School me on EBMM design

[yngzaklynch]

I've owned my JP6 BFR for a few months now and its altered my thoughts on whats desirable on an electric guitar. I would like to understand some key things about EBMM's guitar design.

Why such a small peghead? Some argue that a larger peghead results in more sustain.

Why does EBMM seem to prefer small frets? Most builders seem to use jumbo or medium tall.

How does EBMM select it's wood from a supplier?

Why does EBMM prefer bolt on to Set neck or neck thru construction?


Jim

 

[savannah_sean]

I'm not sure if it's the original or even the primary reason, but one advantage of the small peghead is that it makes travelling a bit easier- easier to fit in small spaces, like overhead compartments.

 

[73h Nils]

I guess Steinbergers can't hold a note more than half a second then.

I really don't know if the headstock size could affect sustain, but I'm not a luthier, so I am not fit for commenting.

 

[walleye]

i think most of those questions can be answered with "tradition" and "consistency"

things like bolt on necks and smaller frets (the JP's frets arent small though are they...?) are a few of the factors that make EB guitars consistent along their range. consistency is a great thing for any company to have because the buyer knows what to expect. for example any luke, silhouette or axis owner knows already that the reflex is going to be comfortable to them, simply because of the consistencies in the range that they offer.

as for the wood thing.... i dont think thats our place to ask such a question... but then again maybe poppa will come and answer you.

and as for headstock/sustain... musicmen sustain a hell of a lot so the smaller headstock is obviously not that debilitating

 

[Big Poppa]

Headstock size does not affect the sustain. Weight is a big factor...the more weight you can take out the better generally speaking. OUr headsotock also offers straight string pull which is great for tuning and string breakage. It is also extremety sturdy.

Our frets are usually average size. On our non sig models they are the size that Dudley and I believe offer optimum performance. On the signature models it is what the artist wants.

We prefer bolt on because withour five bolt neck plate we can offer and extremely rigin neck joint, adjustability and if you have a proble you can replace the neck easily

We buy from the best suppliers of wood and are very picky

 

[straycat113]

Some inquiring questions that are player talk and some only Sterling could answer like the headstock and wood choices. Personally I love the size shape and 4-2 headstock. 73h Nihls gave the same answer I would about Steinbergers having no headstock at all. First I think EBMM has come up with there own classic headstock that is recognized in the guitar community which is a unique thing. Also there are some odd myths out there what can drain tone, but 80% of Strat players cant stand the big headstocks of the 70s and it was not because there was extra tone.lol Also there are many other odd ones out there, even a great player like Eric Johnson swears that taking off the back cover on his Strats give him greater tone and the only guys believing that are his fans. Once you plug in and crank it up just about most of these myths go down the drain. Valid ones are that your pedal chain can suck your tone as on a smaller scale a Floyd Rose.

As far as fret wire, as Sterling mentioned on the Artist guitars it is there personal preference and the non Artist what Sterling and company put on.Clapton for instance uses thin vintage frets where as SRV liked jumbo frets, same music and style personal preference.

I do not know where EBMM gets its wood from but the eye candy and quality attraction I have towards the guitars I own from them are based on the wood they use for there tops and necks which is hard to beat. Perfect example, take a look at an EBMM EVH with a quilt top and a Peavey Wolfgang 1st year quilt, it is not even close. And through the years the tops and necks just keep getting better and what you would be paying a lot of extra money for with most companies as what you get on standard issue models, would be Custom Shop elsewhere.

As for the Bolt on -Neck through, that that would also be a also personal preference issue. We all know it takes more time to do a neck through but you always run the risk of cracking off a Headstock or snapping a neck as they cant sustain the abuse of a bolt on.

Sterling gave you Gospel, I just added the way I feel as a player.

 

[yngzaklynch]

Headstock size does not affect the sustain. Weight is a big factor...the more weight you can take out the better generally speaking. OUr headsotock also offers straight string pull which is great for tuning and string breakage. It is also extremety sturdy.

Our frets are usually average size. On our non sig models they are the size that Dudley and I believe offer optimum performance. On the signature models it is what the artist wants.

We prefer bolt on because withour five bolt neck plate we can offer and extremely rigin neck joint, adjustability and if you have a proble you can replace the neck easily

We buy from the best suppliers of wood and are very picky

Thanks for chiming in.

Jim

 

[browndog]

Thanks BP & well said Mike.

 

[73h Nils]

My thoughts are confirmed.

 

[shredhed]

Some inquiring questions that are player talk and some only Sterling could answer like the headstock and wood choices. Personally I love the size shape and 4-2 headstock. 73h Nihls gave the same answer I would about Steinbergers having no headstock at all. First I think EBMM has come up with there own classic headstock that is recognized in the guitar community which is a unique thing. Also there are some odd myths out there what can drain tone, but 80% of Strat players cant stand the big headstocks of the 70s and it was not because there was extra tone.lol Also there are many other odd ones out there, even a great player like Eric Johnson swears that taking off the back cover on his Strats give him greater tone and the only guys believing that are his fans. Once you plug in and crank it up just about most of these myths go down the drain. Valid ones are that your pedal chain can suck your tone as on a smaller scale a Floyd Rose.

As far as fret wire, as Sterling mentioned on the Artist guitars it is there personal preference and the non Artist what Sterling and company put on.Clapton for instance uses thin vintage frets where as SRV liked jumbo frets, same music and style personal preference.

I do not know where EBMM gets its wood from but the eye candy and quality attraction I have towards the guitars I own from them are based on the wood they use for there tops and necks which is hard to beat. Perfect example, take a look at an EBMM EVH with a quilt top and a Peavey Wolfgang 1st year quilt, it is not even close. And through the years the tops and necks just keep getting better and what you would be paying a lot of extra money for with most companies as what you get on standard issue models, would be Custom Shop elsewhere.

As for the Bolt on -Neck through, that that would also be a also personal preference issue. We all know it takes more time to do a neck through but you always run the risk of cracking off a Headstock or snapping a neck as they cant sustain the abuse of a bolt on.

Sterling gave you Gospel, I just added the way I feel as a player.

Why do you say the headstocks and necks snap easier on neck-throughs? Attachment type seems irrelevant in this regard to me.

 

[B2D]

Headstock size does not affect the sustain. Weight is a big factor...the more weight you can take out the better generally speaking. OUr headsotock also offers straight string pull which is great for tuning and string breakage. It is also extremety sturdy.

So if I read you right - smaller headstock = less weight = more sustain? Is that generally correct?

I think I read somewhere that having a strings's tuning peg closer to the nut resulted in a slightly smoother sound, and having it farther away resulted in more twang or some such thing... maybe it has to do with angle and not distance.

 

[Dante]

Why do you say the headstocks and necks snap easier on neck-throughs? Attachment type seems irrelevant in this regard to me.

+1. it comes down to how you build it. gibbo headstocks are built from a second piece glued at an angle. dean/washburn necks are 3 piece from heal to top (w/ 2 more for eventual wings). gibbo headstocks are reputed to break more easily than others due to the scarf joint. breaking the heel has to do w/ poor gluing or retarded abuse.

bolt ons... they can take it till they break, and then you just buy a new one. it's the most practical choice, and EBMMs are most practical guitars.

 

[Big Poppa]

it also is because the bolt on is USUALLY maple.....which is much stronger

 

[V_S]

Nope... all Gibbo necks (except for the late 60s and 70s) are made from one piece. That's the problem. The headstock is angled andthe grain doesn't follow the angle but goes straight on... and the cracks and breaks usually follow the grain.

gibbo headstocks are built from a second piece glued at an angle. d

 

[Dante]

that's news to me. i thought they were a second piece. i guess that explains it. i'm MUCH more careful how i put LP guitar (in it's case) down.