First Show w/Axis and JP6

[ngjenkins]

Okay, in exactly a week, I'll have my first show where I've kind of switched to EBMM guitars (away from a Gibson Les Paul and Fender Deluxe Vintera). I'll update this once I've had the show. But I thought I'd give everyone what this experience has been like for me.

First, here's my guitars and rig.
Main Guitar: EBMM Axis w/Double Locking Trem

2nd Guitar: EBMM JP6 (2006)

Amp/Cab: 5150 Stealth 50 Watt Head w/Fender 2x12 Cab


In practices here's what I can report:

1. The Axis is SURPRISINGLY versatile for a guitar for having only one knob. I have to control the treble on the amp, but that's not a huge issue. I think I could probably do the whole show with the Axis because I installed the D-Tuna.

2. The JP6 is a solid guitar, but it's got a couple issues that I'm having to navigate. The volume pots are horribly scratchy and contact cleaner isn't working long term. Immediately after a shot of contact cleaner, they're clear for about 20 minutes. A little concerning. It's also a guitar that I feel like I almost need a tech for, haha. The mixing of the Piezo is a little challenging for me because it needs adjusting based on the room I'm playing in. I'm using it for only 2 songs and it sounds really good and PLAYS FANTASTICALLY.

3. The weight of both guitars is great. No notes.

4. Comfort. Even though the Axis isn't ergonomic, it doesn't feel uncomfortable for long sets (40 minutes to an hour) or rehearsals (1-2 hours). I haven't quite figured out the best strap length for the JP6 yet. My right arm is much more comfortable when the guitar is pretty high, but my left arm is more comfortable a bit lower. Neither is painful, but with a long term shoulder injury it's slightly frustrating in a way that the Axis isn't.

5. Downsides - Controlling the treble on the Axis is a challenge. Like... damn. But it's not squealy or anything. It's just got a LOT of high end and has kind of a single coil quackiness (which I genuinely like). For the JP6, the biggest downside is the trem spring noise. The springs just ring with almost any note that's played and it's REALLY bad with any kind of gain. So, I've got to address it. Nothing's broken, but it's a problem for tight, heavy songs for me. Loser stuff is fine. We're covering Aerials by System of a Down and the legato stuff isn't an issue.

I'll report back after the show next week with my thoughts on these two guys in a live environment.

 

[Vito Porkleone]

That top on the Axis!

 

[nervous]

You'll find that Axis will indeed cover a LOT of ground for you, and if that was a Sport or Super Sport it would be even more versatile with their tone controls. I think a lot of folks may mentally pigeon hole them into a certain musical style because of the model's past associations but their stock pickup are as good as anything I have ever used.

 

[ngjenkins]

You'll find that Axis will indeed cover a LOT of ground for you, and if that was a Sport or Super Sport it would be even more versatile with their tone controls. I think a lot of folks may mentally pigeon hole them into a certain musical style because of the model's past associations but their stock pickup are as good as anything I have ever used.

I agree. I really wanted the double locking trem so I think I was kind of stuck with no tone controls. Which is actually turning out okay.

 

[nervous]

I agree. I really wanted the double locking trem so I think I was kind of stuck with no tone controls. Which is actually turning out okay.

I could certainly live without a tone control.

 

[ngjenkins]

Okay, show is done! Fun time was had. I wasn't actually ready for such an enthusiastic crowd. I'm sure I was a dork, but it was great. So, let's talk about the gear!

First, I'll start with the JP6
There's not a whole lot here to report. I used it for two songs and it worked great. If I had a complaint it's that the trem springs are, indeed, an issue. I'll get some tubing or something to calm those down before I do another show. But, I like the guitar and it was reliable. So I'm gonna keep it.

Next, the Axis
I still miss the tone control. And I'm not the biggest fan of how close to the edge of the fretboard the top and bottom strings are. It creates a problem for my vibrato. But, both of those things don't cancel out the fact that this guitar is BULLET PROOF! It worked perfectly, was light, comfortable, and those pickups are *chef's kiss, specifically for doing a wide variety of genres (with the exception of something like really saturated metal... at least from my perspective). I think the Axis is going to become my main axe. Really terrific instrument.

A couple random notes...
1. The D-Tuna: I've been working with D-Tunas on 3 different guitars over 5 years. I swear, I can't make them work on anything except 9-42 gauge strings. Which is a little tough because I don't like playing on 9s. But, when I've got 9-42s on, it works almost 100% of the time. Which is, I think, a helluva great track record. I just wish I could ever get it to work on 10-46s.

2. Back-and-Forths: Going from the Axis to the JP6 and back... is hard for my brain, lol. The Axis is, in my opinion, one of the most simple, straight-forward guitars. It's like... even more simple than a telecaster in terms of controls. THIS IS NOT A BAD THING!!! But, to then pick up the JP6 to use specifically for it's blended piezo along with it's different neck and different placement of controls was... CHALLENGING in a live setting. This isn't a black mark on either guitar. Rather, I made some CHOICES, haha.

 

[fbecir]

Well done mate !

You can post some pics here : You and your MM LIVE!!!

 

[RafRey]

You might consider adding a tone control to your Axis like Richie Casetllano of Blue Oyster Cult. Here is a quality video of him showing his modified Axis:

 

[ngjenkins]

You might consider adding a tone control to your Axis like Richie Casetllano of Blue Oyster Cult. Here is a quality video of him showing his modified Axis:

Oh, neat. I don't know enough about how this may affect tone to know if it's really worth it. Like I said, I absolutely adore the pickups in this thing and I've heard that more/different wiring can change things because there's just more stuff the signal has to travel through. But also... that may be a conspiracy theory. And as we all know, "if you don't know how things work, everything can be a conspiracy theory."