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Question Sterling AX30 vs AX30d

A

allenk732

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2015
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51
Location
Edwardsville, IL
I just purchased what was advertised as a Sterling ax30d on Ebay for a great price. I got it and it plays and sounds great. I was curious though, how can I tell if it's actually an ax30d and not an ax30?

Is there a way to tell by just looking at it for by the serial number? I mean, it sounds great regardless but I was just curious.
 
You could provide Customer Service with the serial number to get confirmation. There's a thread at the top of the Guitar section of this forum where A.J. will provide info on your guitar based on its S/N.

I'll take a guess and say the AX30D has the same DiMarzio pickups as the Axis.
 
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Thanks canuuck. I know the 30d has the DiMarzios but just looking at it I can't find anyway to tell as there are no markings. I'll post the serial number in the sticky once I'm in front of it again.
 
One easy way to tell is the SBMM pickups had square pickup feet and routs. Dimarzio pickups have triangle feet and routs. I have seen some guitars with square routs and Dimarzio pickups. Just look at look at the base where the pickup is screwed to the body.

Pics of your guitar would help too!;)

Ben
 
BenB5150 said:
One easy way to tell is the SBMM pickups had square pickup feet and routs. Dimarzio pickups have triangle feet and routs. I have seen some guitars with square routs and Dimarzio pickups.
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Yes, a quick and easy way to tell. Since the pickups are the only difference between the models.
Rectangle mounting tabs = SBMM pickups. Triangle mounting tabs = Dimarzio pickups.
 
You'll get no love providing a serial number to CS at either EBMM or Sterling for this. I tried that once.

BenB5150 has the answer for you.
 
Always best to let those in the know answer...

If it does have square routing on the top, and triangular mounting points, you will need to actually pull the pickups out to identify by model number on the pickups. Some people have upgraded them, so you need to be sure it is an actual "AXIS" DiMarzio by the part number on it.

There was a production run of 84 guitars that were what we would call "transitional" models. In other words, square routing with DiMarzio pickups.

Our serial numbers follow a production run schedule and do not indicate the year of manufacture.
 
Thanks for the info everyone. This one has square routing and square mounting points so looks like I was mislead in the listing.... Oh well... I still think the pickups they have in it are pretty hot and sound great for what I play.

Now time to find a JP100d!

Thanks again.
 
allenk732 said:
Thanks for the info everyone. This one has square routing and square mounting points so looks like I was mislead in the listing.... Oh well... I still think the pickups they have in it are pretty hot and sound great for what I play.

Now time to find a JP100d!

Thanks again.
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The stock pickups in the AX30/AX40 are pretty darn good. Not DiMarzios, but great sounding none the less!

Luckily, JP100D is a pretty easy find since we are currently making 4 finishes, including the new JP100D-MKOA based on the BFR Koa topped model. Stunning at best!
 
Thanks edhalen. I'm really wanting to find a used one. I'm on a budget and don't really care about the looks of it right now so trying to find one that's a little beat up for a good price.

After playing a MM Axis at my local shop and seeing how well the ax30 plays I'm all in for Sterling and Music Man guitars now.
 
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