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candid_x

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Jun 26, 2006
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Hello everyone,

As you can see by the sign over my head, I’m a newbie. A newbie with a question about neck shapes. I hope it’s alright to post it here.

I have two MM: one Silo Special HSS, and one older Axis Sport, also with HSS. I love my Silo to death, and got the Axis for something a little different. Aside from the difference in wood/fret-board and pickups, all amounting to tone, there’s a notable difference in the neck contour. The Silo Sp is round while the Axis is fatter on top and tapers toward the bottom. Is this typical of Axis necks? I personally favor the Silo neck shape, as it fits my smallish hands better. In fact, I’m considering trading the Axis Sport for another model which has the same neck shape as my Silo Special.

Can someone enlighten me about neck shapes on different models?

Thanks in advance!

Bruce
 

Philip

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Jun 13, 2005
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yep all models have different neck shapes. John Petrucci signature is very flat almost like Ibanez, Luke has a V-shaped neck, morse,axis,albert lee, silo and Sub have more round necks but of course they all differ
 

candid_x

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Jun 26, 2006
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Philip said:
yep all models have different neck shapes. John Petrucci signature is very flat almost like Ibanez, Luke has a V-shaped neck, morse,axis,albert lee, silo and Sub have more round necks but of course they all differ

Thanks, Philip.

Do all Axis models share the same neck?
 

Roubster

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Aug 20, 2005
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If you like the Silo's neck, you are probably going to like the LUKE neck, since it is apparently comfortable for people with smaller hands. I have a Silo, which is great and the neck as well, and I also have the LUKE. The Luke is definatly VERY comfortable with the slight V shape neck and I have pretty big hands and it's still comfortable.
 

steveh

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Dec 18, 2005
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I have an Axis Sport (HSS) and Axis Super Sport, and they have very different feeling necks - the Super Sport is less clubby (less depth front to back I suppose) whereas the Sport feels much more like my MM EVH.

Got me to thinking whether there was any substantial intra-individual difference between the carves on particular models - I guess there shouldn'e be: I'm assuming MM use a CNC?

Steve
 

candid_x

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Jun 26, 2006
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If the MM neck is made in any way like the G&L necks, each one may be different. I don’t think MM is using CNC to cut their necks, or I’d be surprised if they do.

This particular Axis Sport neck isn’t especially beefy, it’s just the irregular shape that doesn’t seem to fit my hand well. At first I kinda liked it, but then I found myself picking up the Silo Special most of the time, and also bringing it to the studio and jams. The Axis is a great little guitar, light as a feather, sounds good et al, but the fact is that I play my Silo better. The Axis Sport is one of the older models with the small pick-guard – dunno if that makes a difference.

Anyone with a Luke or Silo interested in a trade?
 

beej

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Aug 16, 2004
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MM is using CNC for their bodies and necks ... many of us have seen this first hand. Here's a photo of Dudley (MM's designer extraodinaire) in front of one of the CNC machines:

115_1580.jpg


As mentioned, they are sanded by hand so that gives each neck a bit of a different feel. Also, every piece of wood is a bit different and may change slightly over time. Regular oiling/waxing will also affect the feel of your neck.

FWIW, artist model necks are adjusted from time to time. For example, the newer model Morses have thinner necks than the older ones- Steve's neck was re-modeled and it has worn after years of wear, re-frets, etc.
 
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