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Advice and opinions on Axis vs VH here boys!

C

CptCrunch

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Apr 12, 2013
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hey there fellow axe freaks...

so i am currently in the market for a new (used) geetar. looked at some jacksons and a couple deans...but the Axis and VH EBMM guitars keep cathcing my eye. i cannot find an axis locally to try out in cleveland. and christ there are a TON of guitar stores near me. now i did play the VH models when they first came out in the 90's, and i really dug them. but what i am wondering is if the new axis production models are pretty much the same as the VH ones? neck thickness, pickups, overall build quality: are they pretty equal? or close? are there any differences in axis models currently available, or are all the axis the same outside of color and quality of flame?

the other thing that interests me is the floyds. i remember the VH having a slightly longer base plate on the floyd, so when you bend strings the others didn't go flat like on most trems. is it the same floyd on the new axis as the VH models?

i appreciate your expertise- i have been more of a gibson/PRS/fender guy for years. so those guitars and their history i know rather well. but i figured i'd ask you boys who own and love these EMBB guitars for your thoughts before i purchase.

and i am talking USA axis...not the overseas ones.

thanks for your help in helping me find a new baby. sorry to ramble, but this is killing me and i need help making a decision since i can't find any to try out.
 
Tim O'Sullivan

Tim O'Sullivan

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The Axis and the EVH are identical except:

The nut is a tiny bit wider
The EVH had a pre worn neck contour, the Axis does not
The Axis has a belly cut on the back
The EVH and Axis have their 3-way toggles in different places
The EVH has 'Tone' on the volume control and the Axis says 'Volume'

Other than that they are the same! You can get the Axis with a Rosewood board if you wish and from time to time the Axis has been available with various woods and colors.

Same great build quality and tone!
 
DrKev

DrKev

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Yes, EVH liked his necks a touch narrower, some people found the high E-string would slip off the edge of the neck. When the EVH became the Axis, the made the neck a tiny bit wider to stop that happening. String spacing is the same, IIRC.
 
beej

beej

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Yep- the neck is a tad wider at the body. As said, it's the same at the nut.

The neck contour is the same as the EVHs.

Also- same pickups, but the ones in the Axis use 4 conductors (rather than 2) so they can be split.
 
Tollywood

Tollywood

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Hello Captain Crunch, and welcome to the forum.

You can't go wrong with either the Axis or the evh. You will spend less money on an Axis. You will be very happy either way, but you have more wood options available on an Axis.

We're going to need to see some pics once you decide...
 
kimonostereo

kimonostereo

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I love both my EVH and my Axis, but if I had to buy one to play on a regular basis, I'd go with the Axis. Why?
- Tummy cut on the back makes the instrument so much nicer to play for long periods.
- The EVH will probably cost you twice as much as an Axis
- Even though I baby my Axis Tribute, I don't think I'd cry if it got a ding as much as I would my EVH
- I'd be concerned with replacement parts if the EVH becomes your main instrument of choice. Good luck getting a replacement neck and floyd rose. Both are not available from EBMM or easy to find.

Just my $.02.
 
C

CptCrunch

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Apr 12, 2013
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thanks fellas! so the floyd is diff. eh? does the axis floyd still have the longer base plate to prevent notes from going flat when bending like the EVH...or what are the other differences??

leaning towards the axis...but you never know!!
 
DrKev

DrKev

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CptCrunch said:
does the axis floyd still have the longer base plate to prevent notes from going flat when bending like the EVH
Click to expand...

Notes going flat when bending has nothing to do wit the length of the base plate. All trems will naturally do this if they are set up to float or if there is not enough back pressure from the trem springs. Any guitar can be set up not to do this.
 
Sweat

Sweat

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kimonostereo said:
All you need to do to spot that it's not an EVH is the switch location. On the Axis, the switch is by the volume knob. On an EVH it's closer to the horn.
Click to expand...

kimo is correct, damn good eye my friend:) I would run away from this one also Axis is better IMO just buy new or used from the forum:cool:

Damn I wish they would do a hardtail tribute series:D
 
C

CptCrunch

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Apr 12, 2013
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do either the VH or axis necks have a finished fingerboard? i know about the back of the neck, but what about the FB? poly? nitro? satin? plain? other?
 
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