Replacing Axis floyd rose

[jdow4069]

Hey guys ive been dying to get another axis since i sold my last cherryburst one, but can only find the colors i like with floyds. I noticed that the floyds arent too invasive on the top wood for the axis so would it be possible for me to switch out the floyd for something else? And if so any suggestions? Many thanks!

[Stratty316]

if you are going to go through all that hastle... why not just get an Axis Super Sport?

[jdow4069]

I had one, but I cannot seem to find one used in the color/s i like Im just fishing about on this topic for curiosities sake mostly, but if anyone has any thoughts/ experience/ advice it would be greatly appreciated.

[doesitmtter]

I'm curious about this as well. I just put my Axis on consignment at my local guitar shop because I just couldn't get along with the Floyd Rose. Toyed with the idea of buying an Axis Sport later on but if I could convert it to a standard trem I'd rather get my guitar back.

[bbake1]

Its been asked before. I wouldn't do it. You will end up with something you can never recoup any money from. Just not worth it. There are plenty of us that really like the Axis as is and would want it. You can always put it up for trade or sell and get an ASS or hardtail.

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/musi...swap-axis.html

[cm_17]

Why not simply block the tremolo with a piece of wood, or more sophisticated with a trem-stopper? Done.

[Stratty316]

CM-17 I think the issue most people have with the Axis isn't the functionality of the Floyd while playing its the extra work that goes into changing strings, etc. In this case it sounds like the Floyd unit itself is the issue since the poster is looking at changing trem units. For me its a labor of love. While I don't really enjoy the extra work when changing strings on the Axis or even unclamping to adjust tuning (when the fine tuners wont do it) however the tone and playability of the Axis makes it worth it to me. I have an Axis Sport and an HHAL with the standard trem that are both nice, but its not the same.

[Tollie]

For me its a labor of love. While I don't really enjoy the extra work when changing strings on the Axis or even unclamping to adjust tuning (when the fine tuners wont do it) however the tone and playability of the Axis makes it worth it to me.

Yes sir, Stratty316, it is a labor of love. Actually, I enjoy going through the ritual. But it does take longer.

[doesitmtter]

Seems like an ebanol nut and an f spaced trem could do the job with no new routing. Am I wrong?

[straycat113]

It could be done there is no question about that, but as stated you totally kill the resale of the guitar and it does not make sense to go through all that trouble when you can just buy an ASS . I know you are more interested on the can it be done, as on ebay right now there are quite a few ASS'es in different colors.

[cm_17]

Interesting. I would argue a Floyd is not more work than a vintage trem for string changes (even a full-float), except maybe the ball end clipping. Matter of practice. Also, I cannot remember the last time on any of my Floyd-ed guitars when I had to un-clamp the locking nut to re-tune with the regular tuners in a string's lifetime. Especially on an Axis which is intended to be set up so the Floyd sits flush with the body - which automatically makes it easier to maintain than a full float Floyd. YMMV.

As for replacing the Axis' Gotoh Floyd directly with another sort of trem, not sure if that's feasible without body routing, etc. It's a matter of the trem post spacing and their diameter, clearance of the trem block in the body cavity, etc. I haven't looked at the dimensions so it might be a swap with a vintage-style trem. But I would guess not?

Really the only reason I could see for going through this is the missing ability to lower/raise individual saddles on a Floyd. This makes the initial setup on an Axis more difficult (neck pocket height vs trem height when flush), but they come great from the factory with a little wiggle room. Again, YMMV.

If color really is the only determinant and makes you want to mutilate an Axis, go for it. I for one would appreciate pictures of your trem swap progress.

[doesitmtter]

Just got my Axis back. I removed the nut locks and the string tension soften considerably. I find it a lot more playable. I ordered an ebanol nut just because I don't like the jagged edges of the open Floyd nut. I'll see how it fits.

The trick now is to find a replacement for the Floyd bridge without doing any routing. The studs are spaced considerably wider than the Fender 2 point or the Wilkinson. Even without measuring you can see how the contours on the other trems are placed in front of the 'e' saddles while the Floyd's are on either side of the 'e' saddles.

Anyone know of a wider traditional trem?

[cm_17]

Just got my Axis back. I removed the nut locks and the string tension soften considerably. I find it a lot more playable.

I am very surprised that unlocking the nut has any effect on string tension. The strings are, if not locked at the nut, immobilized by the tuner. The only "spongy" thing in the equation which allows string movement is the trem itself via the tremolo springs' tension in the cavity.

If you want a more "spongy" guitar with less bending resistance, the Axis is fairly simple to adjust: simply screw the tremolo claw in the cavity out a little (but not beyond the point where the trem starts tilting forward and no longer sits flush with the body). You'll find the trem jumps up when you bend strings. The only issue is that it smacks back onto the body once you release the bend. I adjust mine always so two-step bends don't move it at all. As usual again, YMMV.

[Slav123]

if you are going to go through all that hastle... why not just get an Axis Super Sport?

A big +1 on that one!

[doesitmtter]

I am very surprised that unlocking the nut has any effect on string tension. The strings are, if not locked at the nut, immobilized by the tuner. The only "spongy" thing in the equation which allows string movement is the trem itself via the tremolo springs' tension in the cavity.

If you want a more "spongy" guitar with less bending resistance, the Axis is fairly simple to adjust: simply screw the tremolo claw in the cavity out a little (but not beyond the point where the trem starts tilting forward and no longer sits flush with the body). You'll find the trem jumps up when you bend strings. The only issue is that it smacks back onto the body once you release the bend. I adjust mine always so two-step bends don't move it at all. As usual again, YMMV.

Actually, did the opposite. Screwed the claw in so the FR sits solidly on the body. Gives it more sustain.

I think the reason the Axis loosened up without the locking nut is that the strings wrapped around the tuning pegs have a little more give than the locked nut. The locked nut always felt like I was playing high tension wires rather than strings.

If someone has an ASS in red they want to trade for a red Axis I'll do it. Otherwise I'll keep looking for a solution with this guitar.