A few Axis questions!

[Ali]

Well, finally, after 2 years deliberating, I've given up on buying a Luke for now. I need to find a scientific, and non painful, way of shrinking my hands to fit the neck

Also decided that my Ibanez Universe should go as well. Much as I loved it initially, the 7 string gimmick has worn off and I just don't like the tone anymore. Too scooped and muddy for lead work.

So, an Axis it is to be. I tried another one recently and loved it just as much as the one I tried last year. Perfect tone for my needs. Which leads to a few questions:

1. How much more expensive is the Premium quilt over standard and is it offered on export models?

2. What are the differences between the Axis and Axis SS?

3. How much difference is there between the Axis and the EVH, bar the switch position? Is the tone much different?

4. Does anyone have a picture of an Axis in Honey Burst? Love the colour on the website and now have it all over my desktop but would love to see it in a real photo...

Many thanks

 

[spkirby]

Hi...

1. $500, and overseas dealers should be able to order it for you.
2. Axis has the floyd rose and 2 humbuckers, Axis SS has vintage trem or hardtail, a tone pot and more pickup options.
3. Axis has relocated switch, slight contour carved into back to give more comfort and a minisculey wider fetboard. Not that you'd notice!! Tone wise theres really nothing in it!
4. Nope, I've got a trans gold and trans blue!

Good luck on the Axis hunt!

Steve

 

[kbaim]

If i knew how to post a link I would...but there's a drop dead gorgeous axis quilt top in natural on EBAY right now.

I've seen lots of axis guitars, this is one of the nicest.

I prefer Lukes. Be advised the axis doesn't sound like them.
Another option is to do what Norm did and buy a silo, then put emg's in it.

 

[Ali]

Thanks for that guys. Great information.

As for the Axis vs Luke. I'm a huge fan of both Steve Lukather and EVH. Unfortunately the Luke just doesn't suit my hands. It feels like playing a banjo!!! Not the Luke's fault, just incompatible with my hands. I had always intended to buy an EVH related guitar and, having tried both the Axis and Wolfgang, I much preferred the quality of the Axis. Plus, the rumour is that Wolfgang production will cease in October with EVH defecting to Charvel. The EVH Custom Shop is already closed.

Another couple of questions:

1. What is the cosmetic difference between standard and premium quilts. Is the premium just a better quality quilt, or is it a different look entirely?

2. Do the Axis have birdseye maple necks as standard, or is it an option?

 

[Jimi D]

Hey Ali ~ You and I have the same issue with the Luke; I owned one for about a year and just found the neck didn't offer enough meat to support my hand. The Axis, otoh, fits like a glove - I love that neck! I think Dudley made it for ME

The premium tops are the equivalent of a PRS 10-top; basically the finest figured Maple is kept aside for the premium tops. The production gutiars are nothing to sneeze at, but when you go to the premium you step into a different league; you're talking a much deeper, more 3D figure on a premium top guitar. The premium top program is only about two years old now though, and prior to its introduction you would find these outstanding tops on production guitars; getting one was just luck of the draw, but you occasionally see them on Ebay... As for the necks, yes, the Axis has a birdseye neck, but how dense the birdseye is varies quite a bit. I don't know if they put the more figured necks on the premium top guitars, but it would make sense as you are paying extra for a purely cosmetic upgrade.

 

[Ali]

Many thanks once again folks! This is certainly the most helpful guitar site I've been on!

Well, decided it's to be an Axis with premium top. Been quoted £1700 brand new from my dealer which is a decent saving on list (everything is overpriced here!!!).

However, I now have the worst/best part to decide...colour! I've pretty much narrowed it down to the natural with maple headstock, the trans gold with matching head, or the honey burst.

Does anyone have decent pictures of these. The natural looks a bit washed out on teh main site but I was hoping a premium top would add contrast to the finish. The honey burst I like but wondered if it might be too red, and the trans gold I'm not quite convinced by. I think it's me being traditional as EVH always seemed to use a trans gold with quilt. The flamed trans gold I played seemed a bit on the yellow side.

Why they can't just have one colour I don't know!!!

 

[kbaim]

EVH played a tobacco burst guitar this tour.

Amber axis are everywhere.

Go with one of the other colors, both very nice.

 

[Ali]

Reckon it's going to be the Honey Burst. Just something tremendously classy about it and I think the premium quilt should look gorgeous with it.

Does anyone know how long the waiting time is likely to be? Remembering that shipment to the UK and then to my dealer would end up adding 2-4 weeks onto that

 

[kbaim]

Jon gitarz can give you a better estimate, but 3-5 months is ball park (my experience).

No grubby hands and careless employees and/or customers abusing it in a music store makes it well worth the wait.

BTW if the store you're ordering it from has one on display, ask if you can have it until yours comes in. Never hurts to try, especially if you're putting a huge chunk of cash down and/or have bought from them in the past.

 

[Ali]

I agree about the abuse store guitars get. Would always rather get a brand spanking new one that I know has been cared for.

3-5 months is quite a wait but it gives me plenty of time to sell the Universe. Anyone in the UK want one? Great for nu-metal....unfortunately I like old metal and rock. I always used to blame my AVT150 for the muddy bass notes on my Jem and Universe, until a friend played an Axis through it. My god was I wrong!!! I now love the amp and the Axis

I ended up printing all the colours of the Axis onto one sheet of paper yesterday and I think the Honey Burst is the one. The only concern I had was that the light maple neck looked too pale but ageing and finger dirt should actually add to the look, not detract! That's the worry I have with the natural. It all blends beautifully new but the neck will end up quite a bit darker over time. My fears of the Honey being to bright are put to rest now, having seen some the Honey Burst bass pictures on the forum. Stunning doesn't come close.

Just a shame they don't do the Luke in that colour. I reckon it would be equally stunning. I'd buy one just to stare at all day

 

[kbaim]

Honeyburst is really pretty imo. Also kinda cool that it's not offered on their other guitars, I think just the axis line but not sure (anyone?).

Two of my Lukes are in pretty rare colors (Blue Dawn, Vintage Sunburst), and when I first got them I would put them on a guitar stand and just stare at them when I was on the can at home

 

[kbaim]

Also, the fact that there's no pickguard on the axis guitar makes the honeyburst way more stunning than on the bass.

HELPFUL HINT: If you ever play with a bass player that plays a ebmm sterling, convince him to take the pickguard OFF! Way cooler

 

[Ali]

...and now I want a Luke....as well!!!

Just bought this months issue of What Guitar? (UK publication) and they have the most gorgeous Luke in a colour I don't recognise. It's a transparent because the wood grain is clearly visible, and its also a burst. I'm not sure if it might be vintage burst or black cherry burst. If anyone has this issue (number 19- October 2004) PLEASE let me know. Just beautiful

Now I want one of those and an Axis in Honey Burst!!!! Which to buy first?

 

[kbaim]

Ali,

Not familiar with that publication here in the states. Is the Luke in an ad, reviewed, or being played by someone featured in mag?
KEITH

 

[kbaim]

Recently, the only available trans finish for the luke is vintage sunburst.

You can search this website for a picture of mine. And also the blue dawn.

Also, get the guitar you know sounds good with your rig. Add the Luke later.

Assuming you love the feel of the axis, of course.

 

[kbaim]

Ali,
See Norm sends Keitht thread

 

[Ali]

Posted an addition to that thread, thanks Keith. It's actually being reviewed in comparison to the Wayne Villain (Mr. Charvel's new guitar). The look wins remarkably easily

Also, I know the Luke works just as well with an AVT150. I adore the tone of both in different ways, probably because of the artist links. Eventually I'll own both as well but I'm probably closer to a Lukather type player than a Van Halen. About 1% as talented as either but I'm happy It's the Axis neck I love that puts it just ahead of the Luke. But then again, I actually slightly prefer the Luke tone!

I dunno. Maybe I should just save up the £3000 that I'd need for both and buy them together

 

[Warg Master]

I liberated a store Axis... poor thing.