By Fletch Whipp

For a humbucker guitar, my go to model is my Ernie Ball MusicMan John Petrucci JP6 signature model. The Ernie Ball company have a long history spanning almost  four decades to date. Sterling Ball, became a product tester for Leo Fender’s stingray bass in 1975, and by 1984 Sterling had purchased the music man rademark designs. Guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen, Steve Morse,  and Steve Lukather were/are endorsees for this superb line of guitars. Petrucci came on board in 2000, after his relationship with Ibanez soured. and introduced at NAMM 2001, the first run of the Petrucci guitars were released.

I had played many Music Man’s over the years, however they were under the radar, as I had been so heavily involved with Carvin guitars at the time. In Fall ’09 I flew out to do some guitar shopping in Hollywood, and West Hollywood, and although I played upwards of 100 instruments, nothing leapt out at me, so I came home empty handed. The following weekend I was in Denver, and called in to a local Guitar Center I’ve frequented, and saw they had a newly initiated ’boutique’ room. In there I came across the Ernie Ball JP6 (John Petrucci) Dream Theater’s guitarist, and with a slight smirk (because of the typical Dream Theater fan), decided to pull it down, and see what it was like. John, after all has been inducted in to the guitar players hall of fame, and been voted world’s greatest guitarist 5 years in a row.

Knowing he is a very disciplined player and very particular with his equipment, I thought i would at least get an idea as to what appealed to this seriously well regarded guitarist. Again, very similar to my experience with my Suhr custom shop Strat, it was electrifying, Melissa was with me, and I kept looking at her, mouth half open. Within 2 weeks I came across a ridiculously good deal, and I haven’t stopped playing it since. Just beautiful. Fast neck, with gun oil tint. The back is a beautiful highly appointed birds eye maple board. The guitar has an even tone, rich hum buckers, both bridge and neck pickup have supreme character, the weight and balance are great, and the fretboard has an appealing 15″ radius, which allows me unhindered access to more challenging finger work parts, sweeping, tapping and other techniques that can be challenging on lesser radius necks. The bridge almost has a retro feel and look to it, harking back slightly to the vintage Fender’s with their cigarette ashtray cover, allowing your hand a very comfortable resting point.

The tuners are locking with a chrome finish. The wheels are about twice the thickness of the typical Sperzel’s and I appreciate the extra grip I have with this feature. The headstock is small which I have come to really appreciate the longer I have it. Though my Suhr custom shop is my number 1 guitar for Praise & Worship, the toggle style pickup selector is my favorite way of accessing pickups. I do change my pickups very regularly for tones so the toggle receives a very frequent workout. The toggle is solid and will withstand many years of switching. My model is the same featured above with a very unusual prismatic paint finish called ‘Mystic Dream’ It changes color in the light from Purple, to bronze, emerald green and even hints of burgundy. This is a guitar that is a joy to play every time I take it out the case!

If you liked the JP6, also check out the lower priced JP100 review we’ve also done right here!