Specs:
• Model: Axis HH Floyd (Post-EVH Era)
• Finish: Blue Quilt, Gloss
• Body: Basswood w/ Quilted Maple Top
• Neck: Birdseye Maple
• Fingerboard: Birdseye Maple, 10" Radius
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo
• Neck Profile: Asymmetrical Axis Carve
• Nut Width: 1-5/8" (41.3mm)
• Pickups: DiMarzio Custom-Wound Axis Humbuckers (Neck & Bridge)
• Controls: Master Volume, 3-Way Toggle Selector
• Bridge: Original Floyd Rose Double-Locking Tremolo
• Tuners: Schaller peral button
• Hardware: Chrome
• Case: aftermarket Original Ernie Ball Music Man Hard Case
• Country: USA
• Year: 1996
• Condition: Collector’s Condition / Mint (Cellophane Still on Pickguard)
Personal Thoughts:
This 1996 Ernie Ball Music Man Axis represents a fascinating and highly desirable piece of guitar history — the direct continuation of the legendary Eddie Van Halen Signature Model that ran from 1991 to 1995. When Eddie ended his partnership with Ernie Ball/Music Man, the company retained the exact same body shape, specifications, and build quality, simply rebranding the model as the Axis.
As such, this guitar is identical to the EVH model in every measurable way — same body woods, same asymmetrical neck carve, same DiMarzio pickups, and the same custom Music Man build precision. It’s essentially an EVH without the name, built by the same luthiers, with the same hardware and handwork.
The Blue Quilt top on this example is exceptional — deep, three-dimensional figuring with stunning contrast, perfectly paired with the natural binding edge and birdseye maple neck. It remains in collector-grade condition, with the factory cellophane still intact on the pickguard, showing minimal to no signs of use.
Tonally, it delivers everything you’d expect from a mid-’90s Axis — tight, percussive attack, endless sustain, and that signature Van Halen-style growl. Combine that with one of the most comfortable neck profiles ever made and rock-solid Floyd Rose stability, and it’s clear why this design became one of the most respected of its era.
A rare opportunity to own a first-year Axis, built immediately after the EVH run — the golden age of Ernie Ball Music Man craftsmanship, preserved in near-new condition.
Condition Report:
Collector’s grade / mint. No wear, marks, or blemishes. Original cellophane still on the pickguard. Frets, finish, and hardware are pristine.
Part Exchange Welcome:
Part exchange welcome. Video demos are available via our YouTube channel at Squealing Pig Guitars. Personal consignment service available via our site at a 10% rate.