What Should I get?

[TonyEVH5150]

In my long search for THE EBMM for me, I've narrowed it down to a few options. I'm posing it to the group because I honestly would be happy with any one of the three I'm thinking of buying.

I'm interested in a Silo (including a 20th Ann), an ASS, and an Albert Lee (MM-90 loaded). All trem loaded. I've figured out that I'm not as into a single-coil sound as I once was. I've tried out the MM-90's and really like them - in between an hot overwound single, and a slightly vintage-hot humbucker.

I play mostly modern rock (Shinedown, Three Days Grace), 90's alternative (Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins), and I'm getting into rock-oriented country (Keith Urban, Sugarland). I need a guitar that can cover the bases of all of these styles/tones. I do like heavy distortion, but don't necessarily go into a metal type high gain.

I know I've also posted in the past about having trouble with the lack of a forearm contour on the Axis/ASS. Pretty much a non-issue now. I've done some PT and change a few minor things about my technique, and it's really helped with the problems I had before.

 

[robelinda2]

Buy an AL and live with it for awhile, you will LOVE it!

 

[fogman]

I'd go with the Silo for versatility.
The humbuckers will help you with the hard rock acts you listed, then position 2 and 4 will give you what you need for the country music.

 

[dwells]

get an Ass!!! dude if you play rock an AL aint going to help But for country the Al is king

 

[Jack FFR1846]

How about an ASS MM90? It will cover all but the higher gain stuff. I use mine for pretty much everything. When I want a real heavy high gain, high distortion sound, I had been going to my "other brand" guitar, but with the new Axis.....the "other brand" guitar is for sale.

I also like the idea of a double hum silo....but see that you've got one. If you want more variety (says the guy with 2 Axis guitars and 2 others pretending to be) maybe go with an ASS MM90.

Oh.....and you forgot to add the 25th....

jack

 

[Astrofreq]

Axis SS hardtail.

 

[Jason2112]

I'm interested in a Silo (including a 20th Ann), an ASS, and an Albert Lee (MM-90 loaded). All trem loaded. I've figured out that I'm not as into a single-coil sound as I once was....

I think you just excluded the Silo. Since you already have a Silo Special, I'd go for the ASS. I have both, and between them I can get any sound I could ever want. The #2, #3, and #4 positions on the ASS sound really good, plus it's light as a feather (even with the trem).

 

[TNT]

Silo!!!!

 

[threeminutesboy]

Those thread are always very funny, cause when it gets to your guitar and your sound only you can decide what is good for you

I'm not sure you will see the light through us, all models got pros and cons but at the end of the day it's you and your guitar

So to me, the best one is the one you will bond with immediatly or not .

Good luck with your quest

 

[D.K.]

If You say 20-th silo is also considered, then there is not even a possibility choice, actually !

But as for regular models, I can just recommend a silo - great for everything, versatile, looks gorgeous, has no one's name on it - buy it and play it whichever way You want.

 

[Spudmurphy]

I think for you it would have to be an Axis.

I saw a French EB endorsee play an Axis at the knucklehead bash in London last year and he played all styles on an Axis.

As much as I love the AL I'm not sure that the MM90's will float your boat.

 

[lumberjack]

Hey Tony have you thought about going with a 25th Anniversary model? Close to the Axis shape, chambered body......could be the ticket.

If not I'd go with an ASS.

 

[JMB27]

Tony,

Super Sport - loaded. The range of sounds you mention will more than adequately be covered. Have used my Super Sports for: jazz, blues, country, disco(paid gig) and rock

And, the Super Sport is very friendly to a multitude of amps 'n' effects .... goodness knows I seemed to have tried 'em all before settling on my current rig.

cheers always, eh

Joel

 

[MusicManJP6]

i'd go with the silo for versatility.
The humbuckers will help you with the hard rock acts you listed, then position 2 and 4 will give you what you need for the country music.

+1!

 

[lenny]

get an Ass!!! dude if you play rock an AL aint going to help But for country the Al is king

I better go and check my photos again ...but the last time i looked Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix and SRV and JRV and Gilmour and ....... ALL used 3 single colis in their strats ...and the last time i looked at my AL it had the same configuration and the last time i played ...which is once a week at a gig and 3 x a week at home .....i used an AL with 3 singles and we play rock and country and i had no problems getting high gain distortion med gain distortion low gain distortion ...Overdrive and wait i think i even had a Fuzz tone ..... ....the AL is THE most versatile guitar i have ever used im 39 i have been playing semi pro since i was 16 ......dont mean to come down as snotty hahahaha cause im not ...just defending the guitar and the configuration i love most!!! Peace and happy Pluckin

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I remember seeing a video of one of our former forum members playing a Helmet song on a Dargie Delight AL with MM-90's. Makes me think the guitar and the pickups can handle moer than previously thought.

 

[beej]

I'm thinking Axis MM90 as well. It's got a great mix of twang and bite. Great with gain (rock gain, not as much with metal levels of gain), excellent semi dirty to clean.

But the thing is, each one of those guitars has a different neck. If it were me, I'd find the neck profile I like best and then nail down the pickup options from there.

 

[lenny]

Yah its all about PUPS and amps....like i said i get VERY high gain tones outta my AL W/3 SIngles and a Fender 4x10 Super reverb .....try them out with a Marshall or a Mesa and get some serious chug.......Dont get me wrong Humbuckers are more output so therefore even more gain but again Amp is a big part. Also the AL is VERY VERY comfy it rests very nicely against the body ala the nice contour on the back..Good luck in your Quest for tone ...its a great one!!

 

[lenny]

I'm thinking Axis MM90 as well. It's got a great mix of twang and bite. Great with some gain, excellent semi dirty to clean.

But the thing is, each one of those guitars has a different neck. If it were me, I'd find the neck profile I like best and then nail down the pickup options from there.

I was just going to edit my post about the necks.....i just sold my ASS because i couldnt bond with it...gave me cramps in my wrist ...the AL doesnt.
Great point Beej first and foremost thats what you need to know ...is it a comfy neck for you!

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I definitely love the necks on both the AL and Super Sport. The silo is an adjustment, but still doable.