- Thread starter H Golf Sport
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OK, Derek and I chatted today and I was 99% (OK, 100%) wrong. 
Here's the story behind the Axis EX, straight from Derek:
Derek, if I got any of that wrong, set me straight!
Here's the story behind the Axis EX, straight from Derek:"Axis Ex was a program for Kanda Shokai to keep offering an EVH Style guitar since the demand was so great in Japan after we stopped making the Van Halen model in 1995 (we stopped shipping the Eddie in Sept 95 -- not sure how soon after the Axis EX started). The EX bodies and necks were crafted in Japan and we provided hardware, pickups, etc. They had a page for Axis (crafted by EBMM) and Axis EX (crafted by KS) in their catalog. We discontinued the program around 2003. They had plenty in stock so they kept selling them for a while after…"
Derek, if I got any of that wrong, set me straight!
peaveywolfgang
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OK, Derek and I chatted today and I was 99% (OK, 100%) wrong.
"Axis Ex was a program for Kanda Shokai to keep offering an EVH Style guitar since the demand was so great in Japan after we stopped making the Van Halen model in 1995 (we stopped shipping the Eddie in Sept 95 -- not sure how soon after the Axis EX started). The EX bodies and necks were crafted in Japan and we provided hardware, pickups, etc. They had a page for Axis (crafted by EBMM) and Axis EX (crafted by KS) in their catalog. We discontinued the program around 2003. They had plenty in stock so they kept selling them for a while after…"
Derek, if I got any of that wrong, set me straight!
it always seems there's confusion about this model. i remember reading somewhere (mail or this forum) a message from big poppa or someone inside ebmm, that all the parts, including the wood, were made in usa and shipped to japan just for assembling. or at least for some time right after the evh ebmm split.
now from what i know, having gathered info for almost 10 years, owning 2 of ex's, 1 evh and 1 axis usa, and after watching hundreds of photos of this model, even with specific details, i can say this:
ex and evh (and axis) sound exactly the same
ex and evh have exactly the same hardware (gotoh bridge, same pickups - ex with the patent number, like axis after 95, same tuners, same switch)
there is the same issue with the high e string slipping off the fretboard on high frets, both with ex or evh
the ex has a maple top, just as thick as evh, 4 mm.
early ex have two piece tops and it seems that that is a solid 2 piece top. one of mine is that way, but i never took it apart to check. as far as i know the earliest ex's are from 97, mine has a 97 volume pot. those have the serial number that starts with A, have the old logo on the neck plate and most have 2 piece tops
the later one still have the 4 mm maple top, but there is a very thin veneer glued over that, which is 1 piece maple, so the top looks like a 1 piece. i had one of those too
just like the evh and axis, the ex have the fading issue, especially blue and black ones, green also.
and last, the neck profile varies. one ex i owned had a thicker neck profile, but the other one is almost identical to my 2011 axis ( which i feel is a little thicker than my 95 evh )
here are some photos of details of an early ex (but no 2 piece top) which i came across lately (this is not mine)
hope this helps
peaveywolfgang
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peaveywolfgang
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peaveywolfgang
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threeminutesboy
Well-known member
Nice thanks for sharing
Hi Guys, i know this is an old thread, but just wondering. I just bought one of these axis ex online. I want to check a few things out. does anyone have any pictures of the headstock join? it looks to me as if this is a separate piece of wood, as it looks like a completely separate piece, although I aint sure.
Post a photo. The headstock should ABSOLUTELY be the same piece of wood the rest of the neck is carved from. The only "seam" you should see is the one where the fretboard meets the back of the neck (because the fretboard was cut from the neck blank to route and install the truss rod, then put back on. But the headstock is absolutely the same piece of wood as the whole neck. This is the case on ALL Music Man guitars since Ernie Ball took over (and maybe the pre-EB as well, but I don't know about them). EBMM has never done a scarf joint headstock. Even on the Majesty which has a tilt-back headstock.
Could it have been a repair for a broken off headstock? Post photos!
Could it have been a repair for a broken off headstock? Post photos!
agt
Well-known member
What Jeff said plus ... on EBMM models where the headstock is finished and the neck has the gunstock oil & wax finish, there is a slight but visible "line" where the hard finish from the neck ends and the natural oiled and waxed wood begins. This "line" is even with the with the nut and will exist along the entire back-of-neck circumference. But, as Jeff mentioned, except in the case of a repair, it is the same piece of wood. Perhaps this is what you are noticing?
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did you order from one of the japanese sellers?
