Question Suggestions for my next EBMM

[rarebit]

Currently have a 2005 JP6, the only EBMM in the arsenal stacked with slim-taper Les Pauls & Strats.

While I appreciate Petrucci, I was unfamiliar with EBMM and the JP line when I stumbled across this one a few years back. The playability and ergonomics of it are amazing, and the trem... the wider nut 43.0mm, the tonal versatility and so much more. There are two drawbacks, the switch position is a moderate annoyance WRT inadvertent actuation, but more important has always been the "thinness" of the neck.

So what EBMM model comes closest to a JP6 with a bit more substance to the neck profile? Have briefly played the Majesty & JP15, but the necks were pretty thin also, fairly similar to the JP6. Did toy with a Luke I, found the nut a bit narrow and the pronounced V an experience I didn't bond with immediately.

Suggestions welcomed thanks in advance.

 

[DrKev]

Well, if the narrow nut is not your thing, most EBMMs have the narrow nut (it's the vintage strat 1 5/8"). But the Sabre and the Jason Richardson Cutlass both have the wider nut. The Cutlass has a 10" radius board, the Richardson Cutlass is a much flatter 15". And they are both stunning good looking guitars!

 

[jayjayjay]

Well, if the narrow nut is not your thing, most EBMMs have the narrow nut (it's the vintage strat 1 5/8"). But the Sabre and the Jason Richardson Cutlass both have the wider nut. The Cutlass has a 10" radius board, the Richardson Cutlass is a much flatter 15". And they are both stunning good looking guitars!

The Sabre has a really thin neck, though, thinner than my Axis at least. How's the Cutlass carve?

 

[rarebit]

Thanks appreciate the input... So is the Sabre like the JP6 WRT to thinness??? I don't need alot... just a little bit more would welcomed... BTW, the Sabre looks great.

 

[racerx]

The Sabre has a really thin neck, though, thinner than my Axis at least. How's the Cutlass carve?

My SSS Cutlass is a thinner V to C feel, my HSS Cutlass is fuller V to C (doesn't feel too foreign to my Axis). Not sure if thats a fluke or intentional.

 

[rarebit]

My SSS Cutlass is a thinner V to C feel, my HSS Cutlass is fuller V to C (doesn't feel too foreign to my Axis). Not sure if thats a fluke or intentional.

Curious how does your Cutlass or the Axis neck profile compare to your Luke 3? I've played a Luke 1 in the past which was much more substantial then my JP6. I found it fairly comfortable. A buddy of mine has a Axis and used to have a JP6 and says the Axis may be a good one to check out.

 

[racerx]

Curious how does your Cutlass or the Axis neck profile compare to your Luke 3?

The Luke 3 I'd say is somewhere between the HSS Cutlass and Axis -- it starts with a similar V-to-C profile, the thickness is medium at the first 5 frets and chunky the rest of the way. Its not jarring to switch between them and all are very comfortable. Any of them will be substantially fuller than the JP or Majesty.

I haven't played a Sabre yet, but it might be your best bet if you prefer the wider nut width that your JP has. To my understanding, the Sabre depth is on the thinner side but not as extreme as the JP/Majesty. It might be the happy middle ground of slightly larger while retaining your preferred nut width.

As an unsolicited aside, the Luke 3 is my favorite playing of everything I've come across so far. All are wonderful, but the L3 really suits my play style and preferences well.

 

[rarebit]

The Luke 3 I'd say is somewhere between the HSS Cutlass and Axis -- it starts with a similar V-to-C profile, the thickness is medium at the first 5 frets and chunky the rest of the way. Its not jarring to switch between them and all are very comfortable. Any of them will be substantially fuller than the JP or Majesty.

I haven't played a Sabre yet, but it might be your best bet if you prefer the wider nut width that your JP has. To my understanding, the Sabre depth is on the thinner side but not as extreme as the JP/Majesty. It might be the happy middle ground of slightly larger while retaining your preferred nut width.

As an unsolicited aside, the Luke 3 is my favorite playing of everything I've come across so far. All are wonderful, but the L3 really suits my play style and preferences well.

Thanks for the details, extremely helpful. You've added to my brewing Sabre GAS.

A Luke follow-on... there's alot to like about that axe, always been drawn to it. Only played that Luke 1, albeit briefly, and found its V was very pronounced, but have read the Luke 3's neck profile is different and the V a bit softer, which honestly may be worth another look along with the Sabre. Do you have an HH or HSS?

 

[racerx]

A Luke follow-on... there's alot to like about that axe, always been drawn to it. Only played that Luke 1, albeit briefly, and found its V was very pronounced, but have read the Luke 3's neck profile is different and the V a bit softer, which honestly may be worth another look along with the Sabre. Do you have an HH or HSS?

I haven't tried a L1/L2 to say for sure, but my L3 is a HH.

 

[Rbg]

L3 neck is softer V than L2. If I did not know that it is still a V I would not guess. Also it is a bit bigger in your hand.

 

[rarebit]

Thanks all for taking the time to comment, very helpful and allows me to focus the search.

 

[elvisdog]

If you can find a StingRay to try, worth a shot. Mine feels pretty substantial in the hand, and the asymmetrical neck is really easy to get around on & unobtrusive in its asymmetry. Probably the most traditional layout of any of the EBMM guitars I've played but a great-sounding easy-playing guitar -- and the pickup selector is way out of the way, up in LP territory.