How To Build Ernie Ball Music Man Guitars & Basses

www.premierguit... PG's Joe Coffey is On Location in San Luis Obisbo, CA, where he gets a tour of the Ernie Ball Music Man facilities from EBMM's CEO Sterling Ball.
In this segment, Sterling takes us through the Ernie Ball Music Man factory that produces the company's guitars and basses. Here, we get to see specific processes on how the guitars are setup, how the necks are carved, shaped, and given EBMM's signature feel and playability, the patented chamber patterns of an Axis, how they do seamless binding, and Sterling talks about how it's hard being a CEO during these shaky economic times.
For more Ernie Ball Music Man factory tour videos, or to view Premier Gutiar's COMPLETELY FREE digital magazine, be sure to visit www.premierguit...

[@marco_correnti]

super inspiring on so many levels...as a musician, as a wannabe business owner, and as a pretty experienced HR professional :O The humility yet charisma and pride in the team and in what the family created...I understand why so many artists decide to work and stick with the Ball family..it´s a no-brainer!

[@clinke2007]

Liquid binding. Just brilliant!

[@bwall615]

“More accurate than your dentist!” I love Sterling’s joy and excitement for making these guitars. Makes me want to play Music Man’s. I have an Albert Lee but I’m gassing for a Steve Lukather model.

[@adamant365]

I was on the fence when I was deciding on a “real” bass after playing a (quite decent) Yamaha for years. I saw this video and immediately started researching MM basses. Ended up buying a second hand MusicMan Sterling (not Sterling by MM). I was attracted to the more advanced electronics, narrower neck, and slightly lighter body of the Sterling. When I received the “second hand” Sterling, I was absolutely blown away. Not a single scratch, perfect low fast action, the matte maple neck and fretboard, beautiful “3D” pickguard, etc. Being that it was already 3-4 years old is a testament to how well they’re built. I’ve played it for hours and hours since buying it and it still looks brand new. They are works of art despite being mass produced.

[@erikdurnall9996]

Erine Ball Music Man guitars and basses are absolute top notch performance tools. I play upwards of 200+ shows a year, and have been for the last 15+ years. I have owned every major guitar brand, and have found Music Man guitars to be the perfect instrument. No other guitar gives you so much and plays so well. I have EBMM guitars from 1988, 1992, 2008, and 2012. All of them are original and have a lot of miles on them, but they all still play perfectly.

[@Retroflecks]

Which is why I haven't heard of you.

[@IRISHguitarist777]

you said it Erik,I have two Petruccis,a silhouette and a Morse (getting an Axis next) and they are just the best quality I have ever seen in a Guitar,I have several Les Pauls also but they scream "Mass Produced" whereas along with only Carvin and maybe Conklin MM are the real deal when it comes to a genuine Family business in the American Tradition,I cannot speak highly enough about these Guitars,the attention to detail is insane,the Quality is worth paying for and Ernie Ball Music man Guitars are the best I have ever played,period! They make Ibanez guitars feel like firewood.

[@erikdurnall9996]

headshotz2weak brilliant...

[@taradead]

+Erik Durnall That's why I bought my EBMM used without worry. It was 10 years old and obviously well gigged (set list was still in case), but, even after paying for a fret dressing, I still got it for half the price of a new EBMM. Love it. Highly recommend buying EBMM used.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I hate their necks that is the problem- too narrow and thick like baseball bat- they need to make flatter thinner shaped necks like those on Jacksons, Ibanez and ESP guitars then I would buy one!

[@LONGCASTLE777]

i went out the next day and got a Musicman fretless Sterling..i am so in love..of course i own all the old stingrays and sabres...Yes i am in love...THANK YOU PREMIER,GREAT JOB

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Wow whats up Johnny !! Shada ka ka brother!!

[@MrUltraworld]

The binding process makes good sense. The truss rod installation is very clever as well. I have a JP, it's a fantastic guitar.

[@bigvelvetdog]

Wow! Best factory tour ever and new respect. I build guitars and basses and this gives me inspiration.

[@malmstrethai]

You build guitars and your last name is Woods? There's a very enjoyable irony there… Respect.

[@j_freed]

+malmstrethai Ever heard of Fabrizio Alberico? Means 'Builder of the Woods', makes beautiful steel string flat tops.

[@PietroRumenta]

Since you liked this, I suggest you watch the Riceknbacker factory tour, on this same channel. I loved it, they make almost all the work manually, they are incredible. That is one of the reasons why I have finally bought a Rickenbacker bass

[@anthonydavella8350]

Maybe try golf?

[@IsoNurFace]

I have always known that MusicMan guitars are of superior quality and craftsmanship, after watching this tour I am blown away at the level of attention to detail given to each instrument. Later today I will receive my first MusicMan guitar and hopefully the first of many in the years to come. Everytime I pickup my JP12 to play, I will always think about all the people and the process used to create my guitar. I am honored and humbled to own such a fine guitar, Thank you all at MusicMan Guitars.

[@tonyfondacaro1980]

Seeing how they figured out how to do perfect binding by doing it as a liquid around a body mold just sold me on Music Man guitars.

[@pCeLobster]

12 years later they're still the greatest guitar company in the world, and if anything they're even more admirable now. Family owned, USA made, always pushing forward, always respectful of history, outstanding quality control, and equal attention given to bass players and guitar players. My Stingray has stood the test of time where others have succumbed. Long live Sterling and the Ball family.

[@DeadGlassEyes]

First time I've seen binding done like that. Great idea, makes perfect sense.

[@AhmedtheAlexandrian]

I have my Sterling Black 4 St. Bass since 1993 and i ve been around testing so many bass guitars, I beleive that it's the best, for me, with flatwound strings, Thanks Ernie Ball

[@keithdeedeesims]

I had the pleasure of doing the Electrical for this facility in SLO,CA. I was not a guitar player (I'm still not but learning) but when I seen the end product I had to have one. Ernie gave up one of his prizes a Beautiful axis s.n.# 0000173. I bought a Fender Strat to learn with so I didn't screw up the Music Man. Now that I can make music from a guitar I pull out the Axis once in a while and man...I cant be leave how easy it is to play. Truly a work of Art they are.

[@tjnugent62]

Possibly the best production guitars made today. Interesting that he said that they don't have to be the biggest because they already are in guitar strings. Perhaps he is saying that they don't have to turn a big profit because they made big money off of the strings and that can keep them going during the hard times in the business.

[@Hazardteam]

Musicman and PRS yes!

[@slojo88]

I live in San Luis and was lucky enough to get a tour of the factory. Very cool experience.

[@spaghetti3091]

ive been saveing for over a year to get my bfr 7 and after watching this, i really am very excited to own one because it seems this company takes great pride in the work they do!

[@toddhamby]

As an owner of 4 Stingrays, I love this video. Thank you Ernie Ball for amazing instruments.

[@patrickhale424]

I've had both Ernie Ball Stingray 4 and 5 string bass models and they played effortlessly. Fantastic craftmanship !! I would definitely play them again. But like another person commented their bass necks were a little wide. My Hartke XK 4 and 5 both had thinner necks made of aluminum. Awesome rare basses!!

[@henrikpetersson3463]

I have the deepest respect for Music Man and the way the truly care about the quality of their products. It's not just something they say for the sake of marketing. I have played so many Fender guitars in the same price range and so many of them have shown a lack of quality control that no guitar in the price bracket should. I've never played an MM guitar that needed any work out of the box however. They aren't the only medium scale manufacturers in the business with this mindset, but there are not a lot of them.

[@fredsgotslacks92]

I have a EBMM stingray, I already loved it, but this gives me a whole new level of respect for the guitars and the brand. It's great to see a family run business put emphasis on the customer, give them the options and specs that they want, rather than having to buy on the company's terms. Fender especially bad at this. You can have this guitar, with these specs, but you can only have in these finishes, etc. Also, I have watched a number of "guitar factory tours" and it seems that EBMM have been able to strike the perfect balance between man and machine. The build quality is immense, my bass is now 10 years old and still looks, feels and sounds as great as the day I got it. Much respect!

[@wchurchill419]

just beautiful....I will buy my first ernie ball majesty in 4 months! cant wait, been counting down the months! Got my eye on a LE majestybin sparkle marine blue, only 118 made. i think. Ive been a jackson USA player my whole life....But ive been feeling ernie ball family guitars in every way! I like this guy...hes geeked about his guitars like its his first day in the shop. He clearly is passionate. good vibes

[@tomulator]

What a great man, a great company, and GREAT guitars!!! I'm on my 3rd EBMM guitar (Luke III) and I must say...it is STELLAR! The best. Bravo Ernie Ball MusicMan.

[@1thess523]

this is my dream bass and has been from the first time I saw one back in the early 90's

[@AdamDallas]

I'm watching this while noodling on my JPX7, what a great company, their customer service has been incredibly helpful to me, and Sterling seems like a great man!

[@PeteHawthorne]

The gloss on that neck is gorgeous!

[@JosueLop84]

Thanks to this video I decided to check out the petrucci model, it helps to see the passion, effort n dedication they put on their guitars, its now my main axe..

[@minisurfbanana]

Bought my first music man...traded in my American standard Strat for a cutlass... The neck is so perfect for me. New 2017 model $999 only compared to the $2000 2019 version. They jacked it up $500 for the roasted neck.

[@ajfx]

just the passion floors me,, you can tell he loves everything he does. Plus how many other CEO's of gutiar companies actually play ??

[@abigailphilips825]

I've chosen a Stingray Special for my forever bass, I can't wait to get it.

[@Virtuoso80]

Excellent guitars, worth every penny.

[@zubumbu]

i like the video but i love the way sterling is talking about what they do, it s just a pleasure to listen and it adds to the already great feel of my instrument here. cheers folks

[@byronh77]

Awesome video.....I'm not a fan of the way Music man guitars look. I'm an Ibanez guy. But I can see and respect their passion and dedication to delivering a quality product. And I also appreciate that their a family owned business. I've noticed that more american companies are willing to allow factory walk throughs than some foreign guitar makers.

[@daviddesmond2143]

I own USA MM basses and enjoyed this video. I did a factory tour of Fender's plant in Corona, CA and was very impressed as well.

[@smartypantznumber2840]

the Wolfgang these guys did was one superb instrument...

[@cellphonegaming]

Hmm, I'm going to take a closer look at these guitars and go play a few - I really like the process they are doing here with the guitars. I think that rosewood filler on the frets are small details (along with the 100's of other little things they do) are really nice for a guitar factory to do.

[@wanmorgan]

Total respect to you guys for building such great instruments...

[@steveblake144]

I've had my ebmm silhouette in blue pearl since late 2005, only had to adjust the truss rod only once and that was due to severe climatic changes and taking numerous dives off stages. It's such a dam good player with tonal capabilities to prove it's worth in any musical context Oh and nice video by the way

[@OfficialDreamTheater]

Purchased EBMM Majesty 7 Tiger Eye, and it is the most beautiful guitar I've played, both visually and by feel.

[@carlodevivomusicontent2138]

AMAZING FACTORY AND PRODUCTS

[@tamroyt]

That was great! Thanks to all involved in making our favorite guitars.

[@dayne1ful]

Keep vids like these coming its very interesting to see how they make our favorite guitars

[@soultenebrae]

incredible piece of instrument. Musicman are simply flawless. I own one, slhouette special and it's probably the best guitar i've ever played on.

[@FilBack]

It's really nice to see Sterling so excited about the guitars his company makes! He's so proud!

[@martinoshinsky5713]

13:40 just answered my question. My maple fretboard looked like it was part of the neck, only in one small area did I question it. And this explains it.

[@6thMessenger]

I love music man guitars. Absolutely top quality.

[@mandojoe1391]

EB are some of the best guitars still often overlooked.

[@sawdust6968]

every music man i have played have been AMAZING.

[@fonkamex]

Thats why Leo Fender choose this company to continue to develop his basses. I have a MM Stingray 88 and its a very amazing bass.

[@Axterrix]

Thank you! I will buy a BongoMM because I saw the great quality of the manufacturing and the incredible people there.

[@jammie4u]

I have owned some of his basses over the years. All I can say is that the quality has come up a long way. My latest Stingray is great...not perfect, but very good.

[@stingray_493]

Fantastic factory overview ... even though I currently have 3 Stingrays not counting the several I've previously traded, I'm still waiting for a 5 string classic with 19mm spacing. Will it ever happen guys, come on you already make the best basses (ok ... that's my opinion) and yes the necks are wonderful ... but when will we see a 19mm bridged 5 string "classic" 2 band? If we were able to custom order such a beast, I'd be there in a flash.

[@MrKleenexDude]

Impressive to be able to play like that from above the guitar.

[@naycnay]

Gonna pick up my Stingray right now! But I want one of those awesome looking necks after watching this... don't think they did them when I got mine...

[@gibbanz22]

Les pauls and music man basses are amazing!

[@brainlowe]

My BFR Luke with the solid rosewood neck and EMGs is my main go to guitar. Brilliant. I got to meet Sterling in 2000 when I played NAMM for Line 6, and what a sweet guy. He even hooked me up with a killer deals...my first Albert Lee they built me was pheonominal....I can't stand my ex for taking it, my original Luke in black sparkle, my Honeyburst Axis...but now I have one of the greatest Lukathers known to mankind...Biff, you guys rule. Now if you'd make 9.5-44 strings....I'd love you forever!

[@BreakupBass]

I want to work there!

[@maxsalasr]

EBMM guitars = Quality . Great great instruments

[@turockandar]

Great way to spend 17 minutes thanks! My Steve Morse SMY2 is perfect and now I understand why...Americans are great at inventiveness and being systematic in their production lines...although certain companies like Gibson seem to have fallen behind in their quality. The luthiermanship of my Steve Morse is superior to all my guitar including ones that cost three times its price...so many thanks to all working at the Music Man factory.

[@tokyosan1]

amazing instruments, perfect process

[@kurt57b]

Interesting method for the binding, haven't seen it anywhere else up to now.

[@basstheworldofficial]

thank you so much for uploading this videos! I really appreciate your works and post all nice and bass-relevant stuff on my site. Thanks!!!

[@MarcosJ-mq4lk]

Beautiful guitars!

[@rohitb6]

Check out John Petrucci! He is an amazing guitar-master!

[@BluesMan88]

no wonder ernie ball is one of the best guitar brands. they seem to do so much with all the details that are "head slappingly" obvious and important. would like to have a silouette

[@markviereck4547]

I have Fender basses, always need to adjust the necks. My Stingray never needs a neck adjustment. They are perfect 👌

[@strangebirdsir]

I've never liked these guitars. But, after watching this, it makes me feel like it would be the best playing guitar ever. I love the binding process

[@Mark70609]

Probably the best tour I've ever seen. They do have great neck shapes. Though I thought Ernie Ball took over Music Man which was part owned by Leo Fender.

[@AlisterTate]

1:03 I give up.

[@RyanUpward]

Thanks so much ernie ball I tryed the axis super sport with floyd rose at weekend and it was amazing best guitar I have ever played now I see why, the amount of detail. I'm saving up for the super sport can't wait. Love your strings aswell amazing. Thanks so much P.s it would be amazing if Alex Hutchings could get a custom shop musicman he playes them all the time, great player

[@Sumbibebe]

I'm totally impressed by this video. I'm not much of a guitar player but I'm saving up for one of these American made babies. I'm happy that Earnie kept the privacy of his employees by not calling them by name but made it clear that they are the best. Thanks Premier Guitar for this great video and Earnie for just being cool!!

[@NathanChisholm041]

im getting one to in about 10 days so im quite excited!

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

I doubt it's a privacy thing, he probably didn't know half of their names.

[@soulg1969]

@@CharlesWillisBonsai It's not a huge factory and most of the employees have probably been there for years. It's safe to say he knows their names.

[@Phodie56]

that classic ray looks like water...beautiful water! I have a stingray5 HH and I love it. MM basses and guitars are some of the best. I love mine!

[@Jeff92582]

I just started working here today, i learned so much in one day,

[@hmcg020]

ah man, i've wanted to get involved in the guitar design/building industry...i never would have assumed that there would be so many facilities, machines and people involved in the making of each one... I suppose when it comes to a mass manufactoring warehouse this sort of thing is common, however im still amazed.

[@stealthnoodle12]

@RhoadsFan9 They are sanding down excess finish to make the surface flat, and to remove any high/low spots. Then they will buff out the sand marks and reveal a glass like finish! They sand the bodies after they have been sprayed and dried. That's when this takes place.

[@TheOsfania]

One of PG's better interviews.

[@richardfettig5974]

doing some cool things .the binding poured it , fret board same piece , buffing robot . just a few very cool things ...thinking I will buy a Ball

[@cpkelley]

I wish they still made Music Man amps....I love my 2x12 Sixty-Five combo.

[@greyfoxzero]

Wow, lots of great ideas these guys have come up with for production. Makes me think twice about MM basses.

[@rockero6919]

I love this guy,,,,he makes me want to fly to California and ask to work at the factory for free...love my Music Man Axis in Transparent Purple..

[@bassimprovjams3772]

So awesome!! Sterling seems like a great guy!!

[@MrBigpoe]

i have seen tons of factory tours 2 stand out for how they do things ovation and ball in the area of binding big difference but the way Ball does it you cant beat, and i only use slinky strings on my electric axes, one thing they left out was how many of us learned to play with the Ernie Ball books i still have one of mine its 42 years old or thats how long i have had it anyway and it has hank Williams on the cover BALL ROCKS

[@jem7772]

I have an Axis and love it !!! Great Guitars !!

[@nimrodsasson1123]

the best guitar company and the best quality guitars !!!!!!!

[@Justin.Franks]

@5:06 Wow that's a really short scale length!

[@CCFLAMEZ]

Lol

[@malmstrethai]

Just in case your comment was serious; that's not a neck, it's a block they attach to the neck joint so it doesn't get damaged or excessively worn away during the buffing and sanding stage. it's basically to 'get in the way' so the necks will still fit perfectly once the body is finished

[@frostbeam7095]

Sterling is a great musician. He can play. That's one of many things I dig about this company.

[@1thess523]

Music Man has been my dream bass for at least the last 20 something years and one day i will own one, i have not come across another bass that has that distinct sound. In all the bands i listen to my ear can automatically tell who uses a Music Man within the first bass note.

[@rizzbot7613]

+1thess523 I'v been fortunate enough that i currently own two SR4. I love them, and prefer them over my Jazz anyday. Good luck on acquiring one someday.

[@1thess523]

+Rizz Bot thanks

[@pawemaczka5143]

+1thess523 Don't you hesitate even for a day longer and get one ASAP ;) good luck !! I've bought nice bongo a month ago and since then just cannot lay my hands off it even that I'm a guitar player..

[@fabiomaccatrozzo9243]

15:27 he s holding that bass like a child. so sweet 😊

[@haysfordays]

could watch this for hours

[@Jeff92582]

I just started working her today, i learned so much in one day,

[@twistedH3L1X]

Loved this! Thanks Mr. Ball & PG!

[@bpabustan]

Man if Sterling Ball plays that well, he should be in a country band! He has pretty amazing chops.

[@davejeffrey5635]

Ernie Ball Music Man Basses, are the State of Art In Electric Basses.

[@rickfeith6372]

So are the guitars...look at the JPs or Majesty. Dimarzio PUs & switches, piezo, coil tap, 20db clean boost, TRS jack with mag/piezo on separate signal paths, locking tuners, KILLER necks, SS frets, truss wheel at heel, the sweet nut, bullet proof laquer, amazing fit & finish, and super slick tops. That.

[@ChipsA17]

This makes me want one even more. I can't wait to get my stingray bass next year.

[@sunlightpictures8367]

Very impressive. They definitely have a different approach to guitar building.

[@Luqmas]

Ernie Ball handing you a MM bass? The dream :D

[@SeeMick1]

I love how the clearcoat guy is listening to music as he works.

[@paologayguascodmv]

"It's the detail baby"

[@GuitarLava]

Love these guitars!

[@samjackson7837]

they cut them in half. i would buy a b stock music man in a heartbeat, man.

[@psyhcoaid99]

Right!!! At least they're committed to only making the best!