• From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Topic: EBMM Darklord 'without' family reserve inlay

Does anyone know if there's a difference in quality between the Familiy Reserve Darklord and the ones with just dots on the 12th fret? they look the same, and I heard the newer ones don't have the special inlay for no reason other than it went to regular production.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool

2 Reply by DougH (edited by DougH 2014-12-08 15:46:52)

  • DougH
  • DougH
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 1,706

Re: EBMM Darklord 'without' family reserve inlay

well of course I had to google  Familiy Reserve Darklord

Introducing the Music Man Dark Lord—a Steve Morse Y2D with a twist. Literally. Originally built for Steve Morse to use touring with Deep Purple, the Dark Lord adds some custom specs to the original signature model.
Featuring a reverse headstock, a figured, roasted, hand rubbed, wax finished maple neck with rosewood fretboard, jumbo frets and a thicker neck carve. Chrome covered DiMarzio pickups and a beautiful flamed black burst finish
Features
Poplar body with figured top
25.5" Scale maple neck with a thicker carve
Rosewood fretboard
Jumbo frets
Reverse headstock
DiMarzio DP-205 Morse Signature neck humbucking pickup
DiMarzio DP-200 Morse Signature bridge humbucking pickup
Proprietary custom-wound single-coil middle pickup
Tune-o-matic bridge w/ thumbwheel height adjustment
Schaller M6-IND locking tuning machines

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: EBMM Darklord 'without' family reserve inlay

The one with dots on fret 12 also have a reverse headstock. I wasn't sure if you were answering my question in bold. lol

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Registered: 2010-10-19
  • Posts: 190

Re: EBMM Darklord 'without' family reserve inlay

Aren't the only differance is that guitars that are "Ball Family Reserve" made with fancier tonewoods, flamy(er) maples, and the like?

Kind of like a Les Paul complaired to a custom shop, same guitar really. just the custom shop has fancier woods, pant jobs, and bells and whistles.


At the end of the day, Its an Erinie Ball Musicman, you can't go wrong.

5 Reply by cindyron (edited by cindyron 2014-12-08 20:07:09)

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: EBMM Darklord 'without' family reserve inlay

petew wrote:

Aren't the only differance is that guitars that are "Ball Family Reserve" made with fancier tonewoods, flamy(er) maples, and the like?

Kind of like a Les Paul complaired to a custom shop, same guitar really. just the custom shop has fancier woods, pant jobs, and bells and whistles.


At the end of the day, Its an Erinie Ball Musicman, you can't go wrong.

All what you mentioned makes a big differance, it's a different guitar sonically and playability. I have A/b them side by side and could tell the difference. So yes for me the Ball Family Reserve is a better guitar my two cents
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
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  • From: Danville, IL
  • Registered: 2012-02-18
  • Posts: 458

Re: EBMM Darklord 'without' family reserve inlay

I have a "BFR badged" Morse Darklord from the original run of 70 (which were signed by Steve Morse).

Ernie Ball Music Man still makes "Ball Family Reserve" guitars - including the DarkLord - but now instead of being indicated by the 12th fret inlay they have a different neck plate - so the difference is purely cosmetic.

As for me, I like the old style look of the 12th fret inlay - you can see it from across the room! smile

Keep in mind that EBMM makes plenty of guitars that aren't BFR - they're still great guitars - so pick/play what you like.

Kevin