Axis EX wood question

[kompressaur]

my guitar cant be a EVH - a couple of years back I had the neck off to shim it and iirc its stamped sometime in April 1998.Two things not like the EX are that its not a veneer top but a 1/4" one and is also bookmatched and not one piece.The serial on the neckplate reads G01001 and is not on the EBMM database either.
the guitar had BP scratching his head a bit when I first asked about it

[Sub1 Zero]

That's awesome Komp. Can you tell any sound or playability differences between it and a standard EB?

[Lou]

Basswood gets a bad rap because it is used on a lot of low end guitars. You never see it in a trans finish, so it's possible that you are getting a piece of basswood plywood or a multipiece guitar when you buy a cheapo. Not going to happen on a EBMM.

[kompressaur]

That's awesome Komp. Can you tell any sound or playability differences between it and a standard EB?

none whatsoever between that and the flame topped Axis I just picked up

(or the pearl blue ASS I sold apart from the usual Axis vs Supersport differences)

The neck's maybe a little cleaner,thats all

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Basswood gets a bad rap because it is used on a lot of low end guitars. You never see it in a trans finish, so it's possible that you are getting a piece of basswood plywood or a multipiece guitar when you buy a cheapo. Not going to happen on a EBMM.

All my Axis guitars have 2 and 3 piece bodies. Not that its a bad thing, as I believe its mostly done for strength.

[Skinny]

I finally received my Axis EX. What can I say...

That's an ass-kicker! Basswood sounds great.
It's a 1992 model, Translucent Black finish.

Japan folks did a great job putting together this beauty.

All the guts are soldered very solid with no dirt and overburning.

It's well-balanced and has no problems with staying in tune.

It's like a Les Paul, but more versatile.

Great guitar!

[jim1h]

I got some good info on the differences between the axis ex and the axis from an american guy who lives in japan and has one. I'm worried about posting it though I dont want to break any rules

[Sub1 Zero]

Great guitar!

That thing is badass, probably one of the coolest tops I've seen

[RobW]

ya that thing is cool - love the trans black

[Spudmurphy]

I got some good info on the differences between the axis ex and the axis from an american guy who lives in japan and has one. I'm worried about posting it though I dont want to break any rules

I'm wondering what rules would be broken? We all love talking balls here and to know the differences would benefit us all with future purchases E.G. I am on the lookout for an EVH hardtail and would love to know all the little nuances about it.

[Skinny]

As far as I know the two main differences between Axis and Axis EX are - no tummy cut and "fake" top on EX (a layer of veneer on plain maple top instead of the actual figured top).
And maybe wood as well.
But I don't give a damn. It sounds like hell!

[jim1h]

I'm wondering what rules would be broken? We all love talking balls here and to know the differences would benefit us all with future purchases E.G. I am on the lookout for an EVH hardtail and would love to know all the little nuances about it.

Well I cant link the info so what the guy was basically saying is "The Axis EX is made by Ernie Ball Music Man. It's Japanese made though instead of in America. No big deal with Ernie Ball guitars though because they ship the bodies and necks over from the States and then they paint and put them together here. Same quality as the US made version at a more reasonable price. I've played both and there is no difference whatsoever."

He says that the one he purchased in Japan came with a gig bag not a hard case and all materials are the same, the EX has the pickup selector switch just below the lower horn and on the headstock where AXIS or the EVH sig would be it is blank, no "MADE IN SAN LUIS OBISPO CALIFORNIA USA" obviously.

Anyway if i was able to get hold of one in the uk I would have but they seem to be rarer than Dino doodoo

[spkirby]

OK folks, I've owned both an EX and several USA Axis's. There is a difference and I dont have the EX anymore

How the EX differs from the USA Axis:

1. Veneer top instead of thick maple top. Often one piece veneer, not bookmatched.
2. Neck profile vastly different - the EX's neck was massively thicker and didnt have the assymetrical profile of the USA Axis or EVH
3. Same body layout as an EVH (no tummy route, pickup selector switch on lower horn)
4. No Axis name on headstock.
5. Neck and fretboard not cut from same chunk of wood...on a USA Axis you are hard pressed to see any join, on an EX its easy!
6. Bodies and necks are made in Japan apparently, not US made, which accounts for the differences already mentioned.

Both the USA Axis and the Axis EX are decent guitars but in my first hand experience the USA Axis is built & finished much better. Go American if you can!

Hope that helps,
Steve

[Skinny]

Does anyone knows what's the average retail price for Axis EX?