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Albert Lee HH Tremolo question

Twang Banger

Twang Banger

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 19, 2016
Messages
104
Location
Saint Augustine, Florida
I am looking at purchasing an Albert Lee HH with tremolo (errr vibrato). Can some of you who own one describe the stability and design of the vibrato system? I looks like it is engineered much like a Strat's ... Is it improved? Much improved? About the same? What about tuning issues it might cause?

Thanks!


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Ive owned a silhouette special for a week which has the same trem system and its great. Coupled with the locking tuners its light to use and stays in tune brilliantly once the strings have been stretched in.

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I own a 1998 Axis Sport, 2009 HHAL, 2014 Silhouette Special all with the Musicman trem. The system is vastly improved from your standard strat trem and doesn't have any stability issues to speak of. Is it a Floyd? No, but I've gotten pretty crazy with it at times and found my guitar to still be in tune after I'm done. I sold my 2004 Strat because that wasn't the case. I can't tell you from a design perspective what makes it so much more stable as I'm not an engineer, but my conclusion is that attention to detail and the overall build quality of the guitar must have a lot to do with it. I love my HHAL and will also say that you will not regret picking one up. Your wallet on the other hand will be very angry as the biggest problem with Musicman guitars is that they are addictive. They are like Lays potato chips... Bet you can't just have 1.... (I'm working on #6)
 
Stratty316 said:
I own a 1998 Axis Sport, 2009 HHAL, 2014 Silhouette Special all with the Musicman trem. The system is vastly improved from your standard strat trem and doesn't have any stability issues to speak of. Is it a Floyd? No, but I've gotten pretty crazy with it at times and found my guitar to still be in tune after I'm done. I sold my 2004 Strat because that wasn't the case. I can't tell you from a design perspective what makes it so much more stable as I'm not an engineer, but my conclusion is that attention to detail and the overall build quality of the guitar must have a lot to do with it. I love my HHAL and will also say that you will not regret picking one up. Your wallet on the other hand will be very angry as the biggest problem with Musicman guitars is that they are addictive. They are like Lays potato chips... Bet you can't just have 1.... (I'm working on #6)
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I think youre right, its down to the overall quality of the instrument and not just the design of the trem itself. The locking tuners help massively with tuning stability but it also comes down to things like how well the nut is cut and having no friction there, that is possibly a strats biggest issue. My dads 79 strat stays in tune perfectly and is the standard trem with no modifications.
Best trems ive ever played.

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The trem design is very stable. It's the perfect combination. Locking tuners, a well cut nut, and a two point fulcrum. The locking tuners allow for fewer winds around the tuning post. The nit is cut well, so the string won't bind. You can dive bomb and bend to your heart's desire.

I've actually stopped using the Floyd Rose system because the EBMM setup works so well.
 
TonyEVH5150 said:
The trem design is very stable. It's the perfect combination. Locking tuners, a well cut nut, and a two point fulcrum. The locking tuners allow for fewer winds around the tuning post. The nit is cut well, so the string won't bind. You can dive bomb and bend to your heart's desire.

I've actually stopped using the Floyd Rose system because the EBMM setup works so well.
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It seems alot of the signature artists feel the same. Luke, morse, petrucci: dont see them using floyds alot now.

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As stated, it's top notch quality. Get the guitar set up proper and you'll have no problems.
I've even set one of mine up to float like the Lukes and it's as stable as can be....
 
I find the trems on my musicman guitars the best and most stable i have ever used. They are pretty much flawless!
 
Thanks ... Bought an Albert Lee today and will be putting 11s on it ... Hopefully that won't result in any binding at the nut. Will report back. ;-)


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I thiught i read that the trem does not float ... On my strats i have them floating slightly ... If that is workable on the MMAL, i might try it, but not if it sacrifices tuning stability.

Thanks for the welcome ;)


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Like in a strat, you can set them floating or blocked.

Unlike in a strat, you won't face tuning fluctuation.


Ps
Be careful ; you might never play your strat again....
 
Twang Banger said:
I thiught i read that the trem does not float ... On my strats i have them floating slightly ... If that is workable on the MMAL, i might try it, but not if it sacrifices tuning stability.

Thanks for the welcome ;)


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There are no tuning issues at all with them, best trem system available.

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Twang Banger said:
I thiught i read that the trem does not float ... On my strats i have them floating slightly ... If that is workable on the MMAL, i might try it, but not if it sacrifices tuning stability.

Thanks for the welcome ;)
Click to expand...
I've set up my Al conventionally and also, at some time, to float and no problems at all. What with the locking tuners, no winds on the string posts or no string trees then it has great stability.
 
Love the tremolo...hate the saddles. HATE the saddles. I wish MM would go to block saddles, or at least offer them as a replacement part that one can buy.
 
DrewH said:
I wish MM would go to block saddles, or at least offer them as a replacement part that one can buy.
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You can order replacement saddles, unless something has changed. I've been back and forth on a few guitars between the vintage saddles and the block ones. (Though I much prefer the vintage ones for the extra 'zing' they impart.)

Haha ... Dr Kev beat me to it :)
 
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