grayn
Well-known member
After totally falling for my EBMM Albert Lee SSS 70th Anniv. and being a real fan of Music Man, I really fancied one with P, or should I say, MM90 pickups.
I fancied the Albert Lee MM90 but they are as rare as hen's teeth, in these parts and I suspect the 5 way pickup switch would only give 2 pickups in parallel, like my SSS Albert.
I love the sound of 2, P90s in series.
Also I wanted a 10 inch radius neck and vintage tremolo bridge.
So the Music Man Axis Super Sport MM90, was my obvious choice.
Again, these are not that common around my way.
So over the last weeks and months, Ive been trawling ebay and Gumtree, every other day, for one of these guitars.
Then a few days ago, one came up on Gumtree and at a very, very reasonable price.
Almost a steal, you might say.
I didn't really have the cash to hand, so offered the seller some trade options.
He said no but would accept sensible offers.
I couldn't believe I could get this guitar for even less.
So I asked the boss (wife) and she agreed.
A fantastic price was agreed and he took it straight off Gumtree.
I drove over and got it today.
The seller had had it from new and got it about 4 years ago.
It's pretty much in mint condition, with only a few minor, varnish scuffs, on the back.
The seller plugged the Axis into his Lazy J combo.
I hadn't heard of these but it sounded excellent.
And the MM90s sang delightfully, with a bluesy rock, mild crunch tone.
It was set up with some seriously ancient 9s on but still sounded good.
First thing I did on getting home, was put on some Elixir 10s.
I set it up with floating trem and a solid action.
Plugged into my amp and WOW!
Whereas my Albert has a vibrant strat like tone, this baby has a warmer, transparent tone.
Perhaps closer to a Jazzmaster, especially with both pickups on.
Set up with the amp on a surf tone, somehow the spring reverb just takes on a new life.
The watery, singing tone, is a delight to the ears.
I guess, 2 MM90s, with a 3-way switch, won't give you the variety of 2 or 3 pickup, with a 5-way switch, set up.
But within it's limited range, there are some totally magical sounds.
Sounds that totally suit almost all types of rock, giving warmth and a real character.
Like every Music Man I have played/owned, this guitar is very high quality, in design and build.
Made as a player's instrument, it exudes musicality and to my eyes looks really nice.
The creamy, soap bar MM90s, with a quilted, honey sunburst, just really works.
OK, I've only just got it but i'm am so impressed.
It's neck feels slightly slimmer than my Albert but other wise is very compatible.
They are similar enough to go from one to the other, very comfortably.
And have different enough tones, to make a lovely, working pair.
I fancied the Albert Lee MM90 but they are as rare as hen's teeth, in these parts and I suspect the 5 way pickup switch would only give 2 pickups in parallel, like my SSS Albert.
I love the sound of 2, P90s in series.
Also I wanted a 10 inch radius neck and vintage tremolo bridge.
So the Music Man Axis Super Sport MM90, was my obvious choice.
Again, these are not that common around my way.
So over the last weeks and months, Ive been trawling ebay and Gumtree, every other day, for one of these guitars.
Then a few days ago, one came up on Gumtree and at a very, very reasonable price.
Almost a steal, you might say.
I didn't really have the cash to hand, so offered the seller some trade options.
He said no but would accept sensible offers.
I couldn't believe I could get this guitar for even less.
So I asked the boss (wife) and she agreed.
A fantastic price was agreed and he took it straight off Gumtree.
I drove over and got it today.
The seller had had it from new and got it about 4 years ago.
It's pretty much in mint condition, with only a few minor, varnish scuffs, on the back.
The seller plugged the Axis into his Lazy J combo.
I hadn't heard of these but it sounded excellent.
And the MM90s sang delightfully, with a bluesy rock, mild crunch tone.
It was set up with some seriously ancient 9s on but still sounded good.
First thing I did on getting home, was put on some Elixir 10s.
I set it up with floating trem and a solid action.
Plugged into my amp and WOW!
Whereas my Albert has a vibrant strat like tone, this baby has a warmer, transparent tone.
Perhaps closer to a Jazzmaster, especially with both pickups on.
Set up with the amp on a surf tone, somehow the spring reverb just takes on a new life.
The watery, singing tone, is a delight to the ears.
I guess, 2 MM90s, with a 3-way switch, won't give you the variety of 2 or 3 pickup, with a 5-way switch, set up.
But within it's limited range, there are some totally magical sounds.
Sounds that totally suit almost all types of rock, giving warmth and a real character.
Like every Music Man I have played/owned, this guitar is very high quality, in design and build.
Made as a player's instrument, it exudes musicality and to my eyes looks really nice.
The creamy, soap bar MM90s, with a quilted, honey sunburst, just really works.
OK, I've only just got it but i'm am so impressed.
It's neck feels slightly slimmer than my Albert but other wise is very compatible.
They are similar enough to go from one to the other, very comfortably.
And have different enough tones, to make a lovely, working pair.
