What should I pay for a new Axis?

[Doug Pratt]

Hi! I'm new to this forum and I'm lookin forward to learning a lot. I just started learning electric guitar about 14 months ago after playing acoustic for many years. What a difference!

I've been playing a Samick FB1, a knock-off of the EBMM Axis, and have been impressed with it. But I've been told the Axis is a better guitar which brings me to this question. I want to buy a new Axis for my Godson's graduation gift. What is the fair price range these days?

Thanks,

Doug

 

[DaPatrooch]

Hmm, I'm actually not sure. You could go to Guitar Center's website and see their price to give you an idea.

 

[Doug Pratt]

Price of a new Axis?

Thanks, DaP. Yeah, I will do that. You think their prices are close to average retail?

Doug

 

[azazael]

It will be considerably more expensive than a Samick.
Check out the for sale thread also for used balls from forum members.

 

[browndog]

I check numerous stores online and GC seemed to be the cheapest.

You can also check out the “Store” on the Music Man website.

Music Man

 

[Doug Pratt]

Thanks, guys. I'l keep doin this homework.

I did find that they're selling at GC for $1,700...Axis SS is about the same.

And it seems used they're goin for as little as $225.

 

[azazael]

Thanks, guys. I'l keep doin this homework.

I did find that they're selling at GC for $1,700...Axis SS is about the same.

And it seems used they're goin for as little as $225.

you will NEVER find an Axis used for 225.

 

[Doug Pratt]

Aza, good call. I double checked on the GC Used Guitars site and I missed a detail...the $225 Axis is an OLP...that would be a EBMM knockoff?

 

[jamminjim]

you will NEVER find an Axis used for 225.

+1 even if it's been submerged in the water in a Florida bay for a few months....

 

[Jack FFR1846]

Doug,

I had a Silvertone Fastback, which is exactly the same guitar you have, with a different name on the headstock. While it's a great $100 guitar (what I paid used for it), you'll find that either a Musicman Axis Supersport (I have one) or a Sterling by Musicman AX20 are both way nicer guitars. If you're looking used, you still won't find a Musicman for anywhere near $250. The Fastback is sort of a knockoff cross between an Axis Supersport and a Wolfgang (I had one of those....sold it). Be careful with OLP. There are good ones out there and there are many that will make your Samick look like a superstar by comparison.

On the left is a Wolfgang Special, the Silvertone in the middle and my Axis on the right.

 

[Doug Pratt]

Jack, your Axis is a honey drippin dream...exactly what I want to get for my Godson.

Geez, if I got one for him I'd be tempted to keep it!

 

[browndog]

Doug, if you like the Natural. Check out the “Music Man” link on my previous post.

They have a Natural Axis Super Sport for sale.

 

[koogie2k]

Doug,

Welcome to the Addiction!

Several options you can try. GC is one as suggested or buy used by checking out the "For Sale" sticky at the top.

Also, give Pete Dubaldo a shout. He is a forum member and a great authorized EBMM dealer.

 

[Doug Pratt]

Doug, if you like the Natural. Check out the “Music Man” link on my previous post.

They have a Natural Axis Super Sport for sale.

Yeah, thanks. Pretty guitar, seems like a very good deal...a Super Sport less expensive than a basic Axis. Maybe because it doesn't have the Floyd Rose system?

 

[John C]

Aza, good call. I double checked on the GC Used Guitars site and I missed a detail...the $225 Axis is an OLP...that would be a EBMM knockoff?

Doug - it appears no one answered your question about OLP. OLP produced officially licensed lower-priced import versions of EBMM guitars (Axis, Silhouette, and John Petrucci) for several years earlier this decade; their license ended in either late 2007 or sometime in 2008.

The OLP was "replaced" by the Sterling by Music Man (or "SBMM") imported line last year.

 

[Slav123]

Welcome aboard Doug! If you're on a budget and want to get a new Axis. You should get this Sterling AX40 from Pete. I think that your Godson will love it! Jeff and Pat can tell you how great these guitars are.

Basswood Body w/ Creme Binding, tummy contour.
Quilted Maple Veneer Top
Maple Neck w/ Maple Fingerboard
Sterling Double Locking Tremolo
Locking Nut
22 Medium Jumbo Frets
25.5" Scale
5 Bolt Music Man® Designed Neck Joint
2x Sterling A5 Zebra Humbuckers
3 Way Selector switch
41.5mm Nut Width (1.63")
Spoke Wheel Truss Rod Adjustment
Heavy Duty Gig Bag Included
Transparent Gold Finish

DUBALDO MUSIC CENTER
186 West Middle Turnpike
Manchester CT 06040
(860) 649-6205

 

[azazael]

The Sterling is an option I suppose but to be brutally honest it is still night and day between the Ax and the Axis.


The Super Sport is a great option also.

What kind of music does your godson play?

 

[Doug Pratt]

John, thanks, this is very interesting. A local shop has had a Sterling Axis for over a year, now on sale for $279.00. I'm sorely tempted to buy it. But...

how might it compare to the OLP? About the same, or perhaps a bit better quality control?

Doug

 

[Doug Pratt]

The Sterling is an option I suppose but to be brutally honest it is still night and day between the Ax and the Axis.


The Super Sport is a great option also.

What kind of music does your godson play?

Aza, I appreciate your interest. My Godson plays rock, Led Zep, Red Hot Chili Peppers. He's not in a band, it's just a garage hobby. But he's outgrown his 1999 Squire Strat and I think a Sterling Axis would be perfect for him, if it's what I think it is...

Remember I have the Samick FB1 with a Floyd Rose, and I love it. And I played a Sterling Axis once in a shop. So I don't have a lot to go on personally right now...the advice each of you are offering is really helpful.

 

[Doug Pratt]

Whoa, Slav, you done it now! How can I resist that pinup?

I'm gonna call Pete (Pete Dubaldo?) about this. Thanks.

Doug