasted, figured maple neck and fretboard, this special-edition model breaks from conventional Bongo designs. These tonewoods are matched by an ash body that’s decked in an arresting translucent Wild Cherry Burst finish.

As for electronics, Ernie Ball has opted for a pair of humbuckers – with Neodymium magnets – that are wired to an 18-volt active preamp. The pups can be further sculpted via a four-band EQ. Last but not least, this five-string comes with a Music Man hardened steel bridge that sports chrome plating and stainless steel saddles.

Limited to only 57 pieces worldwide. Each retails at $2,799.

More info at music-man.com.