Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM vs Music Man Axis Super Sport
Reasons to Get
Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM over Music Man Axis Super Sport
Reasons to Get
Music Man Axis Super Sport over Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM
Other Key Differences
Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM vs Music Man Axis Super Sport
Shared Features
Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM vs Music Man Axis Super Sport
Common Strengths
- High-Quality Nut
- High-Quality Frets
- Top Pickup Brand
Common Weaknesses
- Neck-Through Build
- Weight Relief
- Stays in Tune (Evertune)
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Strap Lock
- 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- Active/Passive Preamp
Table of Contents
Price History Comparison
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Which One is Better Overall?
After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that both instruments scored 75 out of 100, which makes them similar in terms of quality.
The Music Man Axis Super Sport wins when it comes to build quality. On the other hand, the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM has the upper hand when it comes to sound, playability, value for the money.
If you got small hands, you'll probably feel more comfortable playing the Music Man Axis Super Sport.
Which One is Better for Beginners?
If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the Music Man Axis Super Sport is the better choice.
The Music Man Axis Super Sport meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM meets only 4. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.
New Player Friendliness
Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM- Comfortable shape
- Comfortable fretboard
- Tall frets
- Comfortable neck
- Narrow nut
- Short scale
- Locking tuners
- Easy-to-use bridge
New Player Friendliness
Music Man Axis Super Sport- Comfortable shape
- Easy-to-use bridge
- Locking tuners
- Tall frets
- Narrow nut
- Comfortable neck
- Comfortable fretboard
- Short scale
Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.
Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM Overview
- From Charvel's 2022 Artist Signature series
- Marco Sfogli Signature
- Made in Mexico
- 6 strings
- 25.5"'' scale
- 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
- Quilt Maple top
- Alder body
- Caramelized Maple neck
- Caramelized Maple fretboard
- Bridge pickup: EMG 89 (Humbucker/Active)
- Middle pickup: EMG SA (Single Coil/Active)
- Neck pickup: EMG SA (Single Coil/Active)
- 1 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
- 5-way Switch
- Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed) bridge
- Charvel Speed Bolt-On neck
- 22 Jumbo frets
- Charvel-Branded Die-Cast tuners
- Compare Specs >
Music Man Axis Super Sport Overview
- From Music Man's 2012 Axis series
- Made in United States
- 6 strings
- 25.5"'' scale
- 10" Fretboard Radius
- Figured Maple top
- Basswood with bookmatched figured maple top body
- Roasted Maple neck
- Roasted Figured Maple fretboard
- Bridge pickup: Music Man Custom Humbucker (Humbucker/Passive)
- Neck pickup: Music Man Custom Humbucker (Humbucker/Passive)
- 1 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
- 5-way Switch
- Standard Music Man strings-thru-the-body bridge
- Axis Bolt-On neck
- 22 Medium Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
- Schaller M6-IND locking with pearl buttons tuners
- Weight around 6.95lbs (3.2kgs)
- Compare Specs >
Sound Quality Comparison
The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.
Woods Used in the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM
Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.
Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.
Woods Used in the Music Man Axis Super Sport
Roasted Maple is just maple without a finish. It's technically cheaper than regular maple, but it doesn't have any extra disadvantages because of this. The color is darker, and it's lighter weight and very stable even when there's a lot of humidity.
This wood has beautiful patterns only found in specific types of maple.
Basswood is a lightweight type of wood that isn't as expensive as other popular choices for guitar building. It gives more power to the mid-range frequencies. Its color can vary from pale white to light brown. Find out more about Basswood.
Winner: Music Man Axis Super Sport.
Pickup Configuration
The Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM has an HSS configuration while the Music Man Axis Super Sport has HH pickups.
HSS provides a great balance if you like to play with a lot of distortion, but also love to use clean tones. You'll get a lot of output at the bridge position, but you'll be able to play bright clean tones at the other positions.
On the other hand, Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.
Pickups Quality
Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.
You can purchase similar pickups to the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM's and use them on any guitar:
The Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM's pickups are Active while the Music Man Axis Super Sport's are Passive.
Passive pickups are what most guitars use. These have a normal output that works well for most genres. However, Active pickups are the preferred choice of heavy metal players because they offer extra output thanks to their 9v battery, which results in a heavier, more distorted sound. Bear in mind that achieving a completely clean tone with them won't be easy. So if you want to also use clean tones, you might want to avoid Active pickups.
Winner: Tie.
Versatility Comparison
Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.
Switch Options
Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.
Only the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM comes with some kind of pickup modification: Coil Split.
Coil Split lets you disconnect one of the pickup coils. When used with humbuckers, it turns them into single-coil with lower output and cleaner tone.
When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.
Winner: Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM.
Final Sound Quality Scores
Build Quality Comparison
When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM compares to the Music Man Axis Super Sport.
Country of Origin
The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM is built in Mexico while the Music Man Axis Super Sport is made in United States.
Mexico has been for a long time where Fender has built their semi-premium series. If you don't want to overpay for a wellp-built instrument, a guitar built in this country by a good brand always offers good value for the money.
The United States is considered one of the best electric guitar manufacturers in the world. A guitar made in this country is supposed to have world-class quality control. Nowadays, guitars made in other countries can beat some of the ones made in the US, but most of the time, this country offers the best you can get. Of course, that comes at a price.
Winner: Music Man Axis Super Sport
Nut Material
If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.
The Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM has a Locking nut. Instead of a regular nut, this guitar has a locking system that will lock down the strings at the nut, preventing it from getting out of tune. It removes one of the disadvantages of tremolo bridges, tune stability.
On the other hand, the Music Man Axis Super Sport comes with a Compensated nut. Each hole where the string sits at the nut is cut at a different distance from the bridge, which compensates for the different amount of tension that each string is subject to. This fixes most intonation issues across the fretboard, so it gives great tuning stability.
Winner: Tie.
Fret Material
Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.
In this comparison, the Music Man Axis Super Sport is the only one that has stainless steel frets. These frets will basically last for the entire life of the guitar. They will never need polishing nor replacement. And not only that, but some people also notice that bending and vibratos are much easier to perform when they upgrade to stainless steel.
Winner: Music Man Axis Super Sport.
Bridge
The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.
The Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM's brige is a Floyd Rose. This is a double-locking bridge system that allows you to perform techniques like dive bombs and pinch harmonics. The locking nut allows your guitar to stay in tune even after the most intense tremolo usage. The disadvantage is that it takes more work to change the strings and set up everything correctly.
On the other hand, the Music Man Axis Super Sport's is a Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.
Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.
Winner: Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM.
Tuners
The Music Man Axis Super Sport has the best tuners of the two because they are locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.
Nevertheless, the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM has a locking nut, so it should have even better tune stability and doesn't need locking tuners.
Winner: Music Man Axis Super Sport.
Neck Joint
Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.
Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.
Winner: Tie.
Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:
Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Retainer Bar
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Mexico
- No Expensive Woods
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
Music Man Axis Super Sport
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Compensated Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Tremolo
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
Final Build Quality Scores
Playability Comparison
Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.
Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.
Nut Width
The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM has the wider nut with 42.9mm (1.688'') vs 41.3mm (1.625''). This is a 1.6mm (0.063'') difference
This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.
Scale Length
The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.
In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".
This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.
However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.
Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.
Neck Profile
No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.
In this case, both have different neck shapes:
The Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM has a C type of neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.
The Music Man Axis Super Sport, on the other hand, has a Asymmetrical neck. Even though this neck shape looks like a poorly-made job, it's, in fact, the neck that most naturally adapts to the arc of your hand when grabbing a guitar neck. You'll notice that the lower part of your palm makes a more pronounced, deeper curve while the upper part makes a more subtle arch. This is the shape that adapts the best to that natural arch your hand makes while playing.
Fretboard Radius
Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.
In this case, the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM is the only one with a compound radius. This is a huge win because it will give you the best of both worlds: a more curved radius in the first few frets for chords, and flatter as you come closer to the body for soloing.
Hand Size Comfortability
Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.
And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM favors large hands more than the Music Man Axis Super Sport. But it's still more comfortable for people with small hands, as you can see in the score meter below.
Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM:
Music Man Axis Super Sport:
Fret Size
The Charvel Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM has Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Music Man Axis Super Sport's Medium Jumbo frets.
Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.