Music Man guitars

[gingataff]

Yesterday I tried out a Luke ltd edition and a Silhouette. They are so well put together and feel so sturdy it's unbelieveable. I don't think they're the prettiest guitars around but the Luke especially was very comfortable, and the neck was a first for me; I've never played a guitar with a V neck before, it wasn't too bad- it played quite fast although the frets are really low profile. The EMG single coils sounded ok too, not a huge amount or character but better that I expected. I wasn't so keen on the 85 humbucker though.
The Silhouette was quite nice too, a big fat round neck, again quite comfortable though and bigger frets so bending and vibrato was easier.

I know a few guys here have the Petrucci model, and the 7 string is probably the easiest playing 7string I've tried but in general what's your opinion of Music Man guitars?

[Eric]

Music Man might be the best built American guitars, excluding custom shops. Now you might not like the looks or some details but the build quality is outstanding and very consistent. If the tones suit you you will not regret buying one. If it's just the pickups that suck you can always call Tim.  

[Peter Antal]

I've only tried the Axis and the Axis SS. The asymmetric neck was simply amazing. PDT_011

[Dakine]

Have had 3 mm's.
Still have two, an Axis SS and a Limited Pet.
They are amazing guitars. Well made, very versatile and amazing neck. I prfer the nut width of the Pet though, the others are slightly smaller.
My Pet is still in Texas :( and am awaiting it's arrival and would recommend it wholeheartedly, esp. with piezo as it is amazing, like several guitars in one. Especially as it will get MM or Painkillers in it :)
Only downside is the somewhat 'pig headedness' from the owner 'Sterling Ball' who does NOT take ANY critisism well at all (I know as just asked few questions on the EB board). The company in fact is VERY Californian (i.e. Liberal and hmmmmmmmmm) in my opinion, and thats with living in the States for 8 years!
I had an Axis SS first (sold original one) and tried them all and my fave is the Pet (sans silly bulet markers lol).
Hope this helps.
Any other questions please just ask :)

[headtheball]

I love the SUB 1, single pickup, hardtail version. It's everything you need, beautifully made and plays like butter. It's not even expensive!! I think I may have to buy one at some point, although, as it has a pickguard and all, It shouldn't look too bad when I bore it out for a pair of pig-90s....

[TwilightOdyssey]

Not a fan of poplar guitars, which is what the Silhouette is, I believe. I remember thinking that the Music Man guitars sound 'small' to me; they don't have that giant, bigger-than-life sound to my ears.

[Muzzzz]

The 4 pickup Steve Morse model sounds pretty huge - versatile, too - i went to one of his concerts and he used the same guitar for the entire thing. I agree, they're ugly as anything, but they seem like pretty amazing guitars otherwise - well, steve morse uses it, so it it must be.

[Muzzzz]

The 4 pickup Steve Morse model sounds pretty huge - versatile, too - i went to one of his concerts and he used the same guitar for the entire thing. I agree, they're ugly as anything, but they seem like pretty amazing guitars otherwise - well, steve morse uses it, so it it must be.

[dave_mc]

^ I haven't tried any of the poplar ones which ben is talking about, but the basswood ones (i think) that I've tried have been amazing.

Now they just need to bring out a non-signature model with a 43mm nut, and I'm sold...  :lol:

[Dakine]

Poplar is only on the 'cheaper' line.
Axis and Morse and Luke and Pet are basswood (less you get a full rosewood Axis).
The pups leave summit to be desired IMO (then the Pet, my model) has 1,000's of effects used with it by Mr.Petrucci himself.
The neck is THE best neck have EVER played, bar NONE!
The fit and finish is on par with a custom guitar.
Not much holding em back actually.
I dislike the SKB cases (have a custom tolex with my Pet as was limited edt.) but SKB with my Axis. That said the Axis made it from Texas to UK via Continental Airlines without a scratch.
I think $ for $ they are tremendous and with pup change are the dawgs dangly bits.
My Pet, when re-united is getting MM's I reckon.

[blue]

just rechecked the review of the Morse signature from guitar and bass, it's poplar with a maple veneer.  to me there's nothing wrong with poplar, i think in comparison with mahogany or alder it seems more neutral and i feel my poplar guitars have an airy sound.  T.O. may have a point, not a BIG MASSIVE sound, but i like it.

music man, i've played my friend's Luke, which was like having a guitar genetically engineered into your body!  beautifully compact with a wonderful neck, and i've played a sub 1, which is as good as guitars twice the price, a real bargain and i don't know why i don't have one yet :roll: but i will!

[gingataff]

RE Body woods: according to the ernie ball website, Silhouettes and Luke models are made from alder. The Steve Morse is poplar, Petrucci basswood, Albert Lee is Southern ash and Axis basswood and maple.

[TwilightOdyssey]

RE Body woods: according to the ernie ball website, Silhouettes and Luke models are made from alder. The Steve Morse is poplar, Petrucci basswood, Albert Lee is Southern ash and Axis basswood and maple.

Yes, currently. I'm not sure if that's always been the case, however.
Like I said, I'm not an expert nor a fan. I just played a bunch of em one day and my conclusion was "meh". I'll stick with maple. :)

[Sifu Ben]

I've got a serious hard on for that rosewood supersport in Guitarist.

[Dakine]

Teach me to be lazy and not check huh.
Seeing as only have an Axis SS and Petrucci gues should have only stated those.
Both mine are basswood, and as stated, bar pups, are excellent guitars.