As someone who owned 3 USA made Peavey Wolfgang’s years ago and who recently bought a 2023 EVH Wolfgang Standard in Absinthe Frost, I can say your review is spot on! For the last 15 years or more most of my guitars have been expensive custom shop or ‘boutique.’ Then last week I randomly picked up the he EVH WG Standard and was blown away. I bought it on the spot. I easily picked out the PV Wolfgang in your comparison clips and feel that the cheaper electronic components in the Indonesian WG don’t allow the guitar to be all it can be. I’ll be upgrading those soon enough, but over all I’m floored at how good this import guitar is. It feels very close to my old Purple PV Wolfgang Special.
Yeah man for the money it is really hard to beat that little guitar. Upgrade a few components and it is ready to go. I have only had one Mexican wolfgang and it was terrible. I got this one and was shocked at the difference. This little guitar is awesome.
Wow. You are kidding me dude. That is seriously cool. I should have bought that one I played years ago but pulled a major bonehead move and passed like an idiot. They are seriously great guitars. Don't ever sell it. Those are just going to keep getting harder and harder to get. Thanks brother.
Thanks brother. I will try my best. Yeah, for the money you simply cannot beat these guitars. I was playing one back to back with the PRS Se's and this wolfgang outplayed every one of them I tried.
@@TraceTaylor3 I've actually had some hits & misses with Indonesian Squires as well. If you get a good one and have it pro-setup, the quality is approaching Fender USA. Little known fact, when I lived in Japan I met many Indonesia factory workers employed at the Ibanez, Fender, ESP factories. Hence HMIJ, but the workers are foreign born. These days the tolerances with CNC and good QC foremen can make an keeper of an instrument without shelling out $2-3k
@@BracliCreationsI know right? One of my favorite guitars is the Indo RG 1120 Ibanez. Maybe it was a Monday guitar, but after setup it is nearly perfect. Literally a step off of my J Custom
I JUST got last week my Wolfgang Special (from mexico) and man thins thing is ther F1 amongst the Porches!!! I'm used to play 10's and playing 9's is weird along weith the super low action.....but this thing plays and sounds like a monster!!! Love it!! Thank you for your review! 'Aint paying $5K for the american one....
Yeah for the money they are damn hard to beat. If you can swing an american one....those are game changers. I prefer the peavey american wolfgangs but that is just a taste thing. You will love either.
I just got a WG STD like that, just the Olive Green one, and I got it based on... well, a variety of reasons, one being that I was looking at another guitar with the same color (because I was looking to make one with a certain theme), which was a Jackson Dinky, perhaps out of the same factory (unless it was Mexico), but that eventually went out of production and I never got it. - Then I noticed that there was an EVH in that color, and also because it was like a guitar a certain artist used and I wanted to model it after that idea, I decided to check out that one. - So I skimmed through some reviews and they also said it's just solid. I basically got the guitar almost "blind", but as soon as I tried it at home, I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it felt immediately, first of all. It's comfortable to sit with, to stand with, it's not the lightest but the weight is very balanced at the body, the shape is great with the contours... Then it also plays very easily, like I got along with it immediately. And then the sound is very good, being very resonant and bright. Also, the Indonesian factories and people there in general are just very good with woodwork, so it's no surprise that after all these years they just make excellent guitars. And I'm also glad that EVH or Fender doesn't tarnish Eddie's name by just selling a very mediocre line of the products alongside supposed premium ones. I'm not sure if Wolfgang "himself" has any say in this, I bet he does, so that's probably key cause I don't think he would stand for crappy products coming out of the EVH-brand. (And just note that I'm not even a Van Halen fan or anything. I couldn't even hum through one song apart from 'Jump' perhaps.) - I just think they designed really good products and made sure they do it right for the money. Well, that said, the premium ones that cost double or multiple thousands... of course you're paying for American/Western wages first of all, but then also perhaps premium materials and parts, plus the fact that they're different with the arch-tops and bindings and whatnot. - It's not so much that they're very different in terms of playability and sound and such, but more that you're paying for a fancier version of the guitar, which is fair enough. - I happened to be looking for a matte army-green guitar, so I'm kinda "lucky" in that I wasn't looking for a super-fancy guitar in that sense, cause that would've made it a very expensive requirement just for it to look fancy. - But this guitar immediately shot up to one of my top favorite ones, out of the 10-15 I have (and some are definitely more expensive), the other top ones being a Japanese Ibanez from the '80s, a Chapman from a few years ago, another Ibanez from about two decades ago now, as well as an Epiphone from around that time. They're all very different but all have that same kind of quality of playability and sound.
yeah they are great guitars....and one thing about the EVH guitars.....even if you have never played one....they are extremely easy to play. Eddie was brilliant in the design of the instrument. I Have played more guitars than I can count and the two I never have issues with as far as having to adjust to the guitar are the EVH guitars and the Ibanez guitars. You can literally go buy one and go straight to the gig without having to worry about adjusting to the guitar. You made a good choice bro. You will love it.
great comparison. I have a WG standard and a special love them. What are your thoughts an an american Ernie ball Music Man axis compared to the American peavey?
I do like the MM Axis. they make great guitars. I do prefer the arch top on the Peaveys and the Fender EVH models...but you cannot go wrong with a MM guitar. They make stellar instrument. I personally think the Peavey is a tougher guitar. these things are built like tanks. Hell, I friend of mine that was my rhythm guitar player dropped my Peavey wolfgang off a 5 foot stage and it landed flat on its face. I though for sure the guitar was trashed....and nothing. I played it the entire show with out an issue. They are just indestructible.
7:30 - It's worth noting that the difference in metals aren't for all the parts of the tremolos. The Original has everything of steel, with the block being brass, while the Special has a steel base-plate, but the block and also saddles are of zinc alloy. - Other than perhaps sound from the saddles and sustain from the block, there isn't much different in quality as zinc alloy is still very hard. Plus, steel is important for the base-plate for the so-called "knife edges" that hook into the bridge-posts, which should be hard so that they don't wear down easily and cause tuning-issues. - While the steel might be different steel (I'm not so sure), the quality should be generally the same, other than perhaps sound and sustain to some extent. - It's still from Floyd Rose, in the end, not some (non-)licensed knock-off, and they seem to care about their products if I read the descriptions on the FR-website.
I used to own 2x USA Peavey Wolfgang Standards - one fixed bridge, one trem. They were beautifully built. I sold them due to some life changes years back and still have some regrets about doing that. I now own 2x eVh Wolfganags - a Cherry Red Quilt top MIC Special (same specs and build quality as the MIJ) and one of the first Purple Quilt top MII Standards to be released. The MIC Special is beautifully built and sounds phenomenal. Fitted with the USA Wolfgang pups, original Floyd Rose and the eVh branded (Schaller?) tuners. The neck is a little slimmer than the MII. The Stainless frets are narrow vintage style and take a bit of 'getting used to'. This probably sounds weird but, apart from the frets, it just feels a bit more 'modern' construction than my Peaveys did. More like a Fujigen Ibanez (no bad thing...). The Peaveys blow them away for quality of woods used though... The MII Standard is also beutifully built. Perfect fretwork. Pups are great - it also sounds phenomenal (maybe a little 'rawer'...). If anything the neck carve is more comfortable than that on the Special. The BIG fail was the Floyd Rose Special trem. It wouldn't hold tune from day #1. String slippage at the saddles (esp. G & B). Very frustrating.... Anyhoo (TM). I updated the trem with a new set of saddles, a Brass Block and a D-Tuna (well under £100 in parts at the time..) and it has been absolutely perfect since. I actually think I prefer to play the Standard over the Special. A used MIC/MIJ Special is the sweet spot in the range IMO, no mods required and 'bullet-proof'. Used bargains can still be found. Especially on the MIC as many see them as inferior to the MIJ variants. Trust me, they are not inferior in any way. I've back-to-backed mine with a friends MIJ. No difference. Also, the gorgeous Cherry Red and Natural colours are only available on the MIC. However, if you're happy doing your own set-ups and like a bit of potential modding, buy a used MII Standard. Absolutely brilliant guitars that 'punch way above their weight'.
Yeah I had a chance to my the MIC and the first MIJ and passed on both because at one point I had 13 of the Peavey wolfgangs. I know regret not buying them. I have talked to a couple of people that say the new MIJ is just as good as the USA. I just cannot pay 4600 for the USA. There is a point where it is just stupid to pay that price for a gigging guitar. I have capped myself at 2000 unless it is something I love....such as my J Custom Ibanez which was 3000 and the guitar is phenomenal. I need to build out my standard. Besides some of the crappy components....the little guitar rocks. At one point I will grab a new MIJ. Thanks brother.
Bro, I have the black one that's just like yours and the Ernie Ball that I like a lot, as well. The 2 black rubbed areas are just as noticeable, by any chance did you sell it?
I still have it. This summer once I get my wood shop setup my wife is going to paint a pink floyd mural on this black guitar. I generally don't sell gear anymore. I did a video on how I could fuel America with regret from selling gear. Tired of having that regret so I pretty much keep everything. You have an Ernie Ball EVH???????
To me it was very hard to hear significant differences between the two. I preferred A for Clean Neck, Middle Crunch and all Lead sounds. B sounded best on Clean Bridge and Middle, and on Crunch Bridge and Neck. To make a desicion, I listned through my soundbar on the TV, then on my studio monitors and finally through a decent set of headphones. Maybe TH-cam compresses the sound, but I guess that in the end, when loud enough, it doesn't really matter :-)
Yeah man the difference was really nominal. And yes youtube compresses the hell out of the sound. And that was what I was trying to get to. They both play great. the American sounds a little better to me but no 3600 better. It is just getting stupid the prices American guitars are getting to. And I agree. Crank the hell out of it and it is not going to matter that much at that point. Thanks brother.
Then again. I modify all of mine. The block and saddle inserts are F U TONE. My pick ups are JAYLEN. My pots are bourns low friction 500K. There is no "real" difference between the two. One is way too much in price. But I get it. Week end warriors.
I bought a kit and my evh kit is awesome and clocked in under 400 with dark matter pickups. I guess I’m like young Edward not having money to buy a real Wolfgang so I worked on a cheap kit to suit my taste and I love it. Frankie was a second body and an 85 dollar neck.
Yeah dude. Nothing wrong with that at all. Guitars are getting insane with the prices. If it works and you like it who cares if it is a real EVH or not. Rock the hell out of it.
The evh exotic standard series (made in Indonesia) is the exact same as the American specials. The pick ups the pots. All except it's not a "real Floyd bridge" but qualitative equals. It has no arch top and it doesn't have a d-tuna. They are like 400 bucks an reverb
Two Gibsons in late 80's and early 90's. Both sucked rocks. American Start in 1991. Sucked rocks. MIJ Esquire..top three of guitars I've owned. All my Ibanez S and SA models are Korea and Indonesia. Fantastic quality. Last guitar, last month, D'Angelico Bedford Bob Weir, fantastic quality. Indonesia made. I have no intention of ever buying American again because they are just overpriced. The quality may be better than it was in late 80, early 90, but not worth 3x the cost of an Indonesian guitar. Best Regards and Best Wishes! Just got to reveal :) I like B Better :). Ears and Prefs :) . BR.
I agree. The American guitars are just getting completely stupid on price. I am very glad my wife got me the J Custom and if I spend that kind of money again it will be a Pia. Other than that, they are just turning out too many great guitars out of the states that work and sound wonderfully. And I have to tell you, that little wolfgang surprised the hell out of me. I thought the American sounded better but it was nominal and for the money, that Special works just fine. Thanks my friend.
I bought the Gibson Les Paul Tribute couple years ago. $1100. I absolutely love it. Better quality than the $600 Epiphones no doubt. I won't buy another Epiphone Les Paul when I can buy a Pleck'd Gibson Les Paul for $600 more
I picked correctly but I also own an EVH WG Special and an EVH WG Standard. The American sound better in your demo but not by much. I would say the thick maple top on the American gives it more cut and slightly higher mids, which makes it a bit more articulate. Both sound awesome at the end of the day.
Yeah dude....when you start cranking the gain they start to sound very very similar. I play all of them at shows. The American feels better as it should for thousands more....but I can play the standard just as well and rock the life out of it.
I completely agree. I really prefer straight radius necks and right around the 15 is the magic spot for me. The EVH guitars are awesome but like you I do prefer the Peavey.
I have to be honest, I thought guitar B sounded "better" every time, the difference being that it seemed to have a bit more of a bump in the mid-range making them sound a bit more "full" or "lush", and I completely expected that to be the American, possibly due to the mahogany top, brass block or steel saddles, if not the pickups. - But it turns out it's the Indonesian, so that's kind of "lucky" for me since I have that one. - But then still, who knows what caused the difference. Perhaps it's some variation in the pickups or other electronics. - Myself, I'm looking to replace them anyway. Not because they're bad at all, they sound really good, but perhaps a little too "classic" for my taste. They come from EVH after all, which of course would model anything after a more Classic Rock type style, including sound, but not everyone who buys their guitars necessarily plays that. - Myself I tend to buy the more affordable but good quality guitars because I like to modify them anyway. Who cares that they don't have the right pickups or no brass block or things like that, they're not that expensive to replace and you wouldn't even touch the cost of the American-built one and still get a whole lot closer in terms of parts. - Yes, it looks a lot more fancy and that's cool and all, but not always necessary. It's an extra luxury that I don't need and most people don't.
Congrats on the J. Custom man, so cool. And stop telling people about it, it’s still “somewhat” affordable 😂. This is for everyone, not just Trace. But even the way he had to like defend himself in the video for liking the Peavey. It’s very simple. Younger generations don’t think Peavey is any good because aesthetically it’s not modern or cool enough looking. I know that sounds shallow, but it’s reality. I’m a pro and i still choose pedals based on looks, and definitely guitars as well. But the Peavey brand, Logo, Colors. Except for the Invective Amps which is a great design, and the Cirrus 6 jazz bass which is Custom Shop quality, most of the Peavey stuff is still branded like it was in the 80’s. Its quality product, guitar influencers have proven it with their videos on the Decade, Bandit and Session Combos. But that’s because those amps are SUPER trendy right now. In reality Millennials think Peavey is cheesy. Well they’re not really musicians then. Because if you pick up almost any old or new American Made Peavey guitar model, it plays just as good as most American and Japanese models from the last 30 years. It’s not custom shop quality, but neither is the Fender Performer or Ibanez Prestige or any entry level American/Japanese model. I bought a Peavey Detonator JX for like $400 on rvrb. Made in America, plays great, looks better than most super-strats. Probably a $1200 guitar in reality. 🤦🏻♂️ Almost all of the American models are awesome. Check them out. Grow up and get over how everything looks. Meaning, who cares what the Logo looks like, or whether John Mayer likes it or not. Music is about listening.
Hey, I am a huge advocate for Peavey. I have had 13 peavey guitars and looking at a Vandenburg right now. It is an odd guitar but I can get it for like 400.00 and like you said.....all made in America. And good point on the J Custom. Didn't think about it that way. I was looking at a new Wolfgang and it was 4500.00. No way. The MIJ is 2600. I think if I get one I am going to go that route as I live the MIJ guitars. But yes. Peavey is so underrated it is not funny. Their amps are ridiculously good. The Peavey classic....I would put that up against about anything. I have never played a bad one. Now if I could just get Peavey to send me some gear to review. That would be awesome. Thanks for the comment my friend.
How's the Mexican Wolfgangs compared to the American and Indonesian ones? They looks to be priced somewhat in between the two, and some of them looks pretty cool. I think I would prefer a Japane one, though - but they are harder to come by, it seems?
Yeah the Japanese one is the way to go. they are amazing. I had one of the evh striped wolfgangs from mexico and it was terrible. The screws in the neck were literally hand tight and the neck and the trem were not lined up properly. The guitar was beautiful and was just unplayable.
@@zevik84 Can't do it brother. When the routed the bridge for the guitar it was offset by about 2mm. I would of either had to fill that in and reroute it or try to move the neck pocket in which there is not enough wood on the sides. either way being a new guitar, best to just send it back and try again. It is sad because it was an absolutely beautiful guitar.
@@TraceTaylor3 Sorry to hear about your experience. Yesterday I ordered a Mexican 5150 Black Stealth standard guitar, hope it will ok, but you never know..
Yeah it is through a fractal. I sold all my amps a while back. I got so tired of carrying around a full guitar rig plus a PA, plus my keyboards. With my fractal, I entire guitar rig is in one bag, but still have to lug around a PA and my keys. But, in fairness, these sounds I am using are set for my live sound. They are not set for direct which is what is happening here. They are eq'd for my PA system so the sound it very different.
Oh I get that completely. Every guitar I own has stainless frets except my new J Custom....and when it come time for a dressing on the frets....they will become stainless as well. they simply work better.
Yeah dude. I almost bought one. They are great guitars and incredibly underrated. They play just like my Peavey wolfgangs which are also amazing guitars.
The Peavey Wolfgang was an entirely different guitar on the inside. To start with those Peavey Wolfgang pickups used Alnico V magnets, much hotter than the Fender built EVH Wolfgang USA model and the Indonesian one you're demoing here. The Fender-EVH pickups use Alnico 2 magnets. This widely known, but I also got this info Jim DeCola the man who actually created these pickups. For the Fender built EVH models, EVH went with the same pickup spec on the foreign built and USA built models. For the Peavey models this was not the case. The foreign built Peavey Wolfgangs had a different spec pickup. There's also different suppliers for capacitors, pots etc... If you had a Fender-EVH Wolfgang USA signature it would sound nothing like the Peavey USA Wolfgang you have there.
Well, yes. the American is a completely different guitar. And the Fender EVH uses Alnico 2 in the rear and Alnico 3 in the front. The point of the video was.....Is a 2-3 or 4 thousand dollar guitar that much better than a 600.00 guitar. Obviously there are better appointments but is it worth the money as opposed to buying a cheap unit and dressing it up.
@@TraceTaylor3 Ok.. but with the different pickups, different electronics, different neck carve, isn't that a bit like comparing a $3000 Fender Strat to a $600 Epiphone? The Peavey really is THAT different from the EVH models across the board. Alnico II Humbuckers vs different from Alnico IV. I don't see how this video doesn't end up misrepresenting the gap. To your point though, I think upgraded electronics and you're good to go. The price difference all in expensive aesthetics that contribute nothing to the tone... The real maple cap on the USA models might add a little brightness, but since the pickups are vastly different in these two being compared, there's no way to gauge.
@@rmzzz76The differences are not the point. the point is will you be happy with a 600.00 guitar as opposed to one that cost thousands.....in the same line. Hell a gibson les paul is different from a epi paul. They feel nothing alike. The point is can you upgrade....save a ton of money and be happy....and the answer is yes. A friend of mine has a cheap Ibanez....like 400.00. When compared to my J Custom.....well there is no comparison. But he gave me his guitar and I did a complete setup on it.....they way it should have been.....and he is so happy with it now he is not buying a new guitar.....even though it is still no comparison to my J Custom. Different pickups, different necks different everything.
Many thanks for your EVH reviews. I have played two of these Black Standards and I liked them a lot and may buy a maple cap one. But not all Indonesian ones are great. My very first guitar (yeah at 47yo) was a Cort-made Schecter and it turned out to be totally awful (reverse compound neck, 12-10, was supposed to be 14!, dreadful bridge pickup, sub-spec string spacing....). So I will be checking it very, very thoroughly :) But, I agree, I thought they sound great, felt fantastic. Cheers!
You are correct. I have had 3 Ibanez Jiva's and they were all terrible. but then I get the 1120 Ibanez and it is amazing. I bought a EVH special from Mexico and that was one of the worst guitars I have ever had. I was shocked it even got out of the factory with all the issues it had. But for the money.....this little guitar was impressive and hard to beat.
Peavey was A and EVH was B 100% I like both but I own 3 EVH guitars. I'm hooked on EVH. 1st guitar was a Peavey T15 2nd was a Fender 1 humbucker upgrade Fender squire strat. I like Fender (EVH) better. EVH left Peavey for Fender and the 5153 blows away Peavey's version of the 5150. IMHO.
Yeah the 5150 III is seriously a better amp but I still like the Peavey guitars. they are a little chunkier and I like straight radius necks better then compound. Hartley Peavey and Eddie could not come to terms on the directions of the guitars. The first big fight was over the tone knob on the American wolfgangs. Eddie did not want one and Hartley was dead set on it. Hartley still owned the guitars and had the final say so. That was the beginning of the end. Eddie went to Fender because they gave him total control of the direction of the guitars....as they should....even though EVH is a subsidiary of Fender.
@@TraceTaylor3 Eddie always shouldve had complete control, he's the master of guitar and amps. without him we'd be playing the same garbage most of us hate.
@@nokomisnichols You are absolutely right. Man his 5150 III amp changed it all if you ask me. Metal guys use it, blues guys, a lot of jazz guys, rock guys. He literally made the best all around amp you can buy.
I have an Indonesian wolfgang standard qm, and i absolutely love it. I actually preferred guitar B the whole time up until the last test where i like A better. I eventually want to get my hands a usa one. For now I plan on doing more upgrades to the qm.
Honestly, if you like the neck and body on your guitar I would just upgrade the hell out of it. With the right parts you can make any guitar play as well as any other guitar, regardless of price. The only reason I buy some high-end guitars is because of what it is. For instance my Ibanez J Custom was a limited run and is all hand made.....but it was also 3k. If you get an American wolfgang buy used. If you look hard enough you will find a great deal on a used one. Don't get me wrong....the American ones are amazing and if it is your thing get one. But.....I would buy the Peavey before the EVH Fender. I think they are better guitars and they are getting more rare everyday. Especially if you ever get a chance to get a late 90 quilt top.
My go to guitar to this day is my 98 WG special for $799. at the time. I've ha LP's, Ibanez and Fender stripe series when Ed pasted but still love this cheap WG the best. But this is just what my ear hears but may be subjective to other musicians. I cant see spending $3000. more and may not like what my own ears hear. And when you play in front of people most of them are tone deaf and just want to see a show and sing along but only you know something is off when you play.
Absolutely. Play what feels right. It doesn't matter what it cost and you can make any guitar sound good. My main guitars are my USA Wolfgang but of all my Ibanez guitars....I play the Indonesian one....not even my MIJ guitars. If you like how it plays and sounds....then rock the hell out of it.
How common is for guitars to have uneven frets from their manufacturing? Is it possible for the frets to pop out because of weather conditions difference? If so , even if you get them leveled and your environment is different from the luthier's lab then will you face issues again? It's just so annoying ( from personal experience ) to buy a guitar and then need to pay a visit to a tech just because you want a medium-low action .
Absolutley. I paid 3500.00 for a Suhr and the 13th fret was way lower then the 12th and 14th. Caused me all kinds of issues. I was going to have to have the fret pulled and reseated, and then dressed and to me at that price, it was unacceptable. I sold the guitar and never bought another one. When I buy new, I will only buy from somewhere that the guitar is sitting in a box. You go to guitar center and they hand them all on the wall, and the higher the guitar, you almost guarantee you will need to have the edge of the frets crowned from the hot dry air rising in the building. The should never pop out because they have a tang that is hammered into the neck and glued. The only guitar I have ever seen that happen on is a parker because they are just glued to the neck. No tang to hammer in.
@@TraceTaylor3 Should be allowed to test them with a fret rocker before buying . I haven't done it yet , but I really consider it since I got a fret rocker . I have a small one that is really discreet . I need to use it in the future if I get to buy a new or second hand guitar . I don't know if it's possible , but we are talking about money here .
@@manosg7325 Yeah if I order a guitar....as soon as it comes in I check the setup and the frets. If the frets are out of whack I immediately send the guitar back. I am not going to pay for a guitar and then have to level the frets. I honestly have sent back probably 7 guitars to sweetwater for fret and neck issues.
@@TraceTaylor3 So it's "ok" to check frets at a guitar store . And not only the guitars you may have ordered but also the ones that are hanging there. Well , I don't know if anyone has done it here , I'm sure that if I do it here in Greece they are going to look at me in a strange way , especially because I'm younger and a starter .
@@manosg7325 I would. I have checked guitars completely in the guitar store. I actually did a quick setup on one to see if I liked it. I just took some tools with me, sat down with the guitar and adjusted the neck and such. They may have gotten pissed had they seen me but I want to know what I am buying before I buy it.
This is like comparing the speed of the iPhone 12 Pro Max to the 13 pro max. The 13’s are 30% more faster but you can’t tell the difference. The screen is clearer but to the human eye it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t hear the difference. Unless you’re making an album in a studio, I say get the cheaper Wolfgang. If you’re just beginning anyway.
Absolutely. When it comes to really high gain, it is hard to tell one guitar from the next. I can honestly say.....and I love the American wolfgangs.....that they are not worth 3500 more.
No, humans don't make sense anymore. I retired from listening to the constant lies and disrespect, years ago. You're not right. EVH is electrically exclusive. It doesn't work with other brands. You don't even realise you're experimenting. According to consumer law theory, you're going to own multiple guitars from this 1 brand at the peak of your career. You're not living in poverty street just buying 1 guitar for your life. Manufacturers rank their guitars. They've been ranking their guitars for multiple decades by now. Your 10 guitar collection can turn into a 20 guitar collection if you buy into the cheaper models. You forgot about the non-factory made guitars from the professional hand made Manufacturers. They're 3 times more expensive than factory 🏭 made. You clearly don't understand what factory made looks like in a professional collection. Professional made guitars do exist. Factory made means you'll have a bigger collection of cheaper guitars that ain't perfect but they have superior decoration and might suit your style better. There's no room for complaints on the internet about guitar manufacturers.
In the end I think how the guitar feels to you is most important. You can switch parts but feel is feel. The better it feels to you, then if you can afford it, then it’s worth it. It’s like buying a steak. Sure ya can save money by buying a good sirloin, but ya just cant beat a great ribeye. Lol. That’s my take 😊
I agree. You have to connect to the guitar one all levels or it will sit in the corner. Even though the Special is more comfortable, I just connect with the American wolfgang better so I will always play it more. But with the prices of the American guitars.....it keeps getting harder not to buy the sirloin and season the hell out of it.
the peavey is better. I have one and it's by far one of the best guitars I've ever played. the only other guitar that rivals the Peavey is my Ibanez Jem. Totally different beast, but in terms of sound, playability and build quality, the Jem is right up there with my wolfgang
I absolutely agree. That Wolfgang is literally one of the best guitars I’ve ever had in my life. It’s simply built like a tank, and the only other guitar I have on par with that is my Ibanez J custom, which is just simply magnificent.
I love Jems and own a range of them - from cheap MII Jrs to high-end Limited Edition MIJ variants. They are phenomenal guitars and my personal preference. I've done the same with my Jems as was done to Wolfie's in this test. I have a modded Jr which I play more than my expensive models (maybe I'm just less concerned about it...). My absolute favourite Jem is my MII 2013 Premium Jem70V. It's killer.. If you like a Jem and a Wolfgang, look out for the MIJ Wolfgangs. Looks like a Wolfgang but same build quality as a Jem. Gotta be a 'win, win'...
A guitar is worth what someone will pay for it. Does it make sense for a novice player to pay $4k for a guitar, maybe not. But the Standard will rarely hold up to a gigging professional musician.
I know right. Sound is very subjective, but listening to it live in the room is completely different then on youtube. LIve the American was better, but listening to it back on youtube the indo sounds better.
No matter how much u upgrade a low quality wood it's gonna sound worse given all the same components. But only 10% worse...would we pay 2-3x for 10%...maybe...maybe not.
I think Jim Lill has done an excellent series on "Tone" (th-cam.com/video/n02tImce3AE/w-d-xo.html) and what influences and shown pretty convincingly that wood has nothing to do with it. Maybe the idea of playing a guitar with expensive wood influences the players expressiveness in his/her fingers and so you hear something that way..but wood ain't a factor. Best Regards and Best Wishes
True. The wood will always be a factor but for the money, this little guitar screams. I was not expecting that at all when I bought it, but yes.....it is not the American.
I get that. I used to be the opposite, would only play archtops, but as time went on and I became a better player my taste on everything guitar really started to change.
@@TraceTaylor3 I've always played fender style guitars and bought a les paul studio on a whim, what a disaster that was. The glued neck felt really weird too...
@@ironmonkey1512 Yeah....I love Les Pauls but have never really found that ONE that just suited me. Kind of like a PRS. I just can't seem to find that one that fits me. I have had a lot of guitars, including 3 Les Pauls, but I keep going back to my Wolfgangs and Ibanez guitars.
@@kevinbennett36 You are correct. If you like the guitar and all is well with it.....who cares where it comes from. Honestly, the only advantage to a USA guitar is you usually get better appointments and they usually have a higher resale value....but then you can pay twice the price for the guitar. You have to ask.....is it really worth it. thanks brother.
I have an Indonesian Standard in Silver Sparkle. I paid $400.I had to do little work but I love it, the neck is great , I can get harmonics on every fret as well as pinch harmonics on demand.
Yeah man for the money you just can't beat them. Proof? I see used PRS SE's, dozens of them everywhere I go. Very seldom do I see these used. Especially if you put the real wolfgang pickups in it....you can't beat it.
So you want no breakdown between the two guitars....no sound comparisons or anything. You just want me to say the American is better. got it. the American is better.
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Thank you for the honest review of the Wolfgang EVH models, it was very helpful.
My pleasure. Thanks
As someone who owned 3 USA made Peavey Wolfgang’s years ago and who recently bought a 2023 EVH Wolfgang Standard in Absinthe Frost, I can say your review is spot on! For the last 15 years or more most of my guitars have been expensive custom shop or ‘boutique.’ Then last week I randomly picked up the he EVH WG Standard and was blown away. I bought it on the spot.
I easily picked out the PV Wolfgang in your comparison clips and feel that the cheaper electronic components in the Indonesian WG don’t allow the guitar to be all it can be. I’ll be upgrading those soon enough, but over all I’m floored at how good this import guitar is. It feels very close to my old Purple PV Wolfgang Special.
Yeah man for the money it is really hard to beat that little guitar. Upgrade a few components and it is ready to go. I have only had one Mexican wolfgang and it was terrible. I got this one and was shocked at the difference. This little guitar is awesome.
Dude, you absolutely nailed it!!!! 😊😜🤗 Thats why I got a Standard for € 400,- on Ebay!!!
Thanks brother. I appreciate the comment.
Great review, I'm in total agreement with 100% of this Superb, honest great professional review.
Thanks my friend.
Trace…I just picked up a 2010-11 MIJ wolfgang last week…its a great guitar…still had the plastic film on the back plate covers…love your vids bro!!!!
Wow. You are kidding me dude. That is seriously cool. I should have bought that one I played years ago but pulled a major bonehead move and passed like an idiot. They are seriously great guitars. Don't ever sell it. Those are just going to keep getting harder and harder to get. Thanks brother.
Good stuff Trace, pls keep up the awesome reviews. I happen to luv the MIM EVHs for price / performance
Thanks brother. I will try my best. Yeah, for the money you simply cannot beat these guitars. I was playing one back to back with the PRS Se's and this wolfgang outplayed every one of them I tried.
@@TraceTaylor3 I've actually had some hits & misses with Indonesian Squires as well. If you get a good one and have it pro-setup, the quality is approaching Fender USA. Little known fact, when I lived in Japan I met many Indonesia factory workers employed at the Ibanez, Fender, ESP factories. Hence HMIJ, but the workers are foreign born. These days the tolerances with CNC and good QC foremen can make an keeper of an instrument without shelling out $2-3k
@@BracliCreationsI know right? One of my favorite guitars is the Indo RG 1120 Ibanez. Maybe it was a Monday guitar, but after setup it is nearly perfect. Literally a step off of my J Custom
I JUST got last week my Wolfgang Special (from mexico) and man thins thing is ther F1 amongst the Porches!!! I'm used to play 10's and playing 9's is weird along weith the super low action.....but this thing plays and sounds like a monster!!! Love it!! Thank you for your review! 'Aint paying $5K for the american one....
Yeah for the money they are damn hard to beat. If you can swing an american one....those are game changers. I prefer the peavey american wolfgangs but that is just a taste thing. You will love either.
I just got a WG STD like that, just the Olive Green one, and I got it based on... well, a variety of reasons, one being that I was looking at another guitar with the same color (because I was looking to make one with a certain theme), which was a Jackson Dinky, perhaps out of the same factory (unless it was Mexico), but that eventually went out of production and I never got it. - Then I noticed that there was an EVH in that color, and also because it was like a guitar a certain artist used and I wanted to model it after that idea, I decided to check out that one. - So I skimmed through some reviews and they also said it's just solid. I basically got the guitar almost "blind", but as soon as I tried it at home, I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it felt immediately, first of all. It's comfortable to sit with, to stand with, it's not the lightest but the weight is very balanced at the body, the shape is great with the contours... Then it also plays very easily, like I got along with it immediately. And then the sound is very good, being very resonant and bright.
Also, the Indonesian factories and people there in general are just very good with woodwork, so it's no surprise that after all these years they just make excellent guitars. And I'm also glad that EVH or Fender doesn't tarnish Eddie's name by just selling a very mediocre line of the products alongside supposed premium ones. I'm not sure if Wolfgang "himself" has any say in this, I bet he does, so that's probably key cause I don't think he would stand for crappy products coming out of the EVH-brand. (And just note that I'm not even a Van Halen fan or anything. I couldn't even hum through one song apart from 'Jump' perhaps.) - I just think they designed really good products and made sure they do it right for the money.
Well, that said, the premium ones that cost double or multiple thousands... of course you're paying for American/Western wages first of all, but then also perhaps premium materials and parts, plus the fact that they're different with the arch-tops and bindings and whatnot. - It's not so much that they're very different in terms of playability and sound and such, but more that you're paying for a fancier version of the guitar, which is fair enough. - I happened to be looking for a matte army-green guitar, so I'm kinda "lucky" in that I wasn't looking for a super-fancy guitar in that sense, cause that would've made it a very expensive requirement just for it to look fancy. - But this guitar immediately shot up to one of my top favorite ones, out of the 10-15 I have (and some are definitely more expensive), the other top ones being a Japanese Ibanez from the '80s, a Chapman from a few years ago, another Ibanez from about two decades ago now, as well as an Epiphone from around that time. They're all very different but all have that same kind of quality of playability and sound.
yeah they are great guitars....and one thing about the EVH guitars.....even if you have never played one....they are extremely easy to play. Eddie was brilliant in the design of the instrument. I Have played more guitars than I can count and the two I never have issues with as far as having to adjust to the guitar are the EVH guitars and the Ibanez guitars. You can literally go buy one and go straight to the gig without having to worry about adjusting to the guitar. You made a good choice bro. You will love it.
great comparison. I have a WG standard and a special love them. What are your thoughts an an american Ernie ball Music Man axis compared to the American peavey?
I do like the MM Axis. they make great guitars. I do prefer the arch top on the Peaveys and the Fender EVH models...but you cannot go wrong with a MM guitar. They make stellar instrument. I personally think the Peavey is a tougher guitar. these things are built like tanks. Hell, I friend of mine that was my rhythm guitar player dropped my Peavey wolfgang off a 5 foot stage and it landed flat on its face. I though for sure the guitar was trashed....and nothing. I played it the entire show with out an issue. They are just indestructible.
7:30 - It's worth noting that the difference in metals aren't for all the parts of the tremolos. The Original has everything of steel, with the block being brass, while the Special has a steel base-plate, but the block and also saddles are of zinc alloy. - Other than perhaps sound from the saddles and sustain from the block, there isn't much different in quality as zinc alloy is still very hard. Plus, steel is important for the base-plate for the so-called "knife edges" that hook into the bridge-posts, which should be hard so that they don't wear down easily and cause tuning-issues. - While the steel might be different steel (I'm not so sure), the quality should be generally the same, other than perhaps sound and sustain to some extent. - It's still from Floyd Rose, in the end, not some (non-)licensed knock-off, and they seem to care about their products if I read the descriptions on the FR-website.
I used to own 2x USA Peavey Wolfgang Standards - one fixed bridge, one trem. They were beautifully built. I sold them due to some life changes years back and still have some regrets about doing that.
I now own 2x eVh Wolfganags - a Cherry Red Quilt top MIC Special (same specs and build quality as the MIJ) and one of the first Purple Quilt top MII Standards to be released.
The MIC Special is beautifully built and sounds phenomenal. Fitted with the USA Wolfgang pups, original Floyd Rose and the eVh branded (Schaller?) tuners. The neck is a little slimmer than the MII. The Stainless frets are narrow vintage style and take a bit of 'getting used to'. This probably sounds weird but, apart from the frets, it just feels a bit more 'modern' construction than my Peaveys did. More like a Fujigen Ibanez (no bad thing...). The Peaveys blow them away for quality of woods used though...
The MII Standard is also beutifully built. Perfect fretwork. Pups are great - it also sounds phenomenal (maybe a little 'rawer'...). If anything the neck carve is more comfortable than that on the Special. The BIG fail was the Floyd Rose Special trem. It wouldn't hold tune from day #1. String slippage at the saddles (esp. G & B). Very frustrating.... Anyhoo (TM). I updated the trem with a new set of saddles, a Brass Block and a D-Tuna (well under £100 in parts at the time..) and it has been absolutely perfect since. I actually think I prefer to play the Standard over the Special.
A used MIC/MIJ Special is the sweet spot in the range IMO, no mods required and 'bullet-proof'. Used bargains can still be found. Especially on the MIC as many see them as inferior to the MIJ variants. Trust me, they are not inferior in any way. I've back-to-backed mine with a friends MIJ. No difference. Also, the gorgeous Cherry Red and Natural colours are only available on the MIC.
However, if you're happy doing your own set-ups and like a bit of potential modding, buy a used MII Standard. Absolutely brilliant guitars that 'punch way above their weight'.
Yeah I had a chance to my the MIC and the first MIJ and passed on both because at one point I had 13 of the Peavey wolfgangs. I know regret not buying them. I have talked to a couple of people that say the new MIJ is just as good as the USA. I just cannot pay 4600 for the USA. There is a point where it is just stupid to pay that price for a gigging guitar. I have capped myself at 2000 unless it is something I love....such as my J Custom Ibanez which was 3000 and the guitar is phenomenal. I need to build out my standard. Besides some of the crappy components....the little guitar rocks. At one point I will grab a new MIJ. Thanks brother.
@@TraceTaylor3 I scored a MIC and I crapped my pants when i hit the first chord on my Marshall...Its an unbelievably excellent guitar
@@JayBirdGuitars You got one of the original made in china Wolfgangs?
Bro, I have the black one that's just like yours and the Ernie Ball that I like a lot, as well. The 2 black rubbed areas are just as noticeable, by any chance did you sell it?
I still have it. This summer once I get my wood shop setup my wife is going to paint a pink floyd mural on this black guitar. I generally don't sell gear anymore. I did a video on how I could fuel America with regret from selling gear. Tired of having that regret so I pretty much keep everything. You have an Ernie Ball EVH???????
@@TraceTaylor3 Yep, wish I had past gear as well. Just odd how our guitars have same ware spots to-the-tee.
@@30pitchcleaver That is because we are ROCK GODS my friend.
To me it was very hard to hear significant differences between the two. I preferred A for Clean Neck, Middle Crunch and all Lead sounds. B sounded best on Clean Bridge and Middle, and on Crunch Bridge and Neck. To make a desicion, I listned through my soundbar on the TV, then on my studio monitors and finally through a decent set of headphones. Maybe TH-cam compresses the sound, but I guess that in the end, when loud enough, it doesn't really matter :-)
Yeah man the difference was really nominal. And yes youtube compresses the hell out of the sound. And that was what I was trying to get to. They both play great. the American sounds a little better to me but no 3600 better. It is just getting stupid the prices American guitars are getting to. And I agree. Crank the hell out of it and it is not going to matter that much at that point. Thanks brother.
Then again. I modify all of mine. The block and saddle inserts are F U TONE. My pick ups are JAYLEN. My pots are bourns low friction 500K. There is no "real" difference between the two. One is way too much in price. But I get it. Week end warriors.
I bought a kit and my evh kit is awesome and clocked in under 400 with dark matter pickups. I guess I’m like young Edward not having money to buy a real Wolfgang so I worked on a cheap kit to suit my taste and I love it. Frankie was a second body and an 85 dollar neck.
Yeah dude. Nothing wrong with that at all. Guitars are getting insane with the prices. If it works and you like it who cares if it is a real EVH or not. Rock the hell out of it.
The evh exotic standard series (made in Indonesia) is the exact same as the American specials.
The pick ups the pots.
All except it's not a "real Floyd bridge" but qualitative equals.
It has no arch top and it doesn't have a d-tuna.
They are like 400 bucks an reverb
Yeah all these that are not American can use a serious upgrade on the Floyd. but for the money....damn hard to beat.
Two Gibsons in late 80's and early 90's. Both sucked rocks. American Start in 1991. Sucked rocks. MIJ Esquire..top three of guitars I've owned. All my Ibanez S and SA models are Korea and Indonesia. Fantastic quality. Last guitar, last month, D'Angelico Bedford Bob Weir, fantastic quality. Indonesia made. I have no intention of ever buying American again because they are just overpriced. The quality may be better than it was in late 80, early 90, but not worth 3x the cost of an Indonesian guitar. Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Just got to reveal :) I like B Better :). Ears and Prefs :) . BR.
I agree with your point on american geetars!!!!
I agree. The American guitars are just getting completely stupid on price. I am very glad my wife got me the J Custom and if I spend that kind of money again it will be a Pia. Other than that, they are just turning out too many great guitars out of the states that work and sound wonderfully. And I have to tell you, that little wolfgang surprised the hell out of me. I thought the American sounded better but it was nominal and for the money, that Special works just fine. Thanks my friend.
I bought the Gibson Les Paul Tribute couple years ago. $1100. I absolutely love it. Better quality than the $600 Epiphones no doubt. I won't buy another Epiphone Les Paul when I can buy a Pleck'd Gibson Les Paul for $600 more
I picked correctly but I also own an EVH WG Special and an EVH WG Standard. The American sound better in your demo but not by much. I would say the thick maple top on the American gives it more cut and slightly higher mids, which makes it a bit more articulate. Both sound awesome at the end of the day.
Yeah dude....when you start cranking the gain they start to sound very very similar. I play all of them at shows. The American feels better as it should for thousands more....but I can play the standard just as well and rock the life out of it.
good comparison man!
Thanks my friend. Really appreciate the compliment.
I like the Peavey Wolfgang better myself. That takes nothing away from EVH Wolfgang. I just prefer the neck on the Peavey.
I completely agree. I really prefer straight radius necks and right around the 15 is the magic spot for me. The EVH guitars are awesome but like you I do prefer the Peavey.
I have to be honest, I thought guitar B sounded "better" every time, the difference being that it seemed to have a bit more of a bump in the mid-range making them sound a bit more "full" or "lush", and I completely expected that to be the American, possibly due to the mahogany top, brass block or steel saddles, if not the pickups. - But it turns out it's the Indonesian, so that's kind of "lucky" for me since I have that one. - But then still, who knows what caused the difference. Perhaps it's some variation in the pickups or other electronics. - Myself, I'm looking to replace them anyway. Not because they're bad at all, they sound really good, but perhaps a little too "classic" for my taste. They come from EVH after all, which of course would model anything after a more Classic Rock type style, including sound, but not everyone who buys their guitars necessarily plays that. - Myself I tend to buy the more affordable but good quality guitars because I like to modify them anyway. Who cares that they don't have the right pickups or no brass block or things like that, they're not that expensive to replace and you wouldn't even touch the cost of the American-built one and still get a whole lot closer in terms of parts. - Yes, it looks a lot more fancy and that's cool and all, but not always necessary. It's an extra luxury that I don't need and most people don't.
Congrats on the J. Custom man, so cool. And stop telling people about it, it’s still “somewhat” affordable 😂. This is for everyone, not just Trace. But even the way he had to like defend himself in the video for liking the Peavey. It’s very simple. Younger generations don’t think Peavey is any good because aesthetically it’s not modern or cool enough looking. I know that sounds shallow, but it’s reality. I’m a pro and i still choose pedals based on looks, and definitely guitars as well. But the Peavey brand, Logo, Colors. Except for the Invective Amps which is a great design, and the Cirrus 6 jazz bass which is Custom Shop quality, most of the Peavey stuff is still branded like it was in the 80’s. Its quality product, guitar influencers have proven it with their videos on the Decade, Bandit and Session Combos. But that’s because those amps are SUPER trendy right now. In reality Millennials think Peavey is cheesy. Well they’re not really musicians then. Because if you pick up almost any old or new American Made Peavey guitar model, it plays just as good as most American and Japanese models from the last 30 years. It’s not custom shop quality, but neither is the Fender Performer or Ibanez Prestige or any entry level American/Japanese model. I bought a Peavey Detonator JX for like $400 on rvrb. Made in America, plays great, looks better than most super-strats. Probably a $1200 guitar in reality. 🤦🏻♂️ Almost all of the American models are awesome. Check them out. Grow up and get over how everything looks. Meaning, who cares what the Logo looks like, or whether John Mayer likes it or not. Music is about listening.
Hey, I am a huge advocate for Peavey. I have had 13 peavey guitars and looking at a Vandenburg right now. It is an odd guitar but I can get it for like 400.00 and like you said.....all made in America. And good point on the J Custom. Didn't think about it that way. I was looking at a new Wolfgang and it was 4500.00. No way. The MIJ is 2600. I think if I get one I am going to go that route as I live the MIJ guitars. But yes. Peavey is so underrated it is not funny. Their amps are ridiculously good. The Peavey classic....I would put that up against about anything. I have never played a bad one. Now if I could just get Peavey to send me some gear to review. That would be awesome. Thanks for the comment my friend.
How's the Mexican Wolfgangs compared to the American and Indonesian ones? They looks to be priced somewhat in between the two, and some of them looks pretty cool. I think I would prefer a Japane one, though - but they are harder to come by, it seems?
Yeah the Japanese one is the way to go. they are amazing. I had one of the evh striped wolfgangs from mexico and it was terrible. The screws in the neck were literally hand tight and the neck and the trem were not lined up properly. The guitar was beautiful and was just unplayable.
@@TraceTaylor3 is this something you can fix by setup?
@@zevik84 Can't do it brother. When the routed the bridge for the guitar it was offset by about 2mm. I would of either had to fill that in and reroute it or try to move the neck pocket in which there is not enough wood on the sides. either way being a new guitar, best to just send it back and try again. It is sad because it was an absolutely beautiful guitar.
@@TraceTaylor3 Sorry to hear about your experience. Yesterday I ordered a Mexican 5150 Black Stealth standard guitar, hope it will ok, but you never know..
Played through what - That Sort or processing sorta send out sliced Cheese regardless of what you put in .. any amp tests
Yeah it is through a fractal. I sold all my amps a while back. I got so tired of carrying around a full guitar rig plus a PA, plus my keyboards. With my fractal, I entire guitar rig is in one bag, but still have to lug around a PA and my keys. But, in fairness, these sounds I am using are set for my live sound. They are not set for direct which is what is happening here. They are eq'd for my PA system so the sound it very different.
AWESOME!!!💯🌍
Thanks brother. Means the world to me.
I don’t change stuff on a guitar to make it sound better…I change things to make it “work” better…hope that makes sense!!
Oh I get that completely. Every guitar I own has stainless frets except my new J Custom....and when it come time for a dressing on the frets....they will become stainless as well. they simply work better.
Have you tried a new Peavey hp2 yet?
Yeah dude. I almost bought one. They are great guitars and incredibly underrated. They play just like my Peavey wolfgangs which are also amazing guitars.
The Peavey Wolfgang was an entirely different guitar on the inside. To start with those Peavey Wolfgang pickups used Alnico V magnets, much hotter than the Fender built EVH Wolfgang USA model and the Indonesian one you're demoing here. The Fender-EVH pickups use Alnico 2 magnets. This widely known, but I also got this info Jim DeCola the man who actually created these pickups. For the Fender built EVH models, EVH went with the same pickup spec on the foreign built and USA built models. For the Peavey models this was not the case. The foreign built Peavey Wolfgangs had a different spec pickup. There's also different suppliers for capacitors, pots etc... If you had a Fender-EVH Wolfgang USA signature it would sound nothing like the Peavey USA Wolfgang you have there.
Well, yes. the American is a completely different guitar. And the Fender EVH uses Alnico 2 in the rear and Alnico 3 in the front. The point of the video was.....Is a 2-3 or 4 thousand dollar guitar that much better than a 600.00 guitar. Obviously there are better appointments but is it worth the money as opposed to buying a cheap unit and dressing it up.
@@TraceTaylor3 Ok.. but with the different pickups, different electronics, different neck carve, isn't that a bit like comparing a $3000 Fender Strat to a $600 Epiphone? The Peavey really is THAT different from the EVH models across the board. Alnico II Humbuckers vs different from Alnico IV. I don't see how this video doesn't end up misrepresenting the gap. To your point though, I think upgraded electronics and you're good to go. The price difference all in expensive aesthetics that contribute nothing to the tone... The real maple cap on the USA models might add a little brightness, but since the pickups are vastly different in these two being compared, there's no way to gauge.
@@rmzzz76The differences are not the point. the point is will you be happy with a 600.00 guitar as opposed to one that cost thousands.....in the same line. Hell a gibson les paul is different from a epi paul. They feel nothing alike. The point is can you upgrade....save a ton of money and be happy....and the answer is yes. A friend of mine has a cheap Ibanez....like 400.00. When compared to my J Custom.....well there is no comparison. But he gave me his guitar and I did a complete setup on it.....they way it should have been.....and he is so happy with it now he is not buying a new guitar.....even though it is still no comparison to my J Custom. Different pickups, different necks different everything.
Many thanks for your EVH reviews. I have played two of these Black Standards and I liked them a lot and may buy a maple cap one. But not all Indonesian ones are great. My very first guitar (yeah at 47yo) was a Cort-made Schecter and it turned out to be totally awful (reverse compound neck, 12-10, was supposed to be 14!, dreadful bridge pickup, sub-spec string spacing....). So I will be checking it very, very thoroughly :) But, I agree, I thought they sound great, felt fantastic. Cheers!
You are correct. I have had 3 Ibanez Jiva's and they were all terrible. but then I get the 1120 Ibanez and it is amazing. I bought a EVH special from Mexico and that was one of the worst guitars I have ever had. I was shocked it even got out of the factory with all the issues it had. But for the money.....this little guitar was impressive and hard to beat.
Peavey was A and EVH was B 100% I like both but I own 3 EVH guitars. I'm hooked on EVH. 1st guitar was a Peavey T15 2nd was a Fender 1 humbucker upgrade Fender squire strat. I like Fender (EVH) better. EVH left Peavey for Fender and the 5153 blows away Peavey's version of the 5150. IMHO.
Yeah the 5150 III is seriously a better amp but I still like the Peavey guitars. they are a little chunkier and I like straight radius necks better then compound. Hartley Peavey and Eddie could not come to terms on the directions of the guitars. The first big fight was over the tone knob on the American wolfgangs. Eddie did not want one and Hartley was dead set on it. Hartley still owned the guitars and had the final say so. That was the beginning of the end. Eddie went to Fender because they gave him total control of the direction of the guitars....as they should....even though EVH is a subsidiary of Fender.
@@TraceTaylor3 Eddie always shouldve had complete control, he's the master of guitar and amps. without him we'd be playing the same garbage most of us hate.
@@TraceTaylor3 but i respect your opinion. guitar and amp wise i trust EVH.
@@nokomisnichols Thanks brother and yes....they make in my opinion some of the best gear on the market.
@@nokomisnichols You are absolutely right. Man his 5150 III amp changed it all if you ask me. Metal guys use it, blues guys, a lot of jazz guys, rock guys. He literally made the best all around amp you can buy.
I have an Indonesian wolfgang standard qm, and i absolutely love it. I actually preferred guitar B the whole time up until the last test where i like A better. I eventually want to get my hands a usa one. For now I plan on doing more upgrades to the qm.
Honestly, if you like the neck and body on your guitar I would just upgrade the hell out of it. With the right parts you can make any guitar play as well as any other guitar, regardless of price. The only reason I buy some high-end guitars is because of what it is. For instance my Ibanez J Custom was a limited run and is all hand made.....but it was also 3k. If you get an American wolfgang buy used. If you look hard enough you will find a great deal on a used one. Don't get me wrong....the American ones are amazing and if it is your thing get one. But.....I would buy the Peavey before the EVH Fender. I think they are better guitars and they are getting more rare everyday. Especially if you ever get a chance to get a late 90 quilt top.
B every time for me....More dynamic and less muddy. Have not watched the reveal.
Yeah dude. It will surprise you.
My go to guitar to this day is my 98 WG special for $799. at the time.
I've ha LP's, Ibanez and Fender stripe series when Ed pasted but still love this cheap WG the best.
But this is just what my ear hears but may be subjective to other musicians.
I cant see spending $3000. more and may not like what my own ears hear.
And when you play in front of people most of them are tone deaf and just want to see a show and sing along but only you know something is off when you play.
Absolutely. Play what feels right. It doesn't matter what it cost and you can make any guitar sound good. My main guitars are my USA Wolfgang but of all my Ibanez guitars....I play the Indonesian one....not even my MIJ guitars. If you like how it plays and sounds....then rock the hell out of it.
How common is for guitars to have uneven frets from their manufacturing? Is it possible for the frets to pop out because of weather conditions difference? If so , even if you get them leveled and your environment is different from the luthier's lab then will you face issues again? It's just so annoying ( from personal experience ) to buy a guitar and then need to pay a visit to a tech just because you want a medium-low action .
Absolutley. I paid 3500.00 for a Suhr and the 13th fret was way lower then the 12th and 14th. Caused me all kinds of issues. I was going to have to have the fret pulled and reseated, and then dressed and to me at that price, it was unacceptable. I sold the guitar and never bought another one. When I buy new, I will only buy from somewhere that the guitar is sitting in a box. You go to guitar center and they hand them all on the wall, and the higher the guitar, you almost guarantee you will need to have the edge of the frets crowned from the hot dry air rising in the building. The should never pop out because they have a tang that is hammered into the neck and glued. The only guitar I have ever seen that happen on is a parker because they are just glued to the neck. No tang to hammer in.
@@TraceTaylor3 Should be allowed to test them with a fret rocker before buying . I haven't done it yet , but I really consider it since I got a fret rocker . I have a small one that is really discreet . I need to use it in the future if I get to buy a new or second hand guitar . I don't know if it's possible , but we are talking about money here .
@@manosg7325 Yeah if I order a guitar....as soon as it comes in I check the setup and the frets. If the frets are out of whack I immediately send the guitar back. I am not going to pay for a guitar and then have to level the frets. I honestly have sent back probably 7 guitars to sweetwater for fret and neck issues.
@@TraceTaylor3 So it's "ok" to check frets at a guitar store . And not only the guitars you may have ordered but also the ones that are hanging there. Well , I don't know if anyone has done it here , I'm sure that if I do it here in Greece they are going to look at me in a strange way , especially because I'm younger and a starter .
@@manosg7325 I would. I have checked guitars completely in the guitar store. I actually did a quick setup on one to see if I liked it. I just took some tools with me, sat down with the guitar and adjusted the neck and such. They may have gotten pissed had they seen me but I want to know what I am buying before I buy it.
This is like comparing the speed of the iPhone 12 Pro Max to the 13 pro max. The 13’s are 30% more faster but you can’t tell the difference. The screen is clearer but to the human eye it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t hear the difference. Unless you’re making an album in a studio, I say get the cheaper Wolfgang. If you’re just beginning anyway.
Absolutely. When it comes to really high gain, it is hard to tell one guitar from the next. I can honestly say.....and I love the American wolfgangs.....that they are not worth 3500 more.
No, humans don't make sense anymore.
I retired from listening to the constant lies and disrespect, years ago.
You're not right.
EVH is electrically exclusive.
It doesn't work with other brands.
You don't even realise you're experimenting.
According to consumer law theory, you're going to own multiple guitars from this 1 brand at the peak of your career.
You're not living in poverty street just buying 1 guitar for your life.
Manufacturers rank their guitars.
They've been ranking their guitars for multiple decades by now.
Your 10 guitar collection can turn into a 20 guitar collection if you buy into the cheaper models.
You forgot about the non-factory made guitars from the professional hand made Manufacturers.
They're 3 times more expensive than factory 🏭 made.
You clearly don't understand what factory made looks like in a professional collection.
Professional made guitars do exist.
Factory made means you'll have a bigger collection of cheaper guitars that ain't perfect but they have superior decoration and might suit your style better.
There's no room for complaints on the internet about guitar manufacturers.
EVH Wolfgang being made in Indonesia is fitting since Eddie was half Indonesian.
It's not a bad guitar....especially for the money. That little dude rocks.
In the end I think how the guitar feels to you is most important. You can switch parts but feel is feel. The better it feels to you, then if you can afford it, then it’s worth it. It’s like buying a steak. Sure ya can save money by buying a good sirloin, but ya just cant beat a great ribeye. Lol. That’s my take 😊
I agree. You have to connect to the guitar one all levels or it will sit in the corner. Even though the Special is more comfortable, I just connect with the American wolfgang better so I will always play it more. But with the prices of the American guitars.....it keeps getting harder not to buy the sirloin and season the hell out of it.
I thought B (Indonesian) was better sounding on 5 of the 6 tests and the remaining a pure tie.
Yes. Sound is very subjective. To me the American sounded better on all settings, and I mean barely sounded better.
Hell if I know. B seems brighter. I liked A but I'm not using headphones.
the J Custom is B. Hard to tell sometimes isn't it. thanks my friend.
the peavey is better. I have one and it's by far one of the best guitars I've ever played. the only other guitar that rivals the Peavey is my Ibanez Jem. Totally different beast, but in terms of sound, playability and build quality, the Jem is right up there with my wolfgang
I absolutely agree. That Wolfgang is literally one of the best guitars I’ve ever had in my life. It’s simply built like a tank, and the only other guitar I have on par with that is my Ibanez J custom, which is just simply magnificent.
I love Jems and own a range of them - from cheap MII Jrs to high-end Limited Edition MIJ variants. They are phenomenal guitars and my personal preference. I've done the same with my Jems as was done to Wolfie's in this test. I have a modded Jr which I play more than my expensive models (maybe I'm just less concerned about it...). My absolute favourite Jem is my MII 2013 Premium Jem70V. It's killer..
If you like a Jem and a Wolfgang, look out for the MIJ Wolfgangs. Looks like a Wolfgang but same build quality as a Jem. Gotta be a 'win, win'...
I think i like B more but it's so close. Could just be the difference you played
Yeah the guitars are crazy similar in tone. B was the 700.00 standard
A guitar is worth what someone will pay for it. Does it make sense for a novice player to pay $4k for a guitar, maybe not. But the Standard will rarely hold up to a gigging professional musician.
Wow I was totally surprised. I heard the complete opposite of you.
I know right. Sound is very subjective, but listening to it live in the room is completely different then on youtube. LIve the American was better, but listening to it back on youtube the indo sounds better.
No matter how much u upgrade a low quality wood it's gonna sound worse given all the same components. But only 10% worse...would we pay 2-3x for 10%...maybe...maybe not.
I think Jim Lill has done an excellent series on "Tone" (th-cam.com/video/n02tImce3AE/w-d-xo.html) and what influences and shown pretty convincingly that wood has nothing to do with it. Maybe the idea of playing a guitar with expensive wood influences the players expressiveness in his/her fingers and so you hear something that way..but wood ain't a factor. Best Regards and Best Wishes
True. The wood will always be a factor but for the money, this little guitar screams. I was not expecting that at all when I bought it, but yes.....it is not the American.
I don't like archtops and I would be interested in american made flat top with maple neck. They checked all the wrong boxes with the American....
I get that. I used to be the opposite, would only play archtops, but as time went on and I became a better player my taste on everything guitar really started to change.
@@TraceTaylor3 I've always played fender style guitars and bought a les paul studio on a whim, what a disaster that was. The glued neck felt really weird too...
@@ironmonkey1512 Yeah....I love Les Pauls but have never really found that ONE that just suited me. Kind of like a PRS. I just can't seem to find that one that fits me. I have had a lot of guitars, including 3 Les Pauls, but I keep going back to my Wolfgangs and Ibanez guitars.
American sounded pro
I completely agree with you. Everything about it is just better.....but hard to beat the special for that price.
i have a american made and a indonisian i like th indo better
Play whatever you connect with. It does not have to be a 4k guitar to be a good guitar. If you like the Indo better....rock the hell out of it.
@@TraceTaylor3 If you have an awesome amp and pedal board doesn’t matter if it’s indo or American made ….. Rock on
@@kevinbennett36 You are correct. If you like the guitar and all is well with it.....who cares where it comes from. Honestly, the only advantage to a USA guitar is you usually get better appointments and they usually have a higher resale value....but then you can pay twice the price for the guitar. You have to ask.....is it really worth it. thanks brother.
I have an Indonesian Standard in Silver Sparkle. I paid $400.I had to do little work but I love it, the neck is great , I can get harmonics on every fret as well as pinch harmonics on demand.
Yeah man for the money you just can't beat them. Proof? I see used PRS SE's, dozens of them everywhere I go. Very seldom do I see these used. Especially if you put the real wolfgang pickups in it....you can't beat it.
Blabbla bla. Get to the god damned point.
So you want no breakdown between the two guitars....no sound comparisons or anything. You just want me to say the American is better. got it. the American is better.