Question So who's using low tunings and fat strings on their Axis?

[Jason2112]

I'm considering picking up another Axis/ASS for a metal project I've been offered, but I'm just not sure how well these guitars play with huge strings (probably going with 12's, tuned to C or B/Drop A). So for those of you who do it (or have tried it), here's my questions:

- Do you find the stock frets to be too small to play fast on the fatter strings?

- Do you find the nut width too narrow to play cleanly with the fatter strings?

My only other concern is the distance between the body and the strings @ the bridge. I have to play with my wrist at a less-comfortable angle for fast picking/palm muting on the 5th and 6th strings. I think I can compensate for this, though.

Thanks

 

[whitestrat]

I'd worry more about intonation if I were you... The playability should be fine.

 

[YtseJam92]

Go with EBs "Not Even Slinky" strings. They do much better for C tuning.

 

[Jason2112]

Yeah those strings are what I'm planning to use no matter what guitar I end up with.

So no one's tried it with an Axis? I may have to be the first....

 

[Astrofreq]

I only go drop D at the lowest. IMO, if you are going to Drop A, there are better guitars designed for that. It seems like the strings would be ridiculously loose.

 

[Jason2112]

I only go drop D at the lowest. IMO, if you are going to Drop A, there are better guitars designed for that. It seems like the strings would be ridiculously loose.

That's why you have to use a set of heavy gauge strings. A 25.5" scale on an Axis is the same as a 25.5" scale on an Ibanez, just some minor differences (radius, fret size, neck thickness).

 

[ShaneV]

Somebody get this man a baritone JP

 

[Jason2112]

Somebody get this man a baritone JP

I don't like JP's

 

[dstockden]

I don't like JP's

there's always the silo baritone!

 

[Astrofreq]

I had a baritone by another brand which had a longer scale length. That's what makes me think what I said, although it could work on an axis I guess.

 

[DTJPPR]

Use a heavier gauge string, and you'll be fine. You'll need to reintonate and set up your guitar, of course.
What is more important is the straightness of the neck, and how it balances the tension of the strings. I wouldn't go super heavy just because it seems right. I play in Drop B with 11-50's. I use a lighter attack on that tuning that usual, and the neck is much more straight than usual. It's just a balancing act so you don't end up pulling the neck too far in one direction.
Use the lightest gauge you can use for your playing style, is the best advice I can give, when tuning low. You're going to get plenty of bass response, even from lighter strings, since you'll be able to use preamp gain to your advantage, depending on how you like it.
I usually end up using 25% less Gain and Bass on the Drop Tuned Guitars than my standard tuned ones, which are set up with Hybrid Slinkys(9-46). This is just the nature of lower tunings. You perceive more Bass and More Gain, even with lighter strings.
If you go Drop A, I would use the 11-52s, but they may be light to you, though it'll be easier to keep your guitar set-up, provided you use a light touch and don't bend your strings down when playing.

In regards to your primary concerns, I would say that if you play the guitar in standard and have no problems with fret size, you'll be fine. I also find it easier to play with the narrower nut. You can shift positions and move across the board faster, with less reach, and consequently less hand fatigue. Like I said, if you use a light touch when you play, it'll sound great and play just fine.

 

[YtseJam92]

I don't like JP's

 

[Jason2112]

Use a heavier gauge string, and you'll be fine. You'll need to reintonate and set up your guitar, of course.
What is more important is the straightness of the neck, and how it balances the tension of the strings. I wouldn't go super heavy just because it seems right. I play in Drop B with 11-50's. I use a lighter attack on that tuning that usual, and the neck is much more straight than usual. It's just a balancing act so you don't end up pulling the neck too far in one direction.
Use the lightest gauge you can use for your playing style, is the best advice I can give, when tuning low. You're going to get plenty of bass response, even from lighter strings, since you'll be able to use preamp gain to your advantage, depending on how you like it.
I usually end up using 25% less Gain and Bass on the Drop Tuned Guitars than my standard tuned ones, which are set up with Hybrid Slinkys(9-46). This is just the nature of lower tunings. You perceive more Bass and More Gain, even with lighter strings.
If you go Drop A, I would use the 11-52s, but they may be light to you, though it'll be easier to keep your guitar set-up, provided you use a light touch and don't bend your strings down when playing.

In regards to your primary concerns, I would say that if you play the guitar in standard and have no problems with fret size, you'll be fine. I also find it easier to play with the narrower nut. You can shift positions and move across the board faster, with less reach, and consequently less hand fatigue. Like I said, if you use a light touch when you play, it'll sound great and play just fine.

Thanks for the info. I play through DI boxes so I can compensate for the extra gain. The thing is I normally do play with a light touch for most things, but when it comes to playing fast, grinding rhythms, I really abuse the guitar! That's why I'm concerned about the fret size - I'd rather dig the strings into the frets than into the fingerboard. I may just have to look for a dedicated shred guitar, the more I think about it the more an Axis doesn't sound like it's going to work. Bummer.

 

[ScoobySteve]

I was going to suggest just giving a 7 stringer a shot, but you said you don't like JP's!

 

[bkrumme]

JP7 is 25.5" scale and it's tuned to B. Intonation shouldn't be that big of an issue.

 

[Jason2112]

Ah but yes, no JP's. I hit that darn pickup toggle all the time and it drives me nuts.

 

[bkrumme]

Ah but yes, no JP's. I hit that darn pickup toggle all the time and it drives me nuts.

I just meant that as a reference for the scale length of the guitar. If one 25.5" scale guitar can be tuned to B and not have an intonation problem, presumably another 25.5" scale guitar should behave in approximately the same way.