Question EBMM JP15 high string tension

[zroftroffer]

I am a huge fan of John petrucci and have wanted an EBMM jp15 for years. I'm finally at a point where I can afford it (even though I'm an intermediate player and may not make full use of it like an expert).

I went down to GuitarCenter which is the only dealer in EBMM in my area. They only had the Majesty 7 string guitar.

I tried that and found it lovely except for one aspect - the string was quite stiff making it hard to bend them. I think it was the stock 10-56 strings on that guitar. I'm wondering if the strings were so taut specifically because this was a 7-string or if that's just how EBMM jp-signature guitars are like.

As a comparison I played the steve vai ibanez PIA (although I don't like how it looks). That just seemed so much more fluid and easier to play overall.

Looking for some help from folks who have played both or any experts who might advise me before I spend $4000. Is the regular 6-string EBMM hard to play due to the string tension being high? Is that just how JP likes it and it's something I'll need to get used to, or is it something that can be easily adjusted?

Thanks in advance and sorry for my ignorance here.

 

[fbecir]

Hello and welcome

The JP15 6 strings comes with 10-46 strings. But of course, you can choose 9-46 or 9-42 if it suits your playing style and habits.
The tension you feel depends also on the tremolo setting. If the tremolo floats, you have more flexibility in the strings.
It really depends on the way you setup your guitar.
For instance, my AL is set with the tremolo floating and is loaded with 10-52 strings. My ASS (fixed bridge) is loaded with 10-46 strings.

A good shop should set the guitar exactly how you like it.

 

[Sweat]

Never noticed that as an issue, I own several EBMM's , no JP's any more, seems a set up issue, if comfortable many places to buy them online, even the EBMM Vault, how i buy mine nowdays

 

[jodokus31]

When strings are set too high, the tension feels more, because you have to press the strings more down. I had my JP15 set up the whole time like that and it was really bad, but I now fixed it. There is an FAQ, which describes the setup procedure. The distance from 12th fret should be quite close, even it's risking some string buzz when picking too hard.

 

[zroftroffer]

Thanks for the reassurance that its a setup thing that can be tweaked. I just bought my JP15 on clearance for a $1000 discount! Can't wait until it gets here.

 

[Sweat]

GC is notorious for having poor set ups on the display guitars, lots of people banging on them

 

[zroftroffer]

GC is notorious for having poor set ups on the display guitars, lots of people banging on them

Would you trust GC to setup your new guitar for you though? I've never done it so I'm not confident of doing it myself, especially on such an expensive guitar. I would like to take it to a professional to get it setup right.