Axis Or axis supersport

[mp20]

I have read the differences on the web site but wanted to get some opinions by some people who have played the axis and the supersport what they have noticed or there preference is

 

[ScoobySteve]

It really boils down to if you're a Floyd guy or not IMO. If you're a definite anti locking trem guy I'd go with the Supersport.

1. If you're happy with Axis' 3 positions and you needbthe stability of a locking trem go Axis.

2. If you need all the standard 5 way selections and a tone knob and are a hardtail guy go ASS.

 

[bbake1]

I prefer a locking trem and 3-way switches, so the Axis is for me. Nothing wrong with the ASS, same neck, same feel, I just don't care for sliders and don't need a tone knob. It comes down to what you like.

 

[threeminutesboy]

I love the axis (normal, sport and supersport)

Now to be honest I'm not floyd guy and my preference among the 3 will go to the axis sport range cause those little guitars just feel right

 

[beej]

Yep, if you're a Floyd guy go with the Axis. Else, the Super Sport, and you get two extra pickup combinations to boot.

 

[DrKev]

Can anyone comment on any tonal differences (presumably due to the different bridge)?

 

[Norrin Radd]

Can anyone comment on any tonal differences (presumably due to the different bridge)?

IME, there really is none that is distinguishable when considering other factors that have more effect on tone. Since the bridge is theoretically the only difference affecting tone in this particular case - you might think that it makes a difference. In reality, the individual pieces of wood chosen for the neck and body on each individual gutar, even though of the identical wood type, will have more impact on a tonal difference than will the bridge difference in this case. That's my opinion anyways. YMMV - I'm just going from my own experiences.

 

[aleclee]

I could live with a Floyd (I think) but the five-way switch and the tone control made me choose the ASS.

 

[mikeller]

Can anyone comment on any tonal differences (presumably due to the different bridge)?

I have had both and also don't find much of a tone difference. My ASS has the standard MM trem. I have had several Axis (to floyd's and one 97 hardtail). I personally prefer the MM trem to the floyd.

 

[Astrofreq]

I have to disagree with the masses. I think there is enough of a tone difference that it should factor into your decision. True, they do have the same pickups, but the Axis simply has more bite. I have found that to be the case on both the Floyd Axis models and hardtails. My suspicion is that the lack of extra wiring adds more "umph" to the overall sound, enough to where super sports are no longer on my shopping list when browsing guitars. I have owned half a dozen super sports over the years. They are awesome guitars, don't get me wrong, but the extra bite sounds better to my ears.

 

[V_S]

+ 1. Just sold a JP because it had only a 3-way switch and bought an AL HH (which I Love BTW) with a 5 way switch. I missed the position 4, which I know from my ASS and Al and give you some nice single coilish sound the most.

I could live with a Floyd (I think) but the five-way switch and the tone control made me choose the ASS.

 

[Ricman]

Position 4 on the ASS is just amazing, roll off the volume and you have all the single coil goodness you could ask for.

 

[Skinny1]

I agree with V_S.I love the five ways on my ass,silo's
and my most recent y2d.But the five way shines the most on the ass when I blend with my piezo.Beautiful clean tones that would inspire any musician.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I have to disagree with the masses. I think there is enough of a tone difference that it should factor into your decision. True, they do have the same pickups, but the Axis simply has more bite. I have found that to be the case on both the Floyd Axis models and hardtails. My suspicion is that the lack of extra wiring adds more "umph" to the overall sound, enough to where super sports are no longer on my shopping list when browsing guitars. I have owned half a dozen super sports over the years. They are awesome guitars, don't get me wrong, but the extra bite sounds better to my ears.

I have an Axis and a MM90 supersport (actually, Radrock's old one), but will tell you why the Axis has more bite. No tone cap. Even with the tone knob turned all the way up, you have the cap in series with the pot. It's still going to have some minor affect. Now, Music Man used to make Custom Axis guitars with a tone knob also. If you like the sound of the supersport better, put a 500k and cap (I forget the value) across the pickup.

Since the floyd is decked, you can easily put all 5 springs and really lock it down. But I understand that some people can't deal with a floyd. I sort of like hard tails these days....which is why I bought a semi hollow and 2 floating floyd guitars. (yah, I don't do things logically sometimes).

 

[ozzyrules]

Aw just get one of each. I did.

 

[jazzyitalian]

I have an Axis Sport. Not the Axis or the Supersport. But the Sport made in 1999 or 2000. I like the Floyd Rose for it's stability and easy tuning. But it's a really big super structure sitting on top of the git and for me it gets in the way of some of my playing. I much prefer the MM proprietary trem bridge for all of the other reasons opposite to the Rose. Smaller, lighter, and out of the way.
I am searching for the trem bridge as a separate item to put in my guitar. If I can get my hands on one, then I have a reason to sell my PRS and make more space.

 

[douglasspears]

I've had an EVH for 15+ years, and it was my main guitar until 2.5 years ago when I got an Axis SS. The EVH now gets to relax in the case. I prefer the tone knob, the single coil options of the 5-way switch, and the standard trem (actually don't use it much at all, don't have the trem bar in it right now).

I can't tell much/any difference between the two in sound. The EVH has a maple board, and the Axis SS is the rosewood neck/top, so the EVH is a little "snappier" and the rosewood a little warmer....but they're very close in my opinion for sure.

 

[nobozos]

How about one of each?

Seriously though, The ASS and the Axis tonally are pretty much identical, except that you will get more tonal variety with the ASS pickup switching.

If you want to get the Axis feel with a different tone, look for a used Axis Sport. No maple cap, and an ash body. They sound pretty cool.

 

[Astrofreq]

Let me ask this: what type music are you going to primarily play with it? Do you have another guitar which provides good single coil type tones? If you do, go with the Axis, especially if you are playing rock or metal. If you don't have a guitar with coil tapped humbuckers or single coils, the ASS may be the way to go.

Personally, I LOVE the sound of the axis pickups on clean (non coil tapped). I wish I still had an ASS and a Axis just to make an mp3 of each for you. To me, there is a distinct difference in tone. To me, the ASS sounds like what an Axis sounds like if it had a tone knob turned to 8. Not quite as punchy, but still the best pickups on the planet nevertheless.

It comes down to this: Do you want more versatility (ASS) or do want the most punch from the pickups and a Floyd (Axis)?

 

[Astrofreq]

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