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sargentcrunch

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May 29, 2012
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34
How much harder is it to change strings on the Floyd Rose equipped Axis than on the Hardtail Super Sport? I noticed the music man floyd rose system only goes forward and not back (which I like). Is the string change as simple and un locking the nut, loosening the strings, releasing the saddle, put a new string on, run through the tuning peg and repeat for all 6 and place the locking nut back on? Or is it more complex than that? Also does the floyd rose MM uses hold tune very well? And one final question, is there any noticeable differences between the hard tail SS and Floyd Rose Axis? (Sustain, etc?)

Thanks!
-Bryan
 

Adam_D

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Dec 8, 2011
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56
Location
Antrim, Northern Ireland
Yeah you've pretty much got it right there! As long as you're using the same gauge strings and do them 1 at a time, you'll have no bother! If your bridge is floating a little, you might want to put a cloth underneath before you take the string off, as the drop in tension might cause the bridge to drop down to touch the body, and you'll want to avoid it leaving a mark!

Because the bridge doesn't float totally free and raise up in pitch, you'll have a much easier time than if it were a totally floating bridge, the slightest change in tension can make it a total pain in the ass to change strings in that case!

And with regards to the tonal differences, there's always a very slight difference in tone between HT and FR guitars, due to increased routing, and the springs. Generally though it's more of a mental thing, and a slight difference in attack. The springs tend to absorb a little of the string's vibration which can feel a little different, slows the response of the string a little. Whereas on a hard tail guitar, almost all of the vibrations are transferred directly to the body! The tonal differences will be very slight if any ;) Hope this helps!
 

sargentcrunch

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May 29, 2012
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34
Thanks Adam! I was looking on musicians friend and the only hardtail they have is translucent gold and I am not exactly crazy about that finish but than I saw the regular Axis had a vintage sunburst and I really love that color. I really wanted a pacific blue burst but I don't know if I can wait 3 months to get it.
 

Adam_D

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Dec 8, 2011
Messages
56
Location
Antrim, Northern Ireland
I had to wait 2 and a half months to get my JPX, and it was a tough wait, but totally worth it! When you're spending that amount of money on a guitar, be sure to get exactly what you want and don't compromise ;) There's nothing worse than getting a guitar and thinking to yourself, "I should have got x/y/z"

Have you tried looking around some independent dealers on the web?
 

sargentcrunch

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May 29, 2012
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34
Yeah thats what I was thinking, if I am gonna spend so much, make sure I get one I absolutely love, I tried to contact Pete DuBaldo, I emailed and called him and didn't get any responses so I am not sure, any other dealers I can try? Musiciansfriend can get me the one I really like, but there sales wouldn't apply, which I why I was thinking about getting the one they had on 4th of july for 15% off.
 

Adam_D

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Dec 8, 2011
Messages
56
Location
Antrim, Northern Ireland
I know Pete is on here, so I wouldn't like to take business away from him, but if I recall drumcityguitarland have a good stock of MM guitars. I'm in the UK, so unfortunately I'm not much use to you on that front! Try calling Pete again, I'm sure he'd be willing to order one up for you if he doesn't have what you're looking for!

Best of luck either way!
 

sargentcrunch

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May 29, 2012
Messages
34
Thanks! I will definitely try to call him again. I hope he has one I am looking for! I would love to have the guitar this summer to play haha.
 

sargentcrunch

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May 29, 2012
Messages
34
Another question about the Floyd Rose Axis, since it's different than most Floyds, when you tune, do you just tune it at the headstock after restringing and than lock it up and its good to go?
 

patpark

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Jan 2, 2009
Messages
760
Location
Orange County, CA
tune at the headstock, lock the nut, then use the fine tuners to bring into perfect tuning.

Another question about the Floyd Rose Axis, since it's different than most Floyds, when you tune, do you just tune it at the headstock after restringing and than lock it up and its good to go?
 

sargentcrunch

Active member
Joined
May 29, 2012
Messages
34
So I ended up getting an Axis today and I love it! I got the translucent gold color with matching headstock. Now I see why you guys say the guitar plays itself, the neck is amazing, best I have ever played! I will post pictures tomorrow, and even better yet it seems I got a 20th anniversary tribute model (Chocolate brown back, Special Leather Case)
 
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