Ernie Ball will auction off a one-of-a-kind autographed Music Man John Petrucci guitar from Dream Theater's 2004 "Train of Thought" tour. Petrucci graciously donated this guitar as the American leg is coming to an end, and signed and dated the tremolo back plate on March 7 in San Diego.

Pictures of Petrucci signing the guitar as well as a Music Man hardshell case are included in this auction. In addition to the standard features of his signature model, this sapphire black guitar also has a piezo pickup, a DiMarzio ClipLock guitar strap, the actual strings used on tour and Drop C tuning set up. The eBay auction will run from April 15 to April 25.

All the proceeds of this auction benefit the Casey Lee Ball Foundation. This non-profit organization works for the advancement of pediatric kidney research. Casey Lee Ball, third son of Sterling Ball, was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease at age two. At age five, while Casey and Sterling were recuperating from kidney transplant surgery, they decided to create the Casey Lee Ball Foundation. As a result of their tireless efforts over the last six years, several new medicines have made it to the market in record time and are helping to reduce the side effects of kidney transplant medcations. For more information about the foundation, go to http://ernieball.com/clb/index.html.

Ernie Ball was the first to offer rock strings with the creation of Slinkys, and further revolutionized the market by offering guitarists Custom-Gauge single strings. The Ernie Ball company also produces Music Man guitars and basses, volume pedals, and other accessories. The company's strings and accessories are available in more than 5,500 music stores throughout the U.S. The company also exports to 75 countries.