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97 Wolfgang Archtop / Not Impressed

NOTEWORTHY

NOTEWORTHY

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 17, 2003
Messages
47
Location
Atlanta
i Just Sold A 1997 Black 1st Edition Wolfgang For A Friend Of Mine. Complete With Spec Sheet, Tools,manuals,fretguard Et Al. My Axis Ss Hh Played And Sounded Far Better To Him And To Me. I Keep Hearing About How Great The Early Wolfs Were, But "excuse Me Dudes"..
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I seem to find that the archtops are usually better feeling to me than the flat tops. I had an EXP (Korean) and it was a great bang for the buck guitar. I sold it to finance the Carvin 727 I ordered.
 
I tend to agree w/ Dave-O here. I had one w/ a fixed bridge that was pretty dece....
One thing I never understand is why it's a carve-top and they call it an archtop. The archtop would denote hollow body and bracing like a jazzbox (hey EBMM needs to do a JAzz Box!). I also think that the proprietary PV pickups are horrible. Too much sizzle not enough grizzle. Neck was cool tho.
 
I have a blue Wolfgang arch top, with a hard tail which is a pretty nice guitar. However in order to make it 'nice' I have had it re-fretted it with sensible fretwire, fitted 2 Axis pickups (sourced from ebay) and made the selector switch work the proper way round. I have also changed the knobs and selector to cream like my EBMM guitars. I wouldnt get rid of this fine axe, but that said I would not buy another! I got it cheap in Sweden. I attach some pictures, excuse me gurning!

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I have a purple Wolf Standard HT and have considered replacing the pickups in it with Axis pickups. Funny thing is, I don't think it sounds as good as my Wolf Special or my EBMM EVH. It isn't far off but the tone isn't as warm or as responsive as the other two. The pickups are the same as the pickups in my Special but the carved maple top and hard tail must make the difference in tone. I did put a coil split switch on my Standard which makes it an amazingly versatile guitar (See also Axis SS) And I replaced the black plastic knobs with chrome round topped knobs. It looks classier that way.

I wouldn't change anything about my Wolf Special. It's an awesome little work horse. (I take that back, I did put a regular trem arm on it so it doesn't feel loose and can be easily screwed off without tools.)

There are tonal differences between Wolfgangs and the Axis/EVH that's for sure. They feel different too. The key is deciding which one fits your needs and tastes the best. I can see definate advantages to both.

Nice looking blue Wolf there Tim.
 
It's just me I guess...probably because of what I started out with but, I'm just not a big fan of the archtop guitars (any brand). They don't feel right to me...I seem to catch myself digging into the strings with my pick a little deeper. I guess if I forced myself to stick with an archtop I would get used to it after awhile.

sjl
 
I know what you mean punkin. I think the archtop/carved top can be an excellent feature on a guitar. It certainly makes them look cooler and no doubt effects the tone in some way. But it isn't a feature that I find essential at all. I like the feel of my Wolf Special every bit as much as my Standard. Same with my EBMM/EVH although once in a while the binding of the EVH digs into my arm. The carved top of the Wolf helps to avoid this. Ultimately I move the EVH around more to my hip and it doesn't dig in anymore.

I think you just get use to what you play. If you only play one design of guitar then that will be what you find more necessary. From that perspective, I understand why people who cut their teeth on LP's or PRS's need to have carved tops.

The only body design that I think is really good and frankly, can be altered but not improved upon is the body contours on a Strat style guitar. Again, I can live without them. But I'm not sure there is a more comfortable guitar body out there. That includes the most expensive carved tops.
 
I hear ya...that's why I like my EB JPM so much. The carved out area for your arm is the perfect compromize and unlike some of my RG and UV Ibanez', the tremolo tuners aren't exposed to catch your hand either. It's simply a nice mix between the shredders and the archtops. :)
 
I couldn't agree more with ya....the JP is just plain comfortable no matter if you are standing or sitting. I don't ever have trouble with it digging in me anywhere and everything is out of the way. Makes me play longer which is a good thing.....Lord knows I need it.... ;)
 
koogie2k said:
I couldn't agree more with ya....the JP is just plain comfortable no matter if you are standing or sitting. I don't ever have trouble with it digging in me anywhere and everything is out of the way. Makes me play longer which is a good thing.....Lord knows I need it.... ;)
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I totally agree regarding the JPM. IMO the neck on the Wolfgang is exceptional. My ideal guitar would be an EB MM Petrucci body w. the Wolfgang neck carve.
 
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