Help! Newbie questions on the Albert Lee models

[wrxplayer]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and am intrigued by the Albert Lee models, both the S-S-S- and the HH. Unfortunately if I buy I'll be doing so w/o the chance to play one first as there are none nearby.

Your assistance is appreciated.

1. What's the neck profile on these and is the profile the same on both SSS and HH versions? The only EBMM guitar I've played is the original Steve Morse. I loved the sound and versatility but the neck was smaller than I prefer.

2. Regarding the HH, does it get into Les Paul territory tonally or does the smaller lighter body produce a less fat tone?

3. Regarding the SSS, would you consider the tone closer to "vintage strat" or the thicker tone many new SSS guitars have?

Any other thoughts on the two models is welcome. Thanks.

 

[John C]

wrxplayer,

First off welcome to the forum!

I've not yet had the opportunity to play an AL HH, but I can answer some of your question:

1. The neck profile is what I would call a "medium" (or maybe a "medium/large") C - it's similar in shape to the Morse but thicker. AL necks have always felt kind of similar to a Grosh medium/large which is .850" deep at the nut. From what others have posted there isn't a difference in the neck shape between the maple neck on the SSS (or 3 MM-90s) and the rosewood neck on the HH. Also, since 2005 the neck profile of the Morse models has been a digital reproductio of Steve's well-played #1 blueburst guitar (it is hand-numbered #1/50 since it was Steve's pick from the first 50 made) so it is a bit assymetrical; the AL neck is a symetrical "C".

2. Haven't tried one; there are some good tone reports here on the forum if you read through some of the AL HH posts.

3. The AL SSS is closer to vintage Strat than modern Strat; the ash body and maple fingerboard keep it in that 50s space, and the pickups are voice like mid-50s Strats. The Silo Special is more modern - not quite in the American Standard ballpark but somewhere in-between those and say a 60s/70s Strat.

I love ALs, but prefer rosewood fingerboards and need a slightly smaller neck shape so I play the Silo Special.

 

[paranoid70]

If you like playing the blues, a SSS Albert Lee will do the job nicely!

 

[threeminutesboy]

or get somewhere in the middle with a AL MM90

 

[Coffeemug]

MM90s, SSS, HH...the only question with the AL is which one to get first!

 

[robelinda2]

or get somewhere in the middle with a AL MM90