A four stringer w/ a question...

[lomky]

I've been singing the praises of Ernie Ball basses to my guitar player for years, and I just started jamming with my new 4 string Sterling H, and he is very impressed with the sound/quality/and amazing looks. He said "too bad they don't make guitars" I said "dude? they've made guitars since the 80's".

Right now he is playing a G*bson Explorer re-issue and a 70's SG. We play pretty heavy music (see my signature for a link) and he likes to palm mute and get a chunky sound w/ his Marshal JCM 900. Anyway, I know with guitars as with basses they all sound a little different but what Ernie Ball model do you (the collective you) think he should start with.

 

[koogie2k]

Well...I will check out the link later. But, if you play heavy...and your guitar player is already using Humbuckers...Axis, Y2D, or a JP would be a great start. Throw the Silo in there too...as you can get the pup configuration you want.

 

[lomky]

Sorry, silo = Silhouette?

 

[koogie2k]

Sorry, silo = Silhouette?

Yep.

 

[ShaneV]

Based on his current guitar I think he'd like an Axis Supersport hardtail. If he's willing to play a trem equipped guitar, then an Axis or a JP.

 

[73h Nils]

Pssh, AL with single coils.

Axis or JP

 

[andynpeters]

Soundwise these posts are no doubt right, but an Explorer & an SG also make a pretty definite visual statement.....so which of these guitars (if any) would suit the heavy image?? Anybody out there really using an Albert Lee in a heavy rock band?

 

[Sigmunds Couch]

Heavy is Axis. Distinct image also. Check out DJ Ashba with Sixx AM.

Dj ASHBA :: "Music For The Demented Mind"

He's got a gear page with some beautiful examples. Lots of them have custom finishes.

 

[pjc812]

JP baby JP. He can get that in a 7 string version too.

 

[ScoobySteve]

Axis or JP

Axis from Eddie Van Halen tradition, and the JP from John Petrucci.

I think the Axis makes a much more definitive statement, the JP's body is much more subtle.

And there aint nothing like an Axis in trans purple quilt.

Hot hot hot!

 

[MikeVt]

Axis or JP

Axis from Eddie Van Halen tradition, and the JP from John Petrucci.

I think the Axis makes a much more definitive statement, the JP's body is much more subtle.

And there aint nothing like an Axis in trans purple quilt.

Hot hot hot!

I agree....JP or Axis. I just checked out the link, and I think either would work, although I think my preference in this case would be the JP. Has your guitar player not heard of Dream Theater? JP can crunch with the best of them...

Not to insult your guitar player or his tastes, but I've never really understood the whole Gibson Explorer thing. The shape just looks dorky to me. My brother likes them too, but I just can't get past it...

Mike

 

[RocketRalf]

Soundwise these posts are no doubt right, but an Explorer & an SG also make a pretty definite visual statement.....so which of these guitars (if any) would suit the heavy image?? Anybody out there really using an Albert Lee in a heavy rock band?

Both the Axis and the Silhouette (in the right colors) will do that.

Do not underestimate the Silhouette as a metal guitar, I love mine to death and I do play a lot of early Metallica and heavy palm-muted riffing. Also, if he's playing a 70's reissue, he might be into PAF type pickups, which is exactly what the Silo has.

 

[candid_x]

You create the image by what you do with what you play.

 

[lomky]

I agree....JP or Axis. I just checked out the link, and I think either would work, although I think my preference in this case would be the JP. Has your guitar player not heard of Dream Theater? JP can crunch with the best of them...

Not to insult your guitar player or his tastes, but I've never really understood the whole Gibson Explorer thing. The shape just looks dorky to me. My brother likes them too, but I just can't get past it...

Mike

He listens to heavier stuff, so probably hasn't heard DT.

Both guitars were extremely good deals, I agree I thought the explorer was a little goofy at first, but I think it's pretty cool now. I've always liked the SG though, I actually used to have an SG style EB bass, and I liked it. I think the SG's look cool! I'm sure he doesn't care what he looks like, we aren't really about image.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I'll give him some links and we'll go from there.

 

[paranoid70]

As a huge Sabbath fan, I would agree that SGs do look cool.... I actually came really close to buying one, but bought a EBMM instead. Good move on my part.

In spite of the deadhead avatar, I am a big metal fan as well. I would say the best EB guitar for metal would be the JP. It does have a real slim neck, so that may or may not take getting used to. After that I would go Axis Super Sport and/or Silhouette. Lastly, the SUB1 is pretty good for metal as well!

One last tip, if he likes to palm mute a lot, I would avoid a Floyd Rose tremolo system. I had a hard time with my old Ibanez when playing that style. The hard tail and vintage trems work great unlike the old Strat trem systems.

 

[RocketRalf]

Oh don't forget the subs! You can still find NOS ones on the net, killer deals if that's what he wants!