Petrucci vs Axis with a high gain amp...

[AmpliFIRE]

Hey guys...Which of these 2 guitars sounds best through a high gain amp? I have a Wolfgang Standard which sounds harsh through my beloved Engl Powerball (by contrast, my 01' LP standard with a 490/498 sounds amazing IMO). It sounds too bright, plus the pups are too hot and sound harsh. I've decided to sell it and get either a Petrucci or Axis (I love the playability of both of them). I'm looking for a guitar that sounds very full and smooth.

Any input would be great!

Thanks,
Paige

 

[Jimi D]

Hi AmpliFIRE,

Welcome to the Forum!

I haven't had the pleasure of spending any time with an EB/MM Petrucci yet - no one in my home town stocks any! - but I own 4 Axi, I used to own a Wolfie, and I owned an Ibanez JP100-P4 Petrucci for a couple years. Tonally, the Axis falls between the Wolf and the IBZ Petrucci - the Wolfgang was noticably more harsh to my ears, while the Petrucci had a slightly rounder, warmer tone. The Wolf had the hottest pickups, with the Axis in the middle and my P4 with the lowest output. The Axis is very full sounding, but the pickups are HOT, and if the Wolfgang was way too bright through your ENGL, the Axis has the potential to go in the same direction. So by my ears, you might find the Petrucci is the better match for your rig, but the only way you can know for sure is by trying both guitars with your amp!

Good luck!

 

[AmpliFIRE]

Hi AmpliFIRE,

Welcome to the Forum!

I haven't had the pleasure of spending any time with an EB/MM Petrucci yet - no one in my home town stocks any! - but I own 4 Axi, I used to own a Wolfie, and I owned an Ibanez JP100-P4 Petrucci for a couple years. Tonally, the Axis falls between the Wolf and the IBZ Petrucci - the Wolfgang was noticably more harsh to my ears, while the Petrucci had a slightly rounder, warmer tone. The Wolf had the hottest pickups, with the Axis in the middle and my P4 with the lowest output. The Axis is very full sounding, but the pickups are HOT, and if the Wolfgang was way too bright through your ENGL, the Axis has the potential to go in the same direction. So by my ears, you might find the Petrucci is the better match for your rig, but the only way you can know for sure is by trying both guitars with your amp!

Good luck!

Hey Jimi D...thanks for the warm welcome! Anyway, i think you hit the nail on the head with your suggestion. The Axis and Wolfgang are fairly similar and I should probably go with the Petrucci. I have a friend who's selling me theirs and I should have it next week

Thanks Again...!

 

[VOLTAGE]

Petrucci's axe has a very scooped midrange dimarzio in the bridge(similar to the "steve's special model" ) i find the axis to be brighter but has more musical mids.
the best thing to do is take your amp to a store with both guitars in stock and plug in!