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Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience

AL owners: I need some help and advice....

Norrin Radd

Norrin Radd

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 20, 2004
Messages
2,939
Location
Saint Paul
I'm considering selling an Axis in order to buy an AL.

First question: Should I? I already have two other guitars in HH config (JP6 and PRS Navarro). And although they don't sound exactly like the Axis, I can get pretty close between the 2 of them.

Second question: The piezo:
(part A). Yes or no. Does it sound really good through an acoustic amp? Is it worth the extra dough?

(part B) Does the position of that third knob get in the way of playing?

I've already decided I want a hard tail if I get one. Any help or feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
 
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First question - Yes. If your looking to expand your tonal capabilities and have the HH configuration handled to your liking, moving to the AL makes sense. Of course, most people on the board might say - hey just add the AL :) - but if thats not a real option An AL or Sil Spec would most suit your needs. Also, if you are comfortable with the Axis, the AL is probably the closest in neck feel among the MM line to the axis (although none are exactly the same) being maple, the same radius and somewhat thicker fretside to thumb side.

Second question
A - Everything I have previuosly read when questions were asked about the piezo said it was worth it and is why I included it in my most recent Axis SS order. I don't recall any posts that said - no I wish I didn't - but plenty that said - man I wish that I had at the time.

B - I guess it would come down to style. Any unfamiliar knob configuration will feel awkward at first, due to habit and muscle memory. I always thought how can people not keep hitting the toggle on the Pet with every strum. But they don't, and those that did initially usually find their way around it pretty quickly. I don't believe the AL has a seperate piezo switch but is more of just a volume knob similar to the Silo. It would just be a matter of getting used to the knob positions.

All around the AL's are great guitars that don't get the pub that some of the other models do. But any that have picked them up and played them swear by them, including myself - Good Luck -
 
Q1. Answer- Yes
Q2a Answer - When I first heard the Piezo "kick in" (cos the salesman in the shop didn,t know how to operate it! - it made my stomache flutter - the sound was awesome - I just had to get one 'cos if I didn't I knew that I would have regretted it.
Q2b It doesn't get in the way on a Strat, and AL who has a Piezo model doesn't seem to have any problems either - as BP said to me "If it's good enough for Albert ...."

I should be getting mine VERY soon now.
Spud
 
Norrin Radd said:
I'm considering selling an Axis in order to buy an AL.

First question: Should I? I already have two other guitars in HH config (JP6 and PRS Navarro). And although they don't sound exactly like the Axis, I can get pretty close between the 2 of them.

Second question: The piezo:
(part A). Yes or no. Does it sound really good through an acoustic amp? Is it worth the extra dough?

(part B) Does the position of that third knob get in the way of playing?

I've already decided I want a hard tail if I get one. Any help or feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Click to expand...
I probably wouldn't use an acoustic amp with the piezo myself. The expense is probably not justified unless you play a lot of acoustic. Running it thru the board has always been more successful for me. One of the best acoustic amps I've ever heard are AER, very nice.

Colin
 
I'd do it if you want to own a single coil guitar.
Based on the prs and JP, if those are your only others, you may have gravitated towards humbuckers for a reason.

If you think it's right for your style, it's an excellent choice. Great tone, lightweight, comfy as hell, and a bit unique.
 
I wonder what the piezo and the MM90's sound like?? Can you even do that??

Glenn |B)
 
Yeah, I've got that too.... Nice powerful "SuperStrat" sounds plus the ability to mix in the piezo... Nice - better with 10's I've recently found, bu the MM90 is closer to the volume knob than the single coils....
 
I LOVE my AL & the piezo that came on it. I don't use it all the time but I do love having it & enjoy the sound when I get the occasion to use it. As the saying goes, better to have it & not need it than to need it & not have it. And yes, it is the most comfortable guitar I've ever owned. Props to the EBMM team. Rock On!!!
 
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