Interested in buying this Axis SS - any guidance?

[9-42]

Hi all, new member here from the UK.

I've always wanted an Axis, my ideal version being a FR Axis, however being left handed, I'm not sure the regualr Axis was ever made as a leftie and over the last few years I've had my eyes open, I've never come across one.

I've written to EBMM on multiple occasions asked whether they ever plan to make any more lefty Axis of any variety, however they always respond with no plans currently, so I've given up hope of that ever happening.

I'm not massively fussed about a trem and would actually prefer a hardtail.

This has just gone on sale which has me twitching to pull the trigger, but I'm struggling to make a value assessment.

Buy the Music Man 2008 Axis Super Sport HH Cherry Burst Left Handed (Pre-Owned) #L04325

The Music Man Axis Super Sport HH is a high-performance machine designed to take your playing to new heights.

www.guitarguitar.co.uk

I don't know much about the finer intricacies of these instruments, but I note that it doesn't come with the original case (shame) and the knobs have been changed which is easily corrected.

Does this look appropriately priced? Or is it a case of 'find another for sale'?

Is there anything else I need to be concerned with or look out for or ask, and is 2008 a good year, or are they consistently fine quality?

Just looking for some guidance from the experts.

Thanks in advance.

 

[nervous]

Just my .02 because you asked. Jooks to be a fine example, and yes, I believe they are of consistent high quality regardless of the vintage. I have owned older and newer and my only two current guitars, which I rely on regularly, are my '97 and '99 Sports (both hard tails). I have never heard anyone point any specific era that had any issues. As original as possible is always preferred, especially where pickups are concerned. You are correct on knobe, easy replacement with original EBMM of your preference. Chrome domes most likely?

Price is a bit tricky, my feeling is that even the current ask is a bit high, especially for a hard tail. That's around $2600 USD. $2000.00 USD might be stretching things a bit for me so I'd struggle with that price.

The LH aspect possibly works both for and against you, For in that there is a narrow market to sell LH instruments, which allows you room to wrestle price. Against because they are far more rare. Condition matters and that looks very well cared for in the pics. Use the missing OEM case as a leverage point as well, even though all mine end up in a closet, never used, and I employ a quality soft bag for all my guitars and basses.

Pick a price your comfortable with, allow a couple hundred wiggle room, and take your best shot. Even if they don't take your offer today, if it's still sitting there in a month or two they will be far more motivated. And if that is the case you'd have an equally hard time reselling should that day come so getting in as right as possible is important.

Good luck.

 

[9-42]

I tried to do a deal with them but they wouldn't budge a single penny. I was feeling quite enthusiastic, but the lack of OG case and unwillingness to deal has made me hesitate.

I'd buy a new one in a heartbeat if I could.

 

[Sweat]

it's backwards, my eyes, kidding looks good to me

 

[9-42]

it's backwards, my eyes, kidding looks good to me

Still on the fence. It's a lot of money and the more I think about it, the more I'm bothered by the lack of original case. I'm one of those owners that cherishes and likes things to be 'just so'. But I'm not exactly spoiled for choice. Just feels about 3-400 too expensive at the moment. Maybe I'll keep an eye on it for a price drop if it hangs around.

 

[9-42]

it's backwards, my eyes, kidding looks good to me

Any thoughts on value?

 

[PeterVV]

Hi all, new member here from the UK.

I've always wanted an Axis, my ideal version being a FR Axis, however being left handed, I'm not sure the regualr Axis was ever made as a leftie and over the last few years I've had my eyes open, I've never come across one.

I've written to EBMM on multiple occasions asked whether they ever plan to make any more lefty Axis of any variety, however they always respond with no plans currently, so I've given up hope of that ever happening.

I'm not massively fussed about a trem and would actually prefer a hardtail.

This has just gone on sale which has me twitching to pull the trigger, but I'm struggling to make a value assessment.

Buy the Music Man 2008 Axis Super Sport HH Cherry Burst Left Handed (Pre-Owned) #L04325

The Music Man Axis Super Sport HH is a high-performance machine designed to take your playing to new heights.

www.guitarguitar.co.uk

View attachment 58276

I don't know much about the finer intricacies of these instruments, but I note that it doesn't come with the original case (shame) and the knobs have been changed which is easily corrected.

Does this look appropriately priced? Or is it a case of 'find another for sale'?

Is there anything else I need to be concerned with or look out for or ask, and is 2008 a good year, or are they consistently fine quality?

Just looking for some guidance from the experts.

Thanks in advance.

Seems slightly overpriced in my view, but thats retailers for you. Hardtails always sell for less than trem versions. It is a nice looking guitar, knobs look to be changed possibly.

 

[nervous]

Any thoughts on value?

Folks may say I am way off but a used private sale that should be worth no more than $1800-$2000 USD, which is about $1500 GBP. I know there is a premium to be paid for very good condition and a retail seller, And maybe even LH. But there ask is really optimistic.

For fun I ran this through Reverb:

https://reverb.com/price-guide/ernie-ball-music-man-axis-super-sport-hh-ht?query=Axis%20super%20sport&runDefaultQuery=false

 

[DrKev]

Any thoughts on value?

We can’t just convert directly from US dollars to UK (or Euro), that will always give an underestimate. That said, £2000 seems maybe a little high but not a lot for a guitar in great shape. There are two used right-handed Axis Sports in the UK on reverb right now, one in rough shape, the better one of the two is not as clean as what you’re looking at, and it’s around the £1750 mark.

If it was me, I would like them to go down to £1900 but if I *really* wanted it, I I think about trying to find the funds for £2000.

 

[9-42]

Thanks both. The store chain that has it is well known for being hugely accommodating of left handed players and always has an extensive new stock of lefties. I've bought guitars from them before. I think they are just very savvy in knowing what they can get away with charging from a supply and demand perspective. They know a buyer like me who wants a LH axis has almost zero choice globally, let alone in the UK. I think if it had an original case and knobs, I'd own it already, as from an investment perspective, it would have all the rfght ingredients. But to find a closet condition case would likely take the cost closer to £2,500 which just feels nuts if a new RH one is just over £3k.

I just hate feeling like a seller has me over a barrel.

Just for the hell of it, I sent yet another e-mail to the Sales Director of EBMM pleading to take my money for a new LH one. Based on experience, I'll expect the generic 'no immediate plans' e-mail as I've had from them for the last 10 years.

 

[fbecir]

Hello

2000 € is the price you see here in France for Axis on the second hand market :
Musicman axis d’occasion - Zikinf
Musicman Axis SuperSport 2001 d’occasion - Zikinf

Of course if you haggle, you should pay less ...

But considering you are buying in a shop and you are a sinner lefty, it's harder to haggle ...

Good luck

 

[9-42]

Noted, thanks.

Do cases come up for sale at all and what sort of price do they fetch?

 

[Tollywood]

Hi all, new member here from the UK.

I've always wanted an Axis, my ideal version being a FR Axis, however being left handed, I'm not sure the regualr Axis was ever made as a leftie and over the last few years I've had my eyes open, I've never come across one.

I've written to EBMM on multiple occasions asked whether they ever plan to make any more lefty Axis of any variety, however they always respond with no plans currently, so I've given up hope of that ever happening.

I'm not massively fussed about a trem and would actually prefer a hardtail.

This has just gone on sale which has me twitching to pull the trigger, but I'm struggling to make a value assessment.

Buy the Music Man 2008 Axis Super Sport HH Cherry Burst Left Handed (Pre-Owned) #L04325

The Music Man Axis Super Sport HH is a high-performance machine designed to take your playing to new heights.

www.guitarguitar.co.uk

View attachment 58276

I don't know much about the finer intricacies of these instruments, but I note that it doesn't come with the original case (shame) and the knobs have been changed which is easily corrected.

Does this look appropriately priced? Or is it a case of 'find another for sale'?

Is there anything else I need to be concerned with or look out for or ask, and is 2008 a good year, or are they consistently fine quality?

Just looking for some guidance from the experts.

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum. I think that having a limited selection of left handed Axis may leave you at the mercy of the seller's price but the condition of that guitar seems very good. As for the case, there are some aftermarket cases that are very nice. I say go for it! Good luck.

 

[9-42]

Welcome to the forum. I think that having a limited selection of left handed Axis may leave you at the mercy of the seller's price but the condition of that guitar seems very good. As for the case, there are some aftermarket cases that are very nice. I say go for it! Good luck.

Thank you for the welcome.

I called the store and asked them to send me photos of any flaws, which they sent through promptly, as per below.

Couple of small nicks on the rear of the upper horn.



Ding through to the wood on the front corner face of the head stock.
Scuffing / wear to the lacquer on the top of the head stock.



Wear to the fingerboard under the G and B strings. Not sure how correctable or significant that is?



Thoughts on the above appreciated.

My problem is I treat my guitars like a newborn baby, always have. I sold a year 2000 Les Paul when it was about 15 years old and it was literally like new. Not a mark on it anywhere, whatsoever, not even any dust down the tiny gap between the pick up and the pick up mounting ring. Forensically perfect.

My current EVH stripes, also box fresh and perfect despite being several years old now. Original box and packing crate box in the attic.

I keep all the documents, tools, accessories, labels, tags etc, etc, so when I sell them on, they are absolutely the best available anywhere and utterly perfect.

This makes buying someone else's guitar that has not been so cherished an emotional wrestling match. Add in the lack of OG case and you can hopefully see why I'm not quite as laid back and nonchalant as most people would be.

And yes, I do play them, just not very often, always keep them in their case and only play them wearing soft Jerzee type clothing to mitigate any swirl marks or button / zip scratches.

I'm not very rock n roll or cool in that regard, just highly particular and precious over expensive things that I covet and treasure. And yes, I'm autistic.

You can hopefully see why I'm so desperate to buy a new one!

Anyway, thoughts on those imperfections appreciated as I'm not a good barometer of balanced or experienced used guitar perspective.

EDIT: I've just offered £1,800 direct to the store guy who may be a little more flexible than the the web chat 'take it or leave it' stance from the other day. Perhaps fate will decide.
EDIT: Store called back and confirmed no discount. Hmmmm.

 

[Tollywood]

Thank you for the welcome.

I called the store and asked them to send me photos of any flaws, which they sent through promptly, as per below.

Couple of small nicks on the rear of the upper horn.

View attachment 58292

Ding through to the wood on the front corner face of the head stock.
Scuffing / wear to the lacquer on the top of the head stock.

View attachment 58294

Wear to the fingerboard under the G and B strings. Not sure how correctable or significant that is?

View attachment 58293

Thoughts on the above appreciated.

My problem is I treat my guitars like a newborn baby, always have. I sold a year 2000 Les Paul when it was about 15 years old and it was literally like new. Not a mark on it anywhere, whatsoever, not even any dust down the tiny gap between the pick up and the pick up mounting ring. Forensically perfect.

My current EVH stripes, also box fresh and perfect despite being several years old now. Original box and packing crate box in the attic.

I keep all the documents, tools, accessories, labels, tags etc, etc, so when I sell them on, they are absolutely the best available anywhere and utterly perfect.

This makes buying someone else's guitar that has not been so cherished an emotional wrestling match. Add in the lack of OG case and you can hopefully see why I'm not quite as laid back and nonchalant as most people would be.

And yes, I do play them, just not very often, always keep them in their case and only play them wearing soft Jerzee type clothing to mitigate any swirl marks or button / zip scratches.

I'm not very rock n roll or cool in that regard, just highly particular and precious over expensive things that I covet and treasure. And yes, I'm autistic.

You can hopefully see why I'm so desperate to buy a new one!

Anyway, thoughts on those imperfections appreciated as I'm not a good barometer of balanced or experienced used guitar perspective.

EDIT: I've just offered £1,800 direct to the store guy who may be a little more flexible than the the web chat 'take it or leave it' stance from the other day. Perhaps fate will decide.
EDIT: Store called back and confirmed no discount. Hmmmm.

I can definitely appreciate why you would prefer a new guitar with the original case. You are an ideal seller, by the way. I'm imagining you donning your velvet sweatsuit each time that you play. That's too bad that the store won't lower the price. I could live with these imperfections but they may bother you. It's a tough call because a lefty is pretty rare.

 

[9-42]

I can definitely appreciate why you would prefer a new guitar with the original case. You are an ideal seller, by the way. I'm imagining you donning your velvet sweatsuit each time that you play. That's too bad that the store won't lower the price. I could live with these imperfections but they may bother you. It's a tough call because a lefty is pretty rare.

Indeed. Never has the intro riff to 'Ain't talkin' 'bout love' been played in such comfort!

Still on the fence, which tells me in my gut that this isn't the one, but how long to wait, where to look, etc, etc....

 

[Tollywood]

Indeed. Never has the intro riff to 'Ain't talkin' 'bout love' been played in such comfort!

Still on the fence, which tells me in my gut that this isn't the one, but how long to wait, where to look, etc, etc....

I just did a little searching online and it would seem that lefty Axis are as rare as hens’ teeth.

 

[9-42]

I just did a little searching online and it would seem that lefty Axis are as rare as hens’ teeth.

Yep. That is the only one I can find for sale in the world today, without trawling CL from far off lands.