1997 Ernie Ball Music Man Axis EX Translucent Orange Quilt Top, EVH

Up for sale, a 1997 Ernie Ball Music Man Axis EX in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order. An early example of the Axis produced in the years after the sunsetting of Music Man's endorsement deal with Eddie Van Halen, the Axis EXs were assembled in Japan with USA-made components including DiMarzio humbuckers and a genuine Floyd Rose tremolo; identical to their USA-assembled counterparts save for the positioning of the pickup selector switch (at the cutaway) and the headstock logo.

Tonewoods include a basswood body topped with a deeply figured quilted maple top and a select birdseye maple neck capped with a maple fretboard. The custom pair of DiMarzio humbuckers were wound specifically for the Axis and not offered elsewhere; these pickups are mounted directly to the body for optimal resonance, dishing out plenty of articulate cut and sweet sustain, with more growl and attitude from the bridge pickup and a nice thick, round sounding neck pickup. Weighing 8lbs 5oz, this Axis EX has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 9-42 strings, slinky action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Birdseye maple
• Shape: Asymmetrical C, slightly fuller on the bass side, measuring .860” 1st fret, .955” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Maple slab, 10” radius
• Frets: Medium, no wear
• Scale Length: 25 1/2”
• Nut: 1 5/8”, locking
• Tuners: Schaller

Body Specs:

• Wood: Quilted maple, basswood
• Pickups: DiMarzio humbucker x2 (custom wound)
• Controls: Volume, Three-way pickup selector
• Harness: CTS 500k pot dates to the 34th week of 1997
• Hardware: Floyd Rose tremolo
• Plastics: Strat-style knob

The gloss Translucent Orange finish highlights deep and consistent quilt figuring extending across the top, with some shallow buckle scuffing on the back and minor dings and finish scratches on the body. The satin finish on the neck profile is smooth to the palm, made from EBMM’s hand-rubbed with gunstock oil and special wax blend.

A gigbag is included.