Axis super sport compared with Albert Lee.

[Rialas]

Does anyone own both, and how do they compare.
Thinking of adding the axis as it looks so cool. I also have a jp6 bfr, is that a nearer comparison with its splittable humbuckers.
Thoughts appreciated on the axis super sport.

 

[Jamie M]

I only have the ASS which is a brilliant guitar but there is also a lot of love for the AL on here so I am sure the chaps will jump in soon.

 

[Pott]

Have and have had both. (ooops, forgot to specify: AL HH only )

I prefer the AL, which I feel has a little more personality. The neck is more for me as well; the ASS can occasionally make me hurt at the articulation of my hand and thumb.

Otherwise they'll both give you the same pickup combinations, and use the same pickups and hardware So most of the differences come from the body shapes and timber used.
The ASS is brighter and thinner sounding. The AL sounds bigger overall; huge, in fact!

I've also had a JP6 and in my mind, both ASS and AL sound and sustain nicer. The necks are very, very different though and they're all very different animals.

 

[beej]

I love the necks on both of them - they're different but equally comfortable. The AL is more of a standard 'C' while the Axis family have a well-worn asymmetrical profile.

Other than the obvious differences- body shape, wood, etc., it depends which sounds you're looking for from the AL, which comes in SSS, MM90 and HH versions. For single coil sounds, the SSS AL winds hands down. The parallel sounds (or split if you do that) sounds on the ASS are nice, but not in the same league. A better comparison would be an MM90 Axis Sport, which gets amazing single coil sounds (but meaner), and tonally comes closer. (And can be had relatively cheaply on the used market.)

They're both killer guitars and you can't go wrong with either. If you like the way the Axis looks ... get one

 

[Rialas]

Have and have had both. (ooops, forgot to specify: AL HH only )

I prefer the AL, which I feel has a little more personality. The neck is more for me as well; the ASS can occasionally make me hurt at the articulation of my hand and thumb.

Otherwise they'll both give you the same pickup combinations, and use the same pickups and hardware So most of the differences come from the body shapes and timber used.
The ASS is brighter and thinner sounding. The AL sounds bigger overall; huge, in fact!

I've also had a JP6 and in my mind, both ASS and AL sound and sustain nicer. The necks are very, very different though and they're all very different animals.

Thank you. That's been very helpful.

I was watching an axis super sport on ebay yesterday but wasn't sure whether to bid it not. I opted out for now.

I've also been experiencing thumb pains lately probably from overplaying, and I'll have to see if it's any of my instruments in particular that is aggravating it.

I've also got a couple of strats which I really enjoy. I like their sparkly sound, and also enjoy the Albert Lee.
The jp6 is the least used at the moment, but I think I'll start playing it again so as to see if the neck profile suits my left hand better, before making a decision on purchasing another guitar.

Thanks again.

 

[Rialas]

I love the necks on both of them - they're different but equally comfortable. The AL is more of a standard 'C' while the Axis family have a well-worn asymmetrical profile.

Other than the obvious differences- body shape, wood, etc., it depends which sounds you're looking for from the AL, which comes in SSS, MM90 and HH versions. For single coil sounds, the SSS AL winds hands down. The parallel sounds (or split if you do that) sounds on the ASS are nice, but not in the same league. A better comparison would be an MM90 Axis Sport, which gets amazing single coil sounds (but meaner), and tonally comes closer. (And can be had relatively cheaply on the used market.)

They're both killer guitars and you can't go wrong with either. If you like the way the Axis looks ... get one

Thanks,
So the axis super sport, and axis sport are wired differently?
I also need to try the different neck profiles before making a decision.
Cheers.

 

[beej]

The Axis has a Floyd Rose trem, 1 volume control, and a 3-way toggle (B, B&N, N), so no combinations of split coils. You could always add a push/pull pot for a coil split.

The Axis Super Sport has a MM non-locking trem (or hardtail), volume + tone controls, and a 5-way toggle, giving you an additional two pickup positions (inner coils from each pickup, outer coils from each position). Those are the "fendery" sounds. More tele than strat.

There are also the discontinued Axis Sport models that you can find used. Ash Body (rather than basswood), and HH, HSS, SSS or MM90 (MM's take on a P90 ... gorgeous pickup). And there was an Axis Super Sport (ash body, maple cap) MM90 version.

So lots of options if like the neck and the basic shape. They're pretty much all great.

 

[threeminutesboy]

Well summurized Beej, I need to had that the wiring on the SSS axis sport is (B,B&M,B&N, M&N, N) so plenty of joy there!

Don't remember about the HSS but I think same as silo special.

 

[Rialas]

The Axis has a Floyd Rose trem, 1 volume control, and a 3-way toggle (B, B&N, N), so no combinations of split coils. You could always add a push/pull pot for a coil split.

The Axis Super Sport has a MM non-locking trem (or hardtail), volume + tone controls, and a 5-way toggle, giving you an additional two pickup positions (inner coils from each pickup, outer coils from each position). Those are the "fendery" sounds. More tele than strat.

There are also the discontinued Axis Sport models that you can find used. Ash Body (rather than basswood), and HH, HSS, SSS or MM90 (MM's take on a P90 ... gorgeous pickup). And there was an Axis Super Sport (ash body, maple cap) MM90 version.

So lots of options if like the neck and the basic shape. They're pretty much all great.

Thank you Beej
The one I've been looking at is a beautiful guitar, but still not sure whether to commit.

I measured the necks on my guitars today, and was surprised that the jp6 bfr has the slimmest neck. I'm going to play this instrument for a few weeks, to see if it suits my hands better.
Painful thumbs, a bit of an annoyance right now.

Thanks for your time.

 

[beej]

Happy to help. Yeah, let you hands figure out whether it's the right guitar for you. Some necks just fit.

 

[RJKANEAO]

I have both and to me they are two completely different guitars. Depending you're looking at the AL HH or SSS you'll be getting different necks "wood wise." The HH has a beautiful all RedWood neck which to me really makes the neck very soft and comfortable to play. Although the AL has a different type of shape it's really well balanced. My AL HH is my number 1 and my SSS AL a close number 2. My Axis is amazing as well. I own both Sterling By MM and EBMM versions and they are pretty close in comparison but compress to an AL they are different. BUT they are also very good designs. Although all the necks on all the EBMM and SBMM models are a bit different contour wise one thing to keep in mind is that they're all great. One design to consider is the Axis Super Sport (Semi-Hollow), even that differs from then regular Axis or Axis super sport. The M-hole design is pretty classy but what's even more awesome is the tone. I've had ppl comment me and tell me that they've heard me from a far playing and had to get closer to the stage etc because it looked like a music man body but the guitar sounded bigger like 335-339. Whatever you decide you won't go wrong but just note they're are differences. Aloha


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[Rialas]

I have both and to me they are two completely different guitars. Depending you're looking at the AL HH or SSS you'll be getting different necks "wood wise." The HH has a beautiful all RedWood neck which to me really makes the neck very soft and comfortable to play. Although the AL has a different type of shape it's really well balanced. My AL HH is my number 1 and my SSS AL a close number 2. My Axis is amazing as well. I own both Sterling By MM and EBMM versions and they are pretty close in comparison but compress to an AL they are different. BUT they are also very good designs. Although all the necks on all the EBMM and SBMM models are a bit different contour wise one thing to keep in mind is that they're all great. One design to consider is the Axis Super Sport (Semi-Hollow), even that differs from then regular Axis or Axis super sport. The M-hole design is pretty classy but what's even more awesome is the tone. I've had ppl comment me and tell me that they've heard me from a far playing and had to get closer to the stage etc because it looked like a music man body but the guitar sounded bigger like 335-339. Whatever you decide you won't go wrong but just note they're are differences. Aloha


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Ok, Thank you. I think I also need both in my life.
Sent the guy a message, trying to negotiate.
Let's see how it goes.

 

[Rialas]

Off to buy a guitar.

What's the farthest anyone's traveled to buy an instrument.

Hope it's as described.

 

[Rialas]

I have both and to me they are two completely different guitars. Depending you're looking at the AL HH or SSS you'll be getting different necks "wood wise." The HH has a beautiful all RedWood neck which to me really makes the neck very soft and comfortable to play. Although the AL has a different type of shape it's really well balanced. My AL HH is my number 1 and my SSS AL a close number 2. My Axis is amazing as well. I own both Sterling By MM and EBMM versions and they are pretty close in comparison but compress to an AL they are different. BUT they are also very good designs. Although all the necks on all the EBMM and SBMM models are a bit different contour wise one thing to keep in mind is that they're all great. One design to consider is the Axis Super Sport (Semi-Hollow), even that differs from then regular Axis or Axis super sport. The M-hole design is pretty classy but what's even more awesome is the tone. I've had ppl comment me and tell me that they've heard me from a far playing and had to get closer to the stage etc because it looked like a music man body but the guitar sounded bigger like 335-339. Whatever you decide you won't go wrong but just note they're are differences. Aloha


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Aloha
Got the ferry to the Isle of man, treated the wife to a nice stay away, and treated myself to this beauty.
Cheers.

 

[Magic Jason]

Enjoy it, great axe!!!

 

[Rialas]

Enjoy it, great axe!!!

Thank you.

We're home, long trip!!

The guitar is lovely, really light and comfy on me.
It'll be my main "go to" instrument.

Great warm tones as well as a sparkly sound.

I'll be taking a break from anymore purchases for now.
Cheers.

 

[beej]

Wow, great looking guitar. Well done.

(Now get some new straps!)

 

[RJKANEAO]

Wow, great looking guitar. Well done.

(Now get some new straps!)

I agree get some straps! lol.. kinda like wearing some Air Jordan Shoes or any Nike with some adidas or reebok socks!


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[Rialas]

I agree get some straps! lol.. kinda like wearing some Air Jordan Shoes or any Nike with some adidas or reebok socks!


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My taste in socks is even worse.

Actually, not using any straps at all now. Prefer sitting down and picking up the instruments and playing.
Don't gig much anymore anyway.

 

[Magic Jason]

I suggest Souldier straps : they are really nice, durable AND you can find a pattern to match every guitar!!!


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