TEST: Music Man Sterling Axis AX 40

 Music Man USA is known everywhere for very high quality, to the chagrin of some also accompanied by a corresponding pricing. In order to be able to grant the less well-heeled musician access to the model policy of the American manufacturer, the company has launched a product line under the Sterling label, which minimizes production costs by manufacturing in Indonesia and pushes the copies into the three-digit euro range. A subsequent final inspection nevertheless takes place in the USA to bring the manufacturing quality to the best possible conclusion.

The Axis AX 40 model I have for testing is based on the signature model designed by Eddie Van Halen in his time and is ready to take over the most important trademarks of the guitarist, who has since moved to Peavey for economic reasons. In addition to the above model, Sterling offers six other models in this series, consisting of the sister model AX20, a classic Silhouette shape, the Petrucci model and some copies of the famous Stingray Bass models.


Design

Eddie van Halen in his time, like many other musicians before and after him, tried to design a guitar that contains a mixture of the most important Gibson / Fender components, coupled with a good portion of Superstrat. The result is actually a quite unique visual and acoustic fusion of the aforementioned protagonists, which stands out from the broad mass of clone wars. The guitar uses almost exclusively components and trademarks from the own Music Man house, which saves quarrels on the lawyer front and avoids dissolute license fees.

As with the American model, the body of the instrument is made of basswood and is accordingly light and vibrant. The body is covered with a beautifully grained maple veneer, but this is only for optical reasons, as it is clearly too thin for the sound. As is very popular with Music man in general, the maple neck was attached to the body in a five-way screw joint.

The glued-on fingerboard accommodates 22 frets, after which the neck pickup was placed under the imaginary 24th fret, as expected. As a small historical Gibson homage, the in-house manufactured A-5 pickups were made as a zebra version with differently colored coil bodies. The headstock was laid out in the patented 4:2 alignment, thus adopting American specifications, as did the truss rod accessible at the lower end of the neck.

Control-wise, the guitar is extremely spartan, with only a single volume knob available. Funnily enough, this potentiometer was still equipped with a "Tone" knob on the original Eddie Van Halen signature version. Eddie said laconically at the time that the tone would change if he worked with the volume knob, although he is absolutely right, especially in distorted mode. First the half waves have to be cut off before the volume changes.

The guitar is equipped with a Sterling double-locking vibrato system, which as expected emulates the Floyd Rose system. Even if the shape doesn't directly suggest it, construction-wise the instrument's entire approach latently aims in the Superstrat department. This is not surprising, since it was Leo Fender himself, who after selling his company and name rights as a rich man, founded the company Music Man in 1972, in order to continue to work as a designer.


Practice

When you pick up the instrument for the first time, everything seems a bit smaller than you're used to on comparable instruments. Nevertheless, the guitar has the long 64.8 centimeter scale length and conveys the very own playing feeling of the same scale length. Despite the unique body shape, the guitar conveys a familiar feeling already at the first walking attempts. Due to the unusually deep lower cutaway and the soft transition at the neck root, the instrument can indeed be played comfortably up to the highest registers. Also, in true Fender style, the guitar nestles against the performer's body without any edges or corners.

Starting with the bridge pickup in undistorted mode, the instrument scores with a crisp and characterful basic sound, while the neck pickup is softer and warmer to the touch due to the altered amplitude pickup of the strings. The pickups interact very nicely with the musician's respective playing technique and do not impose a narrowly defined sound spectrum on the artist. As the distortion level increases, the guitar moves into the range that was assigned to it by the original designer of the instrument.

This is also the reason for the choice of wood. Who does not know the mahogany problem, that the in my opinion best hard rock sound wood of the world always shows a tendency to "mud" from a certain degree of distortion. Due to the basswood/maple combination, this problem does not exist at any time with the AX 40. Even at high gain levels, the sound remains transparent and allows the artist to offer subtle playing in the hammer-on-pull-off range without rising above a minimal amount of power.

As expected, the vibrato system does its job without any problems. Discreet pitch modulation can be realized just as well with this construction as massive dive bombs including strings-off-fretboard effect.


Conclusion

With the Sterling series, Music Man manages the balancing act between lowering production costs and maintaining the most important house trademarks. The AX-40 is a very well crafted and highly individual sounding craftsman instrument, which was tailored to Eddie Van Halen in his time and has preserved his most important trademarks to this day.

The instrument offers a multi-faceted fundamental sound and allows Music Man fans to purchase their desired instrument at a reasonable price without making significant sacrifices to top-line American-made instruments. The concept of Indonesian manufacturing alternating with American final inspection gives the product an extra dose of quality assurance, which benefits the final instrument and therefore the end customer.

Additional Informations:

- Music Man: Revolutionizing the Music Industry with Innovation and Excellence
Introduction: Music Man is a renowned company that has made significant contributions to the music industry since its inception. Founded in [year] by [founder's name], the company has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence. With a diverse range of musical instruments, amplifiers, and accessories, Music Man has earned a reputation for producing high-quality products that meet the needs of musicians across the globe.

History and Background: Music Man's journey began with a vision to create instruments that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern advancements. The company's early years were marked by extensive research and development, ensuring that each product reflected the founders' passion for music. Through dedication and perseverance, Music Man quickly gained recognition for its exceptional instruments, which soon became favorites among professional musicians.

Product Range: Music Man boasts an extensive product range that caters to musicians of all levels and genres. Their flagship offerings include electric guitars, bass guitars, and acoustic guitars, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. These instruments are renowned for their superior playability, tone versatility, and durability.

In addition to guitars, Music Man produces a range of bass amplifiers, guitar amplifiers, and speaker cabinets that are highly regarded for their exceptional sound quality and reliability. The company's amplification solutions cater to the needs of professional musicians, providing them with powerful tools to deliver their best performances.
Furthermore, Music Man offers a wide array of accessories such as guitar straps, instrument cables, and strings, all designed to enhance the overall playing experience and ensure musicians have everything they need to excel.

Innovation and Technological Advancements: Music Man has always been at the forefront of technological advancements in the music industry. The company continuously explores new materials, manufacturing techniques, and design concepts to improve the performance and playability of their instruments. For instance, Music Man pioneered the use of innovative pickup configurations, such as the dual humbucking pickups and active electronics, revolutionizing the tonal possibilities for guitarists and bassists.
Moreover, Music Man has embraced computer-aided design (CAD) and computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing processes, allowing for precise shaping and construction of instruments. These advanced techniques ensure consistent quality and enable Music Man to push the boundaries of instrument design.

Artist Collaborations: Music Man's commitment to excellence is further reflected in their collaborations with renowned musicians. The company has partnered with some of the world's most influential guitarists and bassists to develop signature instruments that meet the specific demands of these artists. By working closely with musicians such as [artist names], Music Man has created instruments that combine technical expertise with artistic vision, resulting in instruments that inspire players and push the boundaries of musical expression.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility: In recent years, Music Man has actively embraced sustainability and social responsibility as core values. The company takes steps to minimize its environmental impact by implementing eco-friendly manufacturing processes and utilizing responsibly sourced materials. Additionally, Music Man supports music education programs and initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent and ensuring access to music education for all.

Customer Satisfaction and Support: Music Man places great emphasis on customer satisfaction and provides excellent customer support. The company offers comprehensive warranties on their products and maintains a dedicated support team that promptly addresses customer queries and concerns. Their commitment to customer satisfaction has earned them a loyal customer base, as musicians trust the brand to deliver exceptional instruments and support.

Awards and Recognition: Over the years, Music Man has received numerous awards and accolades for their contributions to the music industry. These accolades serve as a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence and innovation, further solidifying their reputation as a leading manufacturer of musical instruments and amplification solutions.

Conclusion: Music Man's relentless pursuit of innovation, dedication to quality, and commitment to customer satisfaction have firmly established them as a respected and influential player in the music industry. With their diverse range of instruments, amplifiers, and accessories, Music Man continues to shape the musical landscape, inspiring musicians worldwide and leaving an indelible mark on the history of music. As the company looks to the future, we can expect Music Man to continue pushing boundaries, introducing new technologies, and setting new standards for excellence in the world of music.

- Eddie Van Halen: A Guitar Legend who Redefined Rock Music
Introduction: Eddie Van Halen, born on January 26, 1955, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music. As a co-founder and lead guitarist of the iconic band Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen revolutionized guitar playing, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry with his unparalleled skills, technical innovations, and infectious stage presence.

Early Life and Musical Influences: Eddie Van Halen was born into a musical family, with his father, Jan Van Halen, being a clarinetist, saxophonist, and pianist. Eddie and his brother Alex Van Halen, who would later become the drummer of Van Halen, grew up in a household filled with music. Eddie's early exposure to classical music and his father's jazz influences played a significant role in shaping his musical sensibilities.

Formation of Van Halen and Musical Success: In the early 1970s, Eddie and Alex Van Halen formed the band Van Halen, initially known as Mammoth. With the addition of David Lee Roth as the lead vocalist and Michael Anthony on bass, Van Halen quickly gained attention for their electrifying live performances and explosive sound.

The self-titled debut album, "Van Halen," released in 1978, catapulted the band to stardom. Eddie's guitar work on tracks like "Eruption" showcased his virtuosity, blending lightning-fast finger tapping, innovative techniques, and a distinctive tone that set him apart from his contemporaries. The album went on to become a massive success, establishing Van Halen as one of the most exciting rock acts of the era.

Technical Innovations and Guitar Playing Style: Eddie Van Halen's guitar playing style was a revelation that pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible on the instrument. He popularized the two-handed tapping technique, in which both hands are used to create rapid and intricate patterns on the fretboard. This technique, prominently featured in songs like "Eruption" and "Spanish Fly," showcased Eddie's unparalleled dexterity and set a new standard for guitar virtuosity.

Furthermore, Eddie's innovative use of the Floyd Rose tremolo system allowed for radical pitch changes and dive bombs, adding a dynamic element to his playing. His unique tone, characterized by a combination of powerful humbucking pickups, a distinctive "brown sound," and his signature "Frankenstein" guitar, further contributed to his legendary status.
Musical Contributions and Legacy: Eddie Van Halen's contributions to rock music extend beyond his technical prowess as a guitarist. His songwriting skills, along with the band's infectious energy, resulted in a string of hit albums, including "Van Halen II," "Women and Children First," "Fair Warning," and "1984." These albums produced iconic tracks such as "Runnin' with the Devil," "Jump," and "Panama," solidifying Van Halen's status as one of the most influential rock bands of all time.

Eddie's influence can be felt across generations of guitarists who were inspired by his innovative techniques, melodic sensibilities, and showmanship. His impact on the development of hard rock and heavy metal guitar playing cannot be overstated, and his contributions have shaped the sound and style of countless musicians.

Collaborations and Solo Work: In addition to his work with Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen collaborated with various artists, leaving his mark on their songs. Notable collaborations include his guitar solo on Michael Jackson's "Beat It," which became a defining moment in both artists' careers. Eddie also released a solo album, "Eruption," in 1999, which showcased his versatility as a musician and featured collaborations with renowned artists like Brian May and Steve Lukather.

Personal Challenges and Philanthropy: Despite his immense talent and success, Eddie Van Halen faced personal struggles throughout his life, including battles with substance abuse and health issues. He was diagnosed with tongue cancer in the early 2000s, and despite undergoing treatment, he tragically passed away on October 6, 2020.
Throughout his life, Eddie remained committed to philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes, including cancer research, music education programs, and children's charities. His generosity and passion for giving back continue to inspire others to make a positive impact through music.

Awards and Recognition: Eddie Van Halen's contributions to music have been widely recognized and honored. He received numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards for his exceptional guitar work and contributions to the music industry. Eddie's impact on popular culture is evident through his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, cementing his status as an influential figure in rock music.

Conclusion: Eddie Van Halen's unparalleled guitar skills, technical innovations, and charismatic stage presence transformed the landscape of rock music. With his innovative playing style, he inspired countless guitarists and pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible on the instrument. Eddie's contributions to Van Halen's discography and his collaborations with other artists showcased his versatility as a musician.
While Eddie's untimely passing left a void in the music world, his enduring legacy lives on through his groundbreaking music, his influence on future generations of guitarists, and his philanthropic endeavors. Eddie Van Halen will forever be remembered as a true guitar legend, whose impact on rock music will continue to resonate for generations to come.