Axis.... or

[ZeeW]

Hi,

New to the forum... and first my apology if the subject has been covered before.

A long time Jackson Soloist SL1 and SL2H and no complaints about the 'heavy' tones I get or the quality of those guitars, and a recent ESP M-ii player.

As you can tell from those guitars listed above, I'm into my metal. However, I'm going through my mid-life crisis LOL and I'm keen to move away from the pure metal Jackson/ESP axes.

I'm looking for a more subtle guitar, but will take me from Texas crunch blues right up to metal. I'd also like a rosewood board if possible.

I've looked into the Axis as a possibility as I have quite small hands and folks suggest the Axis is great for smaller hands.

I've also got a bit of spare cash at the moment and would even consider more than one guitar.

Now don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not into 'endorsed' guitars, so the JP is out, but I'd like your comments/views on possible guitars to try.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

Let me start it out. I guess, I'll be the first to say "Welcome". I think, if you can get to a music store with a variety of Musicman guitars, go and try out a bunch of them. Each is very different from the next. One problem you'll run into with not liking signature guitars is that Musicman has a number of them. They are truely different from other company sig guitars, which "resemble" the guitar used by the artist....Musicman guitars are spec'd by the artist and the configurations need to be that which an artist wants. JP, Albert Lee, Steve Morse, Steve Lukathur. So you're down to Axis, Axis Supersport, Silhouette (24 fret) and Silhouette Spec (22 fret).

For the stuff you're wanting to play (mid life crisis blues ), an Axis Supersport would work, but I gotta say that I'd be wanting a Silo Spec.....probably in a HSS configuration. I expect that (like me....), you might want to really drive some 80's metal once in a while with that bridge humbucker. The other singles give you the blues that you're looking for. I don't know for sure on the switch configuration, but I believe the hum doesn't "just" split all by itself, but could be split by itself with a push-pull. This guitar has the silent circuit which interrupts the ground side and rejects noise, so the wiring for the push-pull split is a little more involved, but it's been done here.

If you could get over the signature thing, try an Albert Lee SSS. Ok....and the maple neck hangup. If you can't get around the neck thing, then look at an Albert Lee HH, which has a mahogany body, 2 hums and a solid rosewood neck. It is a very different animal from the Al SSS. Closer to an Axis, really. But with more warmth, and growl, when you want it.

If you have the cash for 2 guitars and want to stick with your original requirements, get a Silo Spec and an Axis Supersport.

 

[ZeeW]

What are the chances of getting an Axis SS with a rosewood board? UK dealers are saying they are no longer produced...

 

[Mark-NL]

As far as I know, Rosewood is still an option for both Axis and Axis SuperSport. Both are still listed on the music-man site. But I could be wrong

 

[Luc]

+1, think they are telling you porkies..The Axis was only offered with a maple board for a long time, but IIRC it's an option now to have a rosewood board.

 

[Mark-NL]

@Luc...looking at your Lukes, I think I know you from another forum You might recognize my avatar

 

[Luc]

Haha, now you saw my BD Luke!

 

[browndog]

MF has a killer Axis with a rosewood board.

 

[owkenobi]

I'd vote for the super sport, just for the variety of tones you can get. And it sounds like your metal fingers are craving some variety.

Of course, I have a super sport, so maybe I'm biased. But my bridge pickup puts out enough for some metal when I crank my gain.

 

[ZeeW]

Thanks for all the replies.

My metal fingers do crave something different... I know this is going to sound crazy, but I want to play something that is a wolf in sheeps clothing - a metal tone from something that does not have the 'Jackson esq' styling. Something that is totally gorgeous to look at, but sounds as mean as can be when I hook to my Engl LOL.

Oh and I've just been checking out the Family Reserves - OMG totally stunning!

I just need to try one so I can see how I get on with a 10" radius and smaller frets and to see if I can naturally shred on SS.

 

[koogie2k]

Welcome to the Addiction! An Axis, Silo Spec or an AL with humbuckers would do very well. All are great guitars and you would love them. Hard part would be on deciding which one you want.

 

[ZeeW]

Welcome to the Addiction!

All are great guitars and you would love them. Hard part would be on deciding which one you want.

So you can feel my pain

 

[ScoobySteve]

Where's live for the Reflex or 25th! Axis styling. Slightly larger body. Chambered for added resonance. Mhagony tone block for sustain and warmer tones. Can have a rosewood board and the super awesome Axis pickups.

The neck shape is also SiloSpec-ish. Try one!!!

 

[ozzyrules]

Just picked up this axis ss a few weeks ago. I'll stack it up against the best 'metal' guitars out there(Non- Music Man,that is).

 

[ZeeW]

I should have my 'first' Axis arrive on Friday!!!

 

[threeminutesboy]

congrats what did you choose? I mean which finish

 

[ZeeW]

Trans blue with matching headstock - I'll post pictures when I get it. Looking forward to joining the 'family'.

 

[straycat113]

Congrats on the Axis purchase and we will all be waiting for you reveiw lol. If you have enough scratch left over go checkout an AL HH which dropped the Axis from my #1 Ball to the two hole after purchasing one this year, and if you are comfortable with one you will feel the same about the other.

 

[straycat113]

Congrats on your Axis purchase and we will all be waiting for your review lol.

 

[owkenobi]

Looking forward to pics! Everyone loves new guitar day.