Business Details
42 Years
experience
Premium Electric Guitars & Basses Manufacturer
Since 1984, Music Man has been crafting premium electric guitars and basses in San Luis Obispo, California. Our family-owned business combines handcrafted precision with advanced technology, using hand-selected tonewoods, active electronics, and meticulous finishing processes to create instruments renowned for playability and tonal excellence. With over four decades of experience, we collaborate with world-class artists to develop signature models that meet the demands of professional musicians globally.Our commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from hand-rubbed necks to custom-mixed finishes, ensuring each instrument delivers unmatched performance. As an industry leader, we ship to 135+ countries, maintaining strict quality standards while offering custom design experiences and financing options to cater to diverse musical needs.
Services
Electric Guitars
Bass Guitars
Custom Design
Parts Supply
Financing Options
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of expertise in crafting professional-grade instruments.
- Our patented 4-over-2 headstock design ensures superior tuning stability.
- Hand-selected tonewoods and active electronics deliver unparalleled tonal clarity.
- Custom Design Experience allows bespoke instrument creation with global shipping.
- Award-winning team collaborates with top artists to refine industry-leading models.
Services
Electric Guitars
Music Man designs high-performance electric guitars with handcrafted precision. Using premium materials like roasted maple and alder, each instrument features active electronics and ergonomic designs for professional musicians. Models like the Majesty and Luke series offer unique tonal versatility and comfort for stage and studio use.
Bass Guitars
The company produces award-winning bass guitars, including the StingRay and Bongo series. These instruments combine lightweight ash bodies, neodymium pickups, and 18V active preamps to deliver rich, punchy tones. Customisable options cater to genres ranging from funk to rock, with endorsements from artists like Tony Levin and Joe Dart.
Custom Design
The Custom Design Experience allows clients to configure unique instruments with over 100 finish options, hardware choices, and pickup configurations. Each custom order is handcrafted in California, with a 4-6 month production timeline. This service includes global shipping and a choice of premium case options.
Parts Supply
Replacement parts and accessories are available for all models, including pickups, tuning machines, and electronics. The company ensures compatibility with vintage and modern instruments, supporting long-term maintenance for musicians and repair technicians worldwide.
Financing
Affirm financing options enable customers to purchase instruments through flexible payment plans. This service is available for online orders, allowing musicians to acquire premium gear with manageable monthly payments without compromising on quality or design.
People
Sterling Ball
President
Sterling Ball founded Music Man in 1984 after pioneering active electronics in bass design during the 1970s. Under his leadership, the company has maintained its reputation for innovation and quality, expanding globally while preserving its family-owned ethos.
Brian Ball
CEO
Brian Ball oversees daily operations, driving strategic growth while upholding the company's commitment to craftsmanship. With decades of industry experience, he ensures the brand continues to meet evolving musician needs through technological advancements and artist collaborations.
Scott Ball
Vice President
Scott Ball manages product development, refining designs in collaboration with artists and engineers. His technical expertise and focus on playability have led to iconic models like the Bongo bass, cementing the company's influence in modern instrument design.
Questions
How long does a custom instrument take to build?
Custom orders typically require 4-6 months for production and shipping worldwide.
Are instruments made entirely in the USA?
Yes, all Ernie Ball Music Man guitars and basses are handcrafted in San Luis Obispo, California.
What warranty do instruments carry?
Instruments come with a standard manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Can I finance my purchase?
Yes, Affirm financing options are available for online orders with flexible payment terms.
Do basses ship with cases?
All instruments include a choice of Mono Case or G&G Hard Shell Case.
Are there artist-endorsed models available?
Yes, signature series include designs by John Petrucci, Tim Commerford, and Joe Dart.
