If you’ve ever chased the skyscraping leads and earth-shaking lows of John Petrucci’s blade-sharp tone, the Ernie Ball Music Man BFR Baritone JP15 brings that world into deeper territory. This ultra-limited Ball Family Reserve run takes the JP platform fans already obsess over and pushes it into a 27.5" baritone range tuned A#–A#, delivering massive low-end authority without sacrificing the liquid feel and elite craftsmanship the JP line is known for. A quilted maple top on an alder body adds clarity and punch to baritone riffing, while the roasted flamed maple neck keeps the extended scale fast, stable and shockingly comfortable. DiMarzio Crunch Lab and LiquiFire pickups unleash everything from Petrucci-style surgical rhythm work to singing, expressive leads, and the piezo-equipped tremolo adds shimmering acoustic textures on command. Finished in a striking Cherry Creamsicle with cream binding, the BFR Baritone JP15 blends boutique refinement with the kind of sonic firepower progressive players depend on.
Alder Body With Quilted Maple Top for Balanced Baritone Clarity
This baritone build starts with a classic JP tone recipe: alder for balanced mids and tight lows, topped with figured quilted maple for extra definition and snap. The combination keeps the low A# range articulate, preventing chords from collapsing into mud while giving high-gain runs crisp attack. Sculpted contours make the body feel fluid against the player, and the Cherry Creamsicle finish brings out the maple’s three-dimensional figuring with vivid depth. Cream binding on both body and neck elevates the guitar’s boutique character, reinforcing its place within the exclusive BFR family.
Roasted Maple Neck for Speed and Stability
Extended-range guitars often compromise on feel, but the Baritone JP15 keeps the playability unmistakably JP. The roasted flamed maple neck and fingerboard offer rigid stability and enhanced resonance, while the thin, fast profile makes the 27.5" scale feel immediately familiar to JP players. Stainless-steel frets, smooth satin finish and a comfortable 24.75"-adjacent hand feel enable rapid runs, vibrato control and wide-interval stretches without fatigue. Perfect string tension in A#–A# tuning preserves intonation and punch across the guitar’s entire range.
DiMarzio Crunch Lab and LiquiFire Pickups With Piezo Power
Talk about a pickup set built for clarity under pressure. The Crunch Lab in the bridge dishes out tight, percussive lows and articulate high-gain rhythm tones—ideal for progressive riffing and syncopated metal lines—while the LiquiFire neck pickup delivers smooth, vocal-like sustain for solos and melodic passages. A push/push volume knob adds a +20dB boost for instant saturation, and the push/push tone knob enables coil-split options for added versatility. The Music Man floating tremolo with piezo saddles expands the sonic palette even further, allowing players to blend magnetic power with acoustic-style resonance or send each signal down separate outputs for advanced routing. From djent-ready punch to cinematic cleans, the Baritone JP15 covers the full spectrum.
Premium Hardware and Limited-Edition Details
Every detail on the Baritone JP15 reflects BFR quality. Schaller M6-IND locking tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability, while a compensated melamine nut maintains precision across the extended scale. The custom tremolo bridge balances sensitivity and control for both subtle shimmers and deep dives. Each unit includes a signed Petrucci tremolo cover plate, a numbered certificate of authenticity and a Mono case for premium protection on and off the road. Chrome hardware and JP rubber-grip knobs complete the aesthetic with unmistakable Music Man styling.
The Baritone JP15: Deepening the JP Legacy
The Ernie Ball Music Man BFR Baritone JP15 is a rare opportunity for players who want Petrucci’s trademark articulation in a deeper, more commanding register. With only 100 made worldwide, it’s a collector’s piece that also performs at the highest level—combining baritone muscle, progressive versatility and signature JP refinement. Whether you're carving through low-end landscapes, stacking studio layers or unleashing technical riffs on stage, the Ball Family Reserve Baritone JP15 delivers the depth, clarity and expressiveness that define the modern progressive guitar.