Here's your chance to be one of only 50 people in the U.S. to own a limited edition, signed guitar designed specifically for the legendary John Petrucci.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of John Petrucci and his progressive metal band Dream Theater, or merely recognize his name from countless "Greatest Guitar Players" lists, you probably know that most of the attention has centered on his virtuosic playing. So you might be surprised to learn that much of Dream Theater's latest album – the two-disc, 34-song rock opera The Astonishing – was refined specifically on his 916ce, which he also plays live.
"The most organic way to score the music to the story was to pick up the acoustic and get down to the heart of the matter," says Petrucci. It was the game-changing impact of discovering acoustics years ago that ultimately led him to the 916ce, which he used exclusively for the acoustic tones on The Astonishing. Petrucci was drawn to instruments because of the "combination of all the elements. Yes, the neck felt amazing, but also the immediate sound of the guitar, as soon as you play one chord. The way that it resonates and speaks, and of course the level of quality and beauty of the instrument is something that stands out. It's the combination of those things, they all made an impact on me." Petrucci also favors the armrest feature found on 's 900 and Presentation Series guitars.
"As an electric player I've always been very sensitive to the way that my forearm sits on the guitar. It makes that transition, as an electric player, that much smoother, that much easier."
The John Petrucci Artist's Choice 916ce represents the lavish redesign of 's most sophisticated class of rosewood guitars, blending the same voicing enhancements first introduced on ’s iconic 800 Series with a finely calibrated aesthetic makeover. The result is a luxurious look that delivers premium-grade tonal complexity. Impeccably rendered appointments strike an elegant balance between wood and abalone shell trim, with ebony binding and koa purfling framing colorful abalone. The contoured ebony armrest embodies the highest levels of woodworking, enhances the playing comfort, and bolsters the tonal output by reducing the damping effect one’s strumming arm might otherwise have on the top. The three-way harmony of looks, feel and sound makes any 900 Series guitar hard to put back in its case. This limited edition collector's set includes an un-modified, hand-numbered 916ce guitar dubbed "Artist's Choice" on its interior label which is hand-signed by John Petrucci, a collector's 4-disc vinyl box set of The Astonishing autographed by John (comes with free digital download), a Dimarzio JP-logo guitar strap, and a set of Ernie Ball Earthwood medium gauge 80/20 bronze acoustic guitar strings. Limited to 70 pieces worldwide (50 domestic, and all here).
Body Shape
Compared to the Grand Auditorium, the Grand Symphony has a bigger, rounder lower bout measuring 1/4 in. wider than the Grand Auditorium, and slightely wider "waist" area. The bigger sound board (top) means more tonal output. Expect a meaty lower midrange and strong treble shimmer. A GS is best if you want a guitar with a robust low end, strong volume when strumming or flatpicking, and clear articulation in response to light fingerpicking attack. Its tonal pallette is a great fit for players looking for depth and richness.
Tonewoods
A guitar's top is the primary filter and distributor of vibrating string energy through the guitar, which means it has a huge impact on its sound. Sitka Spruce is the most prevalent guitar top wood of the modern era. It blends stiffness and elasticity in just the right proportions which translates into broad dynamic range with crisp articulation. Solid Indian rosewood back and sides complement the Sitka top with sound that's made it one of the most popular tone woods ever. Rosewood produces the strongest bass response among the tone woods commonly used for guitars, with a slightly scooped midrange. Rosewood's sweeping frequency range - deep lows that assert a throaty growl with sparkling highs - rings out with bell-like, high-fidelity clarity. It yields a full-range acoustic voice with complex overtones and extended sustain.
Electronics
's ES2 is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in ’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is ’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Because the pickup doesn't sit under the saddle, the bottom of the saddle comes in full contact with the bridge, allowing all the nuance of the guitar's tone to come through clearly whether playing acousticly or plugged-in. The location of the sensors enables a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before while playing plugged-in. Together with ’s custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your guitar. The Expression System 2 operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and easy-to-use volume, and active bass and treble controls.
Other Features
Custom-calibrated wood thicknesses and bracing for each body shape, 3.5-mil finish thickness, protein glue (bracing and bridge), handmade ebony armrest, paua/koa trim (on top, back, sides, fretboard/extension, peghead and armrest), single-ring paua rosette edged with koa and ebony, abalone/pearl "Ascension" fingerboard inlay, ebony binding.
The Difference
What sets Guitars apart? Unmatched build quality, the most stable and playable necks, a vast array of tonal options, eco-conscious and ethically-sourced raw materials, and a lifetime of service and support.
Order this special guitar today and be in an exclusive guitar club.
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks Normal wear and tear Power surges Dust, internal heat and humidityOther plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks) For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax. Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold Plans are renewable on new gear*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.