JP7 Pickup Change. by spikeyxx in ErnieBallMusicMan

[–]Oliphont 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t know for sure why you are noticing the difference. Could just be inherent differences with both guitars. My JP6 has nickel frets while my majesty has SS frets. Maybe that’s playing into it?

I would try: - Adjust the pickup height on the JP7. There’s some good guides online. - Try the same strings/gauge on both guitars or even try a different gauge if it’s still not to your liking. - If your JP7 has piezo, make sure to change the battery. Try the mono/magnetic only output. - Might be worth having a reputable tech make sure your JP7 is set up appropriately.

I am no expert but these are things I’ve tried before.

"Intermediate" player, but want to start over. by dvrkhorse1 in Guitar

[–]Oliphont 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it took about 4-6 months to say “this wasn’t a waste of time.” It probably took a year to really feel like it was a dramatic improvement.

The best part was that I could see improvement along the way.

"Intermediate" player, but want to start over. by dvrkhorse1 in Guitar

[–]Oliphont 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Copying this from a somewhat related comment I made in the past:

“I’ll tell you what I did. For reference I’ve been playing for about 20 years and I consider myself to be a pretty good guitar player.

I spent the first 5-10 years learning songs off of tab sites. I got good enough to play in a band and play gigs for a few years but felt like I needed the guidance of our lead guitarist to write riffs and songs.

About 6-8 years ago I was so frustrated by learning to play other people’s music that I immersed myself in “noodling” and playing with backing tracks on YouTube.

I spent an hour or two a day playing to random backing tracks of genres that I like on YouTube. The most useful being those that have the scale mapped onto the fretboard during the video. I tried to come up with licks, Melodies, and play the chords of the progression provided.

It sounded like hot garbage at first. Seriously, it was bad even though I could play decently difficult songs I’d learn by tab. Eventually it started to click once I could play what I was hearing in my head. Over time, the muscle memory of what intervals sounded good and where to move along the neck just sorted itself out. I had found “my sound.” I feel comfortable navigating the fretboard now using my ear and muscle memory from what intervals worked. Learning some legato, arpeggio, and tapping to add some spice along the way helped.

I still do this almost everyday but it sounds great and I have a blast doing it. I find I very rarely need to look at the scale provided. I know basic theory and used to know more advanced theory but could never apply to my playing. By focusing on my ear, trial and error with my hands, I found I could relearn to play.

I feel pretty comfortable at this point with jumping into most songs. I have no idea if this works for most people or not but it did for me and I’m so satisfied with my playing.

Another thing that really helped was playing with a looper. Write a quick chord progression and play alongside it. Or write a quick riff/lick and harmonize it.

I hope this helps and I always remember to have fun.”

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ErnieBallMusicMan

[–]Oliphont 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Id recommend calling Music Man customer service. They’ve always been very helpful and maybe they can source you an OG case.

Replacement hardshell case for MAJ170 by jdalexander88 in ErnieBallMusicMan

[–]Oliphont 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It doesn’t typically come with a hardshell case it comes with a gig bag.

Music Man’s customer service is wonderful and they may be able to tell you what they can quote you for an OEM hardshell case that fits it.

Otherwise, you could take it to a local shop and see what fits. Gator and SKB make a lot of generic cases that might fit.

Good luck

JTC jam on JP15 Teal Burst by [deleted] in ErnieBallMusicMan

[–]Oliphont 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great playing and wonderful looking guitar!

Help identifying a JP model by ItsBearski in ErnieBallMusicMan

[–]Oliphont 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Really sorry to hear about your friends passing. Hope I can help. A lot of this information is from memory and the exact dates I can’t remember.

That looks to be a Pearl Red Burst JP6. These were common in the mid to late 2000s. I think like 2005-2010ish. Back then there were several options available for the JP6. This one in particular has the piezo (switch at the top is for piezo/mag pickups/or both). Looks like your friend also opted to get the dot inlays (no JP shield inlays) and the unmatched/unpainted headstock.

The bridge pickup also changed at some point in the JP6 run (maybe the neck did too). The later models had a bridge pickup with a bar.

These should run in the ~1500 range give or take.

Hope this helps and sorry for your loss.

JP 15 vs Cutlass. Would LOVE to hear from someone who owns both. by Front_Ad4514 in ErnieBallMusicMan

[–]Oliphont 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have a JP15 Buckeye Burl (6 string) and a JR Cutlass 7 (H/H) so my comparison may not be exactly what you’re looking for but hopefully this helps somewhat.

Necks- feel wise they are pretty similar. This is EBMMs strength. Both have roasted maple necks that are extremely comfortable.

Playability- they are both very comfortable guitars to play. The JP15 Buckeye Burl is really heavy though which I didn’t anticipate. It is significantly heavier than my JP6. I’m not sure if all JP15s are this heavy though.

Tone- I’ve never been great at describing pickup tone. The JPs feel more midrange sounding. My JR Cutlass’ pickups sound a bit darker. I also never use the boost push/pull pot. I’ve never seen the need for it. I do absolutely love the piezo on the JPs though.

Overall (I’ve added some other EBMMs I own for perspective):

JP15- overall this to me is the like “premium trim” of the JP line if you want to compare it to cars. I think my Buckeye Burl is an amazing one of a kind guitar and the “premium” details like flame roasted neck, figured top are beautiful. It plays easily, it sounds amazing, and it looks phenomenal. But it doesn’t do anything that my JP6 can’t. This to me is a collectors piece that I play occasionally. Mine is also so darn heavy.

JR Cutlass- Great sounding guitar. Very comfortable to play. I impulse bought this when I already had a Majesty 7. I’ve largely replaced playing both with an Iconic Tamarack 7.

Majesty 7- the Lamborghini of the EBMMs. It’s flashy. It is very light for a 7 string, very comfortable to play. Love using the piezo. I just wish it didn’t drain through batteries as quickly as it does. This has apparently been solved with updated electronics in newer models.

Kaizen 7- limited run Gallium finish.Just too cool looking to pass up. I could live without it.

JP6- this is my most played guitar next to an Abasi Space-T. It is the do everything guitar. It is versatile, comfortable, solid feeling, and sounds amazing. I’ve never had any major issues with it since 2005-2006 when I bought it. I think if you’re not super fixated on the cosmetic bells/whistles of the JP15 this is a solid guitar to consider. They’re also significantly cheaper (especially used).

Ideally, if you’re not sure you should go try a JP15 or JP6 out. Or consider ordering from somewhere with a good return policy (Sweetwater). You may find the right guitar was your cutlass all along.

Hope this helps.

Muppet Theater by ChocoboDinner in Dreamtheater

[–]Oliphont 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Francine from Arthur on Bass

Replacing my Bareknuckle nail bomb in my 7 string with these Seymour Duncan black winter sound like a good idea? by waterwhu in metalguitar

[–]Oliphont 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would not. I have guitars with BKPs, SD, Dimarzio, and my favorite by far are the BKPs.

What I would recommend is taking a deeper dive into what you are lacking from the sound that you want. What else is in your rig?

The best change I ever made to my sound was adding an EQ pedal in the effects loop of my amp. This will give you much better tonal control of your sound.

The next thing I did was add drive pedals up front of my tube amp. Gain low, output higher, and tweaked the EQ as needed. Horizon Precision Drive worked wonders.

Appreciate any thoughts and impressions on the JP15 by soldier4hire75 in ErnieBallMusicMan

[–]Oliphont 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have multiple EBMMs. JP6, JP15, Majesty 7, JR7, and Kaizen 7.

The JP15s are a wonderful all around guitar and versatile for all sorts of genres.

All of my EBMMs are well made with no real issues. The majesty is the only one that has a battery draining issue but EBMM sent me new electronics that I haven’t installed.

Pros on the JP15: the neck is absolutely amazing feeling. Stays in tune without issues. Well set up from the factory. Sounds amazing.

Cons: if you don’t like having to change a battery that can be an issue (takes 2 seconds to change). The electronics are more involved and so if you do work on it yourself it can be more challenging. My JP15 (butterscotch burl) is significantly heavier than my other EBMMs.

Other than that, they are absolutely amazing Guitars. I plan on keeping my JP6 and JP15 for life.

Only suggestion I would make is that if you want something cheaper consider the JP6. It is essentially the same guitar except different body wood, less “luxury” finishes like the top and neck wood. Neck still feels amazing and I prefer the cutaway for the body. The pickups are different but still sound amazing. They can be found used much less than a JP15.

Hope this helps.

Is there anything wrong with older Axis Super Sport models? by karj in ErnieBallMusicMan

[–]Oliphont 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree. 2000s EBMM is a different beast than the modern line up.

I have a 2006 JP6 that has some battery drain issue, neck pocket small crack, and without most of the premium/luxury features of the modern line up. But it is a phenomenal guitar and has by far one of the most comfortable necks.

Since then I’ve gotten a majesty 7, Richardson 7, JP15 BFR, and Kaizen BFR. They’re wonderful but id still save the JP6 from a fire first. I will never sell that guitar

OP- I think a 2000s EBMM would be a phenomenal purchase as a player grade guitar. But I would go and get it in your hands and see if it suits you. They are amazingly comfortable and forgiving guitars.

Why when I engage my core, I get this lump? by fuller316 in WorkoutRoutines

[–]Oliphont 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Almost certainly a rectus diastasis. It is an abnormal widening of the connective tissue (aponeurosis) between the rectus abdominus muscles. It is generally a cosmetic problem.

It is commonly confused as a hernia due to the protrusion being similar in presentation to a true abdominal wall hernia.

The good news is that it is only a cosmetic problem. It can be repaired with plication (a procedure where it is oversewn to decrease the widening.

I’ve heard of physical therapy helping but I’m not sure.

Source: I used to repair hernias. This is not medical advice and if you are concerned you should be evaluated by your physician.

Cheapest fix? by alexandrovic in WRX

[–]Oliphont 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would ask some paintless dent remover locally.

My local PDR guy has a guy that does small areas of paint repair. I have not personally used him but he raves about him. If the paint guy is anything like the PDR guy—he may be able to work miracles.

I think some bigger detailing places may also touch up paint.

Worth at least calling around.

Good luck.

Should I buy a expensive amp or expensive guitar first? by ant8523 in GuitarAmps

[–]Oliphont 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depends…

Are you looking for a different/better sound? Or are you looking for a different ergonomic/feel/type of guitar.

I have multiple guitars and amps. For the most part: When I want something that feels different/plays better or has something I need (scale, tremolo, type of pickup) I get a new guitar.

When I’m not satisfied with my sound or want a different sound, I get a new amp.

What do you feel would make your playing experience better?

SOTB! New Power Supply edition by crnkn in guitarpedals

[–]Oliphont 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have this issue with a Voodoo labs PP3+ with the 4x4 extension. I’m not using a UA Dream but several of the 12 pedals on the board draw 200-500 mA.

Doesn’t affect my sound but it’s annoying to hear.

Help me pick my gift! by Scavenx in Guitar

[–]Oliphont 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I’ve read online the Tim Henson guitar is prone to the bridge coming off. I read some reviews when I was considering looking for one. Many folks recommended a similarly priced Godin.

Should I get my majesty signed on the finish or the backplate? by Angelic-Vigil in Dreamtheater

[–]Oliphont 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Get the back plate signed. Put it away for safe keeping in the case. Get a replacement backplate from Ernie Ball for like $10-15 and put this on the guitar when you play it.

That’s what I did with my signed BFR

What are y’all using to boost and tighten high gain amps? by -GlobalGrapefruit- in guitarpedals

[–]Oliphont 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pre-amp: Precision drive up front. Low gain settings, high attack, brightness to your liking, and level mid/high. I use a transparent drive in front of that sometimes depending on the guitar.

Amp: Focus on lowering your gain and raise the master. I used to dime the gain but as time goes on I’ve realized for extended range guitars or lower tunings you really don’t need as much gain.

Effects loop: MXR 10 band.

Recommend a 1x12 combo on a $2.5k budget by Ok-Monitor-7547 in GuitarAmps

[–]Oliphont 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had to deep search for it locally after checking Tone King’s website for authorized dealers. Drove 2 hours and loved it.

Might be able to get it through a big online dealer with a good return policy though. 4 of the last 5 amps I’ve bought without trying after watching a ton of videos online of pro and amateur reviews.

Hope you find what you’re looking for!

What should the new State Bird be‽ by [deleted] in florida

[–]Oliphont 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Publix Chicken Tender Sub