This collaboration would eventually lead to a major game-changing development for Ernie Ball during the next decade. Ernie Ball handed over the full-time responsibility of running the company to Sterling in 1975, and its sales and success continued to grow at a rapid pace.

Although Music Man’s relationship with Van Halen was relatively short-lived, its “sterling” reputation, particularly with artists, continues to this day.We don’t have contracts with our artists. I never wanted a piece of paper to determine whether someone played our guitars or not Sterling Ball Demand for the Edward Van Halen signature model was so overwhelming that the company could have easily sold tens of thousands of units every year if the factory were able to produce that many. Our famous Earthwood acoustic guitar guitar strings are just one of the many choices that musicians have. With over 100 options of the best acoustic strings to choose from, every kind of musician will find the right fit for their playing style. Ernie Ball acoustic guitar strings come in a number of different high quality materials including aluminum, bronze, nylon, phosphor, and stainless steel. Generally, bronze strings translate to a bright tone, while phosphor bronze strings lead to a warmer tone. Stainless steel typically produces a softer tone and nylon guitar strings bring a clear and rich tone. Shortly after the Van Halen model made its debut, Steve Lukather collaborated with Music Man on his first of many Luke signature models, introduced in 1993, the same year the Albert Lee model finally made its debut (with the Axis name later resurrected for the continuation of the Edward Van Halen model after Van Halen left), and both are still designing Music Man models today. Our guitar string sets are available for 6-string and 12-string guitars. We also offer 5-string sets for Mandolin and Banjos. Individual gauge strings are also available.

The company responded to its growing competition by focusing on diversification and innovation, expanding its selection of custom gauge electric guitar string sets and making strings for a wider range of instruments, including bass and acoustic guitar. Ernie Ball’s dedication to guitarists was inspired by his own experiences as a player at first and later as a music retailer. After returning from service in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, he played pedal steel in various bands around Los Angeles before becoming a member of the house band on KTLA television’s “Western Varieties” program and doing session work.

I realized the company was probably going to end up in the hands of their Japanese distributor, so I went to my dad and suggested we buy the company Sterling Ball