So sell me on the Sterling AX40

[Bryan]

I'm in the market for a FR humbucker pup guitar. I've been focusing on a used EVH Wolfgang (my budget is about $700-800 so even a used Axis is too much) and the AX40 keeps coming up in the discussion.

I know many of you champion and some own this guitar.

So I want sound and feel comparisons to the Axis and the Wolfgang.

Thanks up front!

 

[ozzyrules]

Nice trans blue Axis on the FS thread. I'd scrape up a few more bucks & grab it if I were you.....

 

[Bryan]

That is a beauty.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

Boy.....I have to say that you really need to figure out a way to A-B-C them. At one time, I was into FR guitars. I had an Axis and a Wolfgang special. I sold the Wolfgang years ago. I've recently sold the Axis as I no longer use a trem at all. I've played an AX40, but only a few times and for maybe 5 minutes at a time. I would line up my preferences like this: Axis, PV Wolf (not special), PV Wolf special, Ax40 and lastly, Wolf EXP. Wait....I also have played the new EVHs. The AX40 played better, and I'm not just saying that. Be very, very careful if you are looking at Wolfgangs. It seems like in the last year, lots of people are putting specials up as if they are the regular Wolfs....which all have binding and 2 knobs. Don't be the guy spending $800 on a $500 special.

 

[Bryan]

I've noticed the weird trend of people passing off EXPs as legitimate Wolfgangs and trying to sell them anywhere from $700-$1000. Brand new they were $899 retail!

I might be missing out but I'm focusing mostly on the EVH Special or the AX40. I don't like the looks of the Peavey Special (no binding) and the Standard is priced too close to a used Axis for me to look at. I'd just as soon get an Axis.

And I noticed that Blue Axis is already gone. Oh well.

 

[TNT]

When I am out gear shopping around, it's normally the ONLY guitar I will play when I go into a music store; if there are no EB guitars available, (along with one other one.)

You'll love the AX40, designed to feel good when you play.

 

[mtrejo]

I have the AX40 In blue. It's a very nice guitar. Feels great, great action on mine, and the pickups sound sweet too. The neck profile is fatter than the Axis so definitely play one if you get a chance. For the money, I'd say the AX40 will take you a long way. I hardly ever use the T bar but when I have, it's done a good job of staying in tune well. I prefer a hard tail or classic trem, but that's just me.

Have you looked at the new color for 2012? Trans black. Pat has posted pictures here and they are stunning. Check out their Facebook page for more pictures.

 

[ScoobySteve]

The AX40 is great. Always manage to noodle around on one when I visit a guitar center.

However I'm always the advocate of the "wait and get the guitar you want" mantra.

Instruments are a big investment. Don't settle for anything but your top choices.

Wait a little longer and save a little more and get an Axis.

 

[lukather101]

Recently got a EVH special , good guitar for the money (bit concerned about the sharp fret ends when i got it but a few days out of the case sorted it) . Only choose it over the AX40 because I'm on the look out for a used Axis . If you can't afford a used axis then you can't go wrong with the AX , they play great..

 

[Bryan]

Well I had an EVH special, but returned it due to sharp frets and high E roll off. I ran it in a room with a humidifier for two weeks straight and got some improvement but not enough. And I live in a high humidity area (south Louisiana).

But I haven't found another used in the price range I want. But even new the AX40 fits the bill.

So I ordered a trans black today. We will see what happens when it arrives. I'm hoping for the best.

 

[Bryan]

Any other opinions?

 

[TNT]

Yeah, you can't go wrong with the AX40 if you like EBMM guitars!! That is entry level, with a nice price and a very nice playable guitar, with inherent quality to preserve any "upgrades" you may want to throw at it later.

 

[mtrejo]

Nice buy. I'm sure you will quickly realize you got yourself a sweet guitar. Don't forget to post pics when you get it and your assessment.

 

[Bryan]

I posted the thread about getting one.

It's awesome!

 

[SouthernILL]

You really do get alot of EBMM Axis vibe in the AX40.....quilt is very thin veneer.
Love my AX40 as any in my collection.I did have to setup to taste and do some neck adjusting.