Time for a new guitar!! (Help guys)

[GoKart Mozart]

Well, the mighty G.A.S. (guitar acquisition syndrome) has come over me again, and this time I want to get a brand new Axis. First off, I've got two Wolfgangs, a flametop standard, and a hardtail special. I've always wanted an original EVH model, but due to the scarcity of them I can't afford one. I've only played 1 EVH model before and I've got a question about the neck. Is the EVH neck the same as the one on the Axis now? If not, what is the difference?

Also, there's no way I can afford to pay cash on one of these right now. Have any of you dealt with Musician's Friend in ordering one of these new? Does anyone know whether or not they can get the quilted tops anymore?

Thanks for reading guys.

 

[hbucker]

Hey,

I have an EVH and wondered the same thing when the Axis came out. As I'm sure you know, the EVH neck is an exact digitized replica of EVH's red and white 5150 guitar of the 80's. It feels very broken in and rounded on the edges.

The Axis neck is slightly wider and the edges are a little less rounded. It feels more like a stock, off the rack neck as apposed to a custom neck. Having said this, it still feels nice and I imagine some even prefer it to the EVH neck.

good luck

 

[GoKart Mozart]

Oh, ok. So it's wider, but is it about the same thickness as the EVH neck? That's one of the things that struck me about that EVH I played a few years ago, it was thicker than most necks I had played but it felt really good being that thick.

That reminds me, are the neck and relocated toggle switch location the only two difference between the EVH and Axis?

 

[hbucker]

I can't quote you specs on the necks, although I do think they have the same 10" radius. I would say they are the same thickness front to back. They feel similar other than what I mentioned earlier. The Axis neck doesn't feel as broken in.

The neck, toggle switch, rear contour and larger control cavity are the only differences. The EVH control cavity was routed only large enough for one pot. The Axis cavity is large enough for at least two pots.

 

[dwf1004]

http://www.geocities.com/classicguitars/Specs/mm_evh_wolfgang.html

Here are the original specs of the EVH model...it does have the 10" radius. The only faux pas it that the "genius" that put this page up lists it as the "Ernie Ball EVH Wolfgang", and references "Peavey's expertise in guitar manufacturing". Ah, the power of cut and paste.

Also, quite interesting: http://www.tbns.net/becker/ernieball.html -- an interview with Byron Smith, product manager @ EB. He says that the necks are made the same way, but some other neat stuff there as well (i.e. inside info on R&D of the Petrucci model, etc. - Jergens, anyone?)

Darrell

 

[Greg]

Other than the differences you guys have already talked about, the Axis is the same guitar as the MM EVH. We have not changed the profile of the neck. They are sanded by hand, so you will see some subtle variation from neck to neck, but the shape and radius remain the same.

If you are interested in the R&D process, check this out:

http://www.ernieball.com/mmonline/artists/jp_proto.html

Thanks,
Greg

 

[Greg]

P.S. The standard tops on the Axis guitars (trans colors) are either flame or quilt. If you order one, it is the luck of the draw. However, you can specify a premium quilt or flame top for an additional $500.00 retail.

http://www.ernieball.com/newscontent.php?item=20021112_premiumtops.html

Thanks,
Greg