looking for a good retailer for axis bfr

[myrz]

hello, i'm new here and forgive me if my questions have already been asked. I tried a search without much luck of finding what I was looking for.
I''m from the Rockford, IL area and none of the three retailers here (Randees, guitar center, guzzardos) have the axis bfr. However a few shops have other models of music man or can order the axis. My goal is to see one in person first to try it out and make sure this is the guitar i'm comfortable with. So far i'm finding out that the used axis bfr is not easy to find without paying brand new prices. therefore I would like to try before I buy. Also, if I can't find one in a shop nearby...where in the US that would be a good retailer that stands behind their product without paying above average prices.

One last question and I know it's been asked before- what is the major differences in the standard axis and the bfr. I know one is the sound bridge, and don't laugh, but i'm not quite sure what the sound bridge is. thanks for all your suggestions and answers in advance.

 

[agt]

If you can find a dealer with a regular non-BFR Axis, the feel and playability will be similar to a BFR model. If you've never played an Axis, some things to consider are the assymetrical back-of-neck contour and the flat top (no forearm contour). Some like these, others don't.

The Axis BFR's have a mahogany tone block -- I'm guessing this is what you meant by sound bridge. The basswood body is scooped out and a block of mahogany is inserted running from the neck pocket, under the pickups, and back to the bridge. The block is under the maple top.

As to how the non-BFR and BFR compare sound-wise, I'll let someone else chime in.

Discussing dealer prices is frowned upon, FYI.

 

[Stratty316]

If you need a connection at Guitar Center that can help you find a BFR Axis then I would say PM Zombi. (you can find him on my friends list) He can usually track these things down... Guitar center has a great return policy if the BFR Axis doesn't fit your needs or taste.

People will also chime in with Pete Dubaldo at DubaldoMusic.com as a source to order an Axis BFR. Can't quote prices, but Pete has been extremely reasonable with all of the quotes I have ever gotten from him.

You can also play a regular Axis and really get the same feel as the BFR. The main difference between the BFR and the Standard, other than cosmetics, is the tone block. -by that I mean that Neck profile and body shape are the same

 

[threeminutesboy]

and I think you have a couple of brand new on Ebay too

 

[myrz]

If you can find a dealer with a regular non-BFR Axis, the feel and playability will be similar to a BFR model. If you've never played an Axis, some things to consider are the assymetrical back-of-neck contour and the flat top (no forearm contour). Some like these, others don't.

The Axis BFR's have a mahogany tone block -- I'm guessing this is what you meant by sound bridge. The basswood body is scooped out and a block of mahogany is inserted running from the neck pocket, under the pickups, and back to the bridge. The block is under the maple top.

As to how the non-BFR and BFR compare sound-wise, I'll let someone else chime in.

Discussing dealer prices is frowned upon, FYI.

yes I did mean tone block and thanks for clarifying that for me.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Pete Dubaldo is a long standing member of this forum and is a guitar dealer. Try him
here's his link

 

[Larry]

Pete Dubaldo is a long standing member of this forum and is a guitar dealer. Try him
here's his link

Can't go wrong with Pete, I'm about an hour and half south of Rockford and I have ordered all my EBMMs through him. Pete is a great guy and will take care of you.

(This is not a paid endorsement )

Best of luck!

 

[nobozos]

As well as Pete, there is an outstanding EBMM dealer located in Peoria Illinois called Flores Music. They once had a BFR Axis used, but have since sold it. They do have a BFR Albert Lee, and a regular Axis. They could order you a new one though.

 

[IslandBoy]

I have a Like New MINT Axis BFR Emerald Burst Quilt that I "may" put up for sale in the next week or two, if you are interested ...................

 

[threeminutesboy]

I have a Like New MINT Axis BFR Emerald Burst Quilt that I "may" put up for sale in the next week or two, if you are interested ...................

and I can tell Island boy is a very good person to do business with (he sold me my Stealth Bongo)