Ernie Ball Music Man
Since 1974
Music Man was co-founded in 1974 by Leo Fender, Tom Walker, and Forrest White in Fullerton, California. After the Ernie Ball company acquired Music Man in 1984, Sterling Ball transformed it into one of the most respected American guitar and bass makers. Every Ernie Ball Music Man instrument is handcrafted in San Luis Obispo, California, with innovations like the compensated nut, silent circuit electronics, and game-changing artist collaborations. The John Petrucci JP and Majesty series redefined what a signature guitar could be, while the StingRay bass remains an industry standard decades after its introduction.
52
Years in Business
800K+
Guitars Sold
$50M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Ernie Ball Music Man guitars.
Ernie Ball Music Man Price Overview
Ernie Ball Music Man covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,650
+4% vs last year
eBay Listings
1,400
Active listings
Sold This Month
350
+3% vs last month
Price Range
$400-$8,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Ernie Ball Music Man Timeline
Music Man Founded
Leo Fender, Tom Walker, and Forrest White founded Music Man Inc. to produce amplifiers and, later, guitars and basses.
StingRay Bass Debuts
Introduced the StingRay bass with an active preamp and a single humbucking pickup—a design that revolutionized bass guitar and remains an industry standard.
Ernie Ball Acquires Music Man
Ernie Ball Inc., led by Sterling Ball, acquired Music Man and relocated production to San Luis Obispo, California. The new era of quality began.
Silhouette Introduced
Launched the Silhouette guitar, the first Music Man 6-string electric, featuring the compensated nut and 4+2 headstock design.
Steve Morse Signature
Released the Steve Morse signature model, establishing Music Man's reputation for artist collaborations with meaningful design input.
Axis Introduced
Launched the Axis (originally the EVH model), co-designed with Eddie Van Halen, featuring a double-locking tremolo and custom pickups.
John Petrucci JP Series
Introduced the first John Petrucci signature model, beginning a partnership that would produce some of the most acclaimed signature guitars ever made.
Sterling by Music Man
Launched the Sterling by Music Man sub-brand, offering import versions of classic designs at accessible price points.
Majesty Debut
Released the John Petrucci Majesty—a groundbreaking design with neck-through construction, piezo/magnetic pickup switching, and ergonomic contours.
Cory Wong StingRay
Introduced the Cory Wong StingRay signature guitar, expanding Music Man's artist roster with funk/modern style representation.
Complete Ernie Ball Music Man Product Lineup
Ernie Ball Music Man: Handcrafted in San Luis Obispo, California since 1984
Signature Series
Artist collaborations with meaningful design input
Neck-through prog masterpiece at ~$3,699-$4,149
Versatile bolt-on at ~$3,199-$3,499
Versatile workhorse at ~$3,699-$3,999
Funk/modern style at ~$3,199
Core Guitar Models
Standard production American-made guitars
Double-locking tremolo classic at ~$2,799
S-style with Music Man refinements at ~$2,399
Modern offset design at ~$2,799
Guitar version of the iconic bass at ~$2,799
Ball Family Reserve (BFR)
Limited runs with exotic materials
Exotic top Majesty limited editions
Premium Axis variants
Limited bass editions at ~$3,699+
Bass Guitars
The legendary StingRay and beyond
The iconic active bass at ~$2,499
5-string StingRay at ~$2,599
Dual-humbucker bass at ~$2,499
Modern ergonomic bass at ~$2,599
Sterling by Music Man
Import versions of classic designs
Import JP Majesty at ~$599-$899
Import Axis at ~$499-$799
Import StingRay at ~$299-$699
Import S-style at ~$449-$599
"Ernie Ball Music Man: Handcrafted in San Luis Obispo, California since 1984"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
JP & Majesty Buying Guide
Majesty: The Flagship
The Majesty ($3,699-$4,149) features neck-through construction, piezo/magnetic switching, and Music Man's finest craftsmanship. A serious instrument for serious players
JP15: Versatile Alternative
The JP15 ($3,199-$3,499) offers similar pickups and electronics in a bolt-on design. More traditional feel, slightly lower price, outstanding versatility
Used Market Value
Used Majesty guitars hold value exceptionally well at $2,200-$3,000. JP15 models at $1,800-$2,500. Both are safer investments than most signature guitars
StingRay Bass Guide
The Industry Standard
The StingRay bass has been an industry standard since 1976. Its active preamp and single humbucker deliver a distinctive punch that defines funk, rock, and pop bass tone
Special vs Classic
The StingRay Special ($2,499) features updated electronics and lighter weight. Classic models are discontinued but hold strong used values at $1,200-$1,800
Sterling Alternative
Sterling by Music Man StingRay basses ($299-$699) offer the look and core tone at roughly one-third the price. Great for gigging musicians on a budget
Used Music Man Guide
Strong Value Retention
USA Music Man instruments hold 70-80% of their value—among the best retention rates in the industry. Low-volume production keeps supply limited
Check Electronics
Music Man's silent circuit preamps and piezo systems are complex. Test all pickup positions, piezo blend, and battery compartment. Electronics repairs are specialized
Roasted Necks Advantage
Modern Music Man guitars feature roasted maple necks—more stable, resistant to humidity, and satin-smooth feel. These require less maintenance than traditional maple