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Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience

My new AL is killing my wrist....

N

november2019

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Hi all,

I am not Jimmy Page or anything but I have decent technique, been playing for years but when I play my new AL, especially when playing just basic major chords it is killing my wrist right where my thumb meets my palm say. I am used to playing slightly meatier necks on my old Fenders( I hope Fender has not corrupted me...) but I did not think the transition would be that big a deal. Any tips, advice, similiar issues anyone has had like this I would love to hear em' because otherwise I am going to have to sell this one and I REALLY do not want to the AL is the perfect single coil sound IMHO. Thanks:confused:
 
Pablo

Pablo

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Sep 21, 2006
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Galten, Denmark
To me it sounds like you simply need to readjust and learn how to relax on the narrower EBMM neck. Try to consciously play with less force and if you feel yourself tensing up, take a break and do some wrist stretches and massage your hands.

The AL is a wicked design and the tone is amazing - just give it time and get to know your axe before freaking out, I'm sure you'll be writing back, telling us how much you love it in a week's time ;)

Cheers

Eske
 
Norrin Radd

Norrin Radd

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I think your problem is completely unfixable. There is nothing that can be done.

Now, could you please post some pics of your AL for sale? :D
 
N

november2019

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Funny you say that BP...I brought my strap up from the old length I had it for my 57 strat and there is a bit of a difference. Not quite as stinging now, hopefully it will just be a time adjusting. I think I might be holding this with too much of a death grip who knows. The funny thing is I have been playing the hell out of one at a local store for a while before I got this and no issues, basically its just when I play further between the 1st and 5th/6th fret. Otherwise, you guys hit it out of the park with this guitar BP, something with the ash and those pups give it a such a unique tone. Again, blows away my Strats. Time to go play some more....
 
N

november2019

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Colin said:
no wrist pain without pics of the AL...
Click to expand...

Here you go colin...you have to see it up close its almost reddish. The one......cant explain I almost want to feed the dimensions into my computer and see if they somehow mean something mystical...LOL. Great guitar though, Strat killer for sure. Cant wait to see the BFR AL's next week, assuming there are some maybe.
 
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N

november2019

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The naked front itself!!!!:eek: I am about to order another one of these as long as my wrist adjusts to this baby. I actually have an extra pickguard for this that was cut for a peizo so it has the extra hole for another control knob, was thinking to add some bells and whistles type thing but I am not sure.....maybe a place to store a cigarette...? You guys better get an AL!
 
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N

november2019

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Messages
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D.C.
Thanks for the AL insight BP. By the way BP, can you give some more insights into why the AL looks/feels/sounds like it does? To me it seems like you guys were going for a really pure old school Strat design regarding tone and playability, with bells and whistles and looks being second( I like the look though, a lot). Basically HOW did you guys come up with this design in its current form? I know a thing or two about engineering so just curious. Thanks....:D
 
robelinda2

robelinda2

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i'm kinda surpised Albert went for it back in the 80's, seeing as he was so heavily into teles and not as much into strats. it must be the greatest,versatile axe for him to ditch his trusty vintage tele's and go for the "axis" as it was, which people keep saying is a strat killer, is it a tele killer too? must be!

cant wait to get an AL!!!!!!!!!!
 
N

november2019

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Messages
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D.C.
I would say based on my limited experience with it so far the AL CAN sound like a Tele, but it really is a hardcore vintage Strat sounding machine, with its own thing going on. I am thinking you dont have too many in Oz? I really wonder what the build stats are for the AL per year, seems like they are a bit rare....
 
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