Abel Axe
Aluminium electric guitar with distinctive body holes.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
The Abel Axe is an electric guitar created by Wyoming native Jeff Abel, with engineering by James Jones. Its body is machined from aircraft-grade T-6 billet aluminum and is immediately recognizable by the array of differently sized holes across its surface. Every Abel Axe is built in the United States. In 1999, the instrument received the Emerging Manufacturer Award at the Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony. Mark Slaughter, frontman of the band Slaughter, owned one of these guitars.
The guitar’s body is small and Stratocaster-style, available with either a tremolo or fixed bridge. The finish is anodized in a range of colors: grass green, silver (clear), red, black, teal, blue, violet, gold, and multicolor. The scale length measures 25.5 inches (65 cm). The body pattern shifted to a slot-type design from 2000 to 2001 and again after 2007. Necks on the first run (1994–1996) came from Musikraft, Inc., owned by Gulab Gidwani; Warmoth necks were used starting in 2001, and Delaney Guitars has supplied necks since 2007. The 22-fret necks are made of rosewood or maple. Other components include Kent Armstrong pickups, a Kahler tremolo, Gotoh bridge, and Sperzel graduating locking tuning keys. In 2001, the holes were replaced by body slots, and the body received a thicker coating with brighter colors.
An Abel Axe with holes and a Kahler trem weighs about 9 pounds (4.1 kg) and measures 15.5 by 11.25 by 1 inch (39.4 cm × 28.6 cm × 2.5 cm). The fixed-bridge version also weighs roughly 9 pounds (4.1 kg), as the unmilled metal where the trem cavity would be keeps the weight consistent. The body itself weighs 5 pounds (2.3 kg), and the heel flange is about 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) thick.
- inventor
- Jeff Abel
- engineer
- James Jones
- origin
- Wyoming, United States
- material
- Aircraft grade T-6 Billet aluminium
- distinguishing_feature
- Various sized holes dotting the body
- award
- Emerging Manufacturer Award, 1999 Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony
Lore & Background
The Abel Axe was anodized in numerous colors, including grass green, silver (clear), red, black, teal, blue, violet, gold, and multicolor. Scale length on necks is 25.5 inches (65 cm). The body was small and Strat-typed with a trem or fixed bridge. The body pattern was changed to slot-type from 2000 to 2001 and after 2007. The necks on the first run were manufactured by Musikraft, Inc., owned by Gulab Gidwani, from 1994 to 1996. Warmoth necks were used starting 2001, and later necks were made by Delaney Guitars since 2007. Rosewood or maple wood were used for the 22 fret necks. Some other specs are Kent Armstrong pickups, Kahler tremolo, Gotoh bridge, and Sperzel graduating, locking and tuning keys. In 2001, the holes were changed to body slots, and the body used thicker coating and brighter colors.
Reader's Guide
The Abel Axe represents a distinctive entry in electric guitar design, notable for its aircraft-grade aluminium construction and signature hole-patterned body. Its use of varied neck suppliers over time—Musikraft, Warmoth, and Delaney Guitars—reflects evolving production choices. The guitar's weight, approximately 9 pounds regardless of bridge type, was a deliberate design feature. The Abel Axe's recognition with the Emerging Manufacturer Award in 1999 highlights its early industry impact. Mark Slaughter, leader of the band Slaughter, owned an Abel Axe, indicating some adoption by professional musicians. The guitar's body pattern changes, including slot-type modifications from 2000 to 2001 and after 2007, show ongoing design evolution. While not a mainstream instrument, the Abel Axe stands as a unique example of American guitar manufacturing innovation, combining unconventional materials with traditional Strat-style ergonomics.
Did You Know?
- The Abel Axe is made from aircraft grade T-6 Billet aluminium.
- The body pattern was changed to slot-type from 2000 to 2001 and after 2007.
- Mark Slaughter, leader of the band Slaughter, owned an Abel Axe.
- The Abel Axe with holes and Kahler trem weighs approximately 9 pounds (4.1 kg).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented the Abel Axe guitar?
Jeff Abel, a native of Wyoming, designed the instrument, while James Jones handled the engineering. Both men are credited as the creative force behind this American-made electric guitar.
What makes the Abel Axe visually unique?
The body is dotted with an array of holes in various sizes, giving it an instantly recognizable perforated look. This design sits on a compact, Stratocaster-style body that can be fitted with either a tremolo or fixed bridge.
What material is the Abel Axe body made from?
Each body is machined from aircraft-grade T-6 billet aluminum, the same class of alloy used in aviation. Every instrument is manufactured domestically in the United States.
What award did the Abel Axe receive?
In 1999, the guitar was honored with the Emerging Manufacturer Award at the Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony. The recognition highlighted its innovative use of aerospace-grade materials in a musical instrument.
Which well-known musician played an Abel Axe?
Mark Slaughter, frontman of the rock band Slaughter, owned one of these guitars. The instrument's small, Stratocaster-style body made it a practical choice for live performance.
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