Hardtail to trem conversion...anyone done it?

[PurpleSport]

Hi all -

First time EBMM owner here, who just snagged what appears to be a nicely used hardtail Axis Sport MM90 on eBay last nite - a steal at $450 that I could NOT turn down...

I'm quite happy that I could grab any EBMM for this price, save for one very minor quibble - I prefer trems to hardtails.

Anyone here done a hardtail to trem conversion, either with MM's or other brand? And if so, how were the results compared to a factory trem-installed model in terms of sound and feel? (Obviously, the luthier's work plays a huge part here, but still curious...)

I dig the stock MM trems myself, and was wondering if they could install one at the factory if I sent the guitar back to them, as well as how much it would cost and how long it would take if they did.

If they don't, would like to know if they sell the trem setup and install specs separately so I could have the work done at a qualified third party shop.


Thanks!

 

[NorM]

I ordered and got the MM FR Lowers pitch only from Ernie Ball through a dealer. I had a really good luither put it on a Silo and added the D-Tuna afterword. It looks and sounds great. I'll try to get a picture of it up here later.

 

[GWDavis28]

PurpleSport,

What's the link to this awesome buy????

 

[PurpleSport]

Norm - thanks for the reply! Looking forward to the pix. Was the factory price reasonable for the Floyd versus buying it separately? I live right around the corner from a Sam Ash (EBMM dealers last I heard), so it's not inconceiveable that I could get the MM trem thru them...

GW - try this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3703007335&category=2384

Basically, it's a player's guitar - the seller's just informed me about a fairly large third ding on the forearm area that he "forgot" to post, but that's actually not a biggie to me...makes me feel less bad when I inevitably knock a dent in it myself! He's offered free shipping as recompense, making the deal that much sweeter....

 

[Estin]

thats a nice deal. i've been looking for one of the older axis sports in black with white pickguard and a H/S/S hardtail. that would be a great workhorse.

 

[GWDavis28]

PurpleSport,

I saw that one and the reason it stuck out to me is it's in the next town where I work.

Nice score good luck!!!

Estin,

I thought that Axis only came in humbuckers??? Did they use to come in single coils too?? This makes me interested.

 

[kbaim]

In the play it safe vein, if you get the guitar and absolutely love everything about it, I'd think twice about the trem mod.

Better IMO to save up and be on the lookout for a trem model and snap it up when one becomes available.

I may soon be selling my axis ss mm90 trem w/ piezo in pacific blueburst w painted headstock.

But not for no $450



KEITH

 

[PurpleSport]

GW - thanks! Small world, innit?

Estin - in case there was any chance you're interested....this one's not exactly to your specs, but it's apparently one from around the era you're looking at, and just appeared in the last couple hours (same color as mine, too!): http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3703288936&category=2384

 

[Estin]

i've never seen the black with white pickguard axis sport with dual humbuckers. but if its out there i'd rather have that then. i'm not a single coil fan, just those were the only ones i've seen. that purple S/S/S looks nice, but i'm a humbuckers hardtail bridge guy. i've never tried p90's tho, nice?

 

[PurpleSport]

Estin - If I see one to your specs, I'll be sure to sound the alarm for ya!

Re P90s: awesome and highly underrated pickups, esp. the MM version in the Axis w/silent circuit.

I've honestly not played enough P90-ed axes vs those with singles or humbuckers to know, but I've heard some folks say the MM ones aren't as hot as the "real deals" from Gibson. I do know that every guitar I've played that had P90s sounded great, though, even with all the buzz-ola they made.

When I first tried the Axis on a whim, it was the platinum MM90 version, and I was knocked out by the versatility - they did EVERYTHING for me (including heavy-metal, which they're not really known for). Cleans spanked and twanged nicely like a good Tele/surf guitar, distorted sounds were clear and strong no matter what ya threw at it.

Coupled with that great neck and the silent circuit, I was blown away, to say the least....

If ya like single coils and medium output humbuckers, I say try 'em, you'll like 'em!

 

[NorM]

Better late than never?
User installed Floyd

 

[koogie2k]

PurpleSport...unfortunately, I for some reason cannot see the pics on the link you posted. So, I read the description...purple...imagine that....great price even with the dings and blemishes. May not look 100% cosmetically, but I bet this axe will sing like a stool pigeon!! Congrats and have fun.

 

[Jimi D]

PurpleSport...unfortunately, I for some reason cannot see the pics on the link you posted.

Koog, that's 'cause he posted that link four months ago... It's Norm's fault - he's confusicatering us all again reviving long forgotten threads...

 

[lostrebel]

*shakes fist at norm*

Yeah I was wondering the same thing.