Question How does the neck on an AL feel?

[bkrumme]

Hey guys,

Since I got my 25th, I've thought a bunch about the different EBMM models and which ones could really help me diversify my collection. I decided to go with something with single coils in the bridge position to help round out the range of tones a bit. The only problem is I have never had the chance to play an AL. I hear so many good things about them, this is the first place my mind went when I thought about single coils.

I've seen the neck profile thread Spud started, but that's not really what I'm looking for. I want a comparison of the feel. So can anyone describe the feel for me? Compare it to other EBMM guitars?

Thanks guys!

 

[parker1963]

Hey guys,

Since I got my 25th, I've thought a bunch about the different EBMM models and which ones could really help me diversify my collection. I decided to go with something with single coils in the bridge position to help round out the range of tones a bit. The only problem is I have never had the chance to play an AL. I hear so many good things about them, this is the first place my mind went when I thought about single coils.

I've seen the neck profile thread Spud started, but that's not really what I'm looking for. I want a comparison of the feel. So can anyone describe the feel for me? Compare it to other EBMM guitars?

Thanks guys!

I started with music man guitars in this way Regular Albert,Axis, then BFR Albert.

I was told this story and i am not sure if it is true or not, maybe Big Poppa can shed some light on this....when EBMM approached Albert Lee about an artist series of guitar he used Eric Claptons Blackie guitar as the example for the neck shape that he wanted and that Music Man did a C.A.D scan on the Blackie neck and that is what is still used to this day.

I have a pretty vast collection of Stratocaster and have every neck they have produced the neck profile on the Albert is a C shape non Modern almost like the 1961 strat ( Mark Knopler) with a soft U shape thrown in for good measure like the American deluxe telecaster.
I have to say that the Neck on The BFR Albert has a better feel than the regular series and the over all guitar is lighter .
The neck feels so perfect in hand not to big not to small and even feels good all the way up to the higher registers for chording or solloing.To me its the pinacle i have been looking for for 30 years and is now my favorite neck and more versitle to the Axis which is great for rock but not suited for serious blues bending imho.

Just think C/U shape but not too deep cut and perfect in hand feel.

Park

 

[mb99zz]

I don't one one, but I've played a few AL's, The neck is extremely comfortable to me. I recall playing it back-to-back once with a Silhouette at GC and thought the AL neck was a tad nicer. I will own one of those guitars one day!

 

[Sweat]

Just think C/U shape but not too deep cut and perfect in hand feel.

Park

Brad
What parker said above is true, AL necks are comfortable and easy to play his description is right on, now there is no difference in a BFR AL neck or a standard neck though, same neck, bu feels great, think 25th with a little less chuck.

 

[grumpyoldman]

One word....perfect.

 

[A.J.]

I agree with grumpyoldman.

 

[robelinda2]

I agree with grumpyoldman.

I also agree, 10000% with A.J!!!! Perfect neck. None better.

 

[travs]

they feel amazing at first..then after a 6 months of playing they become even better. the high water mark for necks.

 

[bkrumme]

Thanks for all the responses, guys! This is exactly what I meant when I said I've heard so much good about the AL.

I need to find one to try. If the neck is close to the 25th like Keith said I know I'd be really happy with it.

How would the AL neck compare to a JP6? I'm sure it probably doesn't compare well, but I’m hoping someone will say it's between the 25th and JP6.

 

[Ripper]

Nice neck, perfect ergonomy. All you need is a good amp to bump all that bell and whistle out!

 

[GWDavis28]

Like butter!! (Said with the proper NY accent)

Glenn |B)

 

[agt]

The neck on my mid-late 90s AL is similar to the necks on my late 90s Silo Specials. The AL neck feels a little bit more petite. All are wonderful.

 

[whitestrat]

Thanks for all the responses, guys! This is exactly what I meant when I said I've heard so much good about the AL.

I need to find one to try. If the neck is close to the 25th like Keith said I know I'd be really happy with it.

How would the AL neck compare to a JP6? I'm sure it probably doesn't compare well, but I’m hoping someone will say it's between the 25th and JP6.

The AL neck is a lot closer to the Silos than anything else. I've not tried the 25ths, but I know for sure it's WAY off from a JP6. I'd say the Luke is a closer cousin to the AL than the JP6... Hahahaha...

 

[fogman]

I was told this story and i am not sure if it is true or not, maybe Big Poppa can shed some light on this....when EBMM approached Albert Lee about an artist series of guitar he used Eric Claptons Blackie guitar as the example for the neck shape that he wanted and that Music Man did a C.A.D scan on the Blackie neck and that is what is still used to this day.

Park

I believe that to be false.
The only necks that were digitally scanned were the EVH and the Y2D.

If memory serves me, the EC story is an urban legend.

 

[robelinda2]

From what BP has said in the past, not true indeed.

 

[Smellybum]

Hey guys,

Since I got my 25th, I've thought a bunch about the different EBMM models and which ones could really help me diversify my collection. I decided to go with something with single coils in the bridge position to help round out the range of tones a bit. The only problem is I have never had the chance to play an AL. I hear so many good things about them, this is the first place my mind went when I thought about single coils.

I've seen the neck profile thread Spud started, but that's not really what I'm looking for. I want a comparison of the feel. So can anyone describe the feel for me? Compare it to other EBMM guitars?

Thanks guys!

swap you your 25th for my BFR AL! - (not that I want rid of it - but I want a 25th BAD!)

 

[banjoplayer]

The AL neck is a lot closer to the Silos than anything else. I've not tried the 25ths, but I know for sure it's WAY off from a JP6. I'd say the Luke is a closer cousin to the AL than the JP6... Hahahaha...

confusion. I own an AL and owned a silo before. For my hands: silo and Morse felt similar. The AL has much more meat, but as said very comfortable

 

[robelinda2]

I would day too that the AL neck and Silo neck are quite a way apart. Silo and Morse are much closer I found.

 

[bkrumme]

swap you your 25th for my BFR AL! - (not that I want rid of it - but I want a 25th BAD!)

If the 25th weren't such an amazing instrument I might have considered taking you up on that offer...

I would day too that the AL neck and Silo neck are quite a way apart. Silo and Morse are much closer I found.

How does the string spacing/neck width of the AL compare to the Silo? I find the Silo a little difficult to play due to how close the strings are spaced at the lower frets.

 

[mbgreene]

confusion. I own an AL and owned a silo before. For my hands: silo and Morse felt similar. The AL has much more meat, but as said very comfortable

I would day too that the AL neck and Silo neck are quite a way apart. Silo and Morse are much closer I found.

I agree with both of these. More meat and more of a rounded C with the AL, but it is still not a chunky neck

How does the string spacing/neck width of the AL compare to the Silo? I find the Silo a little difficult to play due to how close the strings are spaced at the lower frets.

Both are 1-5/8" at the nut and 2-1/4" at the last fret with 25-1/2" scales so the string spacing would be similar, and is based on the guitars I've had particularly with the Silo Special with both at 22 frets. Would the extra 2 on the Silo make a difference - probably minimal if at all.