Albert Lee - which one?

[coldsummer]

Can't decide between an HH or 3MM90. Never played either but I simply must have one of them. I have loads of HH guitars and I know for sure I'd like AL in that configuration, but I'm really drawn towards the MM90. I like a wide range of styles from Rock to Blues to Jazzy stuff. Cleans are just as important as dirty. So......anybody want to chime in with some advice? Don't worry, I won't hold anyone to account, any input serious or otherwise would be most welcome! The only thing I have to go on so far is Youtube vids so some input from anyone who has actually played one or both would be cool, plus would be interesting for others as well.

 

[Norrin Radd]

I've owned all versions. They are all excellent and you really can't make a wrong decision. If I were you (with plenty of HH guitars) I would definitely get the MM90s. Of course, this is coming from someone who loaded his HH AL SSS style with Area 67s (neck & middle) and an Injector in the bridge. . So maybe I'm not the best one to be taking advice from!

OTOH, my MM90 has been tried with all 3 configurations and it sounds best with the MM90s. YMMV. Good luck!

 

[jzeijen]

In your case I would get the MM90 version. Very versatile and the cleans are to die for. Then immediately sell some HH guitars en get the HH AL also, because it's that good!

 

[coldsummer]

Thanks Guys, it kind of confirms the way I'm thinking. Blimey, too many guitars and too little time (and cash)!! I was concerned that the MM90's wouldn't be so good clean so it's good to know.

The AL model seems like the 'sleeper' in the EBMM range. Having said that I've always found my JP6 with piezo to be a truly versatile guitar and certainly not just a progressive metal tool.

Please keep the replies coming, it's really interesting.

 

[mtrejo]

I'll chime in and agree with the MM90. Very versatile sounding pickups. On an Albert Lee…excellent choice!

 

[Hoffmann]

Then again the all rosewood neck on the AL HHs is a dream to play. I can't imagine a better feel on a guitar neck.
At the same time my all time favorite will be the AL SSS. The best clean tones that I have heard so far and also great versatility. Have never experienced a guitar that always found it's way in the mix so perfectly like the SSS. You can always hear it, and still it always sounds as it belongs there in the song. Hard to describe...!

 

[threeminutesboy]

MM90 for me cause the clean tones are so out of this world

 

[coldsummer]

Well I've gone and done it, MM90 will be here next week!!

Just need to think about selling something from the vault.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Simon

 

[Norrin Radd]

I think you are going to very pleased! How about some details - what are the specs???? Term? Colors?

 

[coldsummer]

I think you are going to very pleased! How about some details - what are the specs???? Term? Colors?

Its black, rosewood neck, trem, in fact here are some pics..... Musicman Albert Lee 3 MM90 rosewood neck

 

[jzeijen]

Aah, I see what you did: you made a combination of the 2. MM90 pickups and rosewood neck!

Nice one!

 

[JasonT]

Its black, rosewood neck, trem, in fact here are some pics..... Musicman Albert Lee 3 MM90 rosewood neck

Cool. I was actually going to suggest you try to find one of these rosewood necked MM90 models. Can't wait for your impression of it.

 

[robelinda2]

MM90 AL. none more awesome.

 

[Spudmurphy]

oh well I'm late to the party here!!

I was always a HH player and when I started playing again I decided on something a bit different.
Eventually settled on a SSS Al with Piezo - which I love.

I got MM90 Al a year or so later and was really surprised by how good the MM90 pickups are. Still have a
real nice cluck and quack and the volume rolls off nicely. For me though - the MM90 pick ups take up a lot of
"Real estate" on the guitar and my finger nails inevitably tap on the pick up covers at times.

I still have my Als and have never felt like moving them on.

I tried a HH Al with roasted neck. It just had something - it was amazing - when I tried it out in the shop
(Knighton guitars) there was an entourage from EB in the shop and we all agreed as to how nice it sounded and looked!!
That one ended up with an EU knucklehead - great guitar that one !!

At the mo, I'm in love with my JP 6 - mainly because I'm gigging and I'm not too worried about it taking a knock - I've been
extremely lucky with my Al's when gigging - they have been speared by enthusiastic bass players, caught cymbal edges and had things knocked over into them - they have led a charmed life and taken the impacts on pickguards, pickups etc and there are no marks- phew.

Anyways _ I see you've gone for the MM90 and I hope you enjoy it.
Post pics of it when you get it and membership to the illustrious ALOC is guaranteed!!

 

[A.J.]

It's ultimately up to you... I own both and am in love with a couple of SSS's we have at the office. They're all incredible.

 

[paulstew64]

I was watching this AL on ebay so congratulations on beating me to it.

I was struggling like you deciding whether to go for the SSS or MM90 version. The good news for me is that you helped me make up my mind. So, it's defintely a SSS for me - I really struggle with HB pickups and just cannot get the clarity of single coils out of my system.

At the moment I am ball-less as i had to sell my LukeII. But, this hiatus, albeit forced has really helped me identify what is important going forward. frankly I can't imagine not having an EBMM guitar on stage and now know Al is the right guitar for me.

So now I'm looking for a new Al but don't want sunburst version - I need red or blue as they stand out best on stage. I may even go the extra stretch and go for a BFR - now that guitar really does look the business!

Sorry guys for being away for so long!

 

[Hoffmann]

The BFR has the most beautiful finish for me, but I really like my Black Cherry burst.

And pacific blue burst is also sooooo beautiful:
Music Man USA Albert Lee - pacific blue burst | ProMusicTools

 

[coldsummer]

I was watching this AL on ebay so congratulations on beating me to it.

I was struggling like you deciding whether to go for the SSS or MM90 version. The good news for me is that you helped me make up my mind. So, it's defintely a SSS for me - I really struggle with HB pickups and just cannot get the clarity of single coils out of my system.

At the moment I am ball-less as i had to sell my LukeII. But, this hiatus, albeit forced has really helped me identify what is important going forward. frankly I can't imagine not having an EBMM guitar on stage and now know Al is the right guitar for me.

So now I'm looking for a new Al but don't want sunburst version - I need red or blue as they stand out best on stage. I may even go the extra stretch and go for a BFR - now that guitar really does look the business!

Sorry guys for being away for so long!

Sorry Paul, but I couldn't resist. I was also looking at the white HH but the black MM90 won the day. It arrived this morning and I've not had a chance to play it expect for a quick go and I have to say it not only looks gorgeous but plays great and sounds brilliant. The cleans are utterly beautiful being quite full and rounded but full of definition and plenty of 'spank'. It is easily as good as I had hoped, and I can't wait to play it more.

 

[Coffeemug]

Congrats on the AL! I've seen this one on UK ebay but can't remember if it's one of the GC mahogany bodied ones? Anyways, you're gonna love the MM90s, they're fabulous!

 

[coldsummer]

I'm taking down to my local tech (Waghorn guitars) on Saturday as it needs a set up. Plays OK but a few too many rattles and buzzes for me and it chokes a bit on some frets, I think there is just a little too much relief on the neck. I can't stand playing a guitar which isn't perfectly set up even though I'm a crap player....go figure?! No doubt it is a beautiful instrument, I'm sure it will take a little time to adapt to the P90's as I'm so used to humbuckers. On that note I just had an orgasmic jam on my Axis. That thing is amazing and makes me feel like a much better player than I actually am. Sometimes I think the damned thing has a mind of it's own and actually plays me!