Albert Lee Owners, Can you help?

[PugNinjas]

Hello Folks,
I am about to order an Albert Lee model and was hoping that some of the forum members who own this model may be able to give me a brief review of the guitar. I haven't been able to find any around here to test out so I am wondering about the sound of the single coils and p90s, as well as comfort and reliability.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks again,

Rich

 

[SteveLINY]

The Albert is the greatest sounding strat/tele Never built.
The necks are super comfy, and the guitar just twangs better than any Fender out there. The MM90's are sweet and full sounding.
I love mine.
Steve

 

[GWDavis28]

Well I've only had my AL for a few weeks and I can tell you I can see why people say that this guitar is for life. I'm with Steve here the MM90's are sweet and rich. It's the best Str@t style guitar there is, even over the real thing. I tell you I bought mine without really trying it and I am so glad that I did. I'd recommend getting the piezo though to make the guitar complete.

As far as the single coils go I have them in my Silhouette special and with the slient circuit they are pretty fine. Getting those clean Str@t tones is easily.

I say go for it you won't regret it. Best of luck, Glenn |B)

 

[mbgreene]

Yeah - What they said!!

Neck feel can be subjective to the player, I've got large hands and it took a few test drives to make up my mind to move forward but I've melded with it and find it comfy and, like all EBMM's smooth as silk. Depending on what you play, its got great single coils sounds and can be both chimier and twangier than its F%&der counter parts. The MM90's are well voiced and not as agressive as original P90's. They can handle anything jazz - country - blues - classic rock but not really the choice for downtuned heavy metal.

Remember Albert was a Tele guy for years (the tele guy some would say) and worked with EB to expand his sound. It's lightweight and comfortable to hang on the shoulder and the overall look is unique, although to some may be an acquired taste. Try it - you'll like it

 

[tvanveen]

Just a note of the difference between the AL with single coils and the Sil with SC's...the AL bridge pickup has the bass plate to get a bit more of that tele bite.

For me, an AL is the ultimate strat. When you sit back and think what you want in a strat, you're going to look for a swamp ash body, light weight, the right neck, and good build.

You're totally covered with the AL, plus you have the benefit of locking tuners, and a unique design. Remember...it's not metal pointy, it's tailfin pointy.

The MM90's are way cool, and they're *totally* unigue. In an industry where most manufacturers either copy old designs or go for something totally over the top and in your face, Ernie Ball has decided that an underwound P90 would give a sweeter, more interesting tone than an exact copy of a P90. They're right. They're awesome. Who knew you could get so much quack from a P90?

So, what color are you getting?

tv

 

[PugNinjas]

Thanks for the replies folks, they are a big help. The comments on the P90s were key, because that was the pickup configuration that interested me the most, as well as the incredibly original shape of the guitar.

As for a color, I emailed the Music Man Customer Service Dept. to ask which are currently available just in case the color options have changed. I would hate to get excited about a color and find out it's no longer available. I am waiting on a reply from them.

Hopefully, I won't join the ranks of those members who waited for endless months for their guitars once they placed their orders.

Once again thanks for the reviews/info, it's truly appreciated.

Rich

 

[mbgreene]

As for a color, I emailed the Music Man Customer Service Dept. to ask which are currently available just in case the color options have changed. I would hate to get excited about a color and find out it's no longer available. I am waiting on a reply from them.

You might want to check if the LE Buttercream is still available for order. I don't think its listed in the build a guitar section of the website and not sure how long it was made available (originally offered around February NAMM). The press release is available here:

http://www.ernieball.com/site/news.php

But that color with a tort guard would make for one sweet AL

 

[PugNinjas]

Well, I received my email response from the Music Man customer service department and I was very pleased to find all of my questions answered, especially in an age when most companies have forgotten what the term "customer service" actually means! I was also furnished with a phone number in case I have any other questions, which can be helpful.

Now, I have to decide which color I like although I am leaning towards the Rolls Burgundy.

The worst part will be waiting the three months to receive the guitar. I was told the reason for the waiting period was due to the fact that there is no 'custom shop' at Music Man. I'm not sure how I really feel about that, should I be happy that my guitar will be made to order in a sense? Perhaps it's the "I needed it yesterday" mentality that's getting the better of me

I did check out the limited edition buttercream, quite a tasty name for a color.

Anyways, it looks as if I will be adding to my collection and joining the ranks of the Albert Lee owners here sometime this summer

 

[GWDavis28]

You won't be disappointed in the least. We'll be waiting to hear about it when you get it.

Glenn |B)

 

[beej]

> I am leaning towards the Rolls Burgundy.

Nice! I absolulely love that colour. Used to have a sil special in rolls burgundy that looked awesome.

 

[Jimi D]

You can read "reviews" of my two ALs (and see some pics) by clicking the link in my sig, below... Basically, I love 'em and recommend 'em!

 

[PugNinjas]

I spoke with a very helpful Music Man Customer Service rep today, he helped me locate authorized dealers that are close to my house so I could try an Albert out. Hopefully, when I make the phone calls tomorrow, one of these stores has one in stock.
He also mentioned that the Limited Edition Buttercream would still be available if I choose to order one. That delicious color, combined with the tortoise pickguard, has been something I have been thinking about since mbgreene linked me to the press release.

Thanks for all the reviews and comments, it's making this decision that much easier. (except for the color )

 

[GWDavis28]

PN, here's a nice AL in Radiance Red, OC got is Desert Gold one from these guys.

http://www.wildwestguitars.com/musicmanhome.htm

Glenn |B)

 

[neastguy]

are AL's neck the same size as the Silo's, I love the size of the Silo and I'll decide not to get vintage fender tele if the neck is the same as the silo...thanks...

 

[tommyindelaware]

are AL's neck the same size as the Silo's, I love the size of the Silo and I'll decide not to get vintage fender tele if the neck is the same as the silo...thanks...

http://www.ernieball.com/mmonline/specs/instruments_silhouette.html
http://www.ernieball.com/mmonline/specs/instruments_albertlee.html



look the same to me........

not sure about the profile....

 

[GWDavis28]

not sure about the profile....

I'm pretty sure that the neck profiles are different. The AL's seems to be a little bit shallower that the Silhouette Specials. But that's my take on it. I have to say though that I think I prefer the AL's neck profile over the Silhouette Specials. I've been messign around with my SS until my AL returns from EBMM (Thanx Jon ) and I can notice the difference.

Hope this helps, Glenn |B)

 

[Bassplyr]

KBaim needs to be weighing in here. He's got a new A.Lee to talk about.

 

[PugNinjas]

Well, I just returned from talking to a local MM Dealer and I will placing the order for my very own Albert Lee on Monday. I do have another question for everyone.

What are your opinions on the tremelo vs. non tremelo debate with regards to this guitar?

That's the last item I have to decide on


Rich

 

[kbaim]

Kbaim weighing in. Hey Pugs.

Albert Lee model is perhaps best suited to strat and tele fans. I've had mine less than 2 months but I love it. Fantastic neck, lightweight, tones galore, and cool to look at.

There's lots of reviews of them at Harmony central (including mine) and it seems unanimous that owners love these unique guitars.

My favorite music man is still the Luke but the Albert is the only guitar that doesn't make me miss playing the Luke.

BTW I raised the bridge pickup and it really handles the distortion solos nicely now. All other pickup positions are perfectly balanced with tremendous tone for clean players.
KEITH

 

[jongitarz]

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