Ugh...why. Why oh why did Peavy put such a horrible neck on their Wolfgangs????? ....can't understand it...http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/cry.gif
I was in a music store yesterday for no other reason than to try out some Wolfgang specials. I tried both the normal black special and the flame-top specials. I couldn't believe the neck on the things. First of all, they look absolutely beautiful. Hell, the red "tiger striped" flame top belongs in a freaking art museum. I played every Wolfgang special I could get my hands on....I am not just deeply disapointed by their playability, but a little depressed as well.http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/frown.gif How can Edward play that guitar??? The neck on the Fender Strat that I bought for $150 is better than the Peavey neck. I'm not even going to compare it to the Music Man neck. The frets are HORRIBLE as well. If you are playing vertically, the neck plays fairly well. Just try to go horizontally however...to say nothing about sliding into a solo. *shakes his head* What a shame...what an absolute shame. To make a guitar that beautiful and put such a bad neck on it....
*sighs* Maybe it's because they were specials...I don't know...how depressing...
That ok though...as soon as the store gets in a gold quilt-top Axis I'll buy it on the spot.
Any thoughts....?

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"I feel like a shining example, but I'm not sure what of." - Dave
"We're not in the music business, we're in the business of making music." - Edward
"Yeah, I saw a yard gnome once...it didn't scare me." - Space Ghost

Is that the cheapo version or the real deal?

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Baluchitherium

5150

I agree, the neck isn't the only dissapointment! Especially for $1000!

jim

They wern't regular Wolfgang guitars, They were Wolfgang Specials (flametop and regular). The store wanted $900 for them used. ...how depressing...http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/frown.gif

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"I feel like a shining example, but I'm not sure what of." - Dave
"We're not in the music business, we're in the business of making music." - Edward
"Yeah, I saw a yard gnome once...it didn't scare me." - Space Ghost

i dont know what your talkin about i love the neck on my wolf special....im getting the impression this is turning into a wolfgang hate forum..http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/frown.gif..im confused cause i love my guitar and ill be getting a standard very soon(green flame)....

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eddie vanhalen , there is no substitute.

I haven't played a ton of guitars, but my Wolgang's neck feels great to me. I love not having a finish on it. But I'm not really a guitar afficianado. Hell if it works when I plug it in and my fingers don't bleed, I'm happy.

Brett, what's your take on this neck issue?

From what I understand, all of Ed's specials are equipped with bird's eye maple necks off the standard model. He doesn't use any with the regular special necks on them. The necks on the standards have a 10 degree tiltback, and the specials don't. I also understand the pickups are changed as well. I heard that from someone connected to Peavey. I've played the specials, and have to agree the necks just don't feel the same as the standards. From what I can gather, the only guitar Ed used right off the rack was the EBMM EVH.

From what I understand, all of Ed's specials are equipped with bird's eye maple necks off the standard model. He doesn't use any with the regular special necks on them. The necks on the standards have a 10 degree tiltback, and the specials don't. I also understand the pickups are changed as well. I heard that from someone connected to Peavey. I've played the specials, and have to agree the necks just don't feel the same as the standards. From what I can gather, the only guitar Ed used right off the rack was the EBMM EVH.

Most of the specials in this area don't have the birds eye maple, just some other type of maple. There is a difference between the two, but to me, the neck on the standard is the best part of the guitar.

Hey friends ? ... I got a Wolfgang Standard too at home ! ... And the neck is very nice !! ... If someone prefer a neck of a fender just buy a fender ! ... The perfect guitar doesn't exist !! ...
U know : I'm a guy that don't study only Van Halen style . i study steve vai , pertrucci , satriani ... and I can play good that kind of scales on my wolfgang ! ...
Ok ... the strato could have a good neck , but what about the tremolo of it , or the floyd rose on the strato flat ! ...
i think that a good musician can play in all kinds of guitar !
I got 4 guitars at home : in the past i got guitars with awful neck !!!
It depends ! ... sometimes the problem is first the musician , then the guitar !
Saying that I don't wanna offend you friends : and if it is , i wanna apologize till now !

Eddie_italian from italy

Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not bashing Wolfgangs per say, I'm just saying how disapointed I am with them from personal experience. The feel of the actual neck isn't my complaint, the feel of the fret board is. For that price It seems to me like they could have made a better fret-board. And again, these were NOT Wolfgang Standards. It's probably just a matter of personal preference as well. I know people that own Steve Vai signature guitars and love them. Personally, you couldn't give me one of those things. I hate the fret-board on them (then again, maybe my Music Man neck has spoiled me to other necks...I love that thing http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/smile.gif ). Some of you say that you have no problem with the neck and thats fine. Great. All I can say is that after playing them for a very brief period, the joints in my fingers actually HURT. I play A LOT of guitar and that's a first for me. Maybe it's neck wasn't intended for the type of music I play...I don't know. What do you think Brett?

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"I feel like a shining example, but I'm not sure what of." - Dave
"We're not in the music business, we're in the business of making music." - Edward
"Yeah, I saw a yard gnome once...it didn't scare me." - Space Ghost

Yes ! Maybe Brett may give us the correct explanation !
Brett ?! ... We need yout help over here !?
C ya to all of you friends !!

Eddie_italian from italy

Yep...every once in a while your friendly neighborhood Alchemy has to vent.http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif

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"I feel like a shining example, but I'm not sure what of." - Dave
"We're not in the music business, we're in the business of making music." - Edward
"Yeah, I saw a yard gnome once...it didn't scare me." - Space Ghost

Well I've been playing an EBMM for the last 7 years, and the neck is incredible, so if you are comparing a Wolfie to that, it does lose.

Now with that said, I think the neck on the Wolfie is incredibly comfy, and with a slight bow in it, it is much more comfortable than the EBMM. I believe the neck on the Special is the same as the Standard (which is what I have). I have fairly easily made the switch to the Wolfie (my EBMM is semi-retired) and am finding that I really like the neck now, it took me about a couple weeks to get real comfortable with it. So if some of you don't like it...well what can I say, shell out $2,000 and get an EBMM.

Also if you saw used Specials for $900, then that store is a rip-off. I saw a used purple flame top Special for $599 in cherry condition, and I only paid $750 for my used black Standard in near perfect condition.

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Webmaster
VHLinks.com - Your Van Halen Internet Resource Guide
http://www.vhlinks.com

I plan to Brett...as soon as that music store gets in a gold topped music man...it's mine.

Damn! That store WAS trying to rip me off. Thanks for the info Brett.http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/wink.gif

Hey Alchemy, I have a Gold Top Standard that I will sell you

http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/frown.gif Personally I do prefer the EBMM's neck to the wolfgangs. If you don't like your neck, have someone custom build a new one for you. It kind of upsets me that people charge up to wazzo for guitars these days. Especially used... First of all, I don't think a BRAND NEW Wolfgang Special should cost more then $700... Used prizes for Special models should be around $550 and down. And when I say $550, I mean the flamed top versions... I believe this because the bodies are constructed of 3 pieces of Home Depot grade Basswood. If you go to a website selling guitar wood for bodies, a 3 piece basswood that is in size for bodies(much better quality too) is only about $30-$35. The pickups on the Specials are Peavey's versions of the DiMarzio's on the Standards. I'm sorry but that's how it is from a guitar builders view. http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/rolleyes.gif I am still working on my stupid website. But when it is finished, there will be a section to buy and sell used VH guitars.


jim

I can see how some people don't like the neck on the Wolfgang. When I first played one, I couldn't believe how thick it felt, and I didn't really like it at first. After playing it in the music store a few more times I started to like it more and more. It just takes getting used to, or at least for me.

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coolez

In my personal opinion I have to say that the Wolfgang is the best guitar that I got !! ... A diffect ? ... u may play only rock with a wolfie , not gor sure blues tunes ! ... but , what's the matter : if I loke blues i buy a fender ( i got two strato ) ...
But ... the Wolfgang ... is awesome , no better !!!! ... The best !!! http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif YUNNNK

Eddie_italian from Italy

Hey bocephus, Is it a gold topped Wolfgang or a Music Man? Also, is it a quilted top or a flame top?

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"I feel like a shining example, but I'm not sure what of." - Dave
"We're not in the music business, we're in the business of making music." - Edward
"Yeah, I saw a yard gnome once...it didn't scare me." - Space Ghost

Hey Alchemy,
word to the wise. Gold Top Wolfgang's aren't quilted or flamed topped. It isn't a translucent finish. Maybe you were thinking Amber?

jim

well i still like my wolf...so has all the people thatve played it..i dont mean to be offensive top jimmy but you sound like a living commercial for ed roman..your even quoting him exactly off his website" home depot grade wood"..well i guess my guitar has worms in it and its made from plywood and it has fisher price pick ups..but i still love it......and who s to say that the music mans arent crap? you cant check every body on them either....and once again you quote ed roman that the pick ups are differnt too, just how did he find out?...ive read alot of posts about his edburger guitars and ive read nothing but rip off,peice of crap,overpriced,ect..please dont take this a flame , just a rebuttle...but it seems your wolf bashing is a little repetitive

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eddie vanhalen , there is no substitute.

I personally find the neck of my Wolfie Standard quite comfy. I would say that my only complaint would be on how quickly dirt accumalates since there is no finish.


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"So let it be written, so let it be done."

Hi all,

I haven't been here for a while so I hope I've caught up with everything before I speak. I have both the Standard and the Special. Yes I notice a difference in the necks on the two guitars. The Standards neck feels slightly thicker and the wood is a little different in texture. However, I play the Special far more than the Standard. I will say this though. I recently tried out the new flame top Specials and I didn't think the neck on it felt like the necks on my guitars. In fact, with the money in my pocket to buy it, I put it back. Maybe Peavey is doing something different with the new Specials.

On a few of the other posts I saw the was talk about the Gold Top Std not having a maple top. Well it does. It's the only solid color Wolfgang that Peavey puts not so great flame tops on. It's a tonal thing only. Not cosmetic. Also, the only Specials that have the Birdseye necks are the ones EVH uses. The Special
necks are hardrock maple.

Take Care
Trina

*laughs* Oh no...I've created a monster. http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/tongue.gif

To restate: My complaint was not about the actual neck on the special. The neck feels pretty good actually. What I couldn't stand was the fret-board.
Hey Top Jimmy! How's it going? When Bocephus said gold-topped, I thought he ment translucent gold like on the flame top Specials. I've seen the opaque gold as well.

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"I feel like a shining example, but I'm not sure what of." - Dave
"We're not in the music business, we're in the business of making music." - Edward
"Yeah, I saw a yard gnome once...it didn't scare me." - Space Ghost

Sorry it took so long to get back to you Alchemy. It is the vintage gold. But the funny thing is the reason Peavey came out with the vintage gold was to paint over their not so top quality Quilt tops. Mine is a quilt top that was painted the vintage gold color. One of the first run vintage golds...
If anyone is interested let me know.
Email is mbags2@hotmail.com

A guitar is a guitar (however the Wolfgang being a nice one) a guitarist would be able to play on the worst piece of crap available and make a sound out of it.

yeah, you can make a sound out of it...a pretty damn decent one at that, but sound is not everything. For me, the #1 criteria for a guitar is how it feels/plays. If you don't care for the sound of it, you can always put in new pickups or a new volume pot. If you don't like the action on it, you can always adjust it. If you don't like the feel of it, however, the only thing that you can do is completely replace the frets on it or (in more drastic situations) replace the neck on it.

A guitar is not a guitar is not a guitar. Every guitar is different. Every one has it's own unique "personality" to it.

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"I feel like a shining example, but I'm not sure what of." - Dave
"We're not in the music business, we're in the business of making music." - Edward
"Yeah, I saw a yard gnome once...it didn't scare me." - Space Ghost

[This message has been edited by Alchemy (edited April 26, 2000 at 11:43 AM).]

Hi Alchemy ! ... I'm agree with you when you say that you have to create a feeling beetwen the musician ( you or others ) and the instruments that you are playing ! it's true , if u don't feel well playing a good instrument it's true , u can't express all your creative minds ideas ! ... The feeling of a musician is the first think !!! ... You are right on that !!! You have caracter saying that ... good my friend !
In the other way , it could be true that an excellent musician may play with worst guitars , but personally i don't think that ! If u are playing for many years your hands and mind search for the right instrument for the right sound ! ... i can't play in a worst instrument and not because I'm not able to do , but because I don't feel that emotional fire inside of me !
So , if someone feel like a genius , keep up a worst guitar , ... I really prefer playing with a cool neck in a guitar , in this way I can express my self true the notes !
We are not genius of the guitar , we are simply guys that wanna play well , and that's all !! http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif YUNNNK http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif

Eddie_italian from Italy

Right on Eddie_Italian!!!http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif

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"I feel like a shining example, but I'm not sure what of." - Dave
"We're not in the music business, we're in the business of making music." - Edward
"Yeah, I saw a yard gnome once...it didn't scare me." - Space Ghost

I have played a lot of Wolf's, both arches and specials, and can't bring myself to commit to them for the asking price. Didn't Eddie praise cheaper costing guitars in the old days before he started making tons of money off of them?http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif

You are right BAM. Back in his younger days, Edward said that piece of shit guitars were his favorite guitars. People's opinions can change a lot in 20 years though.

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"I feel like a shining example, but I'm not sure what of." - Dave
"We're not in the music business, we're in the business of making music." - Edward
"Yeah, I saw a yard gnome once...it didn't scare me." - Space Ghost

I tried out both Wolfie's in a music store the other and found that the position of the toggle switch (ala Les Paul) was a hinderence to two-hand tapping. I would accidently flick it to (Rythem or Treble) with my right forearm when tapping during a solo. Does anybody else have this problem? Did it take a little getting used to?

Yep , with a little bit of practise u will use the switch like the gibson normally ! Don't worry , this is not a problem ! ... I think the switch is good when you do scales , and push up your hand a bit for changing the sound ! ... believe me I got a Wofgang and after two days i played it , the switch was ok for me !! http://www.vhlinks.com/vhlforum/smilies/biggrin.gif

Eddie_italian from Italy

For BAM !
Hey Bam ! If u don't like Wolfgang don't buy it for the money they ask ! ... It's a particolar guitar , but believe me , a really good guitar !
Do you think the Gibson Les Paul Standard is better than the Wolfie ? ... It costs a lot too , and the sound is quite good !!

Eddie_italian from Italy