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I actually recently played a suhr (strat style, baswood maple) and although it was nice it didnt blow me away- it did however sound pretty good but my silo special felt better to me, the bridge is nicer and the unfinished neck and the shape of the neck are better - the truth is EBMM could charge 3 grand for their guitars and I think we would all still buy them, songman if you think your missing out on a suhr you have a way cooler guitar in the 20 silo, and I have played both, the necks on the MM guitars cant be beat, nothing beats them for any price -
tommyindelaware
Well-known member
i wouldn't trade u five of any of those most excellent geetars 4 my main morse ........
(of which the pickups are getting their 10 year re-potting in wax at this very moment out in the garage)
(of which the pickups are getting their 10 year re-potting in wax at this very moment out in the garage)
Colin
Well-known member
We are all pretty die hard EBMM fanatics here and proud of it. While I respect those particular companies you've mentioned, I can't imagine anything other than a "must get an Ernie Ball" response. Kind of like me going to the Dodge forum and asking should I buy a Chevrolet? Try them all out if you can and then make your decision. BTW get a Y2D
Lucidology
Well-known member
Besides my Luke (which is my most current purchase...) I've had a pretty extreme case of G.A.S for many years now.... Consequently, I own 2 Melancons, 2 Tom Andersons, 2 PRS's (I've gone through 6 different PRS models...). Almost every other brand at one time or another... I even have a Shawn Lane Signature Vigier in my possession.
I feel foolish that for 'some odd reason, I've stayed away from the Music Man brand... (why?) Maybe because I've been of the belief that price often is an indicator of a better product... that a wider neck facilitated more advanced techniques... but now I understand how this is entirely relative to the size of one's hands (i.e. length of fingers) The Luke has challenged and proved all this not to be necessarily true...
Now I love my Melancons, my Andersons and PRS's... they certainly have a Mojo that cannot be denied. But simply said, my Luke is easier to play then all of them. With an equivalent, if not better tone, then any other super Strat around... The tremolo, though not a Floyd Rose, still allows one to bend a little further then a standard tremolo (fun discovery)... Plus, the ability to easily switch or clip on different EMG's without internal soldering, allows for all the tones one could desire ....(I only know about the Luke.. but am curious about the other models)
I'm refraining from going into too much specific detail here in reference to frets, radius, pick-ups, wood combinations, weight, ergonomic contours, etc. (though if you want I can get more into this..) Hopefully, this makes sense...
I feel foolish that for 'some odd reason, I've stayed away from the Music Man brand... (why?) Maybe because I've been of the belief that price often is an indicator of a better product... that a wider neck facilitated more advanced techniques... but now I understand how this is entirely relative to the size of one's hands (i.e. length of fingers) The Luke has challenged and proved all this not to be necessarily true...
Now I love my Melancons, my Andersons and PRS's... they certainly have a Mojo that cannot be denied. But simply said, my Luke is easier to play then all of them. With an equivalent, if not better tone, then any other super Strat around... The tremolo, though not a Floyd Rose, still allows one to bend a little further then a standard tremolo (fun discovery)... Plus, the ability to easily switch or clip on different EMG's without internal soldering, allows for all the tones one could desire ....(I only know about the Luke.. but am curious about the other models)
I'm refraining from going into too much specific detail here in reference to frets, radius, pick-ups, wood combinations, weight, ergonomic contours, etc. (though if you want I can get more into this..) Hopefully, this makes sense...
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I have a Tyler Studio burning water. Basically bought it because of some of the rave reviews they've had in the UK. It's a great guitar. Very well made. Very versatile. A very good "one-stop-shop" guitar.
However, it just doesn't have the EBMM vibe IMHO. I really love the sound of my Axis but, even more so perhaps, I like the compact/tele-like feel of the thing. The 4+2 headstock, unfinished neck, and narrow neck all combine to contrive a guitar that feels very 'close' to the player. Very pretty woods as well if you get the right neck/top.
I doubt whether, objectively, one is better than the other (they're both equally well made for example) but the Tyler is up for sale and the EBMM isn't.
Final point - in the UK the EBMM is half the cost of the Tyler. Nuff said.
Steve
However, it just doesn't have the EBMM vibe IMHO. I really love the sound of my Axis but, even more so perhaps, I like the compact/tele-like feel of the thing. The 4+2 headstock, unfinished neck, and narrow neck all combine to contrive a guitar that feels very 'close' to the player. Very pretty woods as well if you get the right neck/top.
I doubt whether, objectively, one is better than the other (they're both equally well made for example) but the Tyler is up for sale and the EBMM isn't.
Final point - in the UK the EBMM is half the cost of the Tyler. Nuff said.
Steve
koogie2k
Well-known member
I have played all those models at one time or another. Suhr and Tom Anderson's are excellent made and sounding instruments. I actually owned an Anderson. Loved it.....until I played a JP. Now, this is just my opinion so take it for what it is. The JP just felt better to me. Much better for some reason. I loved the JP so much, I bought another one right away. Then I bought another one. I have a great friend and mentor who has only played Anderson's. I gave him mine as a Christmas gift (when he saw mine, he fell in love with it) and it not only made his day, it made mine.
Suhr's are nice. Just not for me. Again, you are on the EBMM board and we are rabid fans of the instruments and strings. I will tell you this, I believe and feel, EBMM instruments are the best in quality, sound and price. You can't get an instrument of EBMM quality for the price.
Suhr's are nice. Just not for me. Again, you are on the EBMM board and we are rabid fans of the instruments and strings. I will tell you this, I believe and feel, EBMM instruments are the best in quality, sound and price. You can't get an instrument of EBMM quality for the price.
I've played Andersons and Suhrs and a Melancon, and I've owned several PRSs (still have two) and all kinds of other "custom" or "small builder" gutiars. I agree that EBMM's necks are the equal or better of any builder out there, but the thing I love about Ernie Ball Music Man is that their guitar designs are just so freaking perfect to me - the Axis remains the perfect guitar for my playing style; I'm like one of those Tele freaks on the Fender forums that simply finds everything he wants right there... The Axis design is brilliant, imho, but they're all unique and bring something special to the table - not in any splashy, outlandish, weird-for-weird's-sake kind of way, but in that they are perfect tools, each slightly different, and yet all invested with a vision of quality and style that makes them beautiful and unique. In this sense, I think the Music Man designs bring something different - and something more - to the table than a lot of contemporary production instruments... They certainly work for me!
edensdad
Well-known member
Before I bought my JP6, I played a Tom Anderson Drop Top HSS (strat style guitar) and loved it. Over a month or so I hung out at the EBMM dealer near where I used to live and played it, a PRS Custom 24, and 3 EBMMs: a Luke, an Axis and a JP6 over and over and over again.
I loved the PRS and the Anderson, but I loved the JP6 more (Petrucci's my guitar hero too). The only thing the Anderson had that the JP didn't was a single coil in the neck position. The JP had that "crumble a building" Metal sound I love through a Mesa, and it was decided.
No regrets - I love my JP.
I loved the PRS and the Anderson, but I loved the JP6 more (Petrucci's my guitar hero too). The only thing the Anderson had that the JP didn't was a single coil in the neck position. The JP had that "crumble a building" Metal sound I love through a Mesa, and it was decided.
No regrets - I love my JP.
SteveB
Well-known member
I've never played a Melancon, but I have tried the others.
Nice guitars, all of 'em. It's definitely a personal preference thing.
Personally, for the price of one of those other brands, I'd rather buy multiple MusicMan guitars. They are addicting!
When you pick up a MusicMan guitar, you'll find attention to detail such as superb fretwork, and good balance (as in fulcrum). You won't find such craftsmanship in similarly priced instruments.
Nice guitars, all of 'em. It's definitely a personal preference thing.
Personally, for the price of one of those other brands, I'd rather buy multiple MusicMan guitars. They are addicting!
When you pick up a MusicMan guitar, you'll find attention to detail such as superb fretwork, and good balance (as in fulcrum). You won't find such craftsmanship in similarly priced instruments.
Jonny Dubai
Well-known member
Yeh.......what they all said!
Tried Anderson and Taylors prs ect.... and the EBMM is best for me in many ways. And i love being part of the TRIBE of MM users. Its like a private club. We know the secret and are looking to spread the word about these amazing guitars.
Jonny
Tried Anderson and Taylors prs ect.... and the EBMM is best for me in many ways. And i love being part of the TRIBE of MM users. Its like a private club. We know the secret and are looking to spread the word about these amazing guitars.
Jonny
Big Poppa
Well-known member
I am glad that all of these guys are contributing to fine instruments. I have a very high regard for Tom Anderson. His is such a great guy and shares his knowledge openly with all. He gets it. When we made the conversion to Fadal CNC machines Tom was invaluable. here is the kicker.....My dad was his guitar teacher when he was a kid!
I have more respect for guys like Tom who actually build and finish their guitars rather than sub out the necks and bodies and finishing and then basically assemble and set up the guitar and call themselves builders....... Bottom line is if what they assemble floats your boat than its a good deal all around.
I have more respect for guys like Tom who actually build and finish their guitars rather than sub out the necks and bodies and finishing and then basically assemble and set up the guitar and call themselves builders....... Bottom line is if what they assemble floats your boat than its a good deal all around.
beej
Moderator
Big Poppa said:
No kidding! That's a great story. You always show so much respect for the other guys Poppa - really a class act.
lenny
Well-known member
A-1 Stand up Kinda Guy As usual BP Proud to buy my Geetarz From yahBig Poppa said:
guitrr
Well-known member
I just dragged (almost) everything out of its case last month to take some pics, and I offer this harem pic as evidence of my embarassing state of overqualification to answer your question:
I like EBMM's a lot, and the company rocks! But they're not my favorite; I like mine, but it wouldn't make my top 5 list, so I guess I'm the dissenting opinion here.
Tom Anderson, Gerard Melancon, Don Grosh, Jim Tyler, John Suhr, Ron Thorn, James Trussart, Bill Collings, etc, etc, all make extremely high quality instruments. It all comes down to personal preference though, which one do you like the best. Or you can do like me and just get some of each!
For me personally, I just can't get into the slender necks of the EBMM's as much as I like a FAT neck. But different strokes for different folks. I have another Tyler on order right now, and the one I have has been getting about 3/4 of my stage time. With my collection, that's saying a lot!
I will say this: EBMM's are an extraordinary value, mucho bang for the buck. With the possible exception of G&L, I'd say there's nothing in the $1000-$1500 range that compares.
Poppa's recognition of Tom Anderson is a class gesture. I think if you get a chance to speak with high end builders, you'll find a mutual admiration society. Bob Taylor and Bill Collings speak very highly of each other even though they're competitors, and I know many of the southern California builders are friends, and exchange musical and business ideas - when they have the time!
It's only natural to ask which is best, but the answer is whatever grabs you where it counts. Of course, the forum you ask in will have some bearing too And for heaven's sake, don't base your choice on what your guitar hero plays, but rather on what feels and sounds right to YOU. Every now and then you'll play something that you can't put down, it just screams "Take me". Of course, I may feel that too often (refer to photo).
Kane
I like EBMM's a lot, and the company rocks! But they're not my favorite; I like mine, but it wouldn't make my top 5 list, so I guess I'm the dissenting opinion here.
Tom Anderson, Gerard Melancon, Don Grosh, Jim Tyler, John Suhr, Ron Thorn, James Trussart, Bill Collings, etc, etc, all make extremely high quality instruments. It all comes down to personal preference though, which one do you like the best. Or you can do like me and just get some of each!
For me personally, I just can't get into the slender necks of the EBMM's as much as I like a FAT neck. But different strokes for different folks. I have another Tyler on order right now, and the one I have has been getting about 3/4 of my stage time. With my collection, that's saying a lot!
I will say this: EBMM's are an extraordinary value, mucho bang for the buck. With the possible exception of G&L, I'd say there's nothing in the $1000-$1500 range that compares.
Poppa's recognition of Tom Anderson is a class gesture. I think if you get a chance to speak with high end builders, you'll find a mutual admiration society. Bob Taylor and Bill Collings speak very highly of each other even though they're competitors, and I know many of the southern California builders are friends, and exchange musical and business ideas - when they have the time!
It's only natural to ask which is best, but the answer is whatever grabs you where it counts. Of course, the forum you ask in will have some bearing too
And for heaven's sake, don't base your choice on what your guitar hero plays, but rather on what feels and sounds right to YOU. Every now and then you'll play something that you can't put down, it just screams "Take me". Of course, I may feel that too often (refer to photo).Kane
Big Poppa
Well-known member
You know that you are right....I would only own maybe two or three of your collection... BUt that is whats great Choices. Some of the makers you quote really make stuff and a few are assemblers and set up shops.
With the exception of Fender and Gibson all of the guitar makers enjoy a really great relationship. We all are very open and understand that each of us does something distinctly different. Bill Collings has bought our guitars to show his staff what kind of quality is available at our price point. Bob Taylor has been really kind to our company and the Casey Lee Ball Foundation.
I own more Collings than I care to admit to ( I may have the most).....Bill makes my favorite acoustic guitars but I own one of just about every other makers stuff. I have a Goddall being made for me now.
With the exception of Fender and Gibson all of the guitar makers enjoy a really great relationship. We all are very open and understand that each of us does something distinctly different. Bill Collings has bought our guitars to show his staff what kind of quality is available at our price point. Bob Taylor has been really kind to our company and the Casey Lee Ball Foundation.
I own more Collings than I care to admit to ( I may have the most).....Bill makes my favorite acoustic guitars but I own one of just about every other makers stuff. I have a Goddall being made for me now.
brentrocks
Well-known member
Colin said:We are all pretty die hard EBMM fanatics here and proud of it. While I respect those particular companies you've mentioned, I can't imagine anything other than a "must get an Ernie Ball" response. Kind of like me going to the Dodge forum and asking should I buy a Chevrolet? Try them all out if you can and then make your decision. BTW get a Y2D
pretty much sums it up!!!
guitrr
Well-known member
Big Poppa said:
Those Koa models that Goddall makes are spectacular!
In my picture is a Collings 12 fret slothead I bought from a shop in No. Carolina where I buy most of my gear. When I bought it, Stu said, "You'll sell your other acoustics in 6 months." I had a beautiful Dan Crary model Taylor that I'd had for 7 or 8 years; I'd even had Dan sign it for me, and couldn't envision ever parting with it. I skeptically responded, "Sure, whatever you say, Stu".
6 months later, the Taylor is gone, as is the Taylor 12 string pictured, which I sold last month. The Collings completely blew them both out of the water. My National isn't going anywhere, but as far as wooden acoustics go, I'm singing the praises of Bill Collings loud and clear to everyone who will listen! Mine is an incredible instrument.
Kane
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I own a Tyler Michael Landau Classic, a Tom Anderson Droptop (hence my alias), a Fender Custom Shop Jimmy Bryant Tribute Tele and an EBMM Steve Morse original model. Each one is different and I can't really say one is the best. The craftsmanship on all 4 is superb. My EBMM is half the price of all the others...making it a great value. I think EBMMs are underpriced and undermarketed. Take advantage of that before they go boutique/custom shop on us. Having toured their facility and eaten lunch with Sterling, I can truly say they have a boutique mindset when it comes to their signature models. As for comparison to the others, can't knock Tyler, they make some of the best strat type guitars around...better in many ways than Fender. My Anderson was custom made for me and the attention to detail is phenominal, and the tones are unbelievable. My CS Tele can Twang with the best of them. What I love about my EBMM SM model is its quality construction, versatility and neck! It goes toe to toe with the big boys.
