Question Differences between Axis and Axis Super Sport?

[boogieslide]

I have owned the Axis in the past. Looking into these again I am wondering if I should consider a Super Sport this time around.
I am sure this has been covered, but it is kind of hard to search for and after looking a few pages back I didn't see it discussed so....lets do it again.

I know the Super Sport has locking tuners as opposed to the locking Nut of the Axis. Does the SS trem bridge float or rest on the body? How does it stay in tune on whammy use compared to the Axis?

I know the SS has an added tone control plus a different switch with wiring to allow coil split, etc. How does the tone compare on full bridge humbucker only?

Any other differences I should be aware of?

 

[mb99zz]

The tremelo is not floating and only dives (if I'm saying that right). I have the standard MM tremelo on my SS and 20th. I think it's going to be the same on the ASS. It stays in tune very well. The locking tuners simply rock.

I owned an ASS, but never played the Axis. So, I can't comment on the tone question of the full bridge humbucker of the ASS to the bridge PU on the Axis. The ASS is a great guitar. Very dynamic range of tones from the 5-way. There are several folks here who own both guitars -- even hardtail Axes models. So, I'm sure you'll get some good input

 

[boogieslide]

No one else???

I really want to know how well the Super Sport stays in tune when the whammy is used.

 

[Jonmo1]

On my ASS...

I put Graphtech graphite saddles on the bridge, and have it setup to float.

Keep some NutSauce handy (I just use vaseline) and keep the Nut slots Lubed.
Stays in tune just fine.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I don't find any huge difference between them staying in tune. Both do very well compared to my non-EBMM guitars. They feel differently to me. If I am doing a song that I want very precise control of the whammy, I use the Axis. If it doesn't matter, I'll use whatever I feel like using that day. My ASS is an MM90 so has different body wood and pickups so can't comment on the difference in tone as there's more of a difference than a hum ASS would have. I'll add that a BFR ASS with rosewood neck also has a huge tone difference from any of the others mentioned (only played in a store....but for several hours if all the times were put together).

Try one if you can.

jack

 

[Slav123]

I have both models and they both stay in tune very well. The main difference for me is the 5-way switch and the tone control on the ASS, they give you more pickup and sound options. Plus, the vintage trem and locking tuners make string changes quick and easy. I do love playing both models.

Slav

 

[Jimmyb]

The vintage MusicMan trem stays in tune incredibly well. Plus, it can be set to float a little (I think it's about 3 semi-tones of upward pitch).

It stands up pretty well to hard-handedness (I'm not a subtle trem user!!!)

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I've actually had better luck keeping a vintage trem Super Sport in tune than I have with a Floyd. Even with heavy trem use, the SS held tuning better than a Floyded Axis. It's a combination of the locking tuners, a well slotted and lubricated nut, and the MM vintage trem design. It just plain works.

 

[megaroel]

the super sport allows for faster playing in my opinon.non big trem in the way.

 

[mb99zz]

Surprised Tim O'Sullivan hasn't posted. Pretty sure he's got both an Axis hardtail and a a few ASSes. I'm guessing he can offer something about the tonal differences.

 

[TonyEVH5150]

The Floyded Axis does have a brighter tone compared to the SS. hard to really describe, but it's brighter. I think the Floyd is the reason . . . bulkier, heavier trem block. The SS has a slightly darker tone, but I've been told that disconnecting the tone pot can brighten it up.

 

[Stevie]

Tony is right, there is a tone differerence between the two. The Axis being brighter whilst the SS is darker, not by much, however noticable. I had installed on my SS a push\pull tone knob to brighten up the sound on the bridge pup, it does make a difference, certainly brighter, but never exactly the same. However, if i wanted the same i would have purchased another Axis. The SS is versatile and i can't say that the SS stays in tune as good as the Axis when dive bombing, and it won't because of the obvious, it is nonetheless a very good guitar.

 

[whitestrat]

The Floyded Axis does have a brighter tone compared to the SS. hard to really describe, but it's brighter. I think the Floyd is the reason . . . bulkier, heavier trem block. The SS has a slightly darker tone, but I've been told that disconnecting the tone pot can brighten it up.

Yes, the lack of impedance from the missing tone knob does that... so much for Floyd Roses sucking tone huh?

 

[boogieslide]

Thanks guys! The House of Guitars doesn't have anything in stock. There is another dealer close to me that I will call to see if they have anything, but if I remember correctly they rarely have any in stock. I think GC carries them too.
I would really like to try the Super Sport. It does seem like there are more of them on the second hand market.

 

[KoreyD]

I've never played an axis, but I'll cast a vote for SS hardtail MM90s! It keeps growing on me -great guitar!