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MM Albert Lee model

dlloyd

dlloyd

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Joined
Mar 16, 2004
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How does the Albert Lee compare with a telecaster in terms of feel?

I only ask because the guitarist in my band is keen on teles and was asking me whether MM had any guitars that compared with them. The Albert Lee would seem to be the obvious candidate, he being a former tele user...
 
Well, as a soon-to-be telecaster to MMAL convert, I'm switching for a few reasons: weight & balance, neck feel and tone.

The Albert Lee model is soooo light you barely know you're wearing it - I really like that.

The neck is completely different than a tele neck - 10 radius on the AL vs. 7.25 or 9.5 on a tele. Add to that the gun oil finish on the AL - it feels so much better to me. Also, I believe the neck is thinner at the nut, but maybe that's just the way it feels to me. The neck is probably the main reason I'm getting one.

I like the pickup combinations available on the AL - I'm going for 3 MM90's myself - just a different, more rocking tone.

Dave
 
In my humble opinion the AL is a cross between a strat and a tele as far as tone but that is where the similarities end. The neck is without question the best. Also the body shape and balance is absolutely perfect. I have two Albert Lee's both are hardtails with single coil pickups. The bridge pickup has a small plate on the bottom that gives it a little extra bite. For me there isn't a more perfect guitar for my playing style. Simply fantastic!
 
thindave said:
The neck is completely different than a tele neck - 10 radius on the AL vs. 7.25 or 9.5 on a tele. Add to that the gun oil finish on the AL - it feels so much better to me. Also, I believe the neck is thinner at the nut, but maybe that's just the way it feels to me. The neck is probably the main reason I'm getting one.
Click to expand...

I assume that you mean thinner as in flatter rather than in string spacing... the AL is 1.625" wide at the nut, which is about the same as a tele.

The unfinished AL neck would probably appeal to him, he's been a tele convert since trying out a worn vintage instrument...
 
musikarero said:
In my humble opinion the AL is a cross between a strat and a tele as far as tone but that is where the similarities end. The neck is without question the best. Also the body shape and balance is absolutely perfect. I have two Albert Lee's both are hardtails with single coil pickups. The bridge pickup has a small plate on the bottom that gives it a little extra bite. For me there isn't a more perfect guitar for my playing style. Simply fantastic!
Click to expand...

Ultimately I guess he has to try one out in the flesh, which isn't going to be easy, being as he is in the UK (Glasgow). Any UK-based posters seen one for sale anywhere?
 
I love my ALs (I've got two) but I think in terms of "feel", the Axis is closer to a Tele than the Albert Lee... The AL is one of the most ergonomic and comfortable guitars I've ever played, where Tele's are a little more rudimentary. The unbeveled top edge on the Axis and the way it hangs on a strap gives it more a "Tele feel" to me, and that's cool 'cause I really like Teles. I kinda think of the Axis as an "evolved Telecaster" in many ways. Of course, the wonderful EB/MM necks are better than anything you'll find on a Fender, imho... What the AL does offer are some excellent Tele-like tones, especially with the stoptail model - there's a plate under the bridge pickup that pushes it more a Tele twang than a Strat tone when used alone, but you still get awesome Strat in-between and neck tones in the other positions... It's a very, very versatile guitar, and a lot of fun to play. He should try one out if he gets a chance.
 
I agree with Norm...the Axis has that tele shape and overall feel, but the bassplate on the AL SC bridge gets some tele bite.

It surprises me that the width at the nut is the same, it feels narrower to me then the tele I owned.

He'd need to try one out, I think.

tv
 
Personally, I woul much rather have an MMAL. High quality sound and extremely comfortable!!!
 
I was a die-hard tele player for 5 years before trying out an Albert Lee. Although I feel that it is a little bit closer to strat than tele, I don't miss my teles at all. Not one bit.
 
Oh, that's right. I must have blocked that out...guilt will do that you know.

;)
 
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