Newbie on the fence about the Axis...

[beej]

Yeah- you can totally dial in the Floyd by changing springs/claw distance. Not a problem.

Have you considered the Axis SS? Same guitar ... more pickup positions (with the 5-way you get all the single coil combinations) and a vintage trem. Not quite a Floyd, but totally stays in tune.

+1 on eBay ... my Morse, AL, Luke, Bongo, and a lot of former MM guitars came that route and I've had no problems.

 

[Jay]

Well, I jumped off the fence, largely due to the overwhelming enthusiasm for a brand of guitars I only had a passing knowledge about as of a few days ago (and this is coming from a guy who lives in SLO, CA!!).

I just purchased an Axis SS vs. my original choice for an Axis, and can't wait to get my hands on it! I'll post again once I get it and let you know how this little drama turned out.

Thanks again for all the messages. I'll say again, WOW!

Jay

 

[SteveB]

Jay,

Congratulations on your order and welcome to the .. um, I have to leave that line to Koogie.

Be careful, though! Big Poppa keeps making guitars that we MUST have, and he shows no signs of slowing down!

 

[beej]

Congrats Jay!

 

[Larry]

treat her well

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

You will not be dissapointed!

 

[guitrr]

Jay,

I got my first EB/MM a few months ago. I returned a Luke because the neck profile was too small for my taste, sold an Axis because I thought the Floyd was an awful PITA (great guitar though!), and bought a Rosewood Axis SuperSport that I am crazy about! And this forum, which I discovered after buying an EBMM, is terrific.

With almost 20 guitars, you won't see me dumping any because I got an EBMM; they're all tools in the same garage - each are different in some way, and are best suited for different applications. Having said that, my Axis SS has moved into the rotation as one of 4 or 5 most used gigging axes.

What I can tell you about my Axis SS is just my opinion, no more valuable than anyone else's here. However, from reading the responses to your query, I'm probably a little more open minded about the brand I'll mention PRS a few times because I own several, and you stated you're accustomed to those, so it's a valid point of reference for you.

Unlike what you stated, I like the rosewood top - it's gorgeous. The raw neck wood is sublime. The neck profile is more narrow and shallow than a PRS wide/fat, but still has some heft to it. A forearm contour on the top would have been nice. The tuners are great, and it's a very easy guitar to change strings.

The Axis SS pickup and switching configuration is very versatile. It won't sound like a strat, but does a resonable single coil sound. It's not quite as fat and warm as my PRS, but the EB bridge pickup tends toward more of a shred sound when you distort it. The humbuckers have less midrange than your PRS, but more snap and articulation. It's a great guitar for ditching the pick and letting your fingers explore different tones, because it's very responsive to touch.

My EBMM seems to prefer a more American sounding amp, which brings out the articulation and snap of the guitar.

I hope this helps you somewhat. Good luck!

Kane

 

[Jonny Dubai]

Great choice mate. I love mine and play her on a daily basis. Welcome to the.....sorry Koogie line!!!!


Jonny

 

[lumberjack]

there ya go showing off your guitars again, larry.......I want, I want

Congrats Jay, I got my first ball about a month ago (Axis SS) as well, and love. As Beej said it's not a floyd but it definately does the job.

 

[Jay]

Well, guys, I got my Axis SS today. Yowza!! What a sweet guitar, and man, what a player! An hour went by, and I didn't even know it. Mine has a rosewood fretboard and a vintage trem, and I'm so glad I went this route vs. my original thoughts of a maple neck/Floyd. And to soothe the quickly rising hackles of the maple/Floyd fans out there, it's just a matter of personal preference. To me, the vintage trem feels a lot more natural and smooth, and the rosewood sounds warmer to me. Soundwise, it is a nice option between my LP and my PRS, so it'll find its way into a lot of my songs. Truthfully, the guitar shape is not instantly likeable, but you just cannot deny the ergonomic genius of how it just feels so goooood to hold. I am one happy guy holding my Ball!!

Jay

 

[Dakine]

Way to go Jay

Now post a link to those amazing songs of yours so the guys/gals here can also see your talent!
Nick

 

[lumberjack]

Congrats Jay,

Just wait until you experience the feeling of holding 2 balls. It will happen..........Trust us

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Congrats Jay,

Just wait until you experience the feeling of holding 2 balls. It will happen..........Trust us

Or 5!