First Axis? - few questions

[cm_17]

First post...I'm originally a Lag and Ibanez player, but had the opportunity to play several Balls in the last few months. Been a lurker here ever since, and the craving to get my very own Axis gets uncontrollable. At one point it's just time to get a grown-up guitar .

I however have a few questions for which I didn't find a proper answer by searching the forums.

First, concerning the Axis maple necks - the in-store display instruments I've checked out had fairly brightly shaded necks and fretboards, while older ones seem way darker on pictures. Do new Axis necks/fretboards darken up over time?

Second, the pickup selector switch is installed so it flips parallel to the neck. Is it possible to turn it slightly, so it flips more with a 45degree angle relative to the neck?

Lastly (and I'm sure his has been asked a lot...), considering the regular Axis vs BFR differences besides the tone block, is there a higher cosmetic-quality maple used for the necks on the BFRs?

Any input greatly appreciated.

 

[John Price]

Hello,

Question 1 = Yes! Over time they will get that great tinted look!

Question 2 = Yes! I've done this with great success and its easy to do.

Question 3 = I don't really know if they pick out better wood for the neck..


Hope this helps.
JP

 

[parker1963]

I wasn't blown over by the Axis at first ...but just like a good album it grew and became more an more interesting the more i played it.Now i can't play my Fender Necks they just don't feel right anymore the gibsons seem interchangable but be warned after playing Axis neck its hard to go back to the farm after seeing the big city!

Parker

 

[browndog]

A friend introduced me to EBMM guitars when he let me play his JP6. It was love at first play. When it came time for me to buy one, I chose the Axis because I loved the look at first, and I am a huge fan of EVH.

Traded in my Tele and bought an Axis. Never looked back. I just love it.

 

[cm_17]

Hello,

Question 1 = Yes! Over time they will get that great tinted look!

Question 2 = Yes! I've done this with great success and its easy to do.

Question 3 = I don't really know if they pick out better wood for the neck..


Hope this helps.
JP

Thx for these answers already! Much appreciated, any more input always welcome.

I actually don't need much convincing anymore anyways , these are just some minor points. Most of my current guitars have pencil-thin necks, an Axis would be a great and contrasting addition to the small collection. The Basswood/Maple top with the default pickups combo is tonally nice anyway, I like the frets and neck feel. But, one of the first attractions for me was its compact size - after picking up an Axis, wielding an Ibanez RG in comparison appears like swinging a huge plank around.

 

[TNT]

Hello,

Question 1 = Yes! Over time they will get that great tinted look!

Question 2 = Yes! I've done this with great success and its easy to do.

Question 3 = I don't really know if they pick out better wood for the neck..


Hope this helps.
JP

Hit the nail on the head!!

 

[Jack FFR1846]

Hey CM....if you're also considering an Axis Super Sport, check out the Natick Guitar Center. They have a tobacco burst rosewood neck BFR Axis that is very, very nice and the price is great. It's hanging on the wall behind the guitar counter.

I heard there was another BFR up in Nashua, but have not personally seen it yet (but no sales tax, right).

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

The Axis, in my opinion is the best EBMM guitar. It wins on every point!

 

[John Price]

The Axis, in my opinion is the best EBMM guitar. It wins on every point!

Especially the body shape. I really believe this is the best new body shape to come out in a long time. Strat/LP/Tele/Axis(EVH)

 

[cm_17]

Hey CM....if you're also considering an Axis Super Sport, check out the Natick Guitar Center. They have a tobacco burst rosewood neck BFR Axis that is very, very nice and the price is great. It's hanging on the wall behind the guitar counter.

I heard there was another BFR up in Nashua, but have not personally seen it yet (but no sales tax, right).

Thanks for these hints! Unfortunately I don't have access to a car (and a lot of time, for that matter...) and live downtown. I'll see if I can pay Natick a visit soon, however.

But I've just been at the new GC at Fenway tonight. Always ask for Larry at that place.
They had a trans-black BFR Axis w/ rosewood board (floyd), a green BFR ASS with maple fretboard (hardtail), as well as a regular maple fretboard ASS in tobacco (vintage trem, typical GC test playing scars). Plus, a rosewood fretboard 25th in the Platinum room. So I had sufficient material for yet another test session, and some quiet as it's a weekday night.

It all just confirmed my intentions: it has to be an Axis with maple fretboard, and not a BFR - the 12th fret inlay is too irritating, sorry, although the position dots are sexy. I can't put my finger on the sound difference "regular vs BFR" as of yet, however, will need some more testing with different amps. I'm not a fan of vintage trems or the hardtail bridge's feel either. But I guess I'll retro-fit a push-pull coil splitter pot, the ASS 2 & 4 positions are sweet.

Now I just have to stumble upon the right one. I don't have a blue-ish guitar yet, for starters .

 

[Stratty316]

so, how is your search going????

 

[ProtoChicken]

But I've just been at the new GC at Fenway tonight. Always ask for Larry at that place.

Larry is great, and 2 of my 3 Balls are ordered through him. He is the sole reason I do business again with GC after refusing to go there for 15 years. Larry was so good to me in fact that I wrote an email to his district manager praising him.

Though through no fault of Larry's or GC's, my latest and future guitars are and will be through Pete DuBaldo.

 

[Sub1 Zero]

...after picking up an Axis, wielding an Ibanez RG in comparison appears like swinging a huge plank around.

This is a huge attraction for me, because some situations are tough to negotiate with an Explorer around your neck!

The light weight is also nice, because once a guitar gets over 8 or 9 pounds, it can really start to become a drain.

 

[cm_17]

so, how is your search going????

Let' just say, there are some kittens on the catwalk .

Larry is great, and 2 of my 3 Balls are ordered through him.

Nice, glad to get to know another Larry fan . When I moved over from Europe, GC the first place I found for gear, and ran immediately into Larry. He was very helpful in getting me a guitar and a great amp deal before I could get one of my guitars over the pond. Whenever I am at GC I try to find him for a chat.
But after browsing around here, I can see why you'll go with Pete.

This is a huge attraction for me, because some situations are tough to negotiate with an Explorer around your neck!
The light weight is also nice, because once a guitar gets over 8 or 9 pounds, it can really start to become a drain.

I have a 94' Ibanez S540 in the stable, which is almost too light . But I've noticed quite some weight differences in the Axis that I tried so far - still, very comfy guitar. I'll keep you posted on my progress in finding my Axis.

 

[tommydude]

Welcome to the Forum and great choice on your guitar selection!