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jabba

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May 5, 2005
Messages
195
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Hi,

I've recently purchased a SUB 1 (black with the silver pickguard, 2 pickup model..currently in the process of being shipped up to me).

I really like the SUB, but have been wondering how it would compare to other EBMM guitars, specifically the Petrucci model (6 string, without piezo). I was wondering if anyone out there could comment on any similarities or differences between the 2.....generally how they compare to each other in sound and playability.

I see those fancy Petruccis on ebay and I feel them speaking to me (the force is strong with those guitars).....and my resistance is weak.

The music man dealer in my city does not carry a Petrucci, or I'd be able to A/B them myself. Oh well. So what do you think.......?

Thanks all,

jabba
 

fogman

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Dec 27, 2004
Messages
12,073
Location
ontario
No comparison!
The Sub1 is all in a name.
It's an entry level EBMM.
The pickups are way better on the Petrucci.
I do not own one yet, but I've played both of the these guitars.
Let's just say the Pet is VERY NICE!!!!
Maybe someone here that owns one will fill in the details.
 

ernie1966

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Joined
Dec 12, 2002
Messages
1,271
jabba said:
Hi,


I see those fancy Petruccis on ebay and I feel them speaking to me (the force is strong with those guitars).....and my resistance is weak.


Thanks all,

jabba

If you fancy a new Petrucci, do not buy one off of ebay or one that is in stock at one of the sellers on ebay. Order one new, thru a dealer(Pete at Dubaldo Music, Petedubaldo on this forum, hint, hint) so you can get the color and options you want for less moola, it's worth the build-tme wait.
Oh, try one out at a local music store or Giitar Center before you decide to buy. The Sub has a different neck and feel to it. It may not be to your liking.
 
Last edited:

Warg Master

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Apr 7, 2004
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SLC
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Wargus/Guitars/3balls2.jpg

The necks are competely different.

The JP neck is SMALL. Closest would be Ib*** wizard. While the Wizard isn't even that close, it's closer then the SUB.

The Sub is closest to the Silo neck, it's thick and meaty.

The JP is a little static in sound while the Sub is more of a RAW sound. Both suit any style. To me, the sub pickups have a little more output.

And issue with a lot of people is the sub's lack of a cutaway for your forearm. It doesn't bother me, I love my SUB! The textured finish is awsome, no smudges, no finger prints, no need to polish.

The JP is a better guitar, but it had better be at double (or more) the price. But you CANNOT beat the sub as far as price. It is the best bang for the buck you can get.

Either way, they are both Music Man guitars and they both RULE. I love them.
 

CudBucket

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Joined
Aug 3, 2004
Messages
1,400
While I think the sub1 is a nice guitar it has absolutely nothing in common with the Petrucci other than it's a double cut with two humbuckers. But then again, millions of guitars fit that bill.
 

mhorse

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Joined
Apr 15, 2005
Messages
362
Location
Amherst, MA
jabba said:
Hi,

I've recently purchased a SUB 1 (black with the silver pickguard, 2 pickup model..currently in the process of being shipped up to me).

I really like the SUB, but have been wondering how it would compare to other EBMM guitars, specifically the Petrucci model (6 string, without piezo). I was wondering if anyone out there could comment on any similarities or differences between the 2.....generally how they compare to each other in sound and playability.

I see those fancy Petruccis on ebay and I feel them speaking to me (the force is strong with those guitars).....and my resistance is weak.

The music man dealer in my city does not carry a Petrucci, or I'd be able to A/B them myself. Oh well. So what do you think.......?

Thanks all,

jabba

Necks are sooo different. Pet's neck is plain amazing, but SUB's is very comfortable too (I play SUB myself). Soundwise... again different, I think the SUB is somewhere between Pet and the Axis in sound character. It's meatier then the Pet, but not as hot as the Axis. I can't really compare clean sounds because I didn't get to play Pet or Axis through a good clean amp.

The cutaway for the forearm.... yea it would be nice to have one on SUB's, as well as one for the body... like Pet.... BUT consider this: I'm a small guy, and I found that Pet's cutaways don't work for me all that well. I'm used to a different guitar placement. SO TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT!
 

rockdisciple

Active member
Joined
Apr 12, 2005
Messages
29
Location
Maryland
The Petrucci is a fantastic instrument. I've found the neck pickup is great for a warmer jazz tone and an a thick lead sound, while the bridge gives me a nice crisp clean and a biting but smooth crunch with gain. The split coil does have a major volume drop, but if you can deal with that, it's got a nice spank and shimmer for clean playing...I do enjoy the piezo myself, especially blended with the neck pickup, but it does accent your technicque in a big way. I can hear everything I do with the piezos going, so it's both great for developing smooth chops and irritating if you aren't precise.

As far as the neck cutaway, I find it's super comfortable for my arm and shoulder, and I'm also a small guy (5'5). I was practicing alternate picking yesterday and tried it back and forth with another more standard bodied guitar and found that my arm could get in closer to the strings and relieve the strained angle I would normally have to hold my arm at to be in position. I agree that you should try it first, but I highly recommend the Petrucci for jazz, blues, rock, and metal applications.
 

jabba

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Joined
May 5, 2005
Messages
195
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the info on the Petrucci....

As for the SUB, I know it's the entry level EBMM, but I think it will suit my needs well. First of all, I can afford it (which is a plus when you're scratching up pennies to buy gear), second of all, it has the famous EBMM neck...super comfortable and playable. I really like the neck on the SUB compared to my vintage reissue strat which has a 7 1/4 inch radius. Thirdly, I really like the way the guitar sounds....bright & not too dark. And fourthly, since it is relatively inexpensive I don't have to stress about having it out of the case or playing it with any of my 3 sons around.

We'll see.....I'll start with the SUB and see where I get to....hmm....Axis, Petrucci....I suppose they're all good. :)

jabba
 

jongitarz

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Joined
Sep 15, 2003
Messages
6,049
Location
Here
Yeah dude, but you went overboard :eek: Your favorite will be the one you get back next week...BTW, shall I tweak the gold one before it goes back to you?
 

ernie1966

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Joined
Dec 12, 2002
Messages
1,271
jongitarz said:
Yeah dude, but you went overboard :eek: Your favorite will be the one you get back next week...BTW, shall I tweak the gold one before it goes back to you?


Yes I know, but what the hell, we gotta spend our money on something. Be happy I spend it on EBMM's and not fancy cars or a boat. Greasing the wheel over by you keeps everyone there in business.

Tweak away, Jose, if ya want, but as Pete, my main middle man says, it's gotta go back thru him first 'cause it ain't officially mine, yet. ;)
 
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