EVH or AXIS?

[PRSPlayer]

I know this topic has probably been beaten to death, but I was just wondering ...
I'd LOVE to own an EVH model, but finding one that's in good shape that's in my price range has been tough. On the other hand, it appears that I can get an AXIS in mint condition, and in the color of my choice for considerably less.
I'm aware that the EVH model is considered a "collectors" guitar and only a limited number were made, but I'm also looking at this in a "players" percpective.

I understand there are some differences in the two ... contoured backside and switch location, but isn't everything else the same?

The reason I am a little hesitant in going with an AXIS is I really HATE the location of the switch and the fact that the EVH model will AT LEAST retain it's value as a collectors item.

Any thoughts?

 

[dwf1004]

EVH/Axis Differences:

1. Tone knob on EVH, Volume knob on Axis
2. Neck 1/32" wider at base to prevent slippage on Axis
3. Flat backside on EVH, contoured on Axis
4. No signature (duh!)
5. Pickup switch location (another duh!)
6. Same Gotoh bridge, but saddles are different on Axis (offset on EVH, straightaway on Axis)
7. DiMarzio pickups have 3 conductor wire on Axis, 2 conductor on EVH (change for adding 5-way switch, a la an ASS)

That's why I "downgraded", Dino...I hate that location too. But that's just my opinion as a player, I'm not dissin' the geetar in any way.

I'll throw out my suggestion as Dr. Darrell as I did with Timmy (timrams88), which was to go with what you want...you won't be happy if you go with second best (in the aspect that you want an EVH, but "settle" for an Axis). I'd save some extra pennies over time, and get one.

As far as pricing now, they're in the 1700-2000 range. What was your cap again? I could chastise you a la "shoulda, coulda, woulda", but I already pegged you on that in another thread. I'll give you a break here (you didn't think I'd let you live this down, did you Dino?)

 

[PRSPlayer]

I could chastise you a la "shoulda, coulda, woulda", but I already pegged you on that in another thread. I'll give you a break here (you didn't think I'd let you live this down, did you Dino?)

 

[dwf1004]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2384&item=3761401527&rd=1
Nice natural, includes G&G hardshell, but with an ugly a** non-EBMM toggle switch (first thing to disappear in my world!) $1779.75 BIN

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2384&item=3760732879&rd=1
Purple hardtail, looks good to me! $1700 current, no BIN

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2384&item=3760779825&rd=1
Amber with molded hardshell case $1800 current, $2K BIN

Just thought I'd throw those out there to ya!

 

[PurpleSport]

PRS-dude: You sound like a prime candidate for one of the Axis EX-es, if you don't mind going through a little "Lost In Translation"-style jumping-through-hoops to get one.

They have the old EVH toggle position, specs, etc., and from what I gather the only things really different is the headstock doesn't have the EVH signature, and it's made in Japan (but from US-made EBMM parts). And since they're somewhat rare birds over here and there was a finite number of parts sent over there, you get your unusual factor in there as well. Icing on the cake is that they're not as expensive as the EVH's, and may also cost as much or less than the current US Axis, and from the pics I've seen they appear to have really nicely figured tops on 'em.

Search around on this board and you should be able to find a link to the Japanese distributor, whom I believe I read speak passable English. If I ever get the jones to add another Axis to my collection, I'm gonna consider one of these myself...

 

[PRSPlayer]

"http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...3760732879&rd=1"

An EVH "Hardtail"?
What's that say'n about !#%'s on a bull?
Thanks for the leads!

Purplesport,
I've also considered something similar from MeanStreet Guitars called an "Intruder". It looks nice, but ... oh well, I think I answered my own question concerning the AXIS ....

I WANT AN EVH!

 

[PurpleSport]

I've also considered something similar from MeanStreet Guitars called an "Intruder". It looks nice, but ... oh well, I think I answered my own question concerning the AXIS ....

I WANT AN EVH!

Seen the MSGs on eBay, and at their site. A nice try at an EVH/Axis knockoff in the looks department, but....it strikes me as being like the scenario when you pick up that amazing-looking girl at a bar on Saturday nite, but you wake up next to her the next morning and go "eeeeeewwwwwww!" .....

Good luck in your EVH hunt, man!

 

[mcvinyl]

Hi,

That url for the japanese EX's is

http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/u-box/

You can either type Axis EX into the search box and hit the button next to it or if you want to check out all of their MM choose Music Man from the second (I think) drop down box, I think you still have to hit the button to the right of all the boxes to complete the search.

Don't use the "for oversees customers" translation service because that way you will have to wade through every page. I printed out the info on the guitars I was after and then got a Japanese guy to tell me what it said.

Simon

 

[dwf1004]

Simon, not all of us are fortunate enough to have a Japanese person on standby, or at our disposal...

 

[PRSPlayer]

Simon, not all of us are fortunate enough to have a Japanese person on standby, or at our disposal...

Yeah ... I was thinking it would probably be easier to find an AXIS with a switch on the lower horn than it would be to find a Jananese inerpreter.

 

[mcvinyl]

Man, what's wrong with you guys? I carry a small Japanese interpreter with me wherever I go.

They fit quite nicely into the pocket of my guitar case, next to the pocket chord book.

Seriously though those Ishibashi guys are great and they will answer any questions you ask them via email.

Nearly bought an EX from them myself.

Simon

 

[dwf1004]

We're walking a fine line with these types of comments, but I'm glad to see that everyone is adult enough to get the joke and move on.

...so, where do I get one of those little guys?

 

[ned911]

I just had a Austin Powers moment...

Ned

 

[mcvinyl]

I'm touched, that's the first time anyones ever called me adult.

I'm used to such descriptions as juvenile, grow up, world's oldest teenager etc and that's just from my wife!!!

On a serious point though if anyone is interested in a guitar from Ishibashi and wants to know what the details say just send me the url and I'll get my friends Japanese wife to translate.

Simon

 

[PurpleSport]

Hey Simon -

I'm wondering if that section you pointed us to is new or used instruments?

I believe the latter, for these reasons:

1) That section of Ishibashi's site's called "U-box"

2) Most if not all of the fingerboards on the pictured instruments seem to have that characteristic "played-in" tinge to them

3) I get the impression from another Japanese musical site that the list price on a new EX is 200,000 yen (most of the EX stock from that Ishibashi link comes in at 85,000-90,000), unless maybe a 50% off list markdown is normal on new stuff there?

Just curious, as my secret agent decoder ring seems to not be working today.......

 

[mcvinyl]

Sorry man I should have specified that, yes U-Box is there used instruments section.

If you're after new just leave the u-box of the url and it takes you to their new stuff.

Simon