Ernie Ball Music Man BFR JP15 - Solar Flare #68 of 100

The Ernie Ball Music Man BFR JP15 in Solar Flare finish, number 68 of only 100 made, represents the pinnacle of artistry and precision in modern electric guitar design. For decades, Ernie Ball Music Man has been one of the most influential forces in the guitar world, building instruments that push the boundaries of tone, playability, and innovation. From their earliest designs to today’s Ball Family Reserve models, they have consistently upheld a reputation for excellence and forward-thinking craftsmanship that appeals to players across every genre. The BFR line, in particular, is where Ernie Ball Music Man allows its most artistic and select woods, finishes, and appointments to shine, creating instruments that are as much works of art as they are world-class performance tools.

At the heart of this model is the collaboration with John Petrucci, one of the most technically gifted and musically influential guitarists of our time. As the virtuoso guitarist of Dream Theater, Petrucci has shaped progressive metal and guitar playing itself with unmatched precision, creativity, and expression. His partnership with Ernie Ball Music Man has yielded a line of signature guitars that continue to define what a professional instrument should be: versatile, inspiring, and relentlessly reliable. The JP15 is the culmination of Petrucci’s vision for a guitar that delivers maximum tonal range, ergonomic comfort, and unparalleled playability, while still maintaining a striking visual presence.

This limited-edition JP15 features a Black Limba body capped with a stunning Buckeye Burl top under a deep gloss Solar Flare finish, making each instrument entirely unique. The figured roasted maple neck, finished in Music Man’s signature gunstock oil and wax blend, ensures an exceptionally smooth and broken-in feel, while the ebony fingerboard with Atlante JP Shield inlays provides a sleek and elegant touch. Its 25.5" scale length, 17" radius, and 24 medium-jumbo stainless steel frets make it ideal for both blistering technical runs and expressive bends, maintaining consistency and durability across years of heavy play.

In terms of electronics and hardware, the JP15 leaves nothing to chance. The HH configuration features DiMarzio Illuminator pickups, developed with Petrucci to provide tight low end, articulate highs, and full-bodied mids that translate across any mix. These are paired with a piezo bridge pickup in the custom John Petrucci Music Man floating tremolo system, powered by Fishman Powerbridge saddles. This setup allows for an enormous tonal palette, from searing electric leads to shimmering acoustic tones, all accessible at the flip of a switch. The custom Music Man active preamp and push/push controls unlock additional gain boost and custom pickup configurations, making the JP15 a tonal powerhouse ready for any stage or studio setting.

Every detail has been considered, down to the Schaller M6-IND locking tuners with gold hardware and pearl buttons, ensuring both tuning stability and luxurious aesthetics. The five-bolt sculpted neck joint provides flawless upper-fret access, while the overall balance and dimensions of the instrument make it comfortable for extended playing sessions. At 8 lbs 14 oz, it strikes a sweet spot between resonance and durability. Delivered in a premium Mono case, this guitar is as secure on the road as it is in the studio.

With only 100 pieces made worldwide, the Ernie Ball Music Man BFR JP15 Solar Flare #68 is not just an instrument, but a rare statement piece. It embodies the decades-long legacy of Ernie Ball Music Man, the genius and artistry of John Petrucci, and the uncompromising standards of the BFR series. This guitar is a true collector’s instrument, designed to inspire awe both visually and sonically, and destined to become a cherished treasure for the player fortunate enough to own it.

Other specifications include:

• Size 12-3/8″ wide, 1-3/4″ thick, 37″ long (31.4 cm wide, 4.5 cm thick, 94.0 cm long)
• Body Finish Gloss
• Body Wood Black Limba with Buckeye Burl Top
• Bridge Custom John Petrucci Music Man® Piezo floating tremolo with Fishman Powerbridge piezo saddles
• Controls Custom Music Man® active preamp; push/push volume for gain boost, 500kohm push/push passive tone for custom 2 pickup configurations – .022µF tone capacitor
• Fingerboard Ebony
• Frets 24 – Medium Jumbo profile stainless steel
• Fret Markers Atlante JP Shields
• Hardware Gold
• Neck Attachment 5 bolt, sculpted neck joint
• Neck Finish Gunstock oil and wax
• Neck Radius 17″ (43.2 cm)
• Neck Width 1-11/16″ (43.0 mm) at nut, 2-1/4″ (57.2 mm) at last fret
• Neck Wood Figured Roasted Maple
• Pickups HH – DiMarzio Illuminators; Piezo bridge pickup
• Scale Length 25-1/2″ (64.8 cm)
• Strings 10p-13p-17p-26-36-46 (RPS 10 Slinkys #2240)
• Switching 3-way toggle pickup selector, with custom center position configuration; 3-way toggle piezo/magnetic selector
• Tuning Machines Schaller M6-IND locking, Gold with pearl buttons
• Quantity Limited to 100
• Part Number 661-AG-R3-00-MB-G1
• Mono Case
• 8 lbs 14 oz
• #D01716

For more information about the Ernie Ball Music Man JP15, please contact us.

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