I just wondered if we have any current or past owners of these on here, more so for the first two models as the HSS versions seem to posses really strong single coil sounds but then the humbucker works well with them, plus you have the benefit of silent switching, a versatile trem and locking machine heads. They're the sort of appointments I like in Superstrats.
You don't see many up for sale nor are they always in stock to try so just interested to see what people have to say about them, especially the MM oiled necks and how comfortable they are. My only experience of MMs is with The Lukes I've tried in shops. However, each time I've tried one, I've found them too powerful and couldn't get used to the diminutive neck.
Cheers
Comments
I believe the cutlass is satin, not gunstock wax so that will feel slightly different, but ive heard lots of good things... the turquoise HSS looks really nice!
I also own an axis, and its got more body to it than the silhouette and personally I Think its even better, still compact but more of a handfull at the back (the albert lee has the same neck carve). Old axis' come in HSS if you can find them.. could be another option for you.
Never touched any of those three EBMMs. the OP mentionos.... generally the MM necks are small and will cramp people up if they have big hands or prefer chunkier bats to the point they can have difficulty playing them. If the necks fit you then they are some of the best about. Def horses for courses.
@bazxkr - what models did you have? Axis? Petruccis?
Still have Morse Y2D & also an original Morse blueburst, JP6 BFR & JP6 & a 25th anniversary (like the Reflex)
Long gone are an Axis Super Sport & Albert Lee
From memory I'd have said the ASS had the biggest neck of the EBMMs I've had but not big by chunky Gibson standards
It's my 'go to' guitar and gets played 95% of the time I play electric. I totally love it and cannot ever see me selling it. And that, I suspect, is what we're all looking for in a guitar.
I need to see if I can try some of the different EBMM models as I like the sounds I've heard but seems the necks divide opinion.
Cheers
I think they are the ultimate "upgraded" Fenders in the same way Suhrs can be.
There is a MM dealer in Merstham just off the M25 worth going past (edit: not much stock ATM) plus Regent Sounds of course.
I had an Axis Sport, quite a few years ago. The necks feel great with the oil/wax finish and they do really fantastic work with the fretting and rounded fingerboard edges, it's immaculate. However, although I don't mind a neck which is narrow in width, including at the nut, I ultimately sold the guitar because the neck was just too skinny for my liking - and I gather it may be one of the bigger EB/MM neck profiles!
I wish they had a custom shop and would let you specify neck profiles, because they're among the nicest guitars I've ever played and they're not even especially pricey. I really like the Albert Lee design, I'd buy one tomorrow - but only if it had a huge neck!
As @LewisW said the necks are "compact" but they're also incredibly comfortable to play.
Everyone's different of course, but amongst a collection that currently includes Gibson, Fender, Ibanez and Suhr guitars the Luke III is the most comfortable for me. When I got it though I had been about 18 months without a MM guitar and was used to my Les Paul and Suhr Modern necks, so initially the neck felt too small and cramped, to the point I even considered moving it on.
Am glad I didn't though as after a while I got used to it and now it's not an issue - had I tried it in a shop I might have been the same as you @Kebabkid as it did take a few days. I think when you measure them compared to others they are only marginally smaller.
The build quality of every MM guitar I've owned had been top notch - never had any issues with fit or finish and the electrics have always been clear as a bell. They have also all been very loud and resonant unplugged.
With my Silhouette Special I had 2 pickguards, a SSS and a HSS and the HSS was a proper do it all guitar. I much prefer the passive pickups in the LIII compared to the EMGs in the Luke 2 I had (which were the only thing I didn't like about it) but it's still the hottest guitar I own and as they're direct mounted lowering them isn't an option.
I'd like an Axis Supersport at some point as I think they're also incredibly versatile without the aggro of the locking trem
All in all, excellent guitars, my only gripe would be that the smaller headstock can make them look a bit tiny, but the sounds and playability far outweigh that. The thick poly finishes are a bit plasticy for such a high end instrument too, but in the plus column they're tough as nails.
I think they're an excellent used buy, defo try one for a decent amount of time if you can.
There are more Cutlass models about so I might give those a try for starters but the Silhouette is the one that I prefer
Also had a JP13 but it was to Ibanezy (wizard neck style) and altho fantastic quality and great sound, just could not live with the neck. Mate has 2 Luke's lovely versatile and plenty tonal options - great neck too.
Not played a bad Silo - they are really good guitars and again HSH makes it very versatile.
I was really keen on a Cutlass when going thu a single coil phase but played one and was not enamoured - Suhr Classic Pro was way ahead.
A wee curveball is the Valentine signature guitar - it's really nice - classic EBMM neck and great pickups. Lovely looker too!
Owned a couple of Silhouettes, a Luke II, Axis SS and currently have an original SUB.
The silhouettes are some of the best superstrats around, the Luke had a slimmer neck with a slight V, the Axis SS was my favourite of all. At some point I plan on getting an Albert Lee HH with full RW neck.
The build quality is as good as anything out there, but try before you buy because the slightly narrower necks aren't for all.
I've also seen a couple of slightly older live clips of Rob Harris (Jamiroquai) with a Silhouette going through a Divided by 13 (my amp) and it covered a lot ground and sounds I like and use.
Cheers everyone for your input and just got to find and try the buggers. A lot said about the neck but nice to see consistent and positive comments about the sounds and build quality. Even though I'm a massive Lukather fan, the Luke is the one to avoid for me.
Over the years I’ve had an Axis, Axis Sport, Axis Supersport, Silhouette Special, Albert Lee, Albert Lee trem, all phenomenal quality, and 12-15 years ago when I was buying them they were well under the radar so could be picked up daft cheap, I think I paid sub £400 for the Silhouette Special and sub £300 for the Sport !
Anyway killer guitars but I’ve got fingers like bananas on shovel hands so they all went except for the original Axis which was a gift from my wife.
If they’d offer a wider nut option I’d probably never have gone anywhere else