Help! New guy into MM guitars! What should i know?

[cris_mas]

Hello folks
new guy here from Chile, so long story short, I ve sold a 94 PRS CE 22, nice guitar but the neck shape was killing my small hands and also i needed cash to get a Fractal device because i've started gigging again. I left a small cash reservoir and found a used MM Reflex, so i just took my chance. Tomorrow i'm picking it up, and although i'm excited by the purchase, i'm a bit nervous too because i've bought the guitar without trying it ( i know, not a very smart move) but the seller is a guy who's always selling nice guitars so i just took my chance. So, i've always loved the Luke models but never played a Music Man guitar before but i've read that this model in particular is very comfortable and has a nice neck, not big nor small so i just want to know more about this model and what to expect from it. Also, any tip for the setup ( i always setup my guitars on my own, like neck relief and that to keep the guitar fast and with low action whenever is possible). So, IDK what else am i missing to ask to you guys, i want to know more about this awesome (and a rare find in my country!)

Greetings!

 

[banjoplayer]

welcome and congrats to your new guitar!
Don´t forget to show us pics when having it.

The reflex is a very nice guitar and a well kept secret
There´s not much to know about maybe except the pickups, the switching system and the body construction and woods.

The humbuckers are the same like in the Axis and the Albert Lee HH model. Custom made by DiMarzio for the Eddie van Halen model in the early 90s.
Infos about switching: Question - Reflex Switching....
The body is made of basswood, a block of mahogany ("tone block") and a maple top. The body is chambered.

There were options for hardtail or MM Vintage Tremolo and also maple or rosewood fretboards and not too many colour options: I believe standard colours were black, white, vintage gold or sunburst. There are some special runs or one-offs around.

It´s basically the same as the 25th Anniversary model except the flamed/quilt transparent maple top.




The "25th" was produced in 2009 and continued as "reflex" from 2010 on. In 2011 EBMM introduced the "Gamechanger" which was based again on the same model with a completely innovative switching system.

The reflex was discontinued in 2015, the gamechanger in 2018 (if google told me the correct years).
Big Poppa called it his "best failure".

 

[cris_mas]

Thank you very much for the info! I’m very intrigued by the chambered design actually, now I’m about to travel to get the guitar. Anxiety is killing me hahah. Of course I will post pictures, in the mean time I will send one sent from the seller

 

[cris_mas]

To close my post about the guitar, I have a few notes/reflections about it:
-neck is comfy, has a weird shape but I actually like it. Far more comfy than my ex PRS
- the tone is somewhat dark, could be the strings (I need to swap them) but anyway doesn’t sound muddy
- the series parallel switch is amazing. Although it doesn’t make a true single coil like sound, it does make the guitar has a lot of fun sounds. I tend to use it as a booster.
- after all the advertisements I’ve read I thought it was gonna be lighter, but I found it heavier than I expected.
- the trem. Oh the trem. It’s just wonderful. It should be named a man made wonder. Period.
- the neck came a bit dirty and I noticed it wasn’t completely finished. I thought the previous owner did something but I realized from pictures is actually a “semi” finish to the gunstock oil. I would appreciate any tips to remove the grime attached from the previous owner
-pickups are good. Not sure if my lack of total conviction on them is because I’m a frequent Seymour Duncan user (so I’m used to “that” tone) or something else, but I rate them ok-ish, not great. I need to get used to them.

All in all is a great guitar, mostly what you can expect from a company like Ernie Ball Musicman. Now, (since dreaming is for free) will go for a Luke II model, someday.
Thanks forum!

 

[jlf599]

The Axis was my favorite EBMM until i got a Reflex. I still love the Axis but the slightly larger Reflex is just so very comfortable to me.

Congrats!

 

[banjoplayer]

@cris_mas you may try changing Strings. The Reflex is not dark at all. It's rather bright.

What you mean by "semi" finish? that the headstock is finished front and back?

The back of the neck - from nut to heel - should be oiled and waxed.

I usually use 0000 steelwool to clean and then wipe it with Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil and Gun Stock Wax, which is the "EBMM Standard". Some use Murphy's Oilsoap to clean, but i never tried that. You'll find plenty of instructions Here with those keywoards

 

[nervous]

The Axis was my favorite EBMM until i got a Reflex. I still love the Axis but the slightly larger Reflex is just so very comfortable to me.

Congrats!

You're gonna make me get a Reflex now aren't you...

 

[nervous]

Q: "What should I know"?

A: You can't have just one.

 

[cris_mas]

Q: "What should I know"?

A: You can't have just one.

I wish I could afford another one mate! I have the goal to own a Luke before my last days, that’s for sure

 

[jlf599]

You're gonna make me get a Reflex now aren't you...

Would I do that to you, @nervous ?

Wait. Don't answer that.