The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Axis: Bold As Love

Some bands, like the Beatles and the Stones, sound pretty good in mono: this Lp is evidently (born to be) a *stereo record.* I rate the mono "Axis" as listenable (moreso than the car-dash-radio mono mix of AYE), but as no special treat. The highs are a bit rolled off, the guitar is lower in the mix, and the drums have lost some punch. It does sound authentically 60s, I'll give it that: this doesn't sound like a modern fold-down with added compression. But as with some 1960s mono, this was mixed for something like an 8-inch monitor speaker without fancy tweeters or low-frequency capabilities. (All of the subtlety of the chime of the guitars is lost; listening to this compels me to reach for the stereo version.) A motive to get this this is if you want to pretend you are listening to an FM mono broadcast version of this on some oddball, cool station c. 1969. But this Lp was made with stereo in focus.

Does anybody knows the difference between this and the identical 2020 pressing? Thank you.?

Absolutely agree. This version rocks! Don't get me wrong I love the stereo reissues, especially "Are You Experienced?". However, the separation there can be weird sometimes due to the fact that stereo had just become mainstream for rock records. It just feels unrealistic hearing Jimis guitar from the middle while he's singing from the middle left or right corner.
With this mono version you get the fidelity of the stereo versions with even more attack and Hendrix singing being aligned with his guitar (because no horizontal separation in mono) which I find to be a way more comfortable listening experience.

Bernie Grundman used a Studer tape machine fitted with a full track mono head the fitted the tape machine with Ampex 350 tube electronics play the OG mono tape. So this releases whole entire cutting amplifier chain is pure tube. And it sounds that way….amazing.
Iv stopped listening to my Stereo copy since I bought this. After deep cleaning…wow.

The mono version is where it’s at and this AAA pressing is the one to pick up for cheap. Even though it’s mono and only one channel, the clarity is stunning and you can almost see the instruments and vocals in different areas of the sound field. It’s amazing how 3D this pressing sounds. Sounds better than the scratchy original stereo vinyl or SACD mono versions I own.

Mind blowing in every way. Do yourself a favor and snag yourself a copy!

What’s better mono or stereo pressing for this album? Is it essential to have both?

Increíble que un producto tan bueno esté a un precio tan bajo. La calidad de la producción y el sonido son excelentes, esta edición en mono es de lo mejor!

Amazing pressing and while obviously this recording is meant to be in Stereo to hear this record stripped down and the band rocking like that is a pretty cool thing. Well worth the low price.