MUSICMANAXIS EX HI-END GUITAR Asahi Mokko Kanda Shokai This is an early serial number Music Man AXIS EX model, the same model used by Mr. Matsumoto as his main guitar before he started using the Gibson signature model. It is said that the quality of these early serial number guitars was so good that the original manufacturer complained about it, with some even claiming it surpassed EVH in quality. ※ I also owned AXIS EX guitars with later A and GO serial numbers, but although they looked similar, they were different in terms of materials and assembly precision, likely due to the demand for mass production. The A and GO models felt half-baked, with subpar materials and assembly, and the sound quality was not good. The sound was not usable without an amplifier, and there was a difference in sustain due to the assembly precision, making the sound feel choppy. Currently, the used market price for A and GO serial numbers is around 300,000 to 400,000 yen. I don't want to sell this at the same price as the lower-end models. The value of this serial number is increasing in the market, and it is currently priced around 600,000 yen. Warning: This guitar resonates incredibly well! As expected, it has the same pickups as the EVH, so just plugging it into a 5150 and distorting it will give you a brown sound. The bright alder body and the pickups work well together, and it instantly creates an LA sound when distorted. The original is basswood, but this one is alder. The thickness of the maple top is also thicker on the early models. There are too many small differences to list between the serial numbers. The basswood version sounded a bit heavier when played with the same settings. I received this from an acquaintance about 20 years ago, and I have never touched the truss rod. This means the neck assembly precision is so high that it doesn't need adjustment. It is in player's condition with scratches, dirt, and dents. Comes with the original gig bag. Price is not negotiable. Please refer to the creator's blog below (it also explains the reasons for the decline in quality of the later A and GO serial numbers in chronological order): https://www.eonet.ne.jp/~o2factory/axisex1.html The gig bag is a bonus for transportation as I used to smoke. Please purchase a separate one if you are concerned.