1 11/16 vs 1 5/8

[Assumer]

Is there a noticable difference in these two nut widths? Just asking because I really want a JP but I have an Axis SS and the neck is perfect. Of course I have never touched a JP or any other neck besides a Silhouette Special. (nice but still liked ASS better) Don't have one close to try out so taking a chance. Also play lefty so places to order with a return policy are limited.
Thanks

 

[John C]

I think it is more the entire "geometry" of the JP neck - not only is it wider at the nut but it is thinner in depth and has a flatter radius than the Axis. It will feel different; unfortunately you will probably have to play one to see whether or not the JP will work for you.

I have a couple of suggestions:

1. Check with the dealers on the forum. Pete Dubaldo at Dubaldo Music is great to deal with (I've done 2 EBMMs through Pete); Beaver Felton at Bass Central has gotten great reviews and worked with several forumites on special situations; I can't recall the name but someone from a Guitar Center posts pretty frequently and might also help out.

2. If none of the dealers active on the forum have any lefty JP6s call EBMM Customer Service and see if they can tell you who might have one in stock.

3. This might hack off some dealers, but I would say go ahead and get in any lefty JP6 you find just to try it out - even if you think you want a different color, different options, etc. That way you can see if the neck works, if you like the overall feel, tone, etc. Granted every guitar will be different, but EBMMs are very consistent and you could then ship back the "test guitar" and order one exactly how you want it - although to be fair I would suggest doing the custom order from the same dealer you used for the "test" guitar. Of course, who knows but you might just fall in love with the "test guitar" and just keep it. In the grand scheme of things it's probably better to be out $100 in shipping (assuming say $50 each way) than to take the hit on reselling a guitar you don't like.

EDITED TO ADD:

The forumite who works at Guitar Center is "zombi"; he works at their Sherman Oaks store.

Dubaldo Music has a fully loaded lefty JP6 in Mystic Dream on their website.

Sorry, I didn't see any leftys on Bass Central's site.

 

[Assumer]

Good idea. Thanks

 

[John C]

Good idea. Thanks

I sent you a PM about another source that might be worth checking out.

 

[spkirby]

The Axis neck feels nothing like the JP... I love the Axis neck but just cannot work with the JP's. The JP's neck is closeish to an Ibanez wizard neck (flat & thin) and just isn't for me.

For something different, try a Luke... that neck is sublime and much closer to the Axis neck than the JP is.

 

[SteveB]

The Axis neck is definitely 'meatier' than the JP neck.

The shape of the neck as it cups in your hand between your thumb and your first finger I would describe as a "C" shape on the Axis. Thicker and rounder than the JP's. The Luke's neck is more "V" shaped in this regard. The Albert Lee is also thick and "C" shaped as I recall.

The radius on the JP fingerboard is also very flat (I'm not sure offhand how, or even *if* it differs from the Axis.. definitely feels different though).

 

[Assumer]

Any paticular wizard neck I should try to get an idea of the JP? I know nothing about the wizard necks in respect to different versions etc.

 

[GHWelles]

I love the JP neck. Best there is. To me it is similar to the awesome old San Dimas Charvel necks, but a little wider and maybe a little thinner. It is an evolutionary step from those. The LUKE V neck is not for me. The Axis neck is cool.
If you don't like the wider JP nut, you could change it out if you could find a lefty Axis compensated nut. Easy fix. Voids the warranty though, I would think. Not that you actually need the warranty with these quality instruments.

 

[bbake1]

The Axis neck feels nothing like the JP... I love the Axis neck but just cannot work with the JP's. The JP's neck is closeish to an Ibanez wizard neck (flat & thin) and just isn't for me.

+1 Totally agree. I had a JP6 for about 6 months and just could not bond with the feel. Great guitar, just not for me. The Axis neck is the most comfortable and that's the most important aspect for me. I tried the wider widths in all of the brands and kept coming back to the Axis. Now that is all I have.

 

[SCman]

Agree as well.

If the JP came with an axis type neck, I'd snap one up in a minute!

+1 Totally agree. I had a JP6 for about 6 months and just could not bond with the feel. Great guitar, just not for me. The Axis neck is the most comfortable and that's the most important aspect for me. I tried the wider widths in all of the brands and kept coming back to the Axis. Now that is all I have.

 

[ScoobySteve]

I'd have to agree with most of the sentiment here. As a JP owner, the first time you hold the neck it will be VERY different. VERY.

So get your hands around it before you make any decisions. I've played a couple coming off a Les Paul STD and I must tell you the transition was quite a thing, but the reality for me was the thinner neck was simply much more comfortable and ergonomic for my playing style. It's different, but different doesn't mean worse, it's just different.

Either way, be sure to try one. It is perhaps the most comfortable guitar out there.

 

[Assumer]

I guess I will have to take a trip. The closest place that may have one is 2.5 hours but I guess in the end it will be worth it. Of course all you fellow ballers could send me yours for a week or take a trip to Arkansas!!!!
Thanks for all the input.

 

[zyx345]

I guess I will have to take a trip. The closest place that may have one is 2.5 hours but I guess in the end it will be worth it. Of course all you fellow ballers could send me yours for a week or take a trip to Arkansas!!!!
Thanks for all the input.

Try an Ibanez RG570 or a Prestige 1570 to get an idea of the thickness or should I say thinness of the JP neck. Keep in mind the Ibanez will have a different shape but it very similar IMO in feel and thickness to the JP.

I agree with the previous posters. Having owned both, everything was great about the JP but I much preferred the neck on the Axis.