Ernie Ball Music Man Celebrates 30 Years Of The Axis

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (April 8, 2026) – Ernie Ball Music Man proudly celebrates three decades of the iconic Axis guitar with the release of the 30th Anniversary Axis, a limited-edition collection that honors the instrument’s legacy while staying true to its original design.

30th Anniversary Axis

First introduced in 1996, the Axis quickly became a benchmark for performance, feel, and craftsmanship. This anniversary release revisits the model’s debut aesthetic with a series of stunning translucent finishes, showcasing the timeless appeal of one of Music Man’s most celebrated instruments.

Each 30th Anniversary Axis features a hand-stained quilt maple top, available in six original translucent finishes: Gold, Black, Pink, Red, Blue, and Purple. The tops are paired with a distinctive black, lightly sparkled back, subtly echoing the hue of each finish for a refined and cohesive look.

Ernie Ball Music Man 30th Anniversary Axis

Built to original specifications, the guitar retains the features that defined its reputation:
A classic asymmetrical neck carve for unmatched comfort and playability
22 stainless steel frets for durability and precision
A figured maple neck with glow-in-the-dark side dots for enhanced visibility on stage

At its core, the instrument is powered by custom-wound DiMarzio® pickups, delivering the signature tone that players have relied on for decades. The Ernie Ball Music Man double locking tremolo system, complete with fine tuners, ensures exceptional tuning stability and expressive performance.

Aesthetically, each guitar is finished with a color-matched headstock and a commemorative 30th Anniversary logo on the back, marking its place in Music Man history.

Every instrument includes a certificate of authenticity and ships in a deluxe hardshell case, underscoring its status as a true collector’s piece.

About Ernie Ball

In 1962, veteran player and guitar teacher Ernie Ball created Slinkys®, the innovative light gauge electric guitar strings widely revered by thousands of iconic players including Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Paul McCartney, Metallica, Brad Paisley, Slash, John Petrucci, Angus Young, and John Mayer. The strings are all crafted in Coachella, CA. Ernie Ball also offers state-of-the-art instrument accessories that are carried in more than 6,000 stores in the U.S. and 120 countries worldwide. Officially purchasing the Music Man® company in 1984, Sterling, joined later by his sons Scott and Brian, has built a team of dedicated professionals based in San Luis Obispo, CA who collectively share a common goal: crafting the highest level of hand-crafted instruments available. Originally founded by Tom Walker, Forrest White, and Leo Fender in 1974, Music Man built its name leading an industry revolution, introducing active electronics on its production instruments. As part of the team during the ’70s, Sterling Ball played an important role in the design and development of the iconic StingRay basses. The family-run company maintains its founder’s dedication to preserving the musician’s playing experience and delivering superior sound quality through the development of new products, such as Cobalt Slinkys, M-Steel, Earthwood, and the revolutionary Element Shield Packaging, keeping each set as fresh as the day they were made. The company also fosters artist development through musician-focused programs such as the world’s largest and longest-running unsigned artist programs, where bands compete each year to play live on national tours, festivals, and events.

Visit them online at www.ernieball.com and www.music-man.com.