Any plans to release ”Axis Classic” 91-95 era look?

[d-bone]

Many of us wants the original but can’t get one. It would be nice if EBMM would offer one with the classic 91-95 era look.

Classic looks with the switch in the classic place and no belly cut.
Classic colours on top, matching headstock. Black back on the bodies.
Birdseye maple necks. Quilt and flametops on the bodies.
Doubble locking tremolo

I want one (or five)

The current Axis is nice but does not target the same buyers. The Axis Classic would appeal to us that wants that legendary look and vibe, right now we only have the used market or other brands to go to.

 

[dibart77]

The Axis Tribute was produced in 2011 celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the EVH/Axis model.

 

[Astrofreq]

Axis hardtails are the holy grails.

 

[fogman]

Axis hardtails are the holy grails.

Maybe, but they definitely sell for less on the used market.

 

[Astrofreq]

Very true.

 

[d-bone]

The Axis Tribute was produced in 2011 celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the EVH/Axis model.

View attachment 39594

Yes, like those but with the switch on the lower horn and black backsides is what I'm wishing for, those two details is very important for us that wants the 91-95 era look and vibe. You can't get the original but there would be an option to get as close as possible from the right brand if these existed.

 

[TripHazard]

Wonder if there might be issues with Eddie's estate if they release essentianlly an EVH without the name EVH on it

 

[tbonesullivan]

Wonder if there might be issues with Eddie's estate if they release essentianlly an EVH without the name EVH on it

I would think so. There's a reason why it wasn't moved on the "Axis Tribute model"

The TO basically wants an EVH with AXIS on it, undoing all of the changes made since it became the AXIS. I'd most likely say that their only option would be to find an EVH. I think the contouring was added by 1996, along with the new neck, the moved selector switch, and other changes. EBMM hasn't made one of those, as far as I can tell, since 1995.

 

[d-bone]

Yes, an EVH without the signature is what I’m talking about.

Imagen a brand new one!

 

[skelt101]

The TO basically wants an EVH with AXIS on it, undoing all of the changes made since it became the AXIS. I'd most likely say that their only option would be to find an EVH.

Or an Axis EX (MIJ)…

 

[tbonesullivan]

Or an Axis EX (MIJ)…

Definitely a cheaper alternative, but I think the TO wants one that is braaaand newww.

 

[noise5150]

The Axis Tribute was produced in 2011 celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the EVH/Axis model.

View attachment 39594

As of right now, it looks like the Axis is only offered in two colors. Why aren’t these colors currently still being offered? I personally would love to have a purple and/or gloss black.

 

[tbonesullivan]

As of right now, it looks like the Axis is only offered in two colors. Why aren’t these colors currently still being offered? I personally would love to have a purple and/or gloss black.

Due to the increased number of models produced and continuing production constraints, most models are only available in a few colors each year. The Albert Lee, Steve Morse, and Silhouette models are only currently produced in one color. The Stingray RS and Cutlass models are each only produced in two.

There are lots of used Axis guitars out there in all kinds of colors. The market seems to be very into the types of finishes that are currently on the Axis.

 

[beej]

Yep. Also keep in mind that they generally continue colours + other options that sell well. Anything that doesn't is usually dropped.

 

[noise5150]

i

Due to the increased number of models produced and continuing production constraints, most models are only available in a few colors each year. The Albert Lee, Steve Morse, and Silhouette models are only currently produced in one color. The Stingray RS and Cutlass models are each only produced in two.

There are lots of used Axis guitars out there in all kinds of colors. The market seems to be very into the types of finishes that are currently on the Axis.

All good points here. I’m obviously not completely aware of the full manufacturing process but I guess my question would be, if it’s just a matter of a different stain color, why can’t they make a few purple, green, blue etc and then just apply the gloss over that?

 

[GWDavis28]

i

All good points here. I’m obviously not completely aware of the full manufacturing process but I guess my question would be, if it’s just a matter of a different stain color, why can’t they make a few purple, green, blue etc and then just apply the gloss over that?

I would think that they build what's been ordered and not what they are hoping to sell. The use to have a color consultant if I remember right years ago. It's more cost effective to paint a bunch than 1 or 2. Everything has to be cleaned when switching from one color to another. Everything in business is time and money, so you want to be as efficient as possible to minimize that.

Glenn |B)

 

[DevRock]

As of right now, it looks like the Axis is only offered in two colors. Why aren’t these colors currently still being offered? I personally would love to have a purple and/or gloss black.

Yeah, outside of some Vault models, this has been a real disappointment for a very long time. I would have nearly killed to have scored a pink Tribute. I simply don't buy the argument about too many offerings or production issues. Stain is stain. It's not that complicated to mix a few extra colors and switch sponges. To me, it just feels like the AXIS has been put out to pasture.

 

[Ventanaman]

I would love a revamped Axis III - I have tons of ideas.

 

[beej]

I don't think they're putting anything "out to pasture". They build what sells (what dealers order).

Over the years I've heard Sterling Ball ("Big Poppa") make this point repeatedly. Add up all of the available options for every instrument and you have a zillion production codes. To keep things reasonable, they discontinue finishes that don't sell.

 

[tbonesullivan]

More colors means more different paints to keep in stock, keep track of, and also more time spent cleaning out the equipment to get the colors out. There needs to be enough use for that color to justify making it, mixing it, etc, just like with the dealer runs you see from Sweetwater, DuBaldo Music, and others.

I don't think the Axis is being put to pasture at all, but you have to remember that right now, used guitars are competing with new guitars in a way they haven't before due to supply issues. There are LOTS of used Axis guitars out there from being in production for 25+ years. People are much less likely to wait for one than they are for one of the newer models, which don't have nearly the same history.

And speaking of history, Music Man had for a while had pretty much the same line up, except for consistent new iterations of the John Petrucci models. Now they've put out a lot of new models, which means less time to devote to each.