My new AL is killing my wrist....

[Lance Romance]

The Albert Lee and ergonomics...someone is noticing! I get lots of people looking at the AL and remarking on its shape. All you have to do to understand is HANG ONE ON A STRAP! All of a sudden you realize how well thought-out this guitar is. Your hands fall in precisely the right place, in particular the heel of your hand right on the bridge. The dressed-away bass side bout disappears under your forearm. I DO find I wear it higher than any other guitar I own, so perhaps that's what the original post was all about. Took me years to figure this out for myself; borrowed my brother's AL for a rehearsal and saw the light. I now own an AL Ltd. Edition with the RW board which is quickly trying to become my new Number One (over my totally modded Silo Special). Nice to know there's something out there that isn't shaped like a Strat, particularily since the shape works so much better.
That settled it; I'm bringing the Albert to the jam this afternoon instead of my Silo...-Eric

 

[roburado]

The Albert Lee and ergonomics...someone is noticing! I get lots of people looking at the AL and remarking on its shape. All you have to do to understand is HANG ONE ON A STRAP! All of a sudden you realize how well thought-out this guitar is. Your hands fall in precisely the right place, in particular the heel of your hand right on the bridge. The dressed-away bass side bout disappears under your forearm. I DO find I wear it higher than any other guitar I own, so perhaps that's what the original post was all about. Took me years to figure this out for myself; borrowed my brother's AL for a rehearsal and saw the light. I now own an AL Ltd. Edition with the RW board which is quickly trying to become my new Number One (over my totally modded Silo Special). Nice to know there's something out there that isn't shaped like a Strat, particularily since the shape works so much better.
That settled it; I'm bringing the Albert to the jam this afternoon instead of my Silo...-Eric

I love the 2006 LE AL. Actually, it's the only AL I have ever played. Played it down in Dallas when we had the Dallas Bash. Had I had $xxxx, I would have bought it on the spot.

 

[Big Poppa]

Dudley and I were having lunch and talking about guitars...no surprise its either cars or guitars...and we were talkng about the Jetsons (the cartoon) and balance points and wacky and mid-century and that was the result of the conversation. When I talk about balance points it is the realtionship between the two strap buttons.

As many of you know it was built as a one off for me and at the 1986 xams party I showed it to Albert and he went nuts so I gave it to him on the spot. The only way I have been able to hold on to even a few on our stuff is when Dargin/Dudley make me something that has sentimental value and artist relations doesnt dare steal for a atist.

 

[Jonny Dubai]

here is my 2 "dirhams" worth. As you have just got the guitar you may be playing the heck out of it and playing more than normal. Little and often may help along with some stretching exercises (on your hand).



ps....i am not a doctor!!!

Jonny

 

[Greg Jones]

To me it sounds like you simply need to readjust and learn how to relax on the narrower EBMM neck. Try to consciously play with less force and if you feel yourself tensing up, take a break and do some wrist stretches and massage your hands.

The AL is a wicked design and the tone is amazing - just give it time and get to know your axe before freaking out, I'm sure you'll be writing back, telling us how much you love it in a week's time

Cheers

Eske

This is EXACTLY what I did with my Silo. The 1 5/8" neck was a lot narrower than anything else I have ever owned. My wrist 'flared' up a bit at first. Once I realized how little force was actually needed I spent about a week adjusting to the new guitar and now it's no problem at all.

Actually the Albert Lee is a very much vintage Fender shape. I think that you should adjust your strap and work on getting a position that works without hurting

I also adjusted my strap length a bit as BP recommends here.

Good luck. I hope it works out for you. I think it will and once you adjust you'll be VERY happy you did.

 

[Spudmurphy]

The naked front itself!!!! I am about to order another one of these as long as my wrist adjusts to this baby. I actually have an extra pickguard for this that was cut for a peizo so it has the extra hole for another control knob, was thinking to add some bells and whistles type thing but I am not sure.....maybe a place to store a cigarette...? You guys better get an AL!

I'm in the market for such a pickguard let me know if ya want to sell it?

 

[Smellybum]

Dudley and I were having lunch and talking about guitars...no surprise its either cars or guitars...and we were talkng about the Jetsons (the cartoon) and balance points and wacky and mid-century and that was the result of the conversation. When I talk about balance points it is the realtionship between the two strap buttons.

As many of you know it was built as a one off for me and at the 1986 xams party I showed it to Albert and he went nuts so I gave it to him on the spot. The only way I have been able to hold on to even a few on our stuff is when Dargin/Dudley make me something that has sentimental value and artist relations doesnt dare steal for a atist.

BP,

Minor thread high jack - when you mention cars or guitars would you be interested in a 50's chevvy style design on an an AL building in your love of cars???

It's a bit hard to explain but it's a thought I had - I could put some drawings together if it floats your boat?

 

[BetaCAM]

I switched to my SUB1 guitar from an Ibanez RG550 which has wider neck and string spacing, and it took me time to get used to it, but if it hurt me in any way that would definitely be me playing with bad grip obviously.

As far as my strap goes I keep it real high, kind of like Petrucci does, I never liked putting the strap low like you see on live shows or things like that, comfort comes first!

I never really played an AL but I played a Silo which was Insanely Comfortable and to be honest didn't really communicate with the EVH neck, the Luke for instance was too thick to me, I'm not a fan of V shape necks.

I realized that my SUB plays really soft and I was putting too much force coming from my Ibanez, and now I play gentle and smooth and I feel that my sound is 10 times better now... that's how important grip is to my opinion.

Cheers!

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I really am GASing for an AL now!

 

[Spudmurphy]

I really am GASing for an AL now!

8loody 4ell!!!!
Tim's seen the light !!!

 

[robelinda2]

I really am GASing for an AL now!

Tim, you have no idea. I have gone beyond GAS.

 

[Smellybum]

Guys - I know this doesn't help - well it might....

Since i got my all - I've sold all my strats - and have played strats since day one.... this is the highest compliment in my head I can pay the AL......

It beats any custom shop strat hands down IMHO - The guitar is lighter and with the silent circuit through a fender hot rod deluxe........... OOOOOOOOOooooooo


I've messed myself thinking about how good it is. Don't go to work tomorrow go and order one. get one from the bay, beat up someone who's got one
BUT GET ONE!

 

[beej]

Tim, you have no idea. I have gone beyond GAS.

Jeez ... if only you had a line on one, Rob

 

[robelinda2]

quiet Beej............



AL AL AL!

 

[kbaim]

I had a Luke that hurt my wrist/thumb. Weird since none of the others I had did.
I ended up getting/buying a new neck from EB.
New neck works great. See sig.

 

[november2019]

Speaking of GAS....if anyone here wants a NOS Gremlin Green Sparkle AL, build date April 26 2002 UNPLAYED its at a store in Columbus GA called "Everything musical". I almost bought this one but I couldnt get along with the green as opposed to my Sunburst AL. The price on this guitar is AWESOME, I would suggest picking it up for anyone into that it. It has a matching headstoc as well....I have pics of it from the dealer but I cant post them for some reason on the site tonight.

 

[ibanez2005]

I get a problem with my wrist in the summer, really painful and it takes a few days to go right, dunno what causes it but its not as bad as it was last year. Basically means i cant stretch my hand to use my little finger and as i play guitar and bass in the band, it can limit me.

 

[Big Poppa]

A gremlin Green sparkle AL? I have one and I dont think that there are too many of those...Rob?????????

Smellly I dont get what you offered...52 and slow

 

[robelinda2]

I'm onto it BP!!!!!!!! Anyone live near this store???? Help out a forum brother who's DESPERATE for an AL!

 

[mbgreene]

OK Guys

Here's the deal - I was trying to keep this quiet.

I've been talking to these guys for over 9 months and we finally cut a deal on the gremlin. They wouldn't take a card over the phone so I've got to wire funds. Monday is a bank holiday so this can't happen until Tuesday.

This was a bit of a frustrating deal for a number of reasons and I'd appreciate it if no else rocked the boat at this time.

Here it is