Question Reflex vs Axis Pickups

[bvdrummer]

I've read online that the Reflex HH (non GC) and the Axis have the same pickups except for the metal covers. But I recently acquired one of each guitar and to me they sound pretty different. It's hard to put my finger on what the difference is, but I feel like the Reflex humbuckers (in series) sound a little more modern and edgy, and the Axis sounds a little more vintage & warm. If these really are the same pickups, could the chambered body of the Reflex make the difference? I wouldn't think the metal covers could make that much difference.

Edit: The main reason I'm asking is that I really do like the sound of both guitars, but I'm probably going to end up selling the Axis and keeping the Reflex for other reasons. I want to put some pickups similar to these in my Carvin CT6, but if I do that I would probably want it to sound more like the Axis so I don't have 2 guitars that sound the same. So I'm thinking Air Norton and Air Zone or Tone Zone, and I'm wondering if the metal covers will make a big impact on sound. (I know that guitar will sound different anyway because of the carved top, mahogany neck & body and set neck construction)

 

[Lanky]

I have a Reflex and an Axis SS (same pickups as the Axis?). I think the pickups sound similar, but not the same. The Reflex has a much wider spectrum of frequencies, and a higher output than the axis (although I don't know if the output is due to different electronics or pickups).

For me, the Axis represents a subset of what the Reflex can do, tone-wise. NOt only because of the parallel/serial switch, but e.g. when being in parallel/HB mode at the neck HB, and turning the tone knob to the left entirely, the Reflex sounds warmer, fuller, richer than the Axis. It almost feels like holding an old 335 in my (this is due to the chambers and the mahogany tone block I bleieve). On the bridge HB, the Reflex sounds fatter and hotter than the Axis in overdrive mode, and sounds closer to a Tele when being played clean.

THe neck HB with low tone set, to me sounds more vintage than most other guitars that I know or own. I'm not missing anything here. The coil tap positions on the Reflex also sound rich and pearly (hope that translates).

Yes the Reflex CAN sound edgy, but it also CAN sound warm and vintage.

Overall, I don't know any other guitar that versatile AND great sounding as the Reflex.
The Axis SS is a great guitar that sounds and plays great, but in direct comparision, the Reflex wins imho.

OOPs, I just re-read your post and found that mine doesn't really answer your question, and actually contradicts what you said to a degree. Anyway, I hope that you and/or somebody else can benefit from my elaboration in one or the other way.

 

[DrewH]

The same pickups will sound different in different guitars. Chambering is a BIG factor. The differences in body shape, materials ( I think the reflex has the tone block), etc will also contribute greatly to differences in sound. Metal covers tend to also round off the highs a bit.

 

[beej]

The same pickups will sound different in different guitars. Chambering is a BIG factor. The differences in body shape, materials ( I think the reflex has the tone block), etc will also contribute greatly to differences in sound. Metal covers tend to also round off the highs a bit.

+1

 

[bvdrummer]

Thanks Lanky...that's a lot of good info and I don't disagree with you. I have only had the Reflex for a week and I love it. I haven't had enough time to learn what it can do tonally (I also usually leave the volume and tone at 10), so I'm sure I have a long way to go. I just added to my original post to clarify why I'm asking the question.

Drew, you're right...actually even 2 of the same guitar with the same pickups can sometimes sound different due to dozens of tiny variations all adding up. Another thing I just realized is that the Axis is direct mount and the Reflex has bezels.

So you guys agree that what I've read is correct then? The Axis and Reflex HH have the same pickups minus the cover?

 

[Stratty316]

Yes, they have the same pickups and so does the HHAL.

Tone wise the BFR ASS would sound closest to the reflex as they are very similar in build specs sans chambering and pickup switching options.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lanky]

So you guys agree that what I've read is correct then? The Axis and Reflex HH have the same pickups minus the cover?

First of all, I have no official source for information, and all I do is to read this forum and to try out the guitars that I own.
Based on playing the guitars, I do not believe they are the same. Not because of them not sounding similar (they do, to a degree), but because of the much wider tonal spectrum of the Reflex's pickups (even without the P/S switching taken into respect).

So I'm not saying that those who stated they are the same are not telling the truth, I just cannot explain it to myself. I would of course trust a statement from a EBMM or Dimarzio rep.....

Again, this is NO disrespect for those who clearly stated YES or NO.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

The ALHH, The Axis Line and the Reflex all have the same pickups.

Different woods and camber/no chamber will make them sound different.