Albert Lee impressions?

[decreebass]

Even though I have a wonderful stable of JPs (and a Maj), the Albert Lee has been tempting me lately. I know Mike Einziger of Incubus uses these exclusively and that's one of my favorite bands with amazing guitar tones. I'm just wondering if anyone has an Albert Lee AS WELL AS a JP guitar and can compare or contrast. I don't think I'll ever get a chance to try one out since all my local guitar stores don't seem to know Music Man exists...

Or, if you can't compare to a JP/Maj, I'll be grateful for any reviews; sell me on this bad boy! Sweetwater has a rosewood neck Diego Blue one right now that's caught my eye... I think I like the HH model, but the SSS is not out of the question. Thanks guys (and/or gals)!

 

[xjbebop]

I've seen many posts where people sold all thier other guitars after playing Als....they are that good.
Just add one (or three...) to your collection.
You won't regret it

 

[decreebass]

I think my main reservation at this point is the fact that it's only 6 strings and no piezo; those are two dings against it, but Einziger praises them up and down.

Besides I've already got 4 7-strings. so it's got that going for it... I was really GASsing for the trans walnut finished one, so I may wait until they get one of those in stock. I hid my Sweetwater card from myself for this very reason lol.

 

[xjbebop]

Trans walnut was my first.

Remember, less is more....

 

[Siddius]

That is crazy about how he came to MM because of wrist problems. Exact same thing here. I can't even imagine playing other guitars anymore. I can play with my balls all day, but now all of my other guitars get the shaft.

 

[Sweat]

You can get an AL MM-90 or SSS with piezo and really 7 strings is that important? Variety is the spice of life

 

[Rachmaninoff]

I'm just wondering if anyone has an Albert Lee AS WELL AS a JP guitar and can compare or contrast. I don't think I'll ever get a chance to try one out since all my local guitar stores don't seem to know Music Man exists...

I'm in the very same situation. I own a JP6, and I can't find an Albert Lee to try it out. I'd really like to know how the AL neck compares to the JP.

 

[decreebass]

Yea I'm okay with a fatter neck, but it's been a while since I've jived with a 10" radius. I'm pretty much set on that diego blue one at Sweetwater (unless someone else gets it before me) - but I dunno if I could handle the stress of waiting for a guitar to be delivered lol!

 

[Spudmurphy]

I have 3 Alberts and I had a JP6 MD fully loaded.

The JP6 was a labour of love and I put a lot of work into it to restore it.
It was stable (tuning wise) had a responsiveTrem, and the pickups were great. The neck felt really good
but ... because of the shallow neck I had cramping problems in my forearm.
A fellow forumite just happened to hit me up on the guitar - I didn't have it for sale but he made me a great offer - he had a great deal too considering the price of second hand JP6's in the UK.

The Albert Lee is a fantastic guitar - I have SSS hardtail; SSS Piezo and Trem:MM90 trem (2006 limited Edition).
The neck I find to be perfect for my small hands.

I have played a HH Albert too, and that was a fantastic guitar.

I think though, if you want a different guitar go for the SSS and Piezo. - it will be a completely different tool in your collection and will complement your JP6.

The SSS piezo is my favourite and I will NEVER get rid of it - you wont be dissapointed with it.

 

[Jamie M]

The other guitarist in my band has an AL, it really does sound amazing, such a pure tone. The AL could even be the nicest sounding EBMM out there, it has that special mojo.

 

[decreebass]

Well, I pulled the trigger on one of the Diego Blue AL HHs over at Sweetwater Prepare for an NGD in a couple days!

As an aside... WHAT?!?!?!? They have one that has a piezo? Dang. Now it looks like I'll have a second AL in my harem in a couple months... will this EBMM GAS never end?!?! CURSE YOU, BIG POPPA, FOR TAKING ALL MY MONEY!!!