School me on EVH Ernie Ball Music Man guitars...

[AK47]

Here is my dilema. I am a EVH fan but not as huge as a fan as I am of Alice in Chains.

I have always been looking for a era correct EVH Music Man like Jerry Cantrell uses. Found one but cant afford it now because of unexpected bills.

Some of you may know EVH gave Jerry Cantrell a EVH Music Man guitar back in 89-90 on the Monsters of Rock tour.

Here it is in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs6RefV1td4

Here is one at auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/W-W-ERNIE-BALL-EVH-MUSICMAN-BLUE-QUILT-TOP-BEAUTY_W0QQitemZ150302651655QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item150302651655&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Basically I know nothing about production and eras regarding these guitars. I just want one exactley like Jerry has. I cant afford the Ebay one right now. So are these common or am I going to be screwed trying to find another in the same color and specs?

Is there anything else I need to know before future shopping?

[AK47]

Here is Jerry with a solid gold one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etHZB4PcTzk

[chrisolson]

**EDIT**

Never mind... I need to read.

[Grandturk]

Except for the name on the headstock, the Axis is the same guitar as the EVH. I've played a few new ones and they still rock. Same pickups, custom from Dimarzio.

[neilli]

I'm pretty sure the Axis neck profile is different to the EVH, plus the toggleswitch is in a different location...

[neilli]

Some of you may know EVH gave Jerry Cantrell a EVH Music Man guitar back in 89-90 on the Monsters of Rock tour.

That would have been too early - the MM EVH didn't come out until the FUCK tour, which was 91 / 92....

I'm no expert, but I'm not aware of any 'evolution' of specs through the production guitars.

[Grandturk]

I'm pretty sure the Axis neck profile is different to the EVH, plus the toggleswitch is in a different location...

I'm pretty sure they still have that same asymetrical neck carve...

[toejam]

Here's some info from the EB forum.

"We widened the neck 1/32 of an inch on the Axis, moved the toggle switch, and beveled the body. Those are the only changes we made from the EVH to the Axis."

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-guitars/507-confused-about-axis-neck-vs-eddie-van-halen-neck.html

[Megadeth79]

I have the axis its a great guitar it sounds awesome but the neck is so different comparing to a soloist or esp horizon or ibanez rg s.The neck on these are much wider than the axis.

[toddstaples]

That would have been too early - the MM EVH didn't come out until the FUCK tour, which was 91 / 92....

I'm no expert, but I'm not aware of any 'evolution' of specs through the production guitars.

Alice opened on the F.U.C.K tour, at least on the east coast...... .....

[El Chiguete]

What color would that one be? never seen that color before... REALLY COOL! me like it a lot!

[MikeStrat]

I have two of Axis guitars and they are great. The sound, feel, and playability are all excellent. And they won't break the bank. I don't think the EVH version is that different.

[John C]

Here's some info from the EB forum.

"We widened the neck 1/32 of an inch on the Axis, moved the toggle switch, and beveled the body. Those are the only changes we made from the EVH to the Axis."
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/musi...alen-neck.html

It's not like they widened the entire neck; the part where EBMM made the neck wider is between the 12th and 22nd frets. The EVH's actually had a significant spot on the high "e" side where the neck was worn down (copied from EVH's 5150 Kramer) and some "mere mortal" players were having the string slip off the neck. They widened the worn spot out to where the wood would have been when the 5150's neck was new.

[bsteff666]

The EVH Ernie Ball/Music Man guitars are really great guitars. I have two...a Trans Red & a Trans Green that I've had since like 1993.

I remember playing the Axis guitar when they came out...the necks didn't feel different to me. Its a distinctive neck...narrow width...but a full & rounded back shape.

I felt like the Axis was really the same...except of course the toggle switch is down next to the volume knob & there is a belly-cut contour on the back of the body.

You can definitely find a better deal if you find a used Axis. (The Axis did come in that same Trans Blue color too)

As for the EVH's...Jerry Cantrell had a Trans Blue & a Gold Top.

The Gold Tops are one of the colors that were only built in small quantities...so when you see them, they are very expensive....but Trans Blue ones are around. The best thing is to watch Ebay.

Last I checked...I believe I was seeing ones with some miles on them for around $1,700--$1,800...and ones that were in really nice shape for like $2,200 and up (I think??)

There is a lot of good info on the Ernie Ball forum...but they are great guitars...Great Quality Control...very nice quality & all respects. I've never heard of anyone having a bad one.

[AK47]

Thanks for the info everyone.

When I decided to buy I will get the EVH Music Man. Better resale plus it will be exactly what I am looking for.

I will also keep my eyes peeled for a gold top.

I stand corrected it was 91 when EVH gave the guitars to Jerry.