United States · Est. 1962
Ernie Ball Music Man
Best known for Slinky strings, Ernie Ball's Music Man guitars are among the most player-focused and professionally-respected instruments in the world.
About the brand
Ernie Ball founded his string company in 1962 in Tarzana, California, creating the Slinky string series that revolutionised guitar playing. In 1984, Ball purchased Music Man from Leo Fender and Tom Walker, merging the companies to form Ernie Ball Music Man.
The Music Man StingRay bass (1976) was already a legend before the acquisition. Under Ernie Ball's stewardship, the guitar lineup expanded with models like the Axis, the Luke (Steve Lukather signature), the JP series (John Petrucci), and the Valentine (St. Vincent). Each model is built to exacting professional standards at the San Luis Obispo factory in California.
Ernie Ball Music Man is particularly renowned for its neck construction, hardware quality, and consistent playability across the range. The brand's artist roster reads like a who's who of technically advanced players, and the Slinky string business continues to make Ernie Ball one of the most recognised names in the entire guitar world.
Key facts
- Ernie Ball Slinky strings are the world's most popular electric guitar strings
- Music Man guitars built in San Luis Obispo, California since 1984
- John Petrucci and St. Vincent signature models among the most acclaimed in their genres
- Mateus Asato's signature model brought the brand to a new generation of players
Iconic models
Ernie Ball Music Man Luke
Designed with Steve Lukather of Toto, it offers a unique blend of active and passive pickups in an ergonomic, high-performance body.
Ernie Ball Music Man Axis
The guitar Edward Van Halen developed with Music Man before creating his own brand, renowned for its slim neck profile and tonal versatility.
Ernie Ball Music Man JP15
John Petrucci of Dream Theater's signature guitar, with a flamed maple top and technical specs aimed at the most demanding progressive metal.
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay
One of the most influential electric basses in history, with its active humbucker pickup and ash body that revolutionized bass tone in the 70s.
Ernie Ball Music Man Silhouette
Music Man's superstrat model, with its distinctive asymmetric body and broad tonal versatility that made it popular among studio guitarists.