When did EB start doing the Premium tops on the AXIS?

[drop_d]

I asked this question in a different thread, but it seems to have gotten lost in the other things topics in the thread.

When did EB start charging extra for the premium tops? Prior to that, was it just the luck of the draw?


The reason I'm asking is that I purchased a 1998 Axis that was advertised as a "premium flametop." It's a killer looking top (in the photos anyway), but were "premium" tops an option in 1998?

dd

 

[dwf1004]

Premium tops were not "officially" offered by EBMM until 11/12/2002, as per this press release:

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

It can be argued by many on this forum, however, that EBMM tops are premium anyhow, in comparison to some of the stuff that's out there. (You'll get no argument against that from me, at least!) But yes, unless you special ordered that you wanted quilt or flame directly from EBMM, it was pure luck at what you got. Also, EBMM produced true premium tops post 11/12/02 have a special neckplate on them signifying that it is a premium top guitar. The standard plate looks like this:

http://www.fulwilder.com/24.jpg
(graciously offered by Tim O' Sullivan, quickly stolen and made not so huge a** by Darrell for demonstration purposes)

Sounds like the advertisement wording was merely an attempt to spruce up the guitar by the seller...no worries, IMO, since they're all very nice tops that leave the SLO (that's short for San Luis Obispo, noob ). That is, unless you got suckered in with a higher price for the guitar under that bait and switch claim. In that instance, I think a little a** whoopin' is in order.

 

[drop_d]

exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks

dd

 

[dwf1004]

exactly why I'm here. You bet, bud...

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Nice neck plate.. wonder where that pic came from!

 

[dwf1004]

Timmy, see my caption under the link to your pic.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

:d