2020 Music Man Axis Super Sport HH Hardtail – Natural Quilt

You’re looking at an excellent condition 2020 Music Man Axis Super Sport HH Hardtail in a beautiful natural quilt finish. This guitar plays great and sounds great

SPECIFICATIONS

• Serial Number: G97892
• Model: Axis Super Sport HH Hardtail
• Finish: Natural Quilt
• Manufactured Date: May 12th, 2020
• Manufactured Location: California, US
• Weight: 6lbs 8.8oz
• Neck: Maple Neck Maple Fretboard
• Neck Width: 1.57″ at Nut / 1.95″ at 12th Fret
• Neck Depth: .79″ at 1st Fret / .92″ at 12th Fret
• Case: Music Man ABS Hard Shell Case
• Case Candy: Included

ABOUT

The 2020 Music Man Axis Super Sport HH Hardtail is a perfect example of the modern iteration of a classic design. It builds on the legacy of the original Music Man Axis (a collaboration with Eddie Van Halen) and the later Axis Super Sport, but with some key modern appointments.

Here’s a detailed look at what makes this guitar special:

Key Features and Specifications

Body:

Wood: A lightweight basswood body with a stunning, bookmatched figured maple top (available in flame or quilt). Basswood is known for its warm, balanced tone, and the maple top adds a snappy, articulate character.

Finish: The body is finished in a high-gloss polyester, with colors often including Balboa Blue Burst, Roasted Amber, and other custom finishes depending on the specific model run.

Hardtail Bridge: This is a crucial distinction from the more common tremolo version. The “Hardtail” model features a fixed, strings-through-body bridge made of chrome-plated hardened steel with solid steel saddles. This design maximizes sustain and provides excellent tuning stability.

Neck:

Wood: In 2020, Music Man had been increasingly using roasted figured maple for their necks, which adds stability and a beautiful darker color.

Finish: The neck is typically finished with a hand-rubbed gunstock oil and special wax blend. This is one of the most beloved features of Music Man guitars. The feel is incredibly smooth, fast, and unlike any painted or gloss-finished neck.

Profile: The famous asymmetric neck carve. It’s slightly thicker on the bass side and thinner on the treble side, designed to fit the natural contours of the hand for maximum comfort and playability, especially for fast runs and solos.

Frets: 22 high-profile, medium-width stainless steel frets. Stainless steel frets are known for their durability and smooth feel, as they are highly resistant to wear.

Scale Length: 25.5 inches.

Electronics:

Pickups: It comes with two custom-wound DiMarzio humbucking pickups (HH) mounted directly to the body. This “direct mount” design is a classic feature of the Axis line, which enhances the guitar’s resonance and sustain.

Controls: The electronics are straightforward but versatile: a single volume and tone control (500kohm pots), and a 5-way lever pickup selector switch.

Switching: The 5-way switch is what gives the Super Sport its versatility. While the original Axis had a 3-way toggle, the Super Sport’s 5-way allows for coil-splitting and other tonal combinations, giving you the classic full-humbucker rock tones as well as bright, single-coil-like “quack” sounds.

Hardware:

Tuners: Schaller M6-IND locking tuners with pearl buttons. These provide excellent tuning stability and make string changes a breeze.

Truss Rod: The signature Music Man truss rod adjustment wheel at the base of the neck. This allows for quick, easy, and precise neck relief adjustments without removing any components.

Overall Character and Appeal

A 2020 Axis Super Sport HH Hardtail is a high-end, American-made instrument with a focus on no-frills performance and flawless craftsmanship.

Playability: The combination of the asymmetric neck profile, satin-smooth neck finish, and stainless steel frets makes for an exceptionally fast and comfortable playing experience. Many players consider the Music Man neck to be one of the best in the industry.

Tone: The basswood/maple combination with direct-mounted DiMarzio pickups provides a powerful, punchy tone that is well-suited for rock and hard rock, but the 5-way switching offers surprising versatility for blues, funk, and clean tones as well.

Reliability: The hardtail bridge, locking tuners, and high-quality components ensure the guitar is a workhorse that can handle heavy use and maintain its setup.

In summary, the 2020 Music Man Axis Super Sport HH Hardtail is a professional-grade instrument that combines a classic, ergonomic design with modern features and premium components, making it a highly desirable guitar for players of all styles.