Ernie Ball Music Man JP15 VS Majesty: Differences?
Small differences in body carving, pickups, and hardware.
Both of these guitars are high-end John Petrucci signature models, with a very steep price difference. The Majesty is a more a exclusive line with deluxe (high-grade) tonewood, intricate body carving (quilted top), and a beautiful high gloss finish. Other differences include a floating tremolo and custom DiMarzio humbuckers (Rainmaker and Dreamcatcher) on the Majesty. However, it's important to note that both guitars have DiMarzio pickups, locking tuners, and a piezo pickup.
| Feature | Music Man JP15 | Music Man Majesty |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody | Solidbody, John Petrucci Signature Majesty |
| Body Material | Black Limba | Mahogany/Maple with Black Limba Wings |
| Top Material | Buckeye Burl | Spalted Maple |
| Body Finish | Satin | High Gloss Polyester |
| Color | Butterscotch Burl | Spice Melange |
| Neck Material | Roasted Figured Maple | Mahogany/Roasted Flame Maple |
| Neck Shape | Very Thin C | Super Thin/Flat |
| Neck Joint | 5 Bolt-on | Neck-through |
| Radius | 17" | 17" |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood | Roasted Flame Maple |
| Fingerboard Inlay | JP Shields | Vintage Atlante Majesty |
| Number of Frets | 24, Stainless Steel | 24, Medium Jumbo, Stainless Steel |
| Scale Length | 25.5" | 25.5" |
| Nut Material | Compensated Melamine | Melamine |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Custom John Petrucci Music Man, Piezo Saddles | Music Man Custom Piezo Floating Tremolo |
| Tuners | Schaller M6-IND locking | Schaller M6-IND Locking |
| Neck Pickup | DiMarzio Illuminator Humbucker | DiMarzio Rainmaker Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | DiMarzio Illuminator Humbucker, Fishman Powerbridge Piezo | DiMarzio Dreamcatcher Humbucker, Piezo |
| Controls | 1 x volume (push/pull gain boost), 1 x tone (push/push pickup configuration) | 1 x master volume (push/push gain boost), 1 x master tone (push/push pickup config), 1 x piezo volume |
| Switching | 2 x 3-way toggle switch (pickup switch, piezo/magnet switch) | 3-way toggle pickup switch, 3-way piezo/magnet toggle switch, push/push stereo/mono switch (backside) |
| Strings | Ernie Ball Slinky, .010-.046 | Ernie Ball Slinky, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Softshell Case | Softshell Case |
Hard to imagine the Majesty is slicker than the JP15. Image via Wanchai Guitar
The gloss finish and carved Maple top on this guitar are the real deal. Image via Batu Orhum
Most Notable Differences
Body Construction:
- JP15: Black Limba body with a Buckeye Burl top.
- Majesty 6: Mahogany/Maple neck-through design with Black Limba wings, and a Spalted Maple top.
Neck Profile:
- JP15: Very thin "C" profile, roasted figured Maple neck.
- Majesty 6: Super thin/flat profile, 3-piece Mahogany/roasted Flame Maple neck.
Fingerboard Material:
- JP15: Rosewood fingerboard with a 17-inch radius.
- Majesty 6: Roasted Flame Maple fingerboard with a 17-inch radius.
Pickup Configuration:
- JP15: DiMarzio Illuminator humbuckers, Fishman Powerbridge piezo.
- Majesty 6: DiMarzio Rainmaker and Dreamcatcher humbuckers, piezo pickup.
Bridge/Tremolo System:
- JP15: Custom John Petrucci Music Man bridge with a floating piezo vibrato.
- Majesty 6: Music Man custom piezo floating tremolo.
Limited Edition and Aesthetics:
- JP15: Part of the Ball Family Reserve series, limited edition with a Black Limba body and buckeye burl top.
- Majesty 6: Limited edition run of 125 guitars, featuring a unique Spalted Maple top with a distinctive finish called Spice Melange.
What would I go with?
This is a tough call, because the JP15 is a lot cheaper and still an awesome guitar without glaring downgrades.
At the same time, the Majesty is just really slick, especially with the top body carving. I also like the bridge hardware better in the Majesty. So even for the price, I'd be tempted to level up and grab the Majesty, simply because I like it. But I don't think there is a value problem with either guitar. From what I can tell, the Majesty is pricier partly because Ernie Ball simply made less of them.
So they're both incredible instruments, which we'd expect at this price range. So think about your budget first, then give some thought as to whether you want to pay for the exclusivity and aesthetic improvements of the Music Man Majesty.
If you have questions or info on these two guitars, leave them in the comments section below.
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