Axis guitar locking nut shim

[largemarge]

Hey ya'll. I just bought a new Axis guitar in yellow quilt and I love it. I just have a quick question that I'm sure someone here can answer. On the treble side of the locking nut, there is a brass shim. I'm assuming this was done by the factory because there was no mention from the retailer that an in store factory set up was done. This forum is great. Thanks in advance.

largemarge

 

[hbucker]

I have an EVH that had the neck shimmed at the factory. And since purchasing it have had to shim the trebble side of the locking nut. That you have one from the factory does not surprise me. It would also not surprise me if you have a plastic shim in your neck pocket. You can't see it unless you remove the neck.

 

[largemarge]

Hey Boss. Thanks for the reply. EB customer service told me the same thing. A Japanese HM Strat that I used to own also came from the factory with two nut shims. The Strat was the sort of guitar that I'm sure no one ever paid to have a pro set-up, so I figured that my Axis shims were also factory.
Ya got to love the Axis and EVH guitars. They sound great. I especially like the fact that when you get a good lead sound and switch to the neck pickup, your tone is still great. Way sweeter than a typical neck pickup sound.
I bought my Axis three days ago at a Denver area Guitar Center for 881$ including the factory case and tax! It was basically half price. Clearance baby! They also had another for the same price in red sparkle, but I of course chose the translucent gold, a la the man himself EVH, with a very nice quilted top. Give me a minute to wipe my drool!
Another Denver area Guitar Center has the same Axis as mine for sale, with a much lesser top in my opinion, for 1400$ Mine had a few very small dings, one on the bass side of the body, and another near the locking nut, probably from some dingbat hanging it on a display hook.

Thanks again.

Loud and Proud

largemarge

 

[hbucker]

I agree with your take on the tone. It's great. It especially keeps its composure well with high gain. I love my EVH and would never part with it but have to say that the need for shims (at the factory or otherwise) disappoints me. For a guitar of this quality and price, IMO it should come without shims and still be set up well. I own another EVH guitar from another company... It has no shims anywhere and the action at the 12th fret is superior to my EBMM. Again, this isn't a slam, just an observation.

Oh well. I'm sure it doesn't matter much. But I think my point is well made.

take care (from Highlands Ranch;-)

h

 

[hendmik]

Hey fellas! I'm a Deverite too. I bought my Axis from the Arvada GC in August for $800. I was recently at the Englewood GC and saw the Axis largemarge bought. It was a nice one, although I didn't see the damage you mentioned. My Axis has a shim under the nut as well. I'm not complaining. This is what you get from handmade instruments. Nothing against Peaveys. I've never played them, so I can't comment. But Dan Erlewine assures me that having a shim is no reflection on the quality of the craft, but more of an indication that someone spent a lot of time making sure the guitar was perfect before it left their bench.

P.S. largemarge, I love your nick. Hilarious.

 

[hbucker]

I just saw the red sparkle Axis at the Countyline GC. What a screaming deal! Luckily I don't need another guitar like that otherwise I'd be killing myself trying to come up with the cash to run down there and buy it.

 

[largemarge]

Hey hbucker and hendmik. Thanks again for your input. I'm pretty happy with the deal that I got. The Denver GC on Colo blvd has an Axis exactly like mine with the exception of the top not being as figured, and the price still at 1400$ The salesmen was quick to mention that he would reduce the price if I was interested in it, the reductions being any scratches, dings, etc. I would think that it was also going on clearance sometime soon.
With respect to value, my recommendation to anyone buying a figured top guitar is to try and find the best figuring possible. As we all now from Les Paul values, a nice top is always prefered in respect to collectibilty and value retention. I considered the red sparkle Axis at the Englewood GC, but the figuring was too obstructed by the red color and sparkle. Some of the flame top Axis guitars that I've seen are also sort of plain. Just some observations.

Rock On

largemarge

 

[hendmik]

I'm a little surprised that all the cheap Axises at GC were factory seconds. My $800 Axis was brand new, not a scratch. Aparently CG was having problems moving some of the guitars so EB told them they could sell them for dirt cheap to make room for 2004 units. The cherry sparkle you didn't really like, is also a discontinued color which also might explain the cheap price.

 

[largemarge]

Hey hendmik. I wasn't told anything about it being a factory second. Is there such a thing? The small dents happened in the store from handling, I'm assuming. The orig price tag on it was 1400$, or whatever, 1429$ maybe. I was told that it was simply just marked down because it was the end of the year. No one pointed out the dings to me or made any mention of them. I saw them myself and a lot of people prob wouldn't even notice them. No one even tried to sell me on the guitar. I've just always liked them and it was a good price.

largemarge

 

[Derek]

We do not sell factory seconds nor do we tell the
dealer to blow out the guitars for new models ect. Guitar Center's policy is all guitars are hands on and if a customer wants to play before he buys then he is allowed to do so. Consequently,due to the large volume of traffic in their stores GC has a certain amount of any brand guitars,basses that may have dings,chips dents ect for sale.

 

[largemarge]

Hey Derek. I pretty much assumed what you affirmed. Large stores with a lot of traffic are going to have more people handling the merchandise and they do need to make room for new guitars. Guitar Center also encourages customers to handle, and or mishandle the guitars, so some will invariably get small dings and scratches.

Thanks

largemarge