The Concept:

The last of a dying breed, the Ball family makes guitars and basses exclusively in the United States and is proud to offer the Ball Family Reserve line of instruments – an exceptionally finished and figured selection of instruments that celebrate the company’s heritage in instrument construction and craftsmanship. The rare pieces in this collection will be limited runs and include a distinct collection of instruments that, until now, were reserved exclusively for members of the Ball family and loyal Ernie Ball-endorsed artists.*

The BFR John Petrucci F-1:

Designed in conjunction with world-renowned Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci, this new signature model features the finest tonewoods available including alder, maple and mahogany. A book-matched maple top shows off the instrument's exquisite grain pattern in a hand selected flame or quilted top. Available in Translucent Walnut and Translucent Black finishes and equipped with redesigned controls providing additional versatility and tonal options, the John Petrucci F-1 model sets the standard for the next generation of instrument innovation.*

*Above descriptions taken from Ernie Ball Website press release.

Well, since the original release, EBMM dropped the "F-1," and the BFR Pet, is of course, available in many more finishes than originally announced.

Some quick specs....

The BFR has a bookmatched Maple top, Alder body with Mahogany tone block.  The neck is finished Mahogany with a Rosewood fretboard.

In the photo album below you will see 3 of 4, one of kind Pets that were created by EBMM for a John Petrucci guitar clinic at a NYC Guitar Center in the summer of '08.  You will also see a group pic of all 4 Pets 'cause the Silverburst was purchased by a friend and we snapped a pic when we got back from the clinic.  Now included in the album is a Spalted Maple Top one-off made for a JP clinic at a Boston Guitar Center the winter of 2009. Many thanks to Frank for the addtion of the Spalted into this collection.

Here's the specs on these special Pets: