Any EBMM Axis owners

[tone]

What's up guys.
Anyone here own or played an Ernie Ball/Music Man Axis? What's the general thoughts on these guitars, and quality? Also, what was the difference between what used to be the EVH, and what is now just the Axis, besides the switch placement? Besides covering newer VH, would this thing be able to cop older VH, as well as be versitile for other styles of music? I was looking mainly at the Axis, and not the Supersport since I wanted to get the Floyd.

How do you guys feel about the Basswood bodies, do they dent/ding easily like mentioned on USACG's site?

Thanks!

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: Any EBMM Axis owners

I've played a couple of axis models, and the quality is fantastic. I slightly prefer the older EVH models, but it's a very close thing between them.

As far as being able to cop old VH, well, there's a guy on this forum who has clips that are pretty close, and he uses a cheapo musicyo Kramer with Duncans. So I'm guessing that with the right pickups and practice hibernation an axis should do pretty well.

Basswood does dent easily, but is that really a big deal? -leave worrying about future dings to collectors and get on with playing.

 

[tone]

Re: Any EBMM Axis owners

Is there any other wood that compares to basswood in softness? Oh yeah, has anything changed so much on the newer Axis models that they are some how not worth the money compared to the older ones?

 

[jmh151]

Re: Any EBMM Axis owners

All Ernie Ball Music Man guitars are built excellent, excellent out of the box setup and quality control, they play like a dream.

There are issues with the figuring of the curly maple top, so I would never order one sight unseen, go to a music store, or even find pics on ebay, and see pics of the guitar before buying. There are some years where they put killer quilt and flame maple tops on them, some years which the maple is blander, and now they have a $500 upcharge for the top quality figured maple that you used to get for no upcharge.

The guitar screams Van Halen- it all depends on what amp you're using.

As far as Basswood, there's the cheap import quality basswood that Ibanez uses and the better, stronger American Basswood that EB/MM, Tom Anderson and John Suhr use. They all use a stronger finish on them to protect the wood so it's not an issue. I've had too many Ibanez guitars where the tremolo posts got ripped out since the wood was too soft. Any guitar wood will dent if you're not careful.

 

[tone]

Re: Any EBMM Axis owners

bump

 

[ErikH]

Re: Any EBMM Axis owners

This subject has been discussed numerous times already. Your best bet is to search the Guitar Shop for those threads, especially when it comes to the minor differences.

 

[Majestic]

Re: Any EBMM Axis owners

I own both an Axis standard, and a Super Sport. I prefer the tone of the vintage bridge on the Supersport, but that's me. I also love the locking tuners....they're a dream come true. Much less hassle than a Floyd, IMO.

I've grown out of the "loud powerful" pickup schtick (17k), so I could use a change there, and I also wish the frets were higher. Those are obviously just personal preferences.

The quality is incredible, their service guys are awesome too. I've both called and emailed them, and they were very helpful & honest. We talked about the availability/supply issues with Birdseye maple (the neck), etc.

I would go to THEIR forums if you really want to discuss minute details. There are people there with 5 EVHs. It's crazy.

Regarding the Basswood body.....don't forget that the Axis line has a 1/4" maple cap. You're not going to ding that unless you're very, very careless. In fact, the maple top helps the tone.