• Ernie Ball
  • MusicMan
  • Sterling by MusicMan
Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience

NGD – Axis Semi Hollow

xjbebop

xjbebop

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2013
Messages
2,820
Location
AZ High Country
*yawn… just another ‘boring’ black guitar….. ;)

GoKart Mozart did me 2 favors recently (thanks buddy… I owe you…)
First he bought that beautiful Axis Sport MM90 that had been tempting me for some time on Reverb (I just didn’t need it as I already have a beautiful ASS MM90, but it was a really good deal…), then he posted this-

1R81eRv.jpg


Well, an Axis semi-hollow has been on my short list since they came out, and I couldn’t pass up the exceptional deal I got this one for! It’s in fabulous shape, and really does have a different voicing from my solid body ASS. Personally, I really like the black & cream finish. It reminds me of the ‘stealth’ Wolfgangs, and basic black is always classy and in style. Apparently, these are somewhat rare as well, as I’ve seen very few Axis semi-hollows with an opaque top. Most have figured tops and trans finishes (which are gorgeous…and a lot more $$ ). And I’ve yet to find a picture of another one with this specific configuration – black top, rosewood fret board, and unpainted headstock… makes me wonder how many, if any others just like this even exist.
Anyway, on with a few pics.

rCbRQrB.jpg


mBrEuMx.jpg


QxfmIox.jpg


TbDPVG7.jpg


irUYJIh.jpg



My Albert Lee's are my #1 guitars, but these Axis models are a close second...
Someday when I have time I’ll get pics of our little Axis family all together…
 
spychocyco

spychocyco

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 16, 2008
Messages
800
Nice. I took a long look at that one myself. I've been wanting a semi-hollow, but I'm waiting on the "right one," also the "right" amount of money in my bank account. :)
 
GoKart Mozart

GoKart Mozart

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2002
Messages
1,054
Location
Florence/Muscle Shoals, AL
xjbebop said:
*yawn… just another ‘boring’ black guitar….. ;)

GoKart Mozart did me 2 favors recently (thanks buddy… I owe you…)
First he bought that beautiful Axis Sport MM90 that had been tempting me for some time on Reverb (I just didn’t need it as I already have a beautiful ASS MM90, but it was a really good deal…), then he posted this-

1R81eRv.jpg



TbDPVG7.jpg
Click to expand...

Dude!! I'm glad you ended up with it! haha
Now THAT looks handsome! Awesome score.

Reminds me of one I was watching on Reverb about 6 months ago; it was a semi-hollow with MM90s and it was listed for only $950! Still kicking myself over that one.
 
Wahoonc

Wahoonc

Well-known member
Joined
May 29, 2014
Messages
448
Location
D.C.
Congrats! That's a GC finish for sure. The semis are awesome. Have a MM90 semi which has been my go-to for a while.
 
dibart77

dibart77

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 15, 2008
Messages
1,494
Location
New York
Nice! Can you give us a run-down on the Semi-Hollow? How does it compare to the normal ASS or Axis? A real classy look!


​
 
Last edited:
xjbebop

xjbebop

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2013
Messages
2,820
Location
AZ High Country
dibart77 said:
Nice! Can you give us a run-down on the Semi-Hollow? How does it compare to the normal ASS or Axis? A real classy look!


[/CENTER]
Click to expand...

I'm not good at giving 'tone reports'... I can hear and feel them, but not so good at describing them.

However, I'd say this review pretty much nails it---

"One of the reasons the Axis is still such a hit after all these years is because of these particular DiMarzio pickups. There are other pickups that are rather a lot like these in the DiMarzio catalog (the Tone Zone in the bridge position and Air Norton in the neck) but neither of those pickups is exactly the same, and the subtle differences really add up. The bridge pickup has more bite and less bass than the Tone Zone, and the neck model has smoother pick attack than the Air Norton. In the semi-hollow body of this guitar, these pickups are darkened very slightly compared to in the solid body version, and this makes it a little better suited to vintage styles – albeit a hotter take on vintage tone – rather than the hot-rodded LA street machine tone of the Axis. The tone of the neck pickup is very full, deep and round, while the bridge pickup has a dry, direct punch to it. The single coil modes are quite nice, with plenty of zip and spank, meaning you can get some great country and blues tones out of this baby too. And there’s still enough humbucker raunch to get some great hard rock tones.

The best thing about this great-sounding guitar though is its sheer interactivity. Differences in pick attack and nuances in fretting technique seem to be emphasised rather than smoothed over and compressed, which the solid body version seems to do just a tiny bit (at least in comparison to this). It’s one of those guitars that really rewards you when you lean into a note, and for this reason it’s an utterly gorgeous guitar for styles like blues and fusion. But really it’s a great all-rounder."

Full review here- REVIEW: Ernie Ball Music Man Axis Super Sport Semi Hollowbody - I Heart Guitar

** great blog I've been following for years, btw...
 
kimonostereo

kimonostereo

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
1,197
Location
Honolulu, HI
I have them both but it's been a while since I did a side by side comparison. From what I recall: Acoustically the Axis Semi is louder just as it should be and lighter in weight than the 25th/Reflex. The 25th/Reflex has covered pickups which gives it a slightly different sound when plugged in. The 25th/Reflex sounds a little smoother but similar to the Axis Semi. I'd have to plug them in again and do a listen.

My Axis Semi-hollow has a maple/rosewood neck and my 25th has a full maple neck so that may make a difference sonically.
Overall, I prefer the 25th mainly because of the right arm contour but I think it was a toss up between the two sound wise. The necks are similar enough that I enjoy them both. The 25th has a slightly flatter radius but I don't really notice it. I think folks would be happy with either of these. I'll probably sell my Axis Semi because I play the 25th more.
 
Astrofreq

Astrofreq

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 5, 2006
Messages
4,188
Location
Santa Fe, NM
This is a great thread and I was about to start one with my thoughts on the Reflex after having it a week now. I've been a hardcore Axis hardtail guy for a long time. The bite of the Dimarzios screwed right into the solid body with a hardtail, maple neck, combined with the volume only electronics makes for truly the perfect rock guitar.

Now, take those same pickups, in a chambered body, the parallel option and the fact that my 1-off Reflex has the pickups mounted on the pickguard, which IS routed underneath. This guitar just has a HUGE openness to it that my Axis don't. I LOVE the tightness and bite of the Axis, but this is such a different flavor and probably better suited for other styles of music.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
All-New 3-Pack Guitar String Collection
Top Bottom