Ernie Ball links With a name that evokes instant images of guitars and strings, the namesake behind both - Ernie Ball - is also the inventor of the acoustic bass guitar. A pioneer of the custom gauge string for standard guitar, Ball also claims to have owned and operated what may have been the first guitar store in the United States. Since acquiring Music Man, Ernie Ball has made guitars for such notables as Steve Morse, Steve Lukather and Eddie Van Halen. Click on the thumbnail to the right to see Ernie Ball's handprints in cement. Click on the thumbnail to the right to see photos of Ernie Ball.