EBMM Axis / Axis BFR vs (Fender) EVH Wolfgang USA?

[AxisPower873]

has anyone played both of these models?

and if so, can you explain their differences as well as their pros and cons!

thanks

 

[lessthanone]

owned them all dude, including the original mm evh. Obviously, the biggest difference is the fender has a carved top. The fender uses hard rock maple for the necks, so no birdseye. The contour of the neck(on the fender) is very different and uncomfortable if you're used to the evh/axis neck. soundwise, the fender is very bass heavey(probably due to the thicker body/cap. Very hi def sounding though, harmonics fly off the fender. Compared to the MM though, I dont think it can hang. They've had quality issues with the fenders. They are great guitars, but not worth the new price. But they are a steal on the used market bc they haven't been holding their value to well.

 

[AxisPower873]

owned them all dude, including the original mm evh. Obviously, the biggest difference is the fender has a carved top. The fender uses hard rock maple for the necks, so no birdseye. The contour of the neck(on the fender) is very different and uncomfortable if you're used to the evh/axis neck. soundwise, the fender is very bass heavey(probably due to the thicker body/cap. Very hi def sounding though, harmonics fly off the fender. Compared to the MM though, I dont think it can hang. They've had quality issues with the fenders. They are great guitars, but not worth the new price. But they are a steal on the used market bc they haven't been holding their value to well.

I have never owned or played a EBMM Axis. I just went by the reviews I have read when I ordered my EBMM Axis BFR in Bahama Blue Burst. But, I have seen some great deals and have really been interested in an WVH Wolfgang. I have yet to try one of those either. I am used to compound radium on a neck vs the more vintage 10" on the EBMM. But I am more used to the MJ frets on the EBMM vs the Vintage Frets on the EVH, although I have played a EC Strat and liked the Vintage frets.

Just wondering if I made the right choice with the EBMM, because I do not like chunky or fat necks and tend to prefer a more modern radius which is why I never really liked Strats and their 9.5 radius. Always loved Jacksons and their necks. But, I have read nothing but great things on the EBMM Axis, but the mroe I read the more I think it may just not be right for me!

 

[lessthanone]

if you like the jackson thing you may have made a mistake...

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I agree.....an Axis is the "anti-Jackson". I play absolutely everything. I have played all of the EVH inspired models.

My take on the Fender EVH standard after playing one for an hour in GC.......it's a nice $400 guitar for $2500.

I would absolutely take a $600 PV Wolfgang Special over a new Fender one. The EBMM EVH or Axis are on a completely different planet. If you like Jacksons, the PV has a 12" radius, if I remember correctly, so it'll be closer. But none of the EVH inspired guitars have slim necks.

 

[lessthanone]

I'm with Jack on this, I would def go with a peavey wolfgang over the fender version. You can get a real nice usa standard deluxe in the 1100-1400 range and it will smoke the newer fender. And yes, I've also had the peavey's

 

[gregmusi]

I think the EVH (Fender) USA wolfgangs get a bad rap more than they should. I can't speak for the MIJ specials, but I have a USA tobacco sunburst quilt that plays like a dream. I agree that it is overpriced (due to it being a signature model... lots of money going straight to "what's his name"). The fit and finish of mine is impeccable. The neck is fantastic as I really like the compound radius and the stainless steel frets. While the neck is quartersawn maple, the fingerboard is in fact birdseye. For me at least, it plays *very* fast. Just a different feel, but I honestly really like both the EVH and the Axis (tribute). Without question, the Axis is a much better value given the build quality and superior figured wood (top and neck).

 

[AxisPower873]

Well to sum it all up, I traditionally am a Jackson fan b/c I like fast necks and I play 80's rock for the most part. But, to be honest one of the best feeling necks I ever played was a Yngwie Fender Strat neck which is a Modern C w/ 9.5" radius scalloped and jumbo frets. Now take away the scalloped neck and jumbo frets b/c that kind of took time to get used to, but the feeling of the shape of that neck was perfect for me, even though I usually like compound radius'.

Now from what I read on forums the EVH is not a bad guitar it seems to get a real bad rap for its price. But, believe it or not I can buy a brand new EVH USA Wolfgang for the same price or $100 less as my EBMM Axis BFR, in a 2A quilted or the new 5A flamed finish. Or I can get a Black, White, or Stealth finsih for anywhere from $350-550 less than the EBMM AXis BFR.

Seeing what my preference and needs are does anyone think the EBMM will fit my needs? See there is no info or review I can find where someone accurately describes or compares the Axis to anything else, all I read is it is a great guitar that just feels different, which really doesn't help me.

See I have until the end of the week to cancel my EBMM BFR order and get a EVH if I want, so I am trying to figure this out!

Thanks

 

[gregmusi]

I think you wil find that the EVH will have a "thinner, wider and flatter" feel than the Axis. Both are excellent necks, just a different feel. I can honestly go back and forth between them without a beat. The difference in neck shape between them isn't as drastic as you would think though. The frets are a different story. The stainless steel frets are very "slippery" compared to the Axis and you will need to adjust your bending.

 

[tommydude]

Well to sum it all up, I traditionally am a Jackson fan b/c I like fast necks and I play 80's rock for the most part. But, to be honest one of the best feeling necks I ever played was a Yngwie Fender Strat neck which is a Modern C w/ 9.5" radius scalloped and jumbo frets. Now take away the scalloped neck and jumbo frets b/c that kind of took time to get used to, but the feeling of the shape of that neck was perfect for me, even though I usually like compound radius'.

Now from what I read on forums the EVH is not a bad guitar it seems to get a real bad rap for its price. But, believe it or not I can buy a brand new EVH USA Wolfgang for the same price or $100 less as my EBMM Axis BFR, in a 2A quilted or the new 5A flamed finish. Or I can get a Black, White, or Stealth finsih for anywhere from $350-550 less than the EBMM AXis BFR.

Seeing what my preference and needs are does anyone think the EBMM will fit my needs? See there is no info or review I can find where someone accurately describes or compares the Axis to anything else, all I read is it is a great guitar that just feels different, which really doesn't help me.

See I have until the end of the week to cancel my EBMM BFR order and get a EVH if I want, so I am trying to figure this out!

Thanks

So, basically, you like the thinner Jackson neck, but you want the 9.5 Radius?

For thin neck, you want a Petrucci. Hands down, a very versitile beast.
The Axis neck will feel like you have played it for years. It will melt in your hands like butter.

Can any LUKE owners add their two cents??!! Or MusicMan employees??

 

[beej]

I have never owned or played a EBMM Axis.

Not to sound rude, but there's really no way to know if you're going to bond with this guitar other than playing it. It's difficult to buy a guitar site unseen.

Are there any stores/dealers near you that stock EBMM? The Axis models are usually easy to come by, and they're going to feel just like the BFR version (they just won't have the added mahogany block in the body). If you spend a bit of time playing one, you'll know if it's for you.

Whereabouts are you located? I'm sure somebody can help direct you to one.

 

[AxisPower873]

Not to sound rude, but there's really no way to know if you're going to bond with this guitar other than playing it. It's difficult to buy a guitar site unseen.

Are there any stores/dealers near you that stock EBMM? The Axis models are usually easy to come by, and they're going to feel just like the BFR version (they just won't have the added mahogany block in the body). If you spend a bit of time playing one, you'll know if it's for you.

Whereabouts are you located? I'm sure somebody can help direct you to one.

you do not sound rude at all. I looked into the 2 nearest EBMM dealers and none ahve an Axis in stock only JP models right now. Apparently when they get them they fly off the shelves. Which leads me to believe it is an amazing instrument, but it does not mean it is for me!

 

[beej]

Perhaps there's someone on the forum nearby who would let you try their guitar?

 

[DevRock]

I agree.....an Axis is the "anti-Jackson".

I have an AXIS and two Jacksons. Love 'em both!

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I have an AXIS and two Jacksons. Love 'em both!

I have had several Jacksons and an ESP as well as an Axis and a couple Axis SS models. They are very, very different. Some players seem to gravitate to one type of guitar and stick with that and don't like others. I have some of just about everything, so switching around is seemless to me.


To the OP.....where do you live? I have a couple Axis Supersports that I'd be happy to let you try. I don't have anything metal....I do have the sub 1 (nearly the same as a silhouette spec) and Albert Lee, which are both traditional C necks. I have one other guitar that I'm pretty sure is a 12" radius, stainless frets and 25" scale (that I'd like to sell )

 

[AxisPower873]

I think the EVH (Fender) USA wolfgangs get a bad rap more than they should. I can't speak for the MIJ specials, but I have a USA tobacco sunburst quilt that plays like a dream. I agree that it is overpriced (due to it being a signature model... lots of money going straight to "what's his name"). The fit and finish of mine is impeccable. The neck is fantastic as I really like the compound radius and the stainless steel frets. While the neck is quartersawn maple, the fingerboard is in fact birdseye. For me at least, it plays *very* fast. Just a different feel, but I honestly really like both the EVH and the Axis (tribute). Without question, the Axis is a much better value given the build quality and superior figured wood (top and neck).

So you would say the build quality is superior for the EBMM over the Fender EVH?

 

[AxisPower873]

Is the neck and frets on a EBMM Axis BFR the same or similiar to a EMBB EVH from the 90's?

Because, I think I found a friend who has a guy that he used to gig with that owns a Trans Pink EBMM EVH model from the mid 90's, thanks!

 

[AxisPower873]

Also sorry for annoying the hell out of everyone, lol!

 

[IslandBoy]

Pretty much the same ! VERY slight difference with the Axis on the Higher frets.
From someone that has owned Multiple of each , the quality and playability of the EBMM product is superior ! Not saying that as a FanBoy, as I buy what I like !

 

[AxisPower873]

Pretty much the same ! VERY slight difference with the Axis on the Higher frets.
From someone that has owned Multiple of each , the quality and playability of the EBMM product is superior ! Not saying that as a FanBoy, as I buy what I like !

you have owned both? which Fender EVH brand Wolfgang did you have? The Japanese Wolfgang Special / Wolfgang Special HT, the USA Wolfgang / Wolfgang HT, or Wolfgang Custom (neck-thru)?

very interested to know what you thought of both in comparison? thanks