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Ernie Ball company history timeline

1967

1967: The sale of the retail store marks the company's transition into a string manufacturing enterprise.

1971

The first Guitar Center music store in 1971, receiving an Ernie Ball shipment for a local Hollywood promotion.

1972

The partnership resulted in the 1972 introduction of Earthwood guitars, basses, and strings.

1973

In early 1973 Sterling decides to join the team as traveling sales rep and fully throw himself into the evolving company.

1976

Sterling Ball had been involved in the design of the company most successful instrument, the StingRay bass, introduced in 1976.

1979

Ernie Ball moves corporate headquarters to San Luis Obispo,CA. The string and Earthwood facilities are packed up on their way to a new home in March 1979.

1984

The Ernie Ball Company acquired Music Man in the fall of 1984.

1985

Although the Earthwood operation experienced production and personnel problems early on, the venture ultimately produced roughly 2,000 prized Earthwood basses, guitars, mandolas, and baby guitars before shuttering production in 1985.

In 1985, the San Luis Obispo facility was occupied.

2004

The company planned to complete the move into its new string instrument plant during the first fiscal quarter of 2004.

2008

New Coated Acoustic and Coated Electric Slinky strings make their debut at the Summer NAMM show 2008.

2016

In 2016, the longest-running Battle of the Bands program is renamed to Ernie Ball: PLAY Warped Tour, giving bands the opportunity to win over $40,000 in cash and prizes, a 3-song EP with New Found Glory's Chad Gilbert, plus a spot on the Warped Main Stage.

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Founded
1962
Company founded
Headquarters
Coachella, CA
Company headquarter
Founders
Ernie Ball Music Man
Company founders
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Ernie Ball may also be known as or be related to Ernie Ball, Ernie Ball Inc and Ernie Ball Music Man.