Question Bassist looking at the new S.U.B Guitars..

[jlepre]

Hi everyone,

I'm a regular on the other side, but I am looking at picking up one of the new S.U.B guitars. I want to know the differences "Tone" between the Silo3 and the AX3. I am not a shredder, but looking mainly for a very versatile guitar to play rhythm for a classic rock cover band.

I want something that can cover alot of ground sonically from the twang of a Strat, to the crunch of a Les Paul.

I hope this makes sense, and welcome any comments.

 

[jzeijen]

I want something that can cover alot of ground sonically from the twang of a Strat, to the crunch of a Les Paul.

If you want this kind of versatility, I think your best bet is the Silo3. But at that price point, why not both? Kidding aside, I would just go and test them both, makes the choice much easier.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

If you need true single-coil sounds then go with the Silo3
If you want lots of meat & potato(e)s and can use "shared coils" for strat style sounds then go with the AX3

The Silo3 only comes with a rosewood fretboard
(aside from a dozen or two maple boards on black guitars that snuck into the USA on the first shipment)

The AX3 only comes with a maple fretboard

The bodywood is the same for both the AX3 and Silo 3

 

[jlepre]

Thanks for the insight. I really just want to get the most bang for my versatility buck. I am a mainly a bassist, but want to open myself up for possible situations as a lead singer/guitarist. Kind of make myself more versatile. Not looking to become a full time guitarist.

 

[jlepre]

Pete,
So it sounds like the AX3 has more versatile tones, but the Silo has that true strat twang?

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Another thing to consider is ergonomics -- the AX3 is a flat top while the Silo3 has a forearm contour. Which do you find more comfortable?

 

[jlepre]

That's the problem Pete,
I have been strictly a bassist the last 30+ years, so I have no real reference for guitars per se. I have been playing SR5's the last few years if that helps any.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

The body of the SR5 was modeled after the Silhouette, forearm contours, beveled horns and all. The Silo3 has the same contour so switching from your bass to that guitar may feel a bit more transparent.

 

[jlepre]

So am I correct in the fact that the AX3 has more versatile tones, but the Silo has that true strat twang?

 

[peterd79]

John-

I've played both and they are both very comfortable to play and you get a LOT and i mean A LOT of BANG for your buck with either guitar. The Silo 3 has the Humbucker and Single Coil, Single Coil configuration so you're getting a lot of options there as well...
I'm a silo player and love the body contour; however, i didn't find any discomfort in the AX3 at all... it sounded incredible and loved it.
You can't go wrong with either one...

 

[jlepre]

Thanks Peter,
Sorry for all the questions, but I am a bassist, and not very familiar with the EBMM guitars. I guess my best bet is to just get over to the closest GC to try them both. I see there is a $50 difference in price, so I'll have to hear if it warrants the extra expense. They both seem to have many options, but I'm looking for the most versatile.

 

[SBMM]

I guess my best bet is to just get over to the closest GC to try them both.

John,
We also have several Independent Dealers in New York in the event that your local GC does not have the models/colors that you might be interested in. Here is a list of them:

Parkway Music - 518-383-0300
Alto Music - 845-692-6922
Alto Music - 845-297-0011
Bonamassa Guitars - 315-507-2690
Rogue Music - 212-629-5073
Imperial Guitar - 845-567-0111
House of Guitars - 585-544-3500

I imagine that you'll find exactly what you are looking for in either of the SUB Series at those dealers. Good luck!

 

[JayDawg]

John,

For Christmas I just bought my 9 year old a SUB Silo 3. I too am mainly a bass player and have been playing bass for 25 years but it is killing me not being able to play this guitar right now. I was able to play it a little bit before packing it away and I fell in love with this thing. It is very versatile. The craftsmanship for an entry level guitar is also surprisingly good too. I have played and owned other guitars that cost $400.00 - $500.00 that were not made as well. If you do pick one of these things up, I think that you too will love it.
Jay

 

[jlepre]

Thanks guys. I didn't know Alto Music carried these. I will have to check them out.

 

[jlepre]

I was able to try out a Silo3 SUB. It was very easy to play, but I noticed the neck was sort of thick and chunky. Is the AX the same? Unfortunately they didn't have one to try.

 

[jlepre]

Anyone?

 

[SBMM]

Anyone?

Kind of a hard one to answer, as the feel is kind of a subjective thing. They are about the same, but if it is properly set-up it should feel good. We don't do a setup on the SUB Series here in house, but we do a full setup on the Sterling By Music Man instruments. Do you know did the store setup the Silo?

 

[Spudmurphy]

John
My buddy OlPlayer has the Silo 3 - I have played it in the house and also live. It is an awesome guitar for the money -awesome.

I have small hands and didn't find the the neck any more clubbier than my Albert Lee or OlPlayers Axis guitars.

I think as a bass player you will easily adapt to it. But hell they are great and wanna know a secret?


.... after playing it I decided that one day I will have a silo as my next guitar in HsH

 

[jlepre]

Thank you for the responses. I'm not sure if the GC did the setup or not. I actually couldn't get a salesperson to even LOOK at me.

As far as the chunky neck, I actually liked it. I was just wondering if the AX was similar. I kind of like the look of the AX.

 

[SBMM]

Thank you for the responses. I'm not sure if the GC did the setup or not. I actually couldn't get a salesperson to even LOOK at me.

As far as the chunky neck, I actually liked it. I was just wondering if the AX was similar. I kind of like the look of the AX.

To my knowledge and experience, GC does not set up the SUB until after the purchase is made, and that is by request. I'm also not sure it they include it gratis with purchase. The Independent Dealers usually include it all, and the setup is done before they put them on their floor