Help! Neck plate question

[tonelover]

Greetings, first time poster who is jonesing for a nice used Axis. I may have found one to pull the trigger on, but this neck plate is different than all the others I seem to find online which say Music Man across the length of them in big letters. I obviously have lots to learn but was wondering if someone could tell me if this is indicative of anything important that I should know about or is just the way they were done at a particular time. Other pictures from the seller below, but it's the neckplate I am curious about. I love a good quilt and can't wait to find the right Axis. Thanks!

 

[ShaneV]

Awesome looking Axis! The "MM" design neck plate is just older than the new "Ernie Ball Music Man" neckplate and has no special meaning


edit: Looking at the other pictures, that bridge pickup doesn't look original. That may be something to discuss with the seller if they haven't mentioned it.

 

[tonelover]

Thanks for the quick response. I'm in New Hampshire too, near Milford.

It's tough shopping for these, there are a bunch of gorgeous ones out there to choose from. I have a suspicion that when I get one, it is going to cause my super flamey twice the price Les Paul Axcess (Axis, Axcess, hmm...) to get sold. That LP is a nice guitar but the sound is flat and kind of honky. Looks great, is a good guitar but I just don't connect.

Time to try something new!

 

[ShaneV]

I'm about a half an hour west of Milford. There seems to be a pretty huge New England contingent on this forum actually.

I've actually never seen a regular Axis for sale around here, just super sports. On that note, have you seen the used super sport Guitar Gallery has for sale? It's tempting me.

 

[tonelover]

I did notice it on their website. I suppose it wouldn't hurt for me to go over and play it, but you won't have competition from me because I prefer a locking nut. Fretboard looks a little dirty

 

[ShaneV]

I'd probably go for the regular Axis myself. I just tend to get excited whenever i see any ebmms around here hanging in a store, since they are rare.

 

[browndog]

Its PURPLE... a purple Axis is a must buy IMHO.

 

[jcm900]

it should be an early Axis. If you want to be sure, post the Serial # of the guitar in the S.N. thread.

 

[tonelover]

I didn't get the serial number but I'll try. It's $1,400 delivered, I'm not normally a chiseler but I'm trying to see if I can get the guy toget it to me for $1,300. I realize it's not a terrible price, but every little bit helps these days and with patience I'm pretty sure that I could get another purple for that price.

 

[zombywoof]

this neck plate is different than all the others... I obviously have lots to learn but was wondering if someone could tell me if this is indicative of anything important that I should know about...

[[/IMG]

Yes,I think those older neck plates were made out of sterling silver and are worth about two thousand dollars each, but it is possible that I may be wrong...

 

[nathanhny]

If you can get it for $1,300 I think that would be a sweet deal. What condition is it in?

 

[Fusionman]

The neckplate is also recessed on that gtr which is something they no longer do and havent done for sometime. That guitar must have been a closet queen as the purple looks deep and pristine. No fading at all...

 

[ShaneV]

I didn't get the serial number but I'll try. It's $1,400 delivered, I'm not normally a chiseler but I'm trying to see if I can get the guy toget it to me for $1,300. I realize it's not a terrible price, but every little bit helps these days and with patience I'm pretty sure that I could get another purple for that price.

At that price I would ask some serious questions about the bridge pickup first.

 

[tonelover]

What's wrong with the bridge pickup?

At that price I would ask some serious questions about the bridge pickup first.

 

[ShaneV]

What's wrong with the bridge pickup?

It looks like it isn't original.

 

[Stratty316]

thats a nice looking purple. I would jump on it if I were you...

 

[tonelover]

Ok, it's on the way. $1,350 shipped. Can't wait. Although ordering it from out of state I went to a local branch of the music store to make payment, and while there saw a few new ones hanging on the wall. Those bodies are small, I hope that doesn't freak me out. The one I tried was awesome though.

Will report back probably next week.

 

[Slav123]

Buy It!

It looks like an early '96 (first year for the Axis after the EVH) or a '97. The bridge pickup looks to me like it's 100% original. For an early trans-purple quilt top Axis, that one is just amazing (the early trans-purple EVH's and Axis' usually fade). Does it come with its original G&G Tolex hard-shell case?

Good luck!
Slav

 

[tonelover]

Slav, your trans-gold is truly to die for.

 

[Slav123]

Thanks bro! Your newly purchased Axis is going to be one of my all time favorite trans-purple Axi! It's going to be hard to compete with that beauty! Please make sure to take a bunch of pics when you get her (after playing her for hours first of course) Congrats again!

All the best,
Slav