Killer review. I have 2 USA wolfs. And just ordered a Mij model today. Based on your opinion. Hopefully I get a good one. Thank you for the video. Keep on Rocking.
How gently does the volume knob taper off? On my Ensenada Special, which is otherwise great, the volume eventually shuts off rather suddenly. It is easy to overshoot and lose the signal as it seems to happen right beyond the "sweet spot" for low-volume parts in VH1 songs. Btw, I also like my cars to be made in Japan, especially 4x4s:)
Like you, it doesn’t taper off slowly it tapers off fast, and when I say off, I mean off. The same goes for some of my Mexico models. But I also have a little trick that I put a small piece of foam underneath the volume knob to keep it from moving so easily. I think I will do it to this one too. In my humble opinion, those high friction volume knobs are way too loose. Eddie was more precise with his right hand. Had total control, I’m much more loose with my right hand, which hits the volume knob all the time. Especially when playing live.
Oh my God it stays in tune great with just the standard set up, but today I put on the FU tone, Springs, brass claw and screws, titanium string retainers, and screws, Floyd rose brass block, as well as the titanium R2 nut
I have this on my list of guitars to review and I'm pretty excited. I'm curious just how much more guitar you get from Japan vs the Mexican Wolfgang special and the wildcard $3000 Czech built Peavey HP2.
Accept for the things I mentioned, the bodies are pretty much Identical to the Mexico builds except for the triple binding on this particular Wolfgang. One thing that threw me for a loop was I noticed (when checking out the three-way switch), that it was a cheap Indonesian three-way switch and not the switch type I was used to seeing in the other build Wolfgangs. I truly believe the big difference is in the neck. I can definitely say the three-way switches are cheap but work. Definitely better on the Mexico builds. Why they skimped on the 3 way switch is beyond me. I’d have to find another Japan model to see if they are the same or if mine was just replaced. I haven’t a clue about the Czech built HP2 Wild Cards, but for that kind of money it better be nice. 👍
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 Weird decision on the switch.. maybe Ed wanted a switch that felt a certain way?? A switchcraft 3 way would have cost what? A couple bucks per instrument? And on a low production quantity instrument, it's not like saving a buck or two would amount to any meaningful savings. I'm still kicking myself though... about 10 years ago, a local mom/pop guitar store was moving and also changing up their brands and they were dropping Music Man to pick up Anderson. They had about 5 or 6 Music Man Axis Super Sports with flame tops they were blowing out the door for $800 and I passed... now they're going for 3 grand used. Thom Tran did a great video on his channel comparing all 3 music man guitars that are considered EVH guitars and what makes them different. I honestly prefer the looks of the old Axis to the Wolfgang kinda like how I prefer the look of the Ernie Ball JP6 Petrucci to the new Majesty guitars.
I had a Kramer Pacer with the floyd back in the day and now I want to get one of those EVH MIJ beauties. What amp are you using in the vid? Sounds great. Thanks!
Hello and thank you for liking the video! I am pretty sure I’m using a 5150 III 50w Stealth for this demo. Modified by Howard Kaplan with the articulation mod for the blue channel. But 99% of the time I am using my 5150 III 50w 6L6 1x12 combo. I had a headshell made for it so I can use just the head without the cabinet. I’m running it through a torpedo two note captor X. And that goes straight through to the camera. IMO (as well as the head engineer who designed the 5150 III amps) the 5150 3 combos are the best out of the whole 5150 3 lineup.
Hey bud! Yeah I've checked out your and other videos and am ordering a 5150 III 6L6. It sounds fantastic. For me the 6L6 has *the* sound over the EL34. Thx for posting your signal path, btw. Just deciding between head or 1x12 as I already have a bonkers huge '73 ampeg 4x12 CTS that might be good with it. I haven't had a guitar with a floyd since the 80's but that white EVH MIJ is just... something special, right? I'll end up with a full evh fanboy rig lol. Dig your playing and thx for the quick reply!
@@e.r.559am7 grab the combo, it’s a different beast all together. It shares a gain stage that the heads just don’t! That’s why I just had a headshell made for mine. Don’t forget you will have the built-in power level attenuator from one want to 50 W. And the digital reverb that’s on board the combos is just killer.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 that is a huge important bit of info thank you so much: will definitely go for the combo. Hope to see your new amp in the new headshell! I will def. stay tuned to your channel👍
Congrats on the MIJ Signature, I have the USA Ivory Signature and love it, I have the MIJ Stealth on order. These guitars are amazing, so comfortable to play! Nice upgrades you did to Floyd to! I wish they would have used the German Made Floyd for the Money they cost. The Vintage frets did take some getting use to, for me anyway.
Thanks for posting this review man, really good info - it actually convinced me to take the plunge and get one, its on its way! I have to ask though, it does make you play like Eddie right? Or do I still need to practice?
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 Well it showed up and my god, you were not kidding, this guitar is on a another level, it is just buttery smooth, the vintage frets feel incredible, - this guitar has surpassed all of my expectations to be honest, the difference between this and the Wolfgang special I had is astonishing, couldn't be more happy!
Beautiful Review! Thank you! The wolfgang's I played the necks felt odd to me - but I have not played a signature model. Can you share more regarding the neck vs. the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style Neck (2017- present) which I think is similar to the EVH FrankenStrat. Again, Thank You - Love your reviews!
This is kinda hard for me to remain objective, but in my humble opinion, nothing beats the older Charvel necks when it comes to how thin the back of the neck is and yet still remain strong. I just love the single piece quarter-sawn maple necks. Maybe it’s just mental for me. But once Charvel moved production to Mexico and around 2016, they started with the two-piece maple necks. I could swear when I play them they are thicker, yet still a C profile but not as thin. I think it started when they added the truss rod adjustment at the heel and made it very accessible, which is a very nice feature. The dual trust rod is a nice thing also. But it did change the feel of the neck. I’m sure it would have to be a little bit thicker in order to accommodate those dual truss rods. But I could be wrong. But this new MIJ Wolfgang signature I got for some reason feels so much thinner than all the other Wolfgangs I have played, no matter what country it was made. Even compared to the older MIJ Wolfgang’s. But that happened to Charvel also when they move production to SoCal and San Dimas MIJ’s. The necks as I’m sure others will attest, came with rolled fretboard edges, where they almost looked scalloped. No other country did that to those necks. So I am wondering if this time in (their little secret bag of tricks), decided to make the Wolfgang MIJ necks a little thinner, and more thin C-shaped rather than A-symmetrical? They seem to add their own little touches to their builds and it’s always in the necks.. sorry for the novel, but it is rather complicated to explain.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 Thank You! I appreciate the detailed answer. It's the details that make all the difference! Looking forward to your next video post!
It’s just my luck I guess. I’m the guy who quits smoking and gets hit by the cigarette truck! 😂. Actually I don’t mind at all, so used to it being this way
hey all, can anyone tell me the body thickness is the same as on the USA Wolfgang? I've read somewhere that was one difference... may or may not matter but just curious. I've got a Stealth coming in tomorrow!!!
@@frankleonardis-sj1mu I do have a friend who has a USA Wolfgang, I played it before. I didn’t notice anything different. However, I’m pretty sure the three-way selector switch is the cheaper one as they use the Indonesian models. Not the good switchcraft type used in the Mexican and American models.
I have the US Ivory but plan to get the Black signature at some point, great review! I believe everything is the same but the pickups, according to other reviewers they aren't US pickups. However if you look at the specs on SW it is the same as the US with the A3 magnets on the neck pickups. I also have a 2010 Standard, almost 15 years old now and one of the best guitars I've ever owned. I would rank my US Sig is perfect but I expect a good deal of the price is just the MIA premium, all my JP guitars from other manufactures are top quality.
@@MarbsMusic i’ve also noticed that the three-way toggle switch is a lesser quality than the USA model and the older MIJ models. Interesting to hear about the pick-ups.
Dealers aren't supposed to sell below a certain price. Maybe they said it was damaged so they could sell it cheaper. Only thing I can think of. Sounds great.
Yes, you are right in the video, I state they said there was something wrong with it, but I couldn’t find it. Most dealers have what they call MAP pricing which basically means no dealer can sell it lower than another dealer.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 I've purchased several things like this. Sold as "open box", but still sealed in the factory packaging, and flawless. They might use words like, mint, or like new. Nice to hear you were able to find a great deal. Keep the videos coming. I think you have Eddies swing/ shuffle picking down, and your amp sounds good as well. That's rare to find on YT video.
There are some slight differences, the toggle switch isn’t the same quality, and the paint finish isn’t quite the same, but the guitar is essentially just like the USA model. Plays and sounds great.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 I purchased a used stealth mij model and it’s a badass, and I’m not afraid to mod it up with titanium parts and the like. Paid 1625 used. I’ve got the USA models too…
The usa version has real mother of pearl inlays on the fretboard, not pearloid (acrilic)…that’s one reason for the price difference…but I am sure there are others..like less selected woods and other stuff…no one gives you nothing for nothiing….they clearly cut costs somewhere…I mean this MIJ is great but personally I don’t believe in giants killers…if it costs that muchless it means that they cut qualiy on something….
All I can tell you is that the body is basswood, the neck is quartersawn maple, fretboard is ebony, tilted headstock, same binding, same 12-16 degree radius, same rounded fretboard edges, same vintage stainless steel frets, as far as I’m aware same pearloid tuning pegs, same pick ups, same countered body, same volume pot and tone pots, same EVH Floyd, Rose, same Killswitch, same three-way switch. I’m not sure about one thing and that is the mother of pearl markers versus pearloid. Some would say Japanese builds vs. American builds are far superior. I’m one of them. I think the cost cutting is in the labor rates. And like my Charvels, in my opinion the MIJ builds are far superior, especially the necks. If someone thinks mother of pearl inlays versus pearloid inlays somehow equates to $2500 more, I need to sell that person a bridge. 😂 Just my humble opinion. I think when someone buys an American model, they have to try and justify the price difference. Not saying you are, but a lot of people do
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 yeah but ebony is not all the same, the body is basswood but it could be that it is 3-4 pieces instead of two pieces body and of a less selected basswood, and so on…then I am not ssying that real mother of pearl only makes the price difference but that it is made by the sum of all the elements I have said…I mean if the quality control is that incredible high (and I know Japanese are very precise) then it should cost more and not less (people work costs)…i do not see any ‘prestige’ or ‘ j custom’ models in the Ibanez top guitars (signatures, top prestige models, j custom)costing less than ‘standard series’…speaking about high quality japanese instruments…yeah the Premium range costs less cause it is Indonesia and the build/components are not the same quality even if it is always basswood, mahogany, maple, ecc…
@@marcopanza1011 I guess my question would be have you played one? Have you compared the two? There’s just a lot of assuming going on. It’s something you have to see for yourself. These guitars are in the pride of the build, that’s what the Japanese are known for. I doubt if there’s any big corners being cut here. Try one side-by-side and see for yourself. What you’re totally ignoring is the cost of doing business from country to country. That’s not even mentioned in your reply. Definitely agree with you on the Indonesian builds, where the quality is very poor as well as the cost of labor being extremely cheap compared to Japan, America, or even Mexico. Now the old Wolfgang specials that came out of China and Japan, are obviously different than the American ones, But the price reflected that. The best thing to do is see for yourself, Compare. If you can find $2500 worth of differences I’d be shocked, please let me know what they are and then if the price difference warrants it. I agree quality of wood can be different even though it’s the same type, three-piece body versus two-piece or single piece. But I have not yet to find it. I’m still checking to see if the fret inlays are mother of pearl on the American builds. I will get back ASAP.
I don’t believe those are USA pickups. Evh has stopped making them in the US. And all their aftermarket pickups being sold for $180 are in fact made in South Korea as well now. Total rip. I’m a pro tech and I’ve had numerous MIJ Wolfgang’s and they are the overseas pickups
Wow, beautiful Wolf! I strongly agree that the low friction pots are too "easy" to turn and I prefer something slightly more stiff. Also, I love your comparison of the 2010-2011 MIJ Charvel necks. I own a few and they are the best IMO! Cheers!
I have to agree with you my good friend. Hand the Japanese a block of wood, and they’ll make a beautiful guitar out of it. Reminds me of the old days with the lawsuit era guitars. No wonder Gibson and Fender sent cease and desist letters out. 😂
As a beginner, it only took me days to get used to not turning the pot accidentally, it is just a matter of habit. It is very hard to do older VH songs with a stiffer pot IMO.
Actually, they’ve been making them since 2021. I’ve seen them dated back to this period of time. There was quite a bit of time when it was impossible to get one. Back ordered like crazy.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 Hmm...I don't know about production but they appeared as new in summer 2023 or so. I remember when they showed up for pre-order. I also remember discussions and people awaiting the release. I am aware that there were various previous MIJ runs. I have been wrong before, of course, but I will be surprised if this specific model was available for sale in the US before that. Thanks for the taper comments. I have not accidentally bumped the volume knob in months but I need to work on the stopping point. Otherwise, I really like it loose but as a mid-aged noob, I had very limited prior experience and none at controlling the volume so for me this is "natural" being how I am learning. Started the Somebody Get me a Doctor bridge today and the low friction is kinda essential here. Cheers! Good stuff. I subscribed.
@@Bjohn7899 I just took off the backing plate for that switch and realized someone had moved it so that it would be different. I put it back Eddie style. 😂
No, but that depends on the strings that you are using. Other guitars that I play (depending on the strings I am using) my fingers just like yours get blackened. A little trick for that and sometimes I forget to do it because I am in such a rush changing strings, I use a white cloth with window cleaner. I take each string and run it through the cloth with Windex or other window cleaner to take the oil off the string. Some people say the strings don’t last so long like that but in my journeys, I have not seen that to be the case
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 interesting, thanks for the reply on that really appreciate it ! I think might be a combination of the strings and the ebony board as Im getting purplish/black stains on the pad of my index finger and the lower part that of my finger wraps round the bottom of fretboard, its like they've dyed it and its rubbing off or something
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 yeah I thought that too for the price, I did contact EVH and they send the factory dont use dye on the wood, but I did read some wood working forums and it does appear that handling natural wood like walnut, ebony and other similar can leave dark black purplish stains after a while due to natural oils/tannins on your hands so maybe its a combination of that and the string issue you mentioned, either way im going to try the strings tip you mentioned above on my next change out, thanks again!
FYI the MIJ Series Signature Wolfgang was just announced June 23 and just started being delivered in 24 (maybe late 23)
Thanks man great review. I pre ordered mine in July last year and have been told Delivery expected November this year 2024 by Thomann in Europe
You’re gonna love it my friend, let us know how you like it when you get it.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 absolutely cannot wait to play it now.
Gear4music have 1 in stock now
@@briharrison5150 checked it out its all preorder click bait
Getting mine tomorrow
Killer review. I have 2 USA wolfs. And just ordered a Mij model today. Based on your opinion. Hopefully I get a good one. Thank you for the video. Keep on Rocking.
I think you’re gonna be pleasantly surprised. You will get a great one, because Japan takes a little bit more pride in their craftsmanship.
How did it come out for you?
That guitar is a beast!!! Love it!
It really is my rockstar brother! The neck is unbelievable.
How gently does the volume knob taper off? On my Ensenada Special, which is otherwise great, the volume eventually shuts off rather suddenly. It is easy to overshoot and lose the signal as it seems to happen right beyond the "sweet spot" for low-volume parts in VH1 songs. Btw, I also like my cars to be made in Japan, especially 4x4s:)
Like you, it doesn’t taper off slowly it tapers off fast, and when I say off, I mean off. The same goes for some of my Mexico models. But I also have a little trick that I put a small piece of foam underneath the volume knob to keep it from moving so easily. I think I will do it to this one too. In my humble opinion, those high friction volume knobs are way too loose. Eddie was more precise with his right hand. Had total control, I’m much more loose with my right hand, which hits the volume knob all the time. Especially when playing live.
Sounds great and looks fantastic. What are you playing through?
Thank you! Playing through a EVH 5150 III 50w Stealth into a Two Note Torpedo Captor X
Dang that guitar is sweet!! Beautiful guitar, and sounds great. How well does it stay in tune when using the whammy?
Oh my God it stays in tune great with just the standard set up, but today I put on the FU tone, Springs, brass claw and screws, titanium string retainers, and screws, Floyd rose brass block, as well as the titanium R2 nut
Even my Special stays in tune extremely well.
I have this on my list of guitars to review and I'm pretty excited. I'm curious just how much more guitar you get from Japan vs the Mexican Wolfgang special and the wildcard $3000 Czech built Peavey HP2.
Accept for the things I mentioned, the bodies are pretty much Identical to the Mexico builds except for the triple binding on this particular Wolfgang. One thing that threw me for a loop was I noticed (when checking out the three-way switch), that it was a cheap Indonesian three-way switch and not the switch type I was used to seeing in the other build Wolfgangs. I truly believe the big difference is in the neck. I can definitely say the three-way switches are cheap but work. Definitely better on the Mexico builds. Why they skimped on the 3 way switch is beyond me. I’d have to find another Japan model to see if they are the same or if mine was just replaced. I haven’t a clue about the Czech built HP2 Wild Cards, but for that kind of money it better be nice. 👍
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 Weird decision on the switch.. maybe Ed wanted a switch that felt a certain way?? A switchcraft 3 way would have cost what? A couple bucks per instrument? And on a low production quantity instrument, it's not like saving a buck or two would amount to any meaningful savings.
I'm still kicking myself though... about 10 years ago, a local mom/pop guitar store was moving and also changing up their brands and they were dropping Music Man to pick up Anderson. They had about 5 or 6 Music Man Axis Super Sports with flame tops they were blowing out the door for $800 and I passed... now they're going for 3 grand used.
Thom Tran did a great video on his channel comparing all 3 music man guitars that are considered EVH guitars and what makes them different. I honestly prefer the looks of the old Axis to the Wolfgang kinda like how I prefer the look of the Ernie Ball JP6 Petrucci to the new Majesty guitars.
I had a Kramer Pacer with the floyd back in the day and now I want to get one of those EVH MIJ beauties. What amp are you using in the vid? Sounds great. Thanks!
Hello and thank you for liking the video! I am pretty sure I’m using a 5150 III 50w Stealth for this demo. Modified by Howard Kaplan with the articulation mod for the blue channel. But 99% of the time I am using my 5150 III 50w 6L6 1x12 combo. I had a headshell made for it so I can use just the head without the cabinet. I’m running it through a torpedo two note captor X. And that goes straight through to the camera. IMO (as well as the head engineer who designed the 5150 III amps) the 5150 3 combos are the best out of the whole 5150 3 lineup.
Hey bud! Yeah I've checked out your and other videos and am ordering a 5150 III 6L6. It sounds fantastic. For me the 6L6 has *the* sound over the EL34. Thx for posting your signal path, btw. Just deciding between head or 1x12 as I already have a bonkers huge '73 ampeg 4x12 CTS that might be good with it. I haven't had a guitar with a floyd since the 80's but that white EVH MIJ is just... something special, right? I'll end up with a full evh fanboy rig lol. Dig your playing and thx for the quick reply!
@@e.r.559am7 grab the combo, it’s a different beast all together. It shares a gain stage that the heads just don’t! That’s why I just had a headshell made for mine. Don’t forget you will have the built-in power level attenuator from one want to 50 W. And the digital reverb that’s on board the combos is just killer.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 that is a huge important bit of info thank you so much: will definitely go for the combo. Hope to see your new amp in the new headshell! I will def. stay tuned to your channel👍
Congrats on the MIJ Signature, I have the USA Ivory Signature and love it, I have the MIJ Stealth on order. These guitars are amazing, so comfortable to play! Nice upgrades you did to Floyd to! I wish they would have used the German Made Floyd for the Money they cost. The Vintage frets did take some getting use to, for me anyway.
Boy, do I agree with you on the vintage frets, that does take some time on getting used to
Buckethead is the master of the kill switch
No doubt
Thanks for posting this review man, really good info - it actually convinced me to take the plunge and get one, its on its way! I have to ask though, it does make you play like Eddie right? Or do I still need to practice?
Hahahaha I wish! We are going to need to keep practicing.😂
Glad you’re getting one! I hope you love it as much as I love mine
@@grumpyoldrockers1048
Well it showed up and my god, you were not kidding, this guitar is on a another level, it is just buttery smooth, the vintage frets feel incredible, - this guitar has surpassed all of my expectations to be honest, the difference between this and the Wolfgang special I had is astonishing, couldn't be more happy!
Beautiful Review! Thank you! The wolfgang's I played the necks felt odd to me - but I have not played a signature model. Can you share more regarding the neck vs. the
Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style Neck (2017- present) which I think is similar to the EVH FrankenStrat. Again, Thank You - Love your reviews!
This is kinda hard for me to remain objective, but in my humble opinion, nothing beats the older Charvel necks when it comes to how thin the back of the neck is and yet still remain strong. I just love the single piece quarter-sawn maple necks. Maybe it’s just mental for me. But once Charvel moved production to Mexico and around 2016, they started with the two-piece maple necks. I could swear when I play them they are thicker, yet still a C profile but not as thin. I think it started when they added the truss rod adjustment at the heel and made it very accessible, which is a very nice feature. The dual trust rod is a nice thing also. But it did change the feel of the neck. I’m sure it would have to be a little bit thicker in order to accommodate those dual truss rods. But I could be wrong. But this new MIJ Wolfgang signature I got for some reason feels so much thinner than all the other Wolfgangs I have played, no matter what country it was made. Even compared to the older MIJ Wolfgang’s. But that happened to Charvel also when they move production to SoCal and San Dimas MIJ’s. The necks as I’m sure others will attest, came with rolled fretboard edges, where they almost looked scalloped. No other country did that to those necks. So I am wondering if this time in (their little secret bag of tricks), decided to make the Wolfgang MIJ necks a little thinner, and more thin C-shaped rather than A-symmetrical? They seem to add their own little touches to their builds and it’s always in the necks.. sorry for the novel, but it is rather complicated to explain.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 Thank You! I appreciate the detailed answer. It's the details that make all the difference! Looking forward to your next video post!
I just bought an MIJ sig stealth and my switch came just like USA with up for bridge pickup. Not sure why yours is opposite?
It’s just my luck I guess. I’m the guy who quits smoking and gets hit by the cigarette truck! 😂. Actually I don’t mind at all, so used to it being this way
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 all personal preference and as you said easy to change if you wanted to. Either way it’s an incredible guitar!
@@edwardskol1812 no doubt
hey all, can anyone tell me the body thickness is the same as on the USA Wolfgang? I've read somewhere that was one difference... may or may not matter but just curious. I've got a Stealth coming in tomorrow!!!
@@frankleonardis-sj1mu yeah I would like to know that too. I would imagine it would be the same, but it sure would be nice to know.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 I thought you had a USA version to compare to. If not, anyone out there? Please help us!!! lol!
@@frankleonardis-sj1mu I do have a friend who has a USA Wolfgang, I played it before. I didn’t notice anything different. However, I’m pretty sure the three-way selector switch is the cheaper one as they use the Indonesian models. Not the good switchcraft type used in the Mexican and American models.
Fender has been hitting it out the park with these. Wish ESP and Charvel would make some affordable MIJ guitars.
Agree brother
Superb review dude! I have the same MIJ Ivory as you. It’s awesome, isn’t it?
@@stjohnmason90 you got that right my brother I just love mine. It has become my main ax lately.
I have the US Ivory but plan to get the Black signature at some point, great review! I believe everything is the same but the pickups, according to other reviewers they aren't US pickups. However if you look at the specs on SW it is the same as the US with the A3 magnets on the neck pickups. I also have a 2010 Standard, almost 15 years old now and one of the best guitars I've ever owned. I would rank my US Sig is perfect but I expect a good deal of the price is just the MIA premium, all my JP guitars from other manufactures are top quality.
@@MarbsMusic i’ve also noticed that the three-way toggle switch is a lesser quality than the USA model and the older MIJ models. Interesting to hear about the pick-ups.
Dealers aren't supposed to sell below a certain price. Maybe they said it was damaged so they could sell it cheaper. Only thing I can think of. Sounds great.
Yes, you are right in the video, I state they said there was something wrong with it, but I couldn’t find it. Most dealers have what they call MAP pricing which basically means no dealer can sell it lower than another dealer.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 I've purchased several things like this. Sold as "open box", but still sealed in the factory packaging, and flawless. They might use words like, mint, or like new. Nice to hear you were able to find a great deal. Keep the videos coming. I think you have Eddies swing/ shuffle picking down, and your amp sounds good as well. That's rare to find on YT video.
There are some slight differences, the toggle switch isn’t the same quality, and the paint finish isn’t quite the same, but the guitar is essentially just like the USA model. Plays and sounds great.
Most of all, the thousands of dollars you save!
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 I purchased a used stealth mij model and it’s a badass, and I’m not afraid to mod it up with titanium parts and the like. Paid 1625 used. I’ve got the USA models too…
You were completely right about the 3-way switch! WTH? I took mine out and it was one like they used in the cheap Indonesian builds! Why? 🤮
You are definitely right about the toggle switch. Pure junk.
A beauty
Definitely
The usa version has real mother of pearl inlays on the fretboard, not pearloid (acrilic)…that’s one reason for the price difference…but I am sure there are others..like less selected woods and other stuff…no one gives you nothing for nothiing….they clearly cut costs somewhere…I mean this MIJ is great but personally I don’t believe in giants killers…if it costs that muchless it means that they cut qualiy on something….
All I can tell you is that the body is basswood, the neck is quartersawn maple, fretboard is ebony, tilted headstock, same binding, same 12-16 degree radius, same rounded fretboard edges, same vintage stainless steel frets, as far as I’m aware same pearloid tuning pegs, same pick ups, same countered body, same volume pot and tone pots, same EVH Floyd, Rose, same Killswitch, same three-way switch. I’m not sure about one thing and that is the mother of pearl markers versus pearloid. Some would say Japanese builds vs. American builds are far superior. I’m one of them. I think the cost cutting is in the labor rates. And like my Charvels, in my opinion the MIJ builds are far superior, especially the necks. If someone thinks mother of pearl inlays versus pearloid inlays somehow equates to $2500 more, I need to sell that person a bridge. 😂 Just my humble opinion. I think when someone buys an American model, they have to try and justify the price difference. Not saying you are, but a lot of people do
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 yeah but ebony is not all the same, the body is basswood but it could be that it is 3-4 pieces instead of two pieces body and of a less selected basswood, and so on…then I am not ssying that real mother of pearl only makes the price difference but that it is made by the sum of all the elements I have said…I mean if the quality control is that incredible high (and I know Japanese are very precise) then it should cost more and not less (people work costs)…i do not see any ‘prestige’ or ‘ j custom’ models in the Ibanez top guitars (signatures, top prestige models, j custom)costing less than ‘standard series’…speaking about high quality japanese instruments…yeah the Premium range costs less cause it is Indonesia and the build/components are not the same quality even if it is always basswood, mahogany, maple, ecc…
@@marcopanza1011 I guess my question would be have you played one? Have you compared the two? There’s just a lot of assuming going on. It’s something you have to see for yourself. These guitars are in the pride of the build, that’s what the Japanese are known for. I doubt if there’s any big corners being cut here. Try one side-by-side and see for yourself. What you’re totally ignoring is the cost of doing business from country to country. That’s not even mentioned in your reply. Definitely agree with you on the Indonesian builds, where the quality is very poor as well as the cost of labor being extremely cheap compared to Japan, America, or even Mexico. Now the old Wolfgang specials that came out of China and Japan, are obviously different than the American ones, But the price reflected that. The best thing to do is see for yourself, Compare. If you can find $2500 worth of differences I’d be shocked, please let me know what they are and then if the price difference warrants it. I agree quality of wood can be different even though it’s the same type, three-piece body versus two-piece or single piece. But I have not yet to find it. I’m still checking to see if the fret inlays are mother of pearl on the American builds. I will get back ASAP.
I don’t believe those are USA pickups. Evh has stopped making them in the US. And all their aftermarket pickups being sold for $180 are in fact made in South Korea as well now. Total rip.
I’m a pro tech and I’ve had numerous MIJ Wolfgang’s and they are the overseas pickups
@@ericb4351 the USA Evh mount EvH Usa Wolfgang pickups, the other series mount Evh Wolfgang pickups…not the USA
Wow, beautiful Wolf! I strongly agree that the low friction pots are too "easy" to turn and I prefer something slightly more stiff. Also, I love your comparison of the 2010-2011 MIJ Charvel necks. I own a few and they are the best IMO! Cheers!
I have to agree with you my good friend. Hand the Japanese a block of wood, and they’ll make a beautiful guitar out of it. Reminds me of the old days with the lawsuit era guitars. No wonder Gibson and Fender sent cease and desist letters out. 😂
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 Exactly! They are masters at their craft!
As a beginner, it only took me days to get used to not turning the pot accidentally, it is just a matter of habit. It is very hard to do older VH songs with a stiffer pot IMO.
Looks and sounds great. Love EVH guitars. What are you playing through?
@@patrickdolan8115 thanks, playing through a 5150 III 50w Stealth into a Two Note Torpedo Captor X
These just came out in 2023, btw.
Actually, they’ve been making them since 2021. I’ve seen them dated back to this period of time. There was quite a bit of time when it was impossible to get one. Back ordered like crazy.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 Hmm...I don't know about production but they appeared as new in summer 2023 or so. I remember when they showed up for pre-order. I also remember discussions and people awaiting the release. I am aware that there were various previous MIJ runs. I have been wrong before, of course, but I will be surprised if this specific model was available for sale in the US before that. Thanks for the taper comments. I have not accidentally bumped the volume knob in months but I need to work on the stopping point. Otherwise, I really like it loose but as a mid-aged noob, I had very limited prior experience and none at controlling the volume so for me this is "natural" being how I am learning. Started the Somebody Get me a Doctor bridge today and the low friction is kinda essential here. Cheers! Good stuff. I subscribed.
I got one and the quality is better than the USA Models and Switch is wired Eddie Style.
Did you wire it that way or did it come that way?
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 it came that way. I didn't rewire but I am asking myself if the pick-ups are the same as on the USA model
@@Bjohn7899 from everything I’ve seen, they are identical
@@Bjohn7899 I just took off the backing plate for that switch and realized someone had moved it so that it would be different. I put it back Eddie style. 😂
Quick question, just noticed I'm getting black stains on my fretting hand/fingers after playing this guitar, did you experience this?
No, but that depends on the strings that you are using. Other guitars that I play (depending on the strings I am using) my fingers just like yours get blackened. A little trick for that and sometimes I forget to do it because I am in such a rush changing strings, I use a white cloth with window cleaner. I take each string and run it through the cloth with Windex or other window cleaner to take the oil off the string. Some people say the strings don’t last so long like that but in my journeys, I have not seen that to be the case
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 interesting, thanks for the reply on that really appreciate it ! I think might be a combination of the strings and the ebony board as Im getting purplish/black stains on the pad of my index finger and the lower part that of my finger wraps round the bottom of fretboard, its like they've dyed it and its rubbing off or something
@@StevenNesbitt-m5n wow, that would be very unusual and highly unlikely. At least for this model.
@@grumpyoldrockers1048 yeah I thought that too for the price, I did contact EVH and they send the factory dont use dye on the wood, but I did read some wood working forums and it does appear that handling natural wood like walnut, ebony and other similar can leave dark black purplish stains after a while due to natural oils/tannins on your hands so maybe its a combination of that and the string issue you mentioned, either way im going to try the strings tip you mentioned above on my next change out, thanks again!
Well Japan have been making Ibanez for a while they know what they’re doing