Advice about an Axis SS w/HH vs MM90

[Fusionman]

OK...this will probably trigger off a ton of replies...which frankly Im hoping it does
.
The next gtr Im considering is an Axis SS, rosewood fretboard, non-trem, w/the piezo.

I play a mix of jazz, rock, top 40, occasional studio work and occasionally some challenging jazz,rock,fusion,fuzak instrumental music. I am leaning towards a "Tele" on steriods tone but frankly I am concerned about single coil noise. I already have a Sport w/the HH set up so I know what that can do. As far as single coil noise goes, I am concerned about this when the gtr is essentially clean. I do expect some noise when distorted but again Im not a heavy rock or metal player so Im not using a super saturated distortion.

Id really like some objectivity in regard to the MM90's vs single coil noise and how the Silent Circuit works. There are, on occasion, some places where I just can not use a coil tap on a gtr because of the high level of noise this causes. Most likely due to terrible electrical wiring. I do not use a noise gate. Has this happened to anyone using MM90s and how did you handle it??

Finally, Id like to mention that I normally do not bring more than one gtr to a gig. My band does not play using a set list so I need to be ready to play whatever song gets called out at that moment. I really dont want to have to carry another gtr because I dont know if the MM90's may cause a problem. Advanced thanks to anyone that responds to this long winded request!!

 

[mbgreene]

Have you considered the all Rosewood SS W/90's and piezo?

I don't have a humbucker version to sompare it to, and I am not as articulate in relating tonal qualities as some of the more experienced players on the board, so I've attached a few threads with some prior discussions and reviews. Overall the Rosewood comes across as smoother and rounder than the maple capped versions. It seems that it would be perfect for what you are looking for. Plus you get the full rosewood neck to boot.

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18489&highlight=Rosewood

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11750&highlight=Rosewood

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18240&highlight=Rosewood

Hope this is somewhat helpful. Plus, after seeing that new maple capped AL there may be one available in order to make a little room. Where in NJ are you?

 

[beej]

If you're not playing with a ton of gain, the silent circuit should be just fine for you. It cuts the noise down considerably.

But, seeing is believing- so you should see if you can find one locally to play, and try pulling out the battery, etc. to hear the difference the silent circuit makes.

 

[Astrofreq]

What is "Fuzak"?

 

[Fusionman]

Radrock, Im suprized that coming from NYC you are not familiar w/the term "fuzak". Its a word that has become common to the type of music that a "smooth jazz" radio station like CD 101.9 would play. If fusion could be described as what Return to Forever and Weather Report did in the 70's and 80's then fuzak could be best described as pleasant, non-threatening instrumental jazz tinged music...for example Larry Carlton's version of "Sleepwalk"...the word itself is the combination of fusion and Muzak which is better known as "elevator music". Soft, pretty, nice but not challanging or intimidating or really interesting or stimulating in any deep way.

 

[threeminutesboy]

I love both

but

I may have a preference for the MM90 !

But you know how it is when you're playing with one you a certain feeling and with the others a totally different feeling.

I suggest you try both or buy both

 

[GuitarHack]

I have both, love both, they are somewhat different beasts. The hums may get the edge in versatility due to the coil-splitting pickup selections, plus sound unwordly through high-gain amp settings, but the MM90s are amazing for blues, classic rock, and clean. Try 'em both if you can.

 

[robelinda2]

for you, i would recommend the MM90's without hesitation. but the HH would serve you well too, they are very versatile.

i dont even bother with the silent circuit, there's not a huge amount of noise anyway, just great tone!!!

 

[Astrofreq]

Its a word that has become common to the type of music that a "smooth jazz" radio station like CD 101.9 would play.

Now I know, and knowing is half the battle!

Also nice to know people are still making up new genres of music by the minute.