Albert Lee and Blues Saraceno

[ratter]

A couple of quick questions...

Is the S-S-S Albert Lee model only routed for single-coils, or does it have a universal (or any other kind of) rout for the pickups? How does the neck profile compare to the EVH or Axis?

Also, I noticed that Blues Saraceno's homepage now says he endored EB/MM guitars...I believe it only said strings before. Tell this HUGE Saraceno fan: is there a possibility we might see a signature model sometime in the future?! Or, alternately, what is Blues' preferred EB/MM axe?

Thanks!
Mike

 

[Shaun Lopez]

The Albert Lee

Ratter,
The Albert Lee guitar is routed to have only a single coil pick up. Sorry man. The headstock matches body color on Axis to where it is optional on the Albert Lee. The tuners on the Axis are the Schaller M6LA with pearl buttons and on the Albert Lee there are Schaller M6-IND locking tuners.
Other than that, the other features the neck has on both guitars are the same.

For blues, there are a couple that are good. The Axis Super Sport w/ MM 90s, the Albert Lee, and the Silouette Special. I haven't heard of anything regarding a new signature model being released, but who knows... maybe Saraceno will have his signature guitar one day.
Hope this helps you out, ratter
peace,
Shaun

 

[Estin]

hey ratter,

if your looking for something different in a albert lee other than 3 singles, maybe try single coil sized humbucking pickup. seymour duncan makes a nice high output one called the "hotrails" and dimarzio makes one called the "fast track" and "fast track II" if you wanted a full size humnbucker or p-90's maybe have a lutheir route the body for one. only thing is, routing it i'm sure would void the warranty.

 

[ratter]

Thanks for the help guys, but actually, I was glad to hear that it's only routed for singles!! I was curious as to whether EBMM uses the cheapskate "swimming pool" route like Fender has in the past! Glad to hear they don't!

Mike

 

[Estin]

ahh well looks like i mis-understood. yeah i don't know why fender is so lame like that, i thought they were supposed to be all lengendary on their qaulity and stuff. from what i've seen they skimp on more than just their routing technics.

 

[Shnook]

Help a confused Saraceno fan out here. The most recent Blues Saraceno interview I've read states that he's now playing a Gold
Albert Lee model EBMM with Seth Lover pickups. I'm assuming Blues is using the P90 version of the guitar and has replaced the P90's with Seth Lovers. I'm I right?

Also, as another HUGE Blues Saraceno fan, I'd put out the cash for a Saraceno signature model easily. I've got one of his Samick Radio Ten's, and it's an amazing guitar for being what it is. I imagine a Blues design EBMM would be one of the sweetest guitars out there.

 

[ratter]

Help a confused Saraceno fan out here. The most recent Blues Saraceno interview I've read states that he's now playing a Gold
Albert Lee model EBMM with Seth Lover pickups. I'm assuming Blues is using the P90 version of the guitar and has replaced the P90's with Seth Lovers. I'm I right?

Also, as another HUGE Blues Saraceno fan, I'd put out the cash for a Saraceno signature model easily. I've got one of his Samick Radio Ten's, and it's an amazing guitar for being what it is. I imagine a Blues design EBMM would be one of the sweetest guitars out there.

Hey Shnook, what's happnin'. I'm a huge Blues fan too, and like you, would probably pick up a signature model EBMM in a heartbeat.

Funny that you mentioned the Albert Lee. I picked one up today...sparkle white hardtail with 3 P-90s. Killer feel and quality, of course. The neck feels just like my EVH, which sealed the deal for me. The pickups I'm not sure of yet...but hey, if I don't dig em, guess what I'll do? That's right! Get a new pickguard cut with a coupla' Seths. After hanging with the Albert for a while now, I bet that combination would kill!

Mike

 

[Shnook]

Hey ratter,

If you do put the Seth Lover's in the Albert Lee, let me know how it sounds. I'd like to try an Albert Lee out, but I live in an area were we just don't get a lot of variety in guitars. The EBMM dealer here only orders the Axis and a few EBMM basses. Does the Albert Lee neck really feel close to the EVH neck? I currently own 2 Wolfgangs and really like the necks on them, but I'm not too hot about the pickups. I've tried a few Axis guitars out and really liked them, but they're just too similar to the Wolfgang to to justify the expense. Hence my interest in the Albert Lee. However, I'd be far more interested in a Blues Saraceno model hint hint hint.

T

 

[ratter]

Yeah man, I will post back if I ever do change pickups.

The neck profile of the Albert, to me, is closer to the EVH than the Axis is (I have one of each, EVH and Axis). It's also LOADED with birdseye and flame...very cool. Overall, it feels great. The body contours make it more comfortable than the EVH/Axis...the only thing that might take some getting used to is the feel of the bridge under my right hand (hardtail).

I've only played it plugged in for an hour or so, so far...the pickups have lots of kick, but it seems like the sustain gets choked off a tiny bit. That's the Silent Circuit, maybe? I dunno...it still sounds great, regardless...dirty or clean...

Mike

 

[Shnook]

Cool, thanks for the review. I'll keep the Albert Lee model in mind next time I get that 'FEELING' to spend my money on yet another guitar.


T

 

[Shnook]

Hey ratter,

I may need to amend my pickup info a bit. I've done some searching around on the net and found that Blues *sometimes* uses Seth Lovers. His main humbucker is still the Blues Trembucker. Hope that helps.

T

 

[matty76]

thread from the dead '11

was hoping to see a Saraceno sig model at the nam show...I guess we'll have to wait again...would love to see his take on the Lee with HH config, and a wider flatter neck. even cooler would be one that mimic'ed the look of his old samic sig...love the shape and neck on that guitar but the hardware always felt so cheap....or a Silo with a wider flatter petrucci type neck.

oh well maybe next year...nudge nudge

 

[Colin]

Blues is a big Ernie Ball Music Man guy, not only is he an endorser he's like part of the family. I have some Blues video coming soon. Both Blues and his Dad Alex are really kind people.

 

[robelinda2]

Good job Colin!

 

[Spudmurphy]

Wow Colin - that will be one to look out for.

Looks like you got a whole lot of footage from NAMM too.

 

[straycat113]

Blues has a few AL HH guitars that have a chunkier neck profile than is what is on the standard AL's, I cant say if he is responsible for the AL HH but he did say in a video he asked Sterling to make them for him six years ago, so he has had them for quite a while. The guy is a total class act and a hell of a player, as of now when he says he is an endorser he means he is using EB guitars the way Johnny Hiland uses a Silo, though their has been talk of a possible sig guitar. Then again Sterling has been saying for a while now that he does not want to do anymore but you never know.

 

[jbliguori]

Blues Signature Model

Blues is a very deserving guy, at least he and the fans deserve a plaid painted Game Changer.
Anyway if you like a plaid paint look for Dan Lawrence Graphics, it will cost you but it'll make you happy.
Come on EB guys, make it by order I'll order one.
JB♫

 

[brokenvail]

It has bene said before that there would be no Blues Sig. He is not really that guy who is after sigs any way. He had EB make those custom Albert Lee'sfor him years go and he just loves them. He has mentioned that betwee his Al the 20th and 25th (and I am sure soon to be the game changer) he has SO many bases covered. BP would nver just take an AL but a different neck on it and humbuckers and push it as a Blues sig. It would be a disrespect to Mr Lee. Blues also obviously doesn't want another guitar of shape because if he wanted one I am sure EB would make it for him.

 

[Shnook]

I'm baffled at the point here. The shape of the AL model was supposed to be the Axis if I'm not mistaken. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Albert was taken with the guitar that turned into his signature model and if you noticed his early version says Axis on the headstock. EVH left EBMM and the general idea of that guitar was renamed the Axis. What else to do but go with Albert Lee? It wasn't like AL went to EBMM with this body shape and configuration and said 'make this for me.' Blues Saraceno is the reason I bought an EBMM Albert Lee. His influence in tone and playing is the reason I want an AL with HH. I see no disrespect in twisting the AL up to a Blues signature model However, I've read Blues' recent favorite EBMM is the Reflex. Who knows, who cares? EBMM makes a killer guitar. If they were to make a Blues Saraceno spec guitar I'd buy it.

 

[Phrat]

I am sure the arrangement is that that any changes to an artists signature model have to be agreed by the artist. Blues is a great player and he chooses EBMM guitars, not one, but as mentioned above, he uses a variety of guitars. For a signature model to be made, it needs to have appeal to a significant enough market which includes the artist which would probably rule a Blues signature out (don't get me wrong, Blues is probably one of my biggest influences....if only he would release more music grrrrr!!).

Right now you can hunt out and find a 20th and the ALHH is as close to what blues plays himself anyway...neck profile wise, go with what suits you, not someone else!