OLP Axis neck

[JeffreyB]

Does anyone know if the neck profile on the OLP Axis style is the same as the EBMM? I wanted to pick one up and swap pickups out and set it up as a nice backup...any success/failure stories???

Thanks again!

-Jeffrey

 

[unclerico]

Hey Jefferey,

I have an OLP John Petrucci, (not a great guitar) Here is the thing.

If you look at the back of the neck, right where the headstock is, it will say something like Ernie Ball Designed, or Neck by Ernie Ball. Now obviously the neck isn't the same quality as the original Ernie Ball Guitars, but if you wanted to change the pickups, I dont think it would be that much different. If you are unsure, I would take it to a local tech. Someone will probably give you a 100% answer on if you can. But I suggested to switch the pickups on mine, I will just tell you, if you want a fake, don't waste the time and money. Just get an Ernie Ball Musicman. I made a great mistake by purchasing a fake Petrucci. Now I am saving for the real deal.

 

[JeffreyB]

I'm going to buy the real deal, too...I just wanted one I could gig with and not worry about spilling Jagermiester all over it and having the local idiots knock it over, etc. I guess I was really wanting to know if the neck shape and radius as the same as the axis...I really appreciate everyone's input.

 

[Butch Snyder]

JeffreyB,

I have an OLP MM1 (Axis copy). While it looks like an Axis, it is a totally different animal. The neck is nothing like an actual EBMM neck. As far as bringing a "real" EBMM to a gig? I would and have. I gigged with my Albert Lee model all the time. There was always a concern about stealing, spilling, knocking over, etc; however, you just have to be careful. These guitars are meant to be played out and not kept in your bedroom or home studio.

Cheers,

 

[hbucker]

Ironically enough, the OLP Axis neck is closer to a Wolfgang neck than it is to the actual Axis neck. The OLP's are good (even great) for the price. But compare very unfavorably to their EBMM counterparts. New pickups would help the OLP though.

I totally understand not wanting to trash your good guitar. But any decent guitar was made to be played, rehearsed and gigged. If it's a standard gig and not a Frat house beer fest/mosh pit, all you need to do is be careful. If ANY wear is what you're concerned about, then I might suggest you sell the guitar in question and find a guitar you can afford to own, play and gig with.

I'm not saying this to be rude. I just know the feeling and can relate.

Good luck.

 

[JeffreyB]

ya' know...I never really thought about it like that...Now it seems like having a cheap knock-off would be a complete waste of money.

-JB

 

[jazzbo jim]

My understanding/experience is that the Wolf and Axis have assymetric profile necks, quality wood and nice frets. OLP is as generic (cheap) as it gets.
OLP's aren't crap mind you but if you're worried about your Axis getting battle scarred, simply buy a used one that already is battlescarred-that way , you won't worry if it gets knocked around a bit.
I used that same philosphy when choosing a wife.....KIDDING

 

[TNT]

Here's my two-cents on the guitars. The reason I am posting this is because the two guitars mentioned in the opening thread are my two favorite guitars - hands down. The OLP MM1 and the EBMM Axis.

And, I own several of each, and have dis-assembled, modified and re-assembled them all several times.

In my observation, all three have different necks, radius, etc. (but close). The necks on the OLP MM1 "LFR locking nut" and OLP MM1 "non locking" are even different.

OLP "locking nut" slightly flatter back profile and flatter radius. Same frets
OLP "non-locking" (closer to the Axis neck). Same frets

Pick-ups on the MM1 (far superior to any other comparably priced guitar). If I didn't have the EBMM Axis as my main guitar, I would have OLP MM1 in it's place (of course modified: pick-up, trem, knob re-loc, etc. . . .)!!

I really can't say enough about the OLP MM1- Great EBMM Lic guitar product for the money!!!!!!!

 

[gerry d]

I have an OLP Silo copy and it's a great playing guitar.. it needs some new pickups to be gigable but it's actually a decent guitar for the money... like I said before.. the inherent design of EBMM guitars is near perfect and it shows here just how good the design was... I'll be holding on to this one..

 

[paranoid70]

ya' know...I never really thought about it like that...Now it seems like having a cheap knock-off would be a complete waste of money.

-JB

Jeff, SUB1 guitars can be found for a really good price these days. IMO, a SUB1 makes a great back-up guitar. If you are looking to get a Ball for a low dough price, that would be my recommendation.

 

[JeffreyB]

Never even paid attention to the SUB1s...is that a baritone guitar?

 

[roburado]

No. It's a regular guitar. It was EBMM trying to do a less expensive guitar. I think they are great for the money. There's a local store where I like to try out pedals, amps, etc. That's the guitar I reach for the most in that store.

The SUB basses are great too. Love that SUB Sterling. The whole SUB line is just incredible for the money IMHO. I think they beat a lot of guitars and basses at the same price point and even higher price points, but hey...they're EBMM. Of course, they will.

 

[parker_bb]

i have a SUB 1 and it is hands down so much better than guitars in the same price range and i just love the painted neck

 

[ivanmihaljevic]

SUB1 is actually an excellent recommendation. I've tried OLP MM1 and all I can say is that SUB1 is far better. OLP MM1 just feels like a really cheap guitar under my hands (well, that's probably because it is really cheap). And SUB1 is a serious guitar!

 

[Spudmurphy]

I have done some work on an OLP MM1 neck and it was fine. the reason why I did this work was that there was some fret sprout on it. It didn't feel like an Axis neck - but thats been covered already.
If you want a cheap good looking good sounding guitar then the OLP meets those requirements

 

[Butch Snyder]

I think you just have to remember that when you pay $199 for a guitar, you get a $199 guitar. That said, I do enjoy my OLP. I did replace the pickups; which were pretty decent. I installed a DiMarzio Air Zone/Air Norton combo. I also drilled another hole for a tone pot and installed two 500k push/pull pots for splitting and out of phase operation. I sanded the top finish off and painted it black along with the headstock. In hindsight, I wish I'd have bought the Floyd model. It's worth the extra money. OLP has introduced a new Floyd model with a "real" Floyd. They used to offer that model in flame amber and natural. They now offer it in black only to keep the price point down.

I actually like the MM1, Petrucci, and Luke models. They're great for the money.

 

[TNT]

. . . .I think you just have to remember that when you pay $199 for a guitar, you get a $199 guitar. . . They're great for the money.

Butch,
Yeah, I pretty much did the same as you! In addition I replaced the trem's on 2 of my OLP's with Orig Floyd Roses. It still keeps the price down fairly low for the quality of the guitar. The only thing is, is what Spud mentioned. In that price range the "frets" may sprout, low/high spots etc. . . I'm not sure if it's worth the investment of too much money. e.g., by the time you get done changing out the pickups, fret work, replace trem, tuners, etc. . . might as well get an EBMM Axis???

In hind sight I probably wouldn't have put too much time, money, effort into upgrading the OLP. Great guitar for the price (think I'll just keep it that way!!)

 

[Sub1 Zero]

I only sold my OLP MM1 floyded model because I didn't really need it, but I loved the guitar. It's what made me want a Music Man; I figured if the cheap licensed copy was that good, the real thing must be amazing, and I was right about that. When I got the Sub 1, it took a back seat, but I'd recommend the OLP over any beginner or mid level guitar out there honestly... plays better than any $600-ish guitar I've had my hands on (except a Sub)

If you want something to gig though, I'm with Butch. Guitars were meant to be played, grab a Sub or an old Silhouette, maybe even an old Axis Sport. All of them go painfully cheap on ebay, and will serve you well

 

[Butch Snyder]

Bottom line for me? The OLPs are decent for the money; the Petrucci model being the best of them (IMHO). Their quality will only get you so far. You will outgrow them in ability, if you haven't already, in no time. Then, you'll be looking at a genuine EBMM Axis; guaranteed....

 

[steveh]

I have an Axis and an EVH but bought an OLP simply because there was a small run in seafoam green: I'll buy anything in seafoam (I suffer from some sort of deep-rooted fetish started by an 80s Charvel and Jeff Beck I think...).

I swapped out the bridge for a Tone Zone and its a very, very good sounding guitar when used in that position. The stock PU was very generic sounding - but not bad at all for the price. The neck feels, I think, great (especially for the cash) but it is not at all like either of my MMs, both of which are thinner at the nut and deeper front to back. The MMs feels much more "classy", whatever that means. I can get the action very low on the MMs also if I want to - not possible on the OLP. The frets on the latter look to me like they haven't been dressed (and at that price who could afford to?!).

Bottom lines:

1. No: the necks on Axis and OLP are different, both in profile and quality.

2. The OLP is a great guitar for the bucks.

3. You get what you pay for except in one special circumstance - USA MMs outperform their price point (I have had a LOT of guitars). S/H they are phenomenal value. New, they are 'just' fantastic.

Cheers,
Steve