These Are NOT the Same! The Ultimate EBMM EVH, Axis, Axis EX Comparison! Story Behind The Strings

Why are these (nearly) identical guitars actually different?!? I break down the minor (and major) differences between the Ernie Ball/Music Man Eddie Van Halen Signature guitar, the Axis and the Axis EX models!
This episode is coming at you early as a Christmas Gift to you all! Thank you for a great start to this show!
This is The Story Behind The Strings.
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Every Musician has a Song & Every Instrument Shares A Story.
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#evh #eddievanhalen #edwardvanhalen #vanhalen #guitar #shredder #rocknroll #ernieballmusicman #ebmm #5150 #axis #axisex

[@adiohead]

EVH pickups are darker. I think the Axis sounded best to my ears, but they could all probably sound the same with some EQ adjustment.

[@slappywag7210]

I think at some point he started using stainless steel frets. They tend to brighten things up, so I wonder if the design of the EVH pick up was designed to offset that. Just a thought…

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

They all have the same exact pickups. The real problem was he was not playing on the bridge dimarzio he was playing on the neck pickup. you could tell it was the neck position. My EBMM EVH bridge dimarzio is real clear and kind of trebly.

[@KingGrio]

It's great you demoed the sound because although the spreadsheet said custom Di marzio pickups for all, the EVH signature sounded darkest, and my favourite was the Axis.

[@danfrye4289]

I have a 2012 that I have had for probably 10 years now. Thanks to your video, I now know what I actually have.

[@therangersinger]

Very well made and thanks for the snippet of history on these!

[@incognitoguitars9999]

Tremendous video. I’ve been playing a USA EVH HT that I love for years. Just got my 1st MM Axis USA and LOVE it!

[@ThomTranOnline]

I’ll be working on a video about the HT soon!

[@JohnnyBargeldBoom]

Awesome video, awesome channel! I subscribed. Can not wait for your new videos! Merry Xmas!

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks! They drop every other Tuesday!

[@ericsherman4181]

Cool vid, I have a purple EVH that I bought new, ordered through AMS at the time, took 8 months to get at that time. I think it was 1100$. It is in mint condition with no fading, it’s always been in the case, when I saw the prices they are getting now I’m afraid to touch it now LOL especially how rare the purple is now in its condition.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Those non-faded Purple ones are so gorgeous! You got it for a great price!

[@mattnagy2565]

I have owned the EX and Axis. The EX top thickness is identical to my Axis (made Oct 2006) as measured in the neck pocket. Excellent analysis, thank you!

[@mikemcgrath6391]

Great video - Thanks Thom!

[@ThomTranOnline]

Glad you liked it!

[@5150show]

The early axis models had the narrow neck and the offset saddles too . My 97 axis has those specs

[@codeevil666]

All pre 2007 are the same thing...

[@richardgordon9939]

thanks for your comparison. you have given me something to think about before buying. greetings from the UK

[@ThomTranOnline]

Glad I could help!

[@bluematrix5001]

What an amazing video, congrats! , there is a light difference, the axis feels more alive and with more sustain... but they sound so similar but i think more important is how it feel the guitar when you play it... I wish I have one of those Guitars....gorgeous, the fretboard looks amazing

[@ThomTranOnline]

Absolutely. A guitar should FEEL like it's right for you! Thanks for the watch!

[@CliffjumperCars]

Great video! Just one small correction: the 1/32 size difference in the neck on the Axis model did not get implemented until after 1997. The first wave of Axis models following the EVH departure had the exact same neck, with the exact same issue of the high E string falling off the fretboard and getting stuck. EBMM made a neck change/adjustment later in production. My Axis produced in June 1997 has the original version neck. EBMM also changed the bare neck finish on later models. The early ones have a lovely hand rubbed finish that is identical to the EVH models. The later and current models do not have this nice finish. It's bare wood, yes - but it lacks that same treatment as the early ones, leaving it feeling, well, unfinished. I have a fairly recent one as well as my back up guitar and the feel is completely different. EBMM had significant staff changes over the years and the current folks don't know the secret sauce that was used on the early ones (I've asked). Also worth mentioning there are some other production differences in the tremolo between the EVH/early Axis and the later/current models. The parts are not interchangeable, especially noticeable with the impossible to find/replace locking blocks in the trem. If yours ever crack (mine had a couple that got over tightened by a overly enthusiastic guitar tech) then the only way to replace them is to custom file some by hand to make them fit. The replacement ones offered by EBMM do not fit. So beware there.

[@5150show]

Yep you are right . My 97 has those specs. Including the offset saddles

[@martymcfly002]

Great video and beautiful guitars. I never knew that the EX model and EVH signature model were so close.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Same! I always “kinda” knew but when I did the research and reached out to Ernie Ball/Music Man is when I finally got the details. And I wanted to share the info!

[@schrom81]

To me the Axis sounds best out of the three. More air around the note (describing sound with words is funny). Don’t know if it’s just the wood or winds of the pickup. Maybe the pots…or all 🤷‍♂️

[@joewebrocks]

Great Video! And of course, very nice guitars you got there. Interesting fact, my EBMM EvH sounds also a bit darker as my EX model....just like in yours do. Side note: I have read a few weeks ago, that the body wood on the EX guitars isn't basswood...instead most of them should be made from alder...not sure if this is true or not.

[@nalukeko]

Always liked the shape and headstock, so I BUILT one back in ‘96… but as a semi-hollow with acoustic bridge, single humbucker, single EVH low-friction knob 🤘🏽

[@ThomTranOnline]

I’d love to see that!

[@nalukeko]

@@ThomTranOnline followed you on Instagram… I’ll send u a message or tag you on the post with it.

[@Dan_Kornfeld]

A brilliant and thorough comparison! The signature model has a richer, slightly more impactful tone to it. Keep doing what you do 😁👍‼

[@LiquidCharlie]

Great video!

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks!

[@hugofrankiensztein]

Great video so far, I'm watching "live"... I'm so sorry for your loss :(

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks man.

[@risingforce2903]

awesome video, very informative. I have an Axis and really want a an EVH or EX.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Best of luck getting one! Check out my episode about how to score a deal!

[@JohnnyBeane]

Awesome guitars! Love my 1992 EVH EBMM.

[@bradcanavan]

Thanks so much, got a natural quilt maple Axis, but my holy grail is the purple EVH. There’s so many I’ve seen that are faded, but I just can’t get the one out of my mind that you briefly showed in that poster. I also am still infatuated with the EVH natural quilt, back in the day there was one on the cover of an instructional guitar book (Hal Leonard?) that was absolutely beautiful…🎸

[@ThomTranOnline]

I know the book you’re talking about! Also, a good looking purple is always gorgeous!

[@FastRedPonyCar]

I'm still kicking myself over not buying a flame top super sport when a local music store was dropping EBMM in favor of Anderson guitars. They were selling them for $800 out the door. These are my favorite EVH shape guitar. The Wolfgang is cool but I like this body style more. Also lost my mom to cancer 😩

[@ThomTranOnline]

That hurts, man! On all counts!

[@5150show]

5150 percent awesome .had to subscribe. Cheers from New Zealand

[@ThomTranOnline]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@yngvai777]

Great video. thanks for doing this comparison. I'm lucky enough to own two Axis guitars. A 2021 trans Amber, and a 2023 trans purple BFR with nitro finish. They are amazing guitars.

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

Do they make em nitro ?

[@yngvai777]

@@bobbyarthur-yf3yf They did a limited run of 100 in nitro.

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

@@yngvai777 ahh that would a been nice !! Good for you to have that in the stable !

[@lisahaubert6873]

You're making my old Van Halen guitar famous, nice comparison, yeah, the signature model sounds best!!! Jim H. Merry Christmas!!!

[@ThomTranOnline]

Merry Christmas, Jim!

[@RickO-pu6my]

Great video...I have an Axis Super Sport, beautiful quilt on it, but I never fell in love and haven't played it probably all year! I'll have to pull it out and give it another chance...but not a huge fan of the thin neck width, not a great rhythm instrument.

[@5150show]

Love my 97 axis 😊

[@e.l.norton]

Brand new, those Ernie Ball EVH signature models were nowhere near 2k when they first came out. With tax, I paid $1367 and change in 1994 for a brand new quilted amber top with the Floyd. I still have the receipt. I sorely miss those days.

[@30smsuperstrat]

Seeing cycles of guitar values is always interesting. When this guitar came out, I was in high school and really getting into guitar. The big it factor guitars at the time were Taylor acoustics and PRS electrics. When Ed shifted to MM, this guitar definitely hit in that bling factor PRS thing for shredders. In drafting class, I scaled up the body and, in woodshop, made it. Played a few EVH MMs over the years but never found them to be very versatile guitars. I can remember when they were "that" guitar the guy on Craigslist was offering to trade for everything that got posted😆. These are what I call a boat guitar. The one you want your friend to own, so you can occasionally barrow but not be invested in. $4k for a basswood guitar and not even a genuine floyd.

[@ThomTranOnline]

🤣 “boat guitar”

[@fabioak78]

Great video! Could u tell what mean the saddles offset ?

[@blacklion401]

I own a BFR Axis that I got a great deal on. Amazing guitars and the pickups are my all time favorite.

[@ThomTranOnline]

I had a black BFR that I played for a while. I regret selling it but I think part of the sale went to buying an EVH!

[@fasteddievh2072]

Excellent review. Now this is the standard for how all guitar comparisons should be done. Don’t just tell me “the neck kinda feels different”. I want to see stats, graphs, flow charts and DNA testing!!! I just subscribed. Keep up the awesome content brother. 5️⃣1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ =\//-/=🔥🤘👍

[@ThomTranOnline]

Awesome! Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it! New episode just dropped yesterday! Happy New Year!

[@fasteddievh2072]

@@ThomTranOnline Happy New Year! I will definitely check out that new episode. 🔥🤘👍

[@OUTTATIMEMTL]

EVH has Tone Zone/Air Norton ish pickups but the EX ans AXIS sound clearer to me?

[@ThomTranOnline]

Same thought.

[@13Salamander]

Try using the Air Zone for the bridge, it sounds closer to the EVH EBMM DiMarzios IMO

[@Timanator]

What a cool video !

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks! Hope you like the rest of the series!

[@Timanator]

@@ThomTranOnlineOne questions, other sites say the musicman EVH has a 3 piece back, is that true?

[@Miroslav-guitar]

awesome guitars !!!!

[@defhoez449]

A buddy of mine bought a Chibson version of the Axis for gigging....he's also got a real Axis as well but it never really leaves his house, 'cause he is too afraid of gigging with it due to possible theft. The average person doesn't know the difference and it plays great, actually.

[@ThomTranOnline]

I’ve gigged with all 3 of them and the fear of theft is so real! I never take them all to the same gig though. I was actually thinking about getting one of the Chibsons, for science (this show 😂), to see what they’re like. So your buddy says it doesn’t play too bad? Hmmmmm

[@defhoez449]

@@ThomTranOnline Yes...I've tried it as well, and after a bit of work on it and taking it in to a good luthier it pays pretty sweet now.

[@SteveHatzman]

The Axis seemed more complete sounding to me. The EVH sounded kinda muffled.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

He was not playing the bridge pu on the EVH. you could hear it was the neck pu he was playing on.

[@GearZenChannel]

I have a 2002 Axis, but have always coveted the EVH model. I really don't care about collecting. I just like the look of the pickup switch location better. My Axis plays like a dream, so I will probably be sticking with it for a good long while.

[@LoademGrey]

Quick question about the bridge pick up. Say, i want to upgrade or replace the bridge pick up. Is the bridge pick up F spaced? Thanks in advance.

[@TheGuitarCurator]

Interesting. I liked the sound of the Axis the best. I wasn't expecting that...

[@koopop]

Thank you! It's said in some specs of the Axis Ex, that body material is alder, not basswood. Maybe they changed to alder for the last years of its production?

[@rubenreza]

The solid color EXs are alder, the transparent tops are basswood.

[@paulterl4563]

I am sad to hear about your ma passing. Send you much love. Subbed.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thank you. It was over a decade ago but I appreciate it.

[@paulterl4563]

@@ThomTranOnline You're welcome.

[@saarbrandvin7749]

Amazing guitars

[@JPTyler]

"Tell your mom I said Hi." 🤣🤣🤣

[@ThomTranOnline]

🤣 "Tell your Mom I said hi" shirts available at thomtranshop.com!

[@FloridaManMatty]

10:07 - Talking about movies using code names to keep things under wraps - The US Department of Defense still has the best project and mission code names in the entire history of EVER. Have Blue, Credible Sport, Acid Gambit, Senior Ice, Tacit Blue… Anything involving aircraft projects or JSOC work is almost guaranteed to be pretty bad ass 😂

[@rmzzz76]

On the EB EVH signature and only on that model, Ernie Ball did a scan of the fretboard wear on Eddie's Kramer and using CNC machines every one sold had the years of wear Ed had put into that fretboard carved in to reproduce the broken in feel... No one had done anything like this up to that point in time and I don't think anyway had since... Once they transitioned to Axis branding they dropped it... Pickups have always been identical in these guitars, the much sought after DiMarzio's that actually led to DiMarzio filing two patents during their design one for what became known as "Airbucking" which, according to Larry DiMarzio came about as he was trying to deliver to Ed the warmth of an Alnico II magnet with the power of an Alnico V. The other patented I think for using different number of wraps on the top and bottom bobbins of a humbucker's dual bobbins... The companies claiming to sell clones of these pickups (e.g. Pariah Poundcakes) aren't using any of these techniques, they are just matching the output on a multi-meter and matching magnet types and claiming they've created a clone.... Nothing matches the real set.

[@michaelstahl2967]

So in general, the axis fixed a high E string slippage issue (1998 and up), and the pickups are slightly brighter, so not the orginal pickups?

[@cancelbubble6535]

I used to have two Axis models (amber and natural finished). I paid $653 for the amber one on ebay back in the day. it had a couple dings on it, but I didn't care. Amazing deal. A couple years after I bought the amber one I picked up the natural one on ebay in the $850 range and it was mint. Those were the days, don't get me started on importing higher end vintage Japanese guitars before there was a market for those here in the states. The Axis were really good guitars - really good guitars - they're definitely big selling regrets, but anyone who has been playing for a while and buying and selling for a while has these stories. The only thing I did *not* like was the body was not routed behind the Floyd, so you can really only use it to dive.

[@ThomTranOnline]

You got those for some great prices! The market sure has gone wild, sadly, since Ed’s passing.

[@Nightjar726]

I had two Axis guitars. One from the first year in 95’ which I still own and one from 2005 which I sold. They both sounded different. The 95’ was and is heavier and sounded way better than the lighter 2005. Not saying it sounds better because it’s heavier, that was just one variable. What I’m saying is all those guitars are gonna sound a bit different.

[@AchillesWrath1]

Good video but you forgot to mention one thing. The paint flaw where the original signature series guitars are prone to fade if left exposed to UV light. Do you know if they fixed that problem with the Axis guitars made in the 90's? I used to own an original blue signature series and sold it several years ago. Now i'm kicking myself and want another one

[@ThomTranOnline]

I mentioned it in the episode about my custom 5150 striped that I released a month later.

[@Polarisfff]

Is the Axis Ex fingerboard finished?

[@Foghat1961]

I'm pretty sure I've seen a very early photo of Albert Lee playing a MM 'Albert Lee' but it says 'Axis' on the headstock.

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

Interesting ! I guess they grabbed a neck while working on his body … would have been Eddie neck specks

[@Ewald_93]

I am a huge fan of these guitars. It’s probably my favorite guitar. I will never sell my 99 Axis. I scored it for almost zero money. I will soon need a refret. Do you think Stainless steel frets will be a good option? I am afraid that the sound will change….

[@ThomTranOnline]

I believe Ed was using stainless steel frets on his latest Eddie Van Halen models. So if it’s good enough for Ed, it’s good enough for the rest of us!

[@fpeynet]

Your EVH guitar sounded like it was in the middle pickup selection (both pickup) whereas the two other instruments were clearly on the bridge.

[@garettoverstreet]

You must have lived off of Hazeltine in Sherman Oaks. North or South? And the signature model sounds too fizzy and flubby to me, the other two sound more clear and articulate.😢

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

So being mindful of annoying anyone as I know it was good enough for Eddie 🙏🏼 .. i have an axis super sport and ive had trouble bonding with the pick ups … hotter than most of My guitars and the neck single in fourth is Sweet the full neck humbucker is too muddy and bridge hot and shrill .. do to the pick Up foot shape it seams i still need to Go with dimarzio and after a long search i found the 59 paf 36 anniversery … any thoughts on this ? Im just Looking for less gain a touch and more articulation .. really How I feel early VH was like ..

[@32toddv]

The three sound so close, it's like the signature EVH has a tad more bass to it if that makes sense.

[@WaRLoKWYATT]

Uhg... my buddy's mom bought him one of these for like $500 bucks back in like 2004 and we thought it was lame because it looked stupid, so he sold it for an Ibanez. Back then, we had no idea that was what it was. I knew it played great, but i always hated the way it looked and still do. I wish i could find that guy now to laugh about how stupid we were. I have been building guitars and working on guitars for about 17 years now and would love to play that guitar again just to see how stupid i was for finding that Ibanez he sold it for. We also hated the Floyd Rose because back then, nobody had any fuckin idea how to set one up correctly. Ah to be young

[@ThomTranOnline]

🤣🤣 kids are dumb. But yeah, Floyd’s are a pain. I talk about that very point in SEVERAL episodes.

[@RichardGutierrezRG]

AXIS was what the Albert Lee Model was called before Albert took ownership of it. Seems AXIS was just a name Sterling liked and would assign to a new guitar.

[@ThomTranOnline]

I’ve read up about that. Yeah it sounds like it was something like a working code name until after the EVH model came out.

[@rdt275]

plz do the sterling ones

[@ThomTranOnline]

I have something in the works!

[@Invading-Specious]

His dna has to be on it for to be genuine...😂

[@Polarisfff]

I think when the pickups high will be the same and the PUs are the same, there is no difference. PU high is so important.

[@slapitman]

Best guitar (bar the tele) ever made.

[@rushfan3249]

I got an axis for 480 dollars and it sounds great for the cheap price

[@ThomTranOnline]

🤯 Dude! That is a helluva score! I’m jealous! 🤣

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

JeeZ

[@therileyobrien]

I sold a hardtail in the early 2000's for like $750...ugh

[@ThomTranOnline]

Uggggggggh. That hurts to hear!

[@bobilly]

I've played several Axis Ex guitars without the asymmetrical neck profile, it's fairly inconsistent. Also Axis had offset saddles until about 1998 👍

[@rubenreza]

Correct. My ‘98 purple has offset saddles.

[@giancarlopaolini7529]

Well, I've still in these days one purchased back in 2001 and I do consider that one the original as appearing in the movie "Right Here Right Now" ....the others are a totally different kind of bred and butter ....sorry...

[@nickyounger1368]

axis definitely sounds the best

[@jl-zz9zs]

Ive played and had many Axis guitars. One thing about it all is even they vary tremendously from one to the other. I have one that was sanded so much its like a broom stick of how small the neck is. Two others felt more Les Paul 50’s neck. Both of those had a warmer fatter tone. I could get Stevie Ray strat tone and didnt quite get that stinging high end you hear on some. Others had more Tele vibe on the back pickup and sounded a bit thin on strat tones.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@THOM TRANS JOKES, GEAR AND GUITARS, WTH??? When you played the examples on the original EVH guitar where you accidentally on the neck p'u? it sure sounds like it to me! That was way too bassy and muffled to be the Custom wound dimarzio bridge pu! it sounded much more like the neck p'u no doubt! The other two guitars sounded norrnal so either your switch was in the wrong position or maybe it is wired backwards?

[@kurtmackenzie7349]

My Axis is not bird's eye it's rock maple

[@frankiechan9651]

Nice comparison - definitively not something I've sen elsewhere. All of these EBMM's fall in a weird zone for me. I love the Kramer 5150's as that was when I first learned of Van Halen (It's also why I respect the Frankie for what it is - but don't love it) I saw when the MusicMan's came out but they didn't grab me. The Peavey's did interest me as paired with the amps - and I kind of like them better than the EVH-branded Wolfgangs. Even though I think the EVH's are better made and were the final things that Ed helped design. Having said all that - I kind of want the EVH striped series with the Baretta-style body - all the newer features like the spoke wheel truss rod, compound radius, CF reinforced neck etc - but the classic look I love.

[@jpstephens8477]

axis brighter better

[@Magik1369]

Buy an EVH WG USA and be done with it.

[@MrJuanchernandez]

Great idea for a video. Yet I had to stop watching, because two minutes in, you had not gotten to the actual subject matter yet. Consider trimming some of the fat off of your intros. Best of luck!

[@slappywag7210]

I really hate it that these scumbags are trying to capitalize off the passing of Eddie. According to Eddie himself, the Ernie Ball was his least favorite version of the Wolfgang.

[@ferrousmcgarrus3431]

Does that guitar come with those giant eye-hooks as strap holders? That's the ugliest thing I've ever seen on a guitar.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Those are similar to the EVH Gear branded eye hooks that Ed used on his guitars.