Top 10 Ernie Ball Moments of 2017

We’ve had some great moments throughout 2017 that we’ve shared with you on our blog and to help ring in the new year, we’re recapping some of our most proud and memorable moments. Thank you to all of our Ernie Ball fans, artists, creators, and collaborators for a successful year. We’ll see you in 2018!

#1 – Launch of Paradigm Strings

On March 10th, Ernie Ball officially launched the debut of our Paradigm electric and acoustic strings. Paradigm strings feature superior break-resistance and unparalleled durability while delivering iconic Slinky tone. These strings go through an enhanced plasma cleaning process which makes them significantly more durable and corrosion resistant.

We put our new Paradigm strings to the test at Sturbridge Metallurgical Services in Massachusetts. Check out what happened:

Ernie Ball artists, Paul Gilbert, Tom DeLonge, Dustin Kensrue, The White Buffalo, John Petrucci and Kenny Wayne Shepherd all stepped up to the challenge. Watch as we put them through the paces.

Paul Gilbert Video:

#2 – Launch of the 40th Anniversary Volume Pedal

November brought the launch of the 40th Anniversary edition of the world’s best selling volume pedal. Since its introduction in 1977, the Ernie Ball Volume Pedal has been the leading choice for musicians across the globe. Learn more about the volume pedal on our website. This launch also generated some great reviews, demos, and sightings from our friends in the music industry.

#3 – Ernie Ball Product Launches in 2017

Ernie Ball had some other great product launches that were introduced at NAMM in January 2017. The introduction of new strap models aimed at both aesthetics and comfort, new instrument cables, and the CradleTune which is designed to make string changes and other regular guitar maintenance a breeze.

#4 – The Hetfield + Hammett Experience

In September, Ernie Ball partnered with Metallica and announced the Hetfield + Hammett Experience sweepstakes. Contestants entered for a chance to win a once in a lifetime trip to hang out with both James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett at Metallica’s San Francisco home base, a sanctum where they record, practice, write music, and house trophies from their 30+ years of touring the world. The winners also received their choice of a Hetfield or Hammett Signature ESP LTD guitar and an exclusive Ernie Ball prize package. The trip for the 3 winners will be taking place early next year. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for a sneak peek.

#5 – Play Warped Tour Contest

This year the Ernie Ball Play Warped Tour Contest saw over 17,000 entries! The prize is given to bands who then play on the Vans Warped Tour Mainstage and 1 lucky grand prize winner of these bands wins a 3-song EP produced by multi-platinum producer John Feldmann, $10,000 worth of gear from Guitar Center and much more. Check out our recap of the Play Warped Tour contest from Week 1, Week 2, Week 3,  Week 4, and Week 5, and learn more about the grand prize winner – Silver Age.

Silver Age at Warped Tour:

#6 – The Expression Pedals Pick Up Steam

The Ernie Ball Expression Series Pedals feature unparalleled versatility due to the incorporation of an expression foot sweep, while at the same time packing in a beautiful swirling reverb effect all in one beautiful and compact metallic package. We put together a list of the top six uses for this unique pedal and these pedals generated some great reviews and demos.

Legendary guitarist Don Felder was among these demos:

#7 – Where the White Buffalo Roams Short Film

In 2017, Ernie Ball presented an exclusive short film following acclaimed singer and songwriter, The White Buffalo over the course of 16 hours in Joshua Tree, California. The White Buffalo Roams is a unique look inside the mind of a musician who travels from town to town with a guitar and a handful of songs.

#8 – Ernie Ball Artists Clean Up at Alternative Press Music Awards

In July 2017 Journey’s Alternative Press Music Awards took place, and we were proud to see so many Ernie Ball family members among the winners. Including Panic at the Disco! for Artist of the Year, Pierce the Veil for their album ‘Misadventures’ which won Album of the Year, and many others. Check out all of the results.

Laura Jane Grace –  founder, singer and guitarist of Against Me! – was presented with the “Icon Award”. In addition to receiving the award, Against Me! also performed at the Alternative Press Music Awards that night:

#9 – Ernie Ball Artist Album Releases of 2017

We’re always proud to announce when one of our artists releases new music to their fans. Many of them had albums, singles, and music videos released this year. Some of them include, St. Vincent’s “MASSEDUCTION” album, Maroon 5’s “Red Pill Blues” album, Avenged Sevenfold’s “Live at the Grammy Museum” album, Fit For An Autopsy “The Great Collapse” album, A Perfect Circle – “The Doomed” album, Nothing More with “The Stories We Tell Ourselves” album, The Starbenders – “Julian” single, Wage War – “Witness” single.

Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett teamed up to record a collaborative record together called “Lotta Sea Lice”.

Both Kurt and Courtney also have been featured in our String Theory series this year:

#10 – Ernie Ball Artist 2017 Tour Announcements

Tour date announcements are a great way to stay on top of your favorite artists’ schedules by making sure you don’t miss out on any of them. Some of our Ernie Ball artists made very special tour announcements this year. Including, St. Vincent who announced her tour “Fear the Future”,  Maroon 5 for their #M5ONTHEROAD tour, Bruno Mars 24K Magic World Tour, PVRIS announced their tour in North America in early 2018, Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett announce their “Over Everything” tour, Iron Maiden with the announcement of their 2018 “Legacy of the Beasts” tour, The Marshall Tucker Band announced their “Southern Rock Cruise 2018” tour, and Robert Plant announced his North American “Carry Fire” tour just to name a few.

St. Vincent Tour Announcement: