Ernie Ball Music Man Introduces Ball Family Reserve Instruments, Limited Edition Blue Dawn and 20th Anniversary Sting Ray 5 at NAMM 2007

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (January 18, 2007) – Ernie Ball proudly heads into the 2007 year with an array of new instruments fit for the Ernie Ball Music Man family including the Ball Family Reserve Series of Instruments, the 2007 addition to the Limited Edition Series, and the 20th Anniversary edition of the Music Man Sting Ray 5. Blending original features with modern improvements, these new models will debut at the Ernie Ball booth (#5440) at the 2007 Winter NAMM show, taking place January 18-21 in Anaheim, CA.

Ball Family Reserve Series
The last of a dying breed, the Ball family makes guitars and basses exclusively in the United States and is proud to offer the Ball Family Reserve line of instruments – an exceptionally finished and figured selection of instruments that celebrate the company’s heritage in instrument construction and craftsmanship. The rare pieces in this collection will be limited runs and include a distinct collection of instruments that, until now, were reserved exclusively for members of the Ball family and loyal Ernie Ball-endorsed artists. The following two models kick-off the start of this coveted series:

Ball Family Reserve John Petrucci F-1
Designed in conjunction with world-renowned Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci, this new signature model features the finest tonewoods available including alder, maple and mahogany. A book-matched maple top shows off the instrument's exquisite grain pattern in a hand selected flame or quilted top. Available in Translucent Walnut and Translucent Black finishes and equipped with redesigned controls providing additional versatility and tonal options, the John Petrucci F-1 model sets the standard for the next generation of instrument innovation.

Ball Family Reserve Steve Lukather Model
Designed in conjunction with world-renowned session ace and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, this instrument features a trio of premium tonewoods including alder, maple and mahogany. A book-matched maple top shows off the instrument's exquisite grain pattern in a hand selected flame or quilted top. Available in Translucent Ruby and Bahama Blueburst, the Ball Family Reserve Steve Lukather model showcases a meticulously crafted instrument, perfectly fit for one of the world's greatest musicians.

Limited Edition 2007 – ThE Return of Blue dawn
Back by popular demand, the latest installment of the highly anticipated limited edition series features none other than the return of Blue Dawn. Blue Dawn's rare color combination features an opaque Blueburst finish beautifully accented by vibrant sparkles. A limited edition Mother of Pearl inlay will adorn the 12th fret, enhancing the overall appeal and allure. A plush-lined, custom Royal Blue case (included), keeps the instrument well padded and secure. Available for a limited time only, the 2007 Limited Edition enhancements will be available on all Music Man instruments, with the exception of the Steve Morse SMY2D.

20th Anniversary Sting Ray 5
The perfect sibling to its four-string counterpart, Ernie Ball Music Man is proud to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Music Man Sting Ray 5. Exclusive to this anniversary instrument, a new pre-amp was specially designed to accentuate the low-end frequencies while gaining additional clarity, sustain and response. Paying tribute to the earliest Sting Ray 5 models, the instrument's pickups come equipped with the ever-popular Alnico magnets. Further improvements include an inlayed mahogany Tone Block centered underneath the sweet spot of the pickups and a five-bolt neck attachment providing smoother access to higher frets. This anniversary edition instrument features an Ash body with a maple top in an exclusive custom California Sunset finish.

Ernie Ball was the first to offer rock strings with the creation of Slinkys, and further revolutionized the market by offering guitarists Custom-Gauge single strings. The Ernie Ball Company also produces Music Man guitars and basses, volume pedals, and other accessories. The company's strings and accessories are available in more than 6,000 music stores throughout the U.S. The company also exports to 82 countries. For more information, contact the Ernie Ball company at (800) 543-2255, or visit their website at www.ernieball.com.

These products are Ernie Ball trademarks registered in the USA and many foreign countries:

ERNIE BALL®     CUSTOM GAUGE®     SLINKY®     EARTHWOOD®
MUSICMAN®
STINGRAY®     SILHOUETTE®     AXIS®
STERLING®     4+2®     3+1®

Trademark ownership is indicated by the symbol ®, however, for the sake of brevity it is omitted during the story.

Contact:
Derek Brooks
Ernie Ball, Inc.
(800) 543-2255

Media Contact:
Keith Negrin
MORSEKODE
(952) 853-9555