Axis Super Sport with the JPXI treatment

[Past EBMM Owner]

Hi all,

I once owned a few EBMM models and would like to own another one again. First off, I think EBMM make great guitars, but I ultimately had to let mine go due to certain spec issues that I just couldn't get along with. My favorite model is the Axis Super Sport, but I grew tired of the 10" fingerboard radius. I've always thought that those models could benefit from flatter radius's. So here is my request idea, if you please:

A one-off Axis Super Sport, built in the same vein as the JPXI. So, to keep things simple, a one-off color like the JPXI. A flatter fingerboard radius like the JPXI (I think a 14" radius would be great; preferably a rosewood board!) And, stainless steel frets like the JPXI showcases would just top it off perfectly. This is only a suggestion....one that I hope Sterling is able to read. I once owned a Rosewood ASS and loved the way it sounded, but always wished it had a flatter fingerboard radius. Then, here comes along the JPXI, (which was a great idea btw) with different options for the JP6. I thought, why not the same thing for the Axis Super Sport perhaps? I honestly think it'd sell pretty well IMO.

Would anyone else be interested in such an ASS model?

 

[Past EBMM Owner]

wow, no one huh?

 

[smd24fan]

If any builder will listen to it's customers, it's EBMM. Having said that, they have to put a line in the sand somewhere. The guitars you mention are different in so many ways, and that's why folks gravitate towards one or the other. I personally, and this might seem weird, enjoy having several different neck profiles in my collection. I think building one guitar to feel like another may not exactly be a good business model. I do love the idea of stainless frets on all guitars though, they are just so smooth and look terrific. Not to mention how durable they are! This is just my 2 cents.

 

[dhalif]

i too welcome SS frets...

 

[the24thfret]

You have good ideas, but EBMM doesn't have a custom shop. The reason the JPXI exists is because it is what John wanted. The Axis SS isn't a signature instrument, so there is no singular artist behind it demanding a new model or changes.

It's obvious (and BP has mentioned many times) that if EB took build suggestions from the general guitar-buying public (or even us forumites), he couldn't run a succesful business. Everyone has their dream guitar, but it is not EBMM's job to build them all.

 

[Fun111]

^Wirhour being cheesy, they already did. Sure there are a couple of things I'd change about my JPX if it were my 'signature model' (inlays, knobs, I'd like to see it with a flat top...) but to be honest its so close.

Something I've always wondered, would the JP remain in existence if John moved to another brand like the Axis?

Anyway I agree, having variety is something I'm really big on, I'm not the type to say 'I can only play a guitar if the neck's Xmm wide, Y" radius, Z profile frets" (not implying anyone else is), I take a guitar as a whole thing. To me the Acis has this character of being a parallel to a small track-type sports car. It's little and light but surprisngly punchy, has a doubt but small, effiicient neck and all the well thought out, up-to-date features we love EBMM for. I think there are very few breeds of guitar (I.e talking about the high end brands, not talking about quality) that if I could never have any other guitar I couldn't happily play.

 

[beej]

With regards to flattening a neck radius, that's something that can always be done aftermarket. Get a good shop to flatten it down and put on SS frets. A much easier request than say, a wider neck, etc.

 

[aleclee]

Get a good shop to flatten it down and put on SS frets.

I suspect that this could be done by a PLEK shop without actually removing any wood. Just replace the frets and PLEK 'em to a 14" radius.

 

[Stratty316]

If I were you I would just PM Sterling and ask him...



(Seriously DON'T PM him... its a big NO NO... he prefers Facebook!!... wait, no... that wont work either... try seeing if there is someone who can do what you want aftermarket like Beej suggested)

 

[buckethead777]

+1 on stainless steel frets. Sick of rusty frets on all of my EBMM. Seriously , every 3 months i have to detail 'em with steel wool, as they rust badly