I mean, I do love a tone knob, but how many guitarists actually use them? Even though thereвЂ™s limited tone shaping options, these EBMM hand-wound humbuckers sound absolutely first class. I think that some people will be frustrated with the Mariposa for some of the more simple elements of its design, and I can totally understand that. Even the fret edging, tuning stability, intonation and tremolo action are of a top-tier pedigree when first embraced from the case: a telltale sign of passion and craftsmanship. ItвЂ™s truly inspiring to play an instrument as aesthetically pleasing, inviting and mentally rewarding as the Mariposa. I felt inspired to take more risks on the Mariposa regardless of whether I was strumming, picking and plucking reaching for further frets to explore uncharted chord voicings and phrasing notes more obtusely than ever before. It urges you to play differently, but in a way that retains the integrity of your own personal style. WhatвЂ™s more important, however, is the thrill that comes with playing this thing. While thereвЂ™s some quirks in the design thatвЂ™ll attract criticism вЂ“ IвЂ™d definitely worry about the vulnerable position of the pickup toggle switch for one вЂ“ itвЂ™s otherwise a perfectly crafted instrument. As awkward as it may look, itвЂ™s an extremely comfortable and balanced guitar to play both standing and sitting, with a great neck profile and near-perfect reach across the fretboard.Д®rnie Ball Music ManвЂ™s recent output has seemingly focused on creating experimental, impeccably crafted instruments that sound and feel faultless, and the Mariposa doesnвЂ™t stray from the pack here.

Adorned with an ornate, laser-etched floral pickguard and available in a range of four finishes with eye-catching matching headstocks (this review model was decked in a gorgeous Dorado Green finish), the Mariposa is constructed from lightweight Okeueme and is fitted with a meticulously roasted mahogany neck and speedy ebony fretboard with pearl block inlays. ItвЂ™s difficult to describe the design of the Mariposa, but if your mind can conjure the image of an Ernie Ball Albert Lee combined with a vintage Japanese Teisco, youвЂ™d be somewhere in the ballpark.

Who the hell green lighted this as a signature model?!? Thankfully, the pairing is much better in person as it is on paper вЂ“ the Mariposa might just be one of the coolest guitars IвЂ™ve ever had the pleasure of playing. I love Omar, but seriously вЂ“ the man literally flings guitars across stage like a frisbee. His unorthodox, ramshackle and downright destructive playing style definitely makes him a questionable contender for a guitar as beautiful as the Mariposa.

Teisco guitar headstocks