new axis

[Big Dainjerus]

hey guys I got my axis friday and I have been jamming on it and I need some help. Sounds awesome, but at first when I would dive bomb the strings would go a little bit out of tune. Is this because the new strings on it havent worked in yet, I think this because it prety much stays in tune for the most part now but not compltetly. Also, I dropped the tuning a half step down to play van halen tunes, and I notice that there is a decent amount of buzzing near the fifth fret on a couple strings, primarily the d and g strings. I couldnt tell if there was buzzing before I down tuned it cause I initially attributed it to that metallic sounds new strings make you know? BUt nontheless, there is buzzing, even with open string and up to the fifth fret, everything else seems alright. Anyone help me with why these things would be happening? The dealer said that before it was shipped to me everyhting on it was perfect and taken care of by the teach or wahtever. I dunno, Im just an addict and want to play my van halen without any string buzz and drop some dive bombs. I have pictures just dont know how to post them. And Ill look at the serial number soon.

 

[hambucker]

Did you buy it used? If so it probably needs a fret level or truss rod adjustment, no big deal.

 

[Big Dainjerus]

it is new...supposedly?

 

[hambucker]

I woud bring it to your local guitar tech. The truss rod may need adjustment, maybe the nut. Have a pro check it out!

 

[Big Dainjerus]

damn that sucks one day and I already got to get it checked out!

 

[lock-ny]

you dont need a tech, just loosen the truss rod a tad bit and see if the buzz goes away, plus a tad buzz is OK on an electric guitar, loosen the truss by turning it counter clock, or towards you when the guitar is on your lap, good luck and enjoy -

 

[Big Dainjerus]

how much will I end up adjusting the truss rod? Is the point of the tr to lower or raise the action? Also, should I just use my fingers or the little allen renchthingy to do it?

 

[hambucker]

I would not suggest messing with the truss rod unless you know what you are doing. You can do severe damage to a guitar's neck by over tightening the truss rod. Take it to a tech, or find some one that can show you how to adjust it. It's not that hard.

 

[dwf1004]

Ouch...

Hey BD, with these new strings, did you leave/are you leaving the nut unlocked after install so they can stretch properly. Locking the nut will impede the process...I usually leave the nut on my EVH open for almost 3 days while stretching new strings (yes, she sits there sadly for that time on a stand, but she knows that what she's doing is right, and forgives me later LOL!)

Do that if you could, pal, and if on the 3rd day after that process began, it's still happening, let's talk about it then...just want to rule out as many variables as we can.

 

[Big Dainjerus]

yeah good idea i was leaving it locked...is it better to leave it on the ground in the case or to put it on the guitar stand? and any other hints from any of you about anything that could be useful for me and taking care of my new baby...

 

[dwf1004]

I figured you were...for a new guitar to have those kind off issues with tuning, either it's something serious, or user error.

I just set mine on the stand as usual...nothing major there, just remember to keep the nut open during that time. I remove the "rooftop" pieces (silly, but I don't know the actual name, just refer to them as that because of the shape) when I change out, and then replace 'em and thread the screw in just enough to hold itself and the RT's in place. Then to the stand it goes...she goes whimpering, but as before, knows it's for a good cause.

Keep a piece of cloth around for wipedowns after each use (I use a piece of an old t-shirt to avoid scratches). Do the treatments twice a year to the neck, which is listed in the FAQ thread. 'Bout all I can think of right now...otherwise, enjoy!

 

[brentrocks]

HOLY CRAP!!!! i have never saw anything quite like that bofore!!!

i always take mine to a tech....just for that reason!!!

 

[Raz]

Well you can also check the neck by depressing the E string on the first and last fret, then view the guitar's profile...you should have a gap at the 12th fret...if not then you need to loosen the nut. I found EBMM's so easy to adjust, just turn it a quarter turn and wait, then check it again. Learn to learn your instrument...just like your money, because no-one else cares...
I just changed my strings with a floyd and nut lock and I never put the whammy bar back on, I played without it, and I didn't lock the nut either, I'd rather play and let it strectch and tune with the tuners than tune with those little useless fine tuners.
Nothing beats locking tuners...


Oh and Darrell the twice a year treatment, are you speaking of the gun stock oil and wax...

 

[OrangeChannel]

Dude!


Raz is spot on as is Lock....you don't need to take your piece to a tech. MM's ARE the easiest to perform these adjustments....when you get buzz like you're experiencing a lil' relief is necessary. Take it in quarter turns (a lil' goes a long way) and give it a few minutes to adjust in between turns. There is no wrench see the dial at the bottom of the neck? Remember lefty loosey (more relief) and righty tighty (straightens). The purpose of the truss rod is to keep the neck straight, not raise and lower the action (the saddles/ bridge are for that). I fyou have any questions visit the EBMM FAQ all you need is there. Enjoy!

late!

Jon Z.


Hambucker....stop trying to scare the poor guy. I've worked on guitars and played them for almost 2 decades and I've never seen something like htat....welll then again it is an Ibeenhad!

 

[Raz]

Dude!


Raz is spot on as is Lock....you don't need to take your piece to a tech. MM's ARE the easiest to perform these adjustments....when you get buzz like you're experiencing a lil' relief is necessary. Take it in quarter turns (a lil' goes a long way) and give it a few minutes to adjust in between turns. There is no wrench see the dial at the bottom of the neck? Remember lefty loosey (more relief) and righty tighty (straightens). The purpose of the truss rod is to keep the neck straight, not raise and lower the action (the saddles/ bridge are for that). I fyou have any questions visit the EBMM FAQ all you need is there. Enjoy!

late!

Jon Z.


Hambucker....stop trying to scare the poor guy. I've worked on guitars and played them for almost 2 decades and I've never seen something like htat....welll then again it is an Ibeenhad!

Well said from the master himself...hey I only started doing my own tech work, just from what these guys have said, and I will never let anyone touch my guitars!

 

[Big Dainjerus]

so I should just unlock everything and just keeping jamming and tuning with the regular tuners for a couple days? Also , with the truss rod dial, it doesnt seem to turn very easy, I mean , Im not applying much pressure bc of that picture I saw, and im afraid that once I get it moving that it will turn too far and screw my new axis....can you guys give me some specs on that, like how much turning is too much etc...and how do I know when it is making a difference, and if the trustrod only straightens the neck, would that fix my buzzing problem? oh and it came with a yellow polishing cloth thing, is that good to wipe it down after playing it? thanks all you guys for helping me deal with my addiction...

oh yeah and you guys have to be REALLY specific with all this cause its my first time taking care of my own baby...I can play, I just dont know how to take real good care of an instrument such as this, and there really is no one around here who can do it either....its all up to you guys in my AA group....axis' anonymous