Yes, i'd agree on the up & down cycles of popularity over time. And let's not forget about all the BC Rich players from the 80's. But of all the flavors of the month, the oldest designs & manufacturers--Gibson, Fender, and to a lesser degree Gretsch and Rickenbacker--are the ones that both new and old school players keep coming back to. There hasn't been a second wave of mass popularity for BC Rich, Kramer, Charvel/Jackson, ESP, etc. Only time will tell if PRS becomes a classic or a fad. They're good guitars. Let's see what all these guys play after their endorsement deals expire.
whats so special about the axis
- Thread starter timrams88
- Start date
Hey Jimi D, yeah they are cool at the 12th Fret and they are also a great pro shop, you can trust them completely to fix your guitars.
The repairman in the shop have even spent a half hour at a time showing me how to maintain my guitars at no cost.
When I bought my Strat (this is before my seeing the light of EBMM), they talked me down to a less expensive guitar ,
the sales guy said
"if you buy that one you are paying for a lot of sh*t you don't need, try this one instead"
The repairman in the shop have even spent a half hour at a time showing me how to maintain my guitars at no cost.
When I bought my Strat (this is before my seeing the light of EBMM), they talked me down to a less expensive guitar ,
the sales guy said
"if you buy that one you are paying for a lot of sh*t you don't need, try this one instead"
orangeaxis
Member
- Joined
- May 29, 2004
- Messages
- 5
I'll try tossing in my 0.02.
Someone told me this once and I find it to be 100% true:
Most guitarists listen with their eyes.
What?
That's right. Most guitarists listen with their eyes.
If it doesnt look like a Marshall it cant have killer rock tone. If it isnt a LP, it cant have that early heavy rock sound. Etc.
People have a hard time getting past those stereotypes and image expectations.
If you really want to compare the the axis and the LP, go somewhere where you can really listen to the guitars.
Best world would be to put on a set of headphones from the out of a serious preamp/amp (however you have to do it, voodu valve, miked amp with phones from the board, whatever).
But even if all you can do is just plug into an amp that you know how to dial a great sound up on. Then close your eyes. Have your buddy hand you one and play it. Listen to it. Dont open your eyes. Then play the other. Sure, you will know which is which but if you really keep your eyes closed and listen I guarantee you can tell the difference.
I'm certainly not a great player. I am an average joe. But even I can hear the difference, particularly (IMHO) with the more recent Gibsons.
To me, I can just hear the overtones and harmonics jump off the fingerboard when I play the axis. the thing is so "live" to me. and i really think the pickups capture what I hear just acoustically.
on top of that, the neck is unbelievable. i wish it was just a tad wider. but that raw neck rules.
the LPs I tried, I felt that every one of them I would have had to upgraded the pickups. i have to also admit that I favor ebony or maple necks and most of the LPs I tried were Rosewood. I just hear more of a snap from those. I dont know why. Maybe that is me listening with my eyes
So go try them out--side to side, eyes closed. I think you will hear the difference. And I mean really HEAR the difference.
The thing you wont ever be able to get past with an axis is that it is a true "one look" guitar. It says Van Hagar. Period. And if you cant get past that connection and look, than all the listening with your ears wont get past the listening you are doing with your eyes.
Clark
Someone told me this once and I find it to be 100% true:
Most guitarists listen with their eyes.
What?
That's right. Most guitarists listen with their eyes.
If it doesnt look like a Marshall it cant have killer rock tone. If it isnt a LP, it cant have that early heavy rock sound. Etc.
People have a hard time getting past those stereotypes and image expectations.
If you really want to compare the the axis and the LP, go somewhere where you can really listen to the guitars.
Best world would be to put on a set of headphones from the out of a serious preamp/amp (however you have to do it, voodu valve, miked amp with phones from the board, whatever).
But even if all you can do is just plug into an amp that you know how to dial a great sound up on. Then close your eyes. Have your buddy hand you one and play it. Listen to it. Dont open your eyes. Then play the other. Sure, you will know which is which but if you really keep your eyes closed and listen I guarantee you can tell the difference.
I'm certainly not a great player. I am an average joe. But even I can hear the difference, particularly (IMHO) with the more recent Gibsons.
To me, I can just hear the overtones and harmonics jump off the fingerboard when I play the axis. the thing is so "live" to me. and i really think the pickups capture what I hear just acoustically.
on top of that, the neck is unbelievable. i wish it was just a tad wider. but that raw neck rules.
the LPs I tried, I felt that every one of them I would have had to upgraded the pickups. i have to also admit that I favor ebony or maple necks and most of the LPs I tried were Rosewood. I just hear more of a snap from those. I dont know why. Maybe that is me listening with my eyes
So go try them out--side to side, eyes closed. I think you will hear the difference. And I mean really HEAR the difference.
The thing you wont ever be able to get past with an axis is that it is a true "one look" guitar. It says Van Hagar. Period. And if you cant get past that connection and look, than all the listening with your ears wont get past the listening you are doing with your eyes.
Clark
Music-Guru
Member
- Joined
- May 31, 2004
- Messages
- 18
What's so special? It KILLS any Custom Shop Wolfgang garbage you can throw at it.
Wolf Static
Member
I have to say that I'm a fan of MusicMan guitars primarily for the fact that their instruments simply exhibit boutique quality and craftsmanship, and give me the best playing experience imaginable. I also like the fact that EBMM are truly the Mercedes of guitar, and I feel comfort in the knowledge that my instrument is built to the high standards that MM are consistently known for. Now, that being said - I was a little rattled by the low-cost Sub-series guitars. Not that they're bad instruments by any means - they are definitely not up to par with the general MM standards. Yes, I know cost and quality don't necessarily equate. However I hope we can agree that the general rule of thumb is that you DON'T get what you DON'T pay for.
Interesting thread, I didn't come across it before now but I'm glad I did today.
In addition to all the things everyone has said about the great neck, tone, sustain, overall quality, etc... one of the things I always think about the axis is this. I believe that EVH in a moment of genious looked at what he wanted in a guitar. It basically came down to a simple guitar that is a kind of cross between a strat and a LP with a Floyd trem. The Axis is that guitar. You get a lightweight, tonally rich body. A fantasitic playing neck. Beautiful looks. Simple controls. Deep rich tone that rivals a LP anyday. I think the Axis will be the LP or Strat of the next 30-50 years. Its an ideal evolution of two older classics, dreamed up by a creative mind who always tinkered with guitars trying to perfect them, until this guitar was made for him.
In addition to all the things everyone has said about the great neck, tone, sustain, overall quality, etc... one of the things I always think about the axis is this. I believe that EVH in a moment of genious looked at what he wanted in a guitar. It basically came down to a simple guitar that is a kind of cross between a strat and a LP with a Floyd trem. The Axis is that guitar. You get a lightweight, tonally rich body. A fantasitic playing neck. Beautiful looks. Simple controls. Deep rich tone that rivals a LP anyday. I think the Axis will be the LP or Strat of the next 30-50 years. Its an ideal evolution of two older classics, dreamed up by a creative mind who always tinkered with guitars trying to perfect them, until this guitar was made for him.
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hbucker
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2002
- Messages
- 707
There's the factor too of which LP are you talking about? There are about 100 different variations. The variety is cool. Yet it makes it harder to know what guitar someone is talking about when they say "I like a Les Paul". If I bought an LP I would be inclined to buy a '57 reissue Gold Top or something similar. Just so I knew I was buying something that matched the original LP vibe as closely as possible. But that's probably just me.
The Axis is the essence of excellence IMO: classic, classy, modern, vintage, what you need in a guitar and nothing more.
They're so good you can say they're just "great". Slamming other gear to make them sound better really does them a disservice.
Play one and see what I mean. If you like it, buy several. If you don't, buy only one
The Axis is the essence of excellence IMO: classic, classy, modern, vintage, what you need in a guitar and nothing more.
They're so good you can say they're just "great". Slamming other gear to make them sound better really does them a disservice.
Play one and see what I mean. If you like it, buy several. If you don't, buy only one
Raz
Well-known member
Hmmm I don't know if I agree with this statement...I feel the SUB's quality exceeds most other American (I won't even mention overseas stuff) brands 1.5 times more expensive. I believe with the non-contoured body, stock pups, diamond pick guard, industrial-like finish and their own locking-tuners, which are kick-arse BTW, they've saved some production dollars and given the customer access to a line of guitars that may have been unatainable, or atleast because of the higher price tag, feared, thus passed over. I'm actually taken back by your commentWolf Static said:
EBMM STANDARDS exist in all their products, from strings to volume pedals, however, just because something is more economical, it doesn't necessarily mean that its SUB
STANDARD. It's like buying a Corolla with no air, AM/FM player, or power options...still a great car, economical yes, below Toyota standards...I THINK NOT!
EDIT I take it back, I'M PISSED
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Pundix
Well-known member
$0.02
Just thought I would add to the things said.
First, Les Pauls (if you get a good one are great!) So are Strats, Tele's and any number of other guitars. I have several and can say they are fantastic.
What makes the Axis, Silo, Silo Special, or other EBMM guitar great is:
1) They feel good. I pick them up and the make me want to play.
2) They sound good. When I plug them in I get sounds coming from my amp that make me want to play.
3) They are well built. I can play my Silo Special for hours and never have to retune. (Something I can only say about 1 of my Fenders and none of my Gibsons).
4) Some of them are very versitile. With my HSS Silo Special I can get a wide variety of good tones.
5) They look good. They're made out of good stuff and have nice finishes.
What's not to like? Then again, picking a guitar is such a personal thing that you really have to go play one to know if it's for you.
timrams88 said:
Just thought I would add to the things said.
First, Les Pauls (if you get a good one are great!) So are Strats, Tele's and any number of other guitars. I have several and can say they are fantastic.
What makes the Axis, Silo, Silo Special, or other EBMM guitar great is:
1) They feel good. I pick them up and the make me want to play.
2) They sound good. When I plug them in I get sounds coming from my amp that make me want to play.
3) They are well built. I can play my Silo Special for hours and never have to retune. (Something I can only say about 1 of my Fenders and none of my Gibsons).
4) Some of them are very versitile. With my HSS Silo Special I can get a wide variety of good tones.
5) They look good. They're made out of good stuff and have nice finishes.
What's not to like? Then again, picking a guitar is such a personal thing that you really have to go play one to know if it's for you.
Wolf Static
Member
Raz - I guess you're right... I was just getting a little snobby there! Y'know.. you own a Porche and one day they release a 'budget' version of the same 'Porche' - kinda gets one to think a little... 
Warg Master
Well-known member
Wolf Static said:Raz - I guess you're right... I was just getting a little snobby there! Y'know.. you own a Porche and one day they release a 'budget' version of the same 'Porche' - kinda gets one to think a little...
Heheh... I doubt that.
Raz
Well-known member
What about me being right?Warg Master said:
Wolf Static
No harm Wolf, I was just defending the EBMM name, I wasn't really that angry...now if I can just get these chards of drywall off my fist
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Warg Master
Well-known member
Sorry to break it to you, the world does not revolve around you raz! 
j/k
I was actually referring to the affordable porche statement, I doubt that porche would do that.
I agree with what you said about the Sub's... DUH I own one.
j/kI was actually referring to the affordable porche statement, I doubt that porche would do that.
I agree with what you said about the Sub's... DUH I own one.
Raz
Well-known member
Warg Master said:Sorry to break it to you, the world does not revolve around you raz!
I was actually referring to the affordable porche statement, I doubt that porche would do that.
I agree with what you said about the Sub's... DUH I own one.
I know, I'm just acting the fool...I haven't been this active on the forums in a hoolava long time, so I'm like a kid all over again!
Warg Master
Well-known member
Raz said:
Naw, I should have been more clear in my quotation!
dfrady
Well-known member
If you want to know what's so special about an Axis, just go out and play one, i bet you'll be tradin' in that other guitar made by them other guys.
The Axis plays better, sounds better, you don't have to mortgage your house to buy one, and you don't need a forklift to hold it up for you when you play it so you don't break your back.
The Axis plays better, sounds better, you don't have to mortgage your house to buy one, and you don't need a forklift to hold it up for you when you play it so you don't break your back.
SteveB
Well-known member
I thought that inexpensive Porsche's did exist.. Volkswagons.
(I know, VW sold Porsche off... I forget who owns them now.)
(I know, VW sold Porsche off... I forget who owns them now.)
Eddie Van Halen
Well-known member
ok since I've played my fair share I'll start from headstock to...the end?
Headstock: Not huge and attention grabbing, doesn't weigh a tonne, the weight is evenly distributed.
Tuners: Tune ups are a snap (if you don't include the Floyd System), they aren't hard to rotate like some low quality tuners
The Neck: Probably the best neck you will find on any guitar, the birdseye neck looks amazing and it's so smooth.
Frets: The frets are perfect for hitting harmonics, and are greately filed on the sides, so they will-in no way-interfere when you need to move your hand quickly
Body: Cool shape, light
Pickups: The pickups are amazing, you can go from an amazing clean tone, to a heavily distorted tone easily. Harmonics sound out perfectly, and there is very little white noise when you aren't playing
Volume Knob: In my opinion, tone knobs are useless, and the knob is smartly placed so you can access it quickly, and it is quite sensitive so to go to a lower volume, you don't have to go down to 2 until you get a volume change.
Pickup Toggle Switch: Honestly, the best place you could put a pickup switch, you can switch the pickups and lower the volume in a matter of seconds.
Floyd Rose: What is there to say about it, you can get dives and harmonic squeals that you could never dream of on any other system at the small cost of re-stringing and tuning being a little more of a hassle.
If you're looking for a damn near perfect guitar, don't look any further. If you want your vintage rock-through-marshall get a Les Paul. Les Pauls are great but I'd take 1 Axis over 3 Les Pauls any day of the week.
My 2 cents
Headstock: Not huge and attention grabbing, doesn't weigh a tonne, the weight is evenly distributed.
Tuners: Tune ups are a snap (if you don't include the Floyd System), they aren't hard to rotate like some low quality tuners
The Neck: Probably the best neck you will find on any guitar, the birdseye neck looks amazing and it's so smooth.
Frets: The frets are perfect for hitting harmonics, and are greately filed on the sides, so they will-in no way-interfere when you need to move your hand quickly
Body: Cool shape, light
Pickups: The pickups are amazing, you can go from an amazing clean tone, to a heavily distorted tone easily. Harmonics sound out perfectly, and there is very little white noise when you aren't playing
Volume Knob: In my opinion, tone knobs are useless, and the knob is smartly placed so you can access it quickly, and it is quite sensitive so to go to a lower volume, you don't have to go down to 2 until you get a volume change.
Pickup Toggle Switch: Honestly, the best place you could put a pickup switch, you can switch the pickups and lower the volume in a matter of seconds.
Floyd Rose: What is there to say about it, you can get dives and harmonic squeals that you could never dream of on any other system at the small cost of re-stringing and tuning being a little more of a hassle.
If you're looking for a damn near perfect guitar, don't look any further. If you want your vintage rock-through-marshall get a Les Paul. Les Pauls are great but I'd take 1 Axis over 3 Les Pauls any day of the week.
My 2 cents
