- Thread starter Raoul77
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ozzyrules
Well-known member
I own an Axis SS, Semi-Hollow body. Unfortunately, it is a mahogany body(pdn). Its resonance is wonderful, but I doubt it's anything like a LIII. Transition pickups will differ greatly from Axis pickups. And, body wood is much different.
kimonostereo
Well-known member
What did you want to know? I have both. They are two totally different guitars. Biggest difference between the two: weight. Both sound good but they sound different. I like both. Very versatile instruments.
That's a good question. I don't think I can describe what I'm looking for. I briefly owned a Majesty AD which was no doubt the best build guitar I've ever played, yet my hand didn't agree with the neck of the guitar. Plus I really did not like how the pickups sounded. Think I will just have to play both the LIII and the Axis, however the latter will be hard to find around here. So will the LIII for that matter.
But still, if there is any insight you can give me on playability of the Axis compared to the LIII, neck string-spacing, how do both compare in feel.. That kind of stuff? Thanks
But still, if there is any insight you can give me on playability of the Axis compared to the LIII, neck string-spacing, how do both compare in feel.. That kind of stuff? Thanks
kimonostereo
Well-known member
As far as I can tell, the string spacing feels similar on both, however the neck profiles are different. The LIII has a slight "v" shape. It isn't as pronounced as the original Luke I (Floyd version), but then again, that is a totally different guitar. My favorite neck is still the Axis but the Luke comes very close. If you like one, you'll probably like the other. They both feel comfortable.
If you can find a standard Axis, give it a try. A standard Axis neck feels similar to the Axis Sport, but of course one has a locking nut. The string tension will also feel different but its 85% the same. The main difference is that the Axis Sport Semi is extremely light. I still wish they made a Reflex version of the semi-hollow. The slightly larger body would be cool, but the arm contour would make a big difference for me.
If you look at ergonomics in general, I guess a question to ask yourself is if you like playing a strat style body or a tele style body. The Luke is very comfortable to play for long periods of time, but it is heavier due to the electronics and solid body. The strat like shape is extremely comfortable. The Axis is lighter but does not have a forearm contour (not that it's uncomfortable to play) but it's more like a tele.
Sound wise, it's a toss up. It depends on what sound you like. I love the Axis pickups in both my Tribute and the Semi. I also like the LIII Transitions but they are different sounding than the EMGs in the LI and LII.
If you can find a standard Axis, give it a try. A standard Axis neck feels similar to the Axis Sport, but of course one has a locking nut. The string tension will also feel different but its 85% the same. The main difference is that the Axis Sport Semi is extremely light. I still wish they made a Reflex version of the semi-hollow. The slightly larger body would be cool, but the arm contour would make a big difference for me.
If you look at ergonomics in general, I guess a question to ask yourself is if you like playing a strat style body or a tele style body. The Luke is very comfortable to play for long periods of time, but it is heavier due to the electronics and solid body. The strat like shape is extremely comfortable. The Axis is lighter but does not have a forearm contour (not that it's uncomfortable to play) but it's more like a tele.
Sound wise, it's a toss up. It depends on what sound you like. I love the Axis pickups in both my Tribute and the Semi. I also like the LIII Transitions but they are different sounding than the EMGs in the LI and LII.
Hey, thanks for the reply. Information like this does help. I'm leaning heavily towards the L3. I like the sounds of the transitions and the only thing I don't like about EBMM guitars I've looked into is something they all seem to share; the inner/outer coil switching on positions 2 and 4 (on HH models). On the Majesty I owned, these sounds made me very unhappy, but to each his own.
What you say about the body is probably of importance to me, since I've played a Strat-shaped guitar for 25 years now, so I'm quite used to that shape and balance. Albeit that the L3 will be better than the axes I own, because of the neck joint, which is something of a medieval construction on normal Strats (as far as I'm concerned). So yeah...I think 90% sure on the L3. Still, like to try one out sometime soon.
To be continued.
Thanks again!
What you say about the body is probably of importance to me, since I've played a Strat-shaped guitar for 25 years now, so I'm quite used to that shape and balance. Albeit that the L3 will be better than the axes I own, because of the neck joint, which is something of a medieval construction on normal Strats (as far as I'm concerned). So yeah...I think 90% sure on the L3. Still, like to try one out sometime soon.
To be continued.
Thanks again!
luiscesaripad
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2013
- Messages
- 121
The Luke 3 come with the boost, and it is a great thing to have on board!
