So I'm thinking about getting an Axis but I'm not sure if I should get one with the Floyd or go for an A.S.S . In 24 years of playing I have never owned a guitar with Floyd they all been hardtails except a roadstar 2 I had 20 years ago and my new JP6. Is changing strings and setting the guitar up a pain? Anything eles should I know about this trem? Any websites you can recommend to know more about a Floyd?
- Thread starter Noah76
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well it depends on your style. if you feel like you'd use the floyd rose or that you would like to add something to your style then the floyd rose on the axis is pretty good. normally tuning on a floyd rose can be a total pain since its a floating trem, but the floyd on the axis is actually flushed to the body, so you can only dive with it, but at the same time tuning is worlds easier. it also makes switching between different tunings much easier, for example if you like switching between standard tunings and drop d, especially if you put a d tuna on it, the only downside is that you cant raise the pitch, but i personally find it a small sacrifice for everything else. id say that if you want a guitar with the floyd rose thats easier to tune, the axis is a good bet. again its all based on personal preference and play style.
DrGonzo5150
Well-known member
Does it take long to restring than a hardtail - Yes.
Is it harder to set up - No.
Whether the benefit of the guitar truly being locked in tune is outweighed by the extra time restringing... Only you can decide.
In a live situation, I prefer nothing more than my axis - locked in, with a nice fresh set of strings. Don't get me wrong, i don't have major tuning issues with my hardtails, but I like the security of the locking nuts. Haha and... I've got to be honest, when I have the trem, I go to town on it haha Great guitar
Is it harder to set up - No.
Whether the benefit of the guitar truly being locked in tune is outweighed by the extra time restringing... Only you can decide.
In a live situation, I prefer nothing more than my axis - locked in, with a nice fresh set of strings. Don't get me wrong, i don't have major tuning issues with my hardtails, but I like the security of the locking nuts. Haha and... I've got to be honest, when I have the trem, I go to town on it haha Great guitar
Be aware that the Axis trem is very different to the floating JP6.
As per EVHs original requirement, it is set for 'down only' and can catch you out if you forget (like I do), and occasionally grab it going for a nice subtle up and down warble - not gonna happen!
Personally I find the set Floyd a little frustrating for that reason, but if subtle warbles aren't your thing then this would not be an issue for you.
I do find it stays in tune slightly better than the JP6 over the course of several songs in a live set (not having the luxury of a freshly tuned one after every song like Mr Petrucci!)
I have no experience of the ASS but would imagine this is closer to a standard Fender type floater?
Hope that helps.
As per EVHs original requirement, it is set for 'down only' and can catch you out if you forget (like I do), and occasionally grab it going for a nice subtle up and down warble - not gonna happen!
Personally I find the set Floyd a little frustrating for that reason, but if subtle warbles aren't your thing then this would not be an issue for you.
I do find it stays in tune slightly better than the JP6 over the course of several songs in a live set (not having the luxury of a freshly tuned one after every song like Mr Petrucci!)
I have no experience of the ASS but would imagine this is closer to a standard Fender type floater?
Hope that helps.
Jack FFR1846
Well-known member
I have both. Here's my impressions:
The Axis (with the floyd) stays in tune better than any guitar I've ever owned. I play it with 9's. I've done slide guitar stuff with it, chords, and of course leads. I rarely use the trem actually and when I do, it's more of a Jazz style at the end of a note. I can bring it for a pre-performance rehersal and tune it and not tune it again till days later. String changes are not that hard. They really aren't. Setup is no different. The trem is WAY more stable and easy to use than the vintage trem.
The super sport (just used it Sunday). String changes are easy and quick and the locking tuners make it very easy. Being able to pop out the trem bar is nice....especially if you're using an older TKL case without the cutout for the bar. I find I have to tune it a couple times during a performance (between sets). If I were to break a string during a performance without a backup, I'd sure rather have it than the locked down floyd. I run 10's on the ASS.
The Axis (with the floyd) stays in tune better than any guitar I've ever owned. I play it with 9's. I've done slide guitar stuff with it, chords, and of course leads. I rarely use the trem actually and when I do, it's more of a Jazz style at the end of a note. I can bring it for a pre-performance rehersal and tune it and not tune it again till days later. String changes are not that hard. They really aren't. Setup is no different. The trem is WAY more stable and easy to use than the vintage trem.
The super sport (just used it Sunday). String changes are easy and quick and the locking tuners make it very easy. Being able to pop out the trem bar is nice....especially if you're using an older TKL case without the cutout for the bar. I find I have to tune it a couple times during a performance (between sets). If I were to break a string during a performance without a backup, I'd sure rather have it than the locked down floyd. I run 10's on the ASS.
nobozos
Well-known member
I'm a big fan of the Floyd Rose. I prefer all my guitars to have a Floyd. That being said, I would probably recommend that you not get one.
If you are not used to a Floyd, it will be a big adjustment for you. For example, adjusting the intonation requires alot more work on a Floyd than it does on a vintage trem or fixed bridge. There are intonation adjustment tools you can buy for the Floyd, but there are all kinds of tricks you need to know to set it up properly. It's no sweat for a guy like me that has owned Floyd equipped guitars for over 20 years, but for someone that is used to vintage trems or fixed bridges, I'd recommend sticking with what you know.
If you are not used to a Floyd, it will be a big adjustment for you. For example, adjusting the intonation requires alot more work on a Floyd than it does on a vintage trem or fixed bridge. There are intonation adjustment tools you can buy for the Floyd, but there are all kinds of tricks you need to know to set it up properly. It's no sweat for a guy like me that has owned Floyd equipped guitars for over 20 years, but for someone that is used to vintage trems or fixed bridges, I'd recommend sticking with what you know.
zoe_nikotina
Well-known member
Yep
I´m agree with nobozos.If you are not used to a Floyd after 24 years.....maybe is becouse you will never need a floyd....
I´m agree with nobozos.If you are not used to a Floyd after 24 years.....maybe is becouse you will never need a floyd....
Roubster
Well-known member
It's also cool to have a variety of guitars if you can. If you are not going to be doing Satriani and Vai type of shinanigans, just go for the vintage trem. You can use it or not use it. Have it set up to float or sit on the body, and it is still VERY stable. I've had all my guitars from the beginning with some kind of trem system, but I am actually LOVING my hardtail Y2D Morse model.
OLPlayer
Well-known member
Just my 2 penny worth - I've never played a Floyd so I can't really comment, but I have a hard tail Axis and a standard trem Axis, both super sport models and both play fantastic.
browndog
Well-known member
Yes, there is an adjustment period getting to know all the nuances. Some are a PITA but you adjust. I happen to love everything about them. Mostly whats already been said.
Its like having a call girl on speed dial. You don’t always use it but its nice to know its there.
Its like having a call girl on speed dial. You don’t always use it but its nice to know its there.
guitfiddle
Well-known member
I love the Floyd on my Axis. It had been quite a few years (a dozen or so) since my last Floyd equipped fiddle. I had forgotten how cool they are. After the first string change got the cobwebs out, everything has been a breeze. No problems at all with intonation, stays in tune for days. Can't beat it really.
straycat113
Well-known member
You only live once right, so I say go for the floyd. Sure it will take a bit longer to change strings but on the up swing it will also give you the chance to come up with some wild sounds that you just cant get correct on a standard trem without it going out of tune.The worst that can happen is you do not use the bar much and you are always in tune, but you can really gas up your playing and I say go for it.
tommydude
Well-known member
You have been given great advice! All of my guitars have a Floyd, and it is a fun tool.
I say, go for the Floyd, but take your time with it if you do your own adjustments. An Axis is dialed in really great from SLO.
If you need help, start a new Thread
I say, go for the Floyd, but take your time with it if you do your own adjustments. An Axis is dialed in really great from SLO.
If you need help, start a new Thread
A floyd / floating trem type guitar is a whole different animal than a fixed bridge guitar. I would DEFINITATELY reccommend trying one before just ordering.........learned that lesson before, I am a hard tail guy. I could probably work with a trem like on the AXIS SS, but I am not a Floyd guy. Myself, I have weighed the pros and cons, and am much happier with a fixed bridge. At least try one first, or make sure you can return it if it is not for you.
While I agree 100% with this, I would also add that if you are going to take the jump into Floyds, this would be the one to it becasue its sits flush. So you'll get a little bit of expereince with it but won't have the precarious full floating experience.
I jsut have to also add that as far as non locking trems the JP series is great.
straycat113
Well-known member
I agree with Naz on this as the only guitar I have that fully floats is my JP, even my Strats just dive down as my picking hand is anchored to the bridge when playing lead and the pressure will cause notes to go sharp or flat. Now I have heard guys over the years say just dont rest it on the bridge lol, but that is what is most comfortable and works best for me. The way the Petrucci is set up and made allows you to rest your hand on the bridge while floating without altering string pitch. It really is an amazing trem, and can handle a lot of abuse while staying in tune, more than anything I played outside of a floyd.
Hey stray cat, that is pretty funny, I do the exact same thing with my right hand. I think it actually even adds noise to my playing becasue my is moving on the strings as I pick but I can't stop. But you're right, I can palm mute fairly heavily even on the high b and e strings with the petrucci trem and it stays in tune.
