newbie question

[sparky1358]

Hello,

I have been playing guitar for about 3 monhts now and progressing nicely for the amount of time I can devote to it.

I currently play a peavey wolfgang standard. Previously owned a mexican mad e Fender strat but hated the neck on it. Took the plunge and bought the wolfgang after feeling the diff in neck size for my hands. Just feels that much more comfortable to me.

Been reading forums of late and been noticing the amount of excellent feedback regarding the axis neck over the wolfgangs. Would the axis be even more comfortable for me to paly being that I do not have very large hands?

SO far have been unable to find a local store that carries the axis as they seem to be in hot demand. I'd hate to spend 1400-1600 hundred dollars and then realize it wasnt the right fit for me.

I realize the whole peavey vs music man issues that are here but asking strictly from a playing perspective.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Gregg

 

[Spudmurphy]

Hiya Greg, and welcome to the forum.
I'm not a wolfgang or an Axis player but it would be good for us to have some more info - in particular are you saying that your hands are on the small or large side?
Spud

EDIT:
"I do not have very large hands?" - sorry I didn't take notice of this from your first post - it's been a long day !!

 

[sparky1358]

Thanks for the welcome!

they are on the small side.

 

[John C]

Gregg,

Both the Wolfgang and the Axis have narrow necks - both are 1 5/8" wide at the nut. However, the Wolfgang has a flatter radius (15") than the Axis (10"), which will make the Axis feel smaller right off the bat. Also, I believe some have said the Wolfgang neck is just a bit chunkier (has a bit more shoulder to the shape) than the Axis - but I would consider both to be a "medium" depth neck. Take this with a grain of salt - I did own a Wolfgang at one time, but have never owned an Axis (although I should be back in the EBMM fold with an Albert Lee here in a couple more weeks ).

Would that be more comfortable for you to play? Only you can answer that question. For me, I have very small hands and prefer the rounder radius - but then again I learned on a traditional Fender with a 7.25" radius. Your best bet would be to find an Axis at a dealer who has a return policy on-line so you could try one out for 24-48 hours and compare it to your Wolfgang.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Mine too!
I believe that the Axis neck was made a tad larger than the EVH neck because people said that the e strings sometimes slipped off the neck.

I can tell you one thing from experience - I got myself an Albert Lee guitar and I love the neck more than any other guitar I have, or have played. You'd love it!!

I'm sure an Axis fan will chime in soon.
Spud

 

[wired]

Hey Gregg,

I own both an Axis & Wolfgang, and the neck profiles are pretty different.

The fretboard is flatter on a Wolfgang (15" radius vs 10" radius on an Axis). The difference is more noticable than you might think. The Wolf neck is also wider.

Other than that, they both have an asymetrical C-shape to them & have a similar oil/wax finish.

You mentioned that you have small hands, so I think you might prefer the Axis neck.

 

[THE_EB_KID]

I've got the small hands problem also, my albert lee neck ( and my sub neck )
are some of the most comfortable and playable necks EVER HANDS DOWN!!
I've owned them all!!!!

 

[TonyEVH5150]

Axis . . . .

Nothing against the Wolfgang, as I've owned three in my lifetime, but the Axis is more comfortable. Not just the neck (smaller radius for smaller hands, like mine), but the body as well. The belly contour really helps, and the lower horn is cut out just enough to give the right amount of access to the upper frets.

The SUB 1 has a great neck as well . . . +1

 

[sparky1358]

WOW!

Thanks for the quick and many responses.

Would love to hear form more of you.

I have found a site music123.com that does 45 day returns. Has anyone dealt with them before?

They want $xxxx and change for a transparent red with matching headstock axis. They have a 2-3 week wait on them according to website. Is this a good price?

I have checked ebay but there does not seem to be much stock there for axis guitars. I would prefer a slightly used one as I like an instrument that has been played already. I bought my wolfgang off ebay for 450 dollars about a year ago. I know why the lag between owning the guitar and playing...........simple answer 2 kids under age 2*LOL*

Anyway the main hting is I am on track now.

Anyone selling their axis??*S*

Thanks again

Gregg

 

[mbgreene]

Welcome

You may want to edit your post, we usually don't discuss retail street prices on the forum (although we do discussed used and MSRP's).

Also is their something specific about the Axis that's driving your choice, such as pickup configuration or Floyd Rose trem? Would the Axis Super Sport work for you (there's a dealer on the board who has a red one in stock). Their may be other neck profiles that you'd be able to try. A number of members with smaller hands swear by the Luke neck which has a V configuration. The Silhouette and Silhouette Special also have a shallower profile than the Axis with the same radius and will have somewhat of a smaller feel. The Albert Lee is in between with a comforatable C shape.

A bit more about what and how you want to play would also help lead you to the right guitar.

 

[jamminjim]

Imho

To me it seems like there are always a ton of Axis and EVH guitars on the bay.

Maybe not the greatest color selections.

There's quite a few places that sell em, try google-ing "Music Man Axis".

The EBMM website also has a dealer lookup and maybe you could find a local dealer.

.02

 

[koogie2k]

Welcome to the Addiction!

Sparky...don't know where you are located...but give Pete DuBaldo a call or drop him an e-mail. He resides on the forum as well. He is a super cool dude and dealer as well. He might have an Axis in stock. Worth a try.

His secret forum name is Pete DuBaldo...

 

[Quarter]

If you have a Guitar Center anywhere close, they usually have a Axis SS or 2 in stock.

 

[sparky1358]

I am leaning towards the axis because I love the dual humbuckers and the folyd rose trem. My musical tastes lean in that direction so I'd love to stay there.

I have emailed half a dozen dealers and none of them have them in stock. Its weird.

 

[SouthernILL]

Hint ...save Axis guitar in your favorite items on Ebay... You will get a heads up in your email as soon as one is listed....if you have time in the evening or morning check the Bay for an Axis ....They are always up for auction and if the seller has good feedback and it is a great buy ....Snag that sucker !!!!


Folks here are crazy for all things EBMM ...so don't think about it too Much !!!

 

[sparky1358]

well I just pulled the trigger and bought an axis trans red with matching headstock.

Found a dealer that had one and should have it next week.

Thanks again guys for all your help.

 

[robelinda2]

congrats, good choice my friend! Trans red on an axis just looks killer!!!!!!

make sure you give us plenty of pics when you get it!

 

[Larry]

Just a tip if you put where your location is its easier to give you an idea about where to go and such.