The action height and truss rod on an Axis Super Sport Hardtail

[bvaladez74]

Hi all,

New to the forum, but definitely not new to Music Man Axis guitars.

So I know this is a shock Music man has very low defects, but I want to make sure my new SS didn't come new with issues. Just as a background, I have 3 Axis guitars....the floyd model. This is my first SS. This is the newer model with the F hole, MM90's/Hardtail. I'm very familiar with set ups, neck relief, action, intonation, etc.

So the new SS seems out of the box "stiff". Seemed to come right off with higher action than I've ever seen. The compensated nut seems to sit higher in the nut pocket than I'm used to. The truss rod adjustment wheel is so stiff that when you go to adjust the neck (tighten) to flatten it out...it's so tight that it feels like it cannot be turned anymore and by looking at the guitar, it's obvious the neck needs to be flattened out. When I do get it close to flatter...less bowed, the action still high...but there's a little too much higher fret rubbing. It's odd...none of it seems to make sense.

So what I did was take it to a luthier friend and it didn't come back really any better than when I dropped it off.

Now yes...I understand it's a hardtail, it's a different nut than other guitars...but it almost feels like I got a neck that isn't 100% in great shape. Not to mention, the guitar doesn't hold a tune too well..no matter what it's set up like.

Lowering the string saddles helps a little but you can only take that so far. Also...the neck seems to sit higher in the neck pocket than my tremolo Axis guitars. ????

I just bought the guitar 2 weeks ago. I don't really want to deal with the store...I'd rather deal with Music man direct being that this is a honey burst, matching headstock, F hole, MM90 model...and there aren't many out there. I'd rather get the neck fixed, looked at, really come back to me with an A+++ touring level fix from the manufacturer itself.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[DrKev]

Hi there and welcome to the forum.

Low rate of defects or not, problems do arise and that why the warranty system is in place. The store you bought it from should be your first call. That's how the warranty system is designed to work. If you can't point to an actual defect they'll almost certainly want to take a look at it.

Failing that you can contact Customer Service directly (see the links in my signature below).

What did you luthier friend say about it? Maybe time to find a new luthier if they couldn't tell you anything but you are still not happy?

 

[bvaladez74]

I've already reached out the customer service. The main thing the luthier said was how that the truss rod wheel is way too stuck or tight. Leaving it to where not a lot can be done to adjust the neck properly.

I'll wait for a response from Music man and go from there. I'd rather deal with MM direct being that we're in the same state and I can save a bit of time rather than shipping the guitar back to New York.

Anyway, thanks.

 

[DrKev]

In that case, yes, definitely something for CS to deal with. They'll look after you. That's what they are there for!

 

[Tollywood]

Welcome to the forum. Good luck; I'm confident that c.s. will get you squared away.