ALHH or Reflex GC?

[stu42]

Hey guys. I'm looking for a guitar that has more flexibility than my current axe (PRS Standard 22 with 3-way switch and coil taps) that I've had for the last 12 years.

I've been playing guitar for about 32 years now....play mostly Rock music - ranging from light to fairly heavy - but I want to be able to get some nice jazz tones as well. So, I like everything from a nice clean tone (thin to fat), light, medium and heavy overdrive for various stuff but mostly in a classic Rock vein - from Pat Metheny, SRV, STP, Queen, Eric Johnson, VH etc (not saying I can play like them but these are the types of tones that I like).

Since the Game Changer came out I was convinced that I would not be satisfied with owning any other guitar but the GC but, in the meantime I tried an ALHH and quite liked it. But one thing that's important to me is having a nice single-coil neck tone so I think I'd like it better with a coil tap option.

I'm still really quite stoked by the concept of the GC. I have to get over the fact that it's only offered in Black and only in the Reflex but I can overlook that if the tones are great. But...do I really need all those tones? Not sure.

I do love the look of the ALHH though and it is tempting me a lot.

Anyone here have experience with both? What would you choose and why?

I'm not concerned about neck feel etc....I'm mainly concerned with tones but also about longevity. I'm a bit concerned about owning a guitar that uses a computer part for a critical part of its appeal as computer technology moves fast and that USB port is bound to become obsolete before long.

 

[JayDawg]

Stu,

I have a Reflex Game Changer is HSH w/ piezo and rosewood neck. This is by far my most favorite guitar that I have ever owned. I know that everyone pretty much knows they are versatile but until you play one, you have no idea. I have mine more 2 months and I haven't even scratched the surface of all that it can do. There is also not a single type of music this guitar won't play well. It does everything great.

 

[beej]

I haven't played the GC, but I have a 25th (Reflex) and an AL HH. They're both wonderful, but I definitely prefer the 25th- the chambering adds something magical to the feel, and the pickups in parallel are very versatile (you could certainly re-wire the AL to do this, or the coil split, etc.).

Anyhow, I'll vote for the Reflex in this situation.

 

[Tollywood]

Hi Stu,

I think both guitars are comfortable since the bodies have beveled tops. All of the ebmm necks are comfortable.

But, I fear technology. I'm stubbornly stuck in the past. I only play tube amps. I've never made a recording or a video. What you see me doing now is the extent of my computer proficiency. Someone on this forum had to teach me how to post pics (thanks, slav).

So, for old times sake, I vote for the Albert HH. I want one myself; I love that model and I need an all rosewood neck in my collection. The rosewood neck is also a check in the Albert's plus column. I love how they feel. You could add a coil tap to the Albert HH to get the single coil tones you also seek.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

ALHH no question about it!

 

[stu42]

Thanks very much for the input guys. It's an even call at this point!

I think both guitars are really top notch and both have their appeal. From a visual standpoint I much prefer the look of the ALHH - both for the shape and the fact that it's offered in other colours. Also, that rosewood neck is pretty damn sexy!

However, there are no ALHHs in the stores around here. But, one store has had a GC HSHP in stock for quite a while and they had it on sale so...after playing it and comparing it to a couple of PRS's (a used 408 and a Custom 22) I was really liking it. The standard tones it offers are killer. That bridge humbucker is quite beefy too but with the perfect amount of articulation for my taste. It definitely put a smile on my face!

I couldn't resist....so I bought it (and picked up a sweet little Diamond Compressor while I was at it).

I've had a bit of playing time on it for the last couple of evenings. I always find that it takes a bit of time for my ears to acclimate to the sound of a new instrument and to digest the different sounds it can do. I've been experimenting just with the stock tones and came to the conclusion that I'm really happy to have that Single coil pickup in the middle as it does create more genuine Strat-like in-between tones. The other in-between tones (coils 1&5, 2&4) are also awesome and have their own character but are not bad for faking out the in-between Strat tones but having that middle S pickup does get you that much closer.

The feel and playability of this guitar is definitely a winner. I still wish it was offered in a different finish but I can overlook that. I always felt that the real value of the GC for me was not in having 8 million tones available but in being able to store the tones that I like in the particular switch position that suits me for fast access. But, having all those extra tones available will definitely make for some interesting experiments!

I am still kind of gassing for an ALHH though so I may pickup one of those one day too. They just look and feel so good...and I'd love to hear one again to compare it to the GC (and others) as the wood combinations on that guitar would be pretty awesome I think.

Guess I gotta update my signature now!!

Cheers!!