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mr.b

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So finally got through to pick up my eagerly awaited LIII PDN.

Stunning doesn't cover it. I will admit to be mildly concerned about how the grain on the body was going to look but its so understated that I think its perfect to subtly highlight the Neptune Blue burst.

The roasted neck is plays like butter and the pickups are so organic and open: a nice alternative to the EMGs in my BFR.

All in the guitar is a perfect partner with my BFR.

Please excuse the quality of the quick iPhone pics attached.

The one thing that surprised me about the guitar is the neck join. It looks almost as if the neck has moved out of the pocket and there is a noticeable ridge when running your hand over the bottom of the neck at the pocket. It doesn't effect playing or stability in any way.

Is this common as I've never come across it on any of the other MM guitars I've owned?

IMG_8578.jpg IMG_8586.jpg IMG_8589.jpg IMG_8593.jpg
 

Movielife

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That is beautiful.

I think that slight edge is pretty normal. Is the neck pocket quite tight?

I've just received a non-EBMM last week with lots of issues including a much bigger step than that from body to neck.

I just need to decide HSS or HH.
 

Spudmurphy

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I think that slight edge is pretty normal.

Mmmm , normal? haven't got that on any of my MM guitars? (At least I don't think so, will check later tonight).
Has anybody else got a "step"to this extent?

... ... but what with this being a new model? - Will be interesting to see what S & T / CS have to say :confused:
 

mr.b

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Thanks dude.

HSS vs HH is a tough choice. I suppose it depends on your tonal needs. Mine was an easy choice as i've already got the HSS Luke II. I'd maybe say the HSS is more versatile but i've not had enough time with my HH yet.
 

mr.b

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Spud.

I'll let you know once I've spoken with S&T. It seems abnormal to me for an MM however the neck pocket is tight.
 

Movielife

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Thanks dude.

HSS vs HH is a tough choice. I suppose it depends on your tonal needs. Mine was an easy choice as i've already got the HSS Luke II. I'd maybe say the HSS is more versatile but i've not had enough time with my HH yet.

I love the look of the two chrome humbuckers...its so pretty. I would however like a lot of sparkle...I basically want a pretty bright Musicman guitar but as I have Albert Lee already I thought I'd try a different shape instead of an Albert Lee SSS.

Hmm! Can that back H get nice and bitey and bright?
 

mr.b

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It absolutely can! The pickups are really dynamic and rolling off either the tone or the volume offers a lot of variation. I was getting a lot of bite out the bridge pup last night at rehearsal and my amp is set reasonably mid-heavy.

It is a very versatile instrument.
 

Spudmurphy

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Just came back to this out of interest. It's difficult to see and I can't be 100% sure, but in photo#1 of 4, the neck looks to be seated as far back as it can be. It may the the case that you need to take an overhead picture looking down at the area around the truss rod wheel to show how the neck is sitting in the pocket. Their diagnosis may be helped by such a photo? Who Knows?

Your report on how bright this guitar sounds is also interesting - will try and check one out!

Edit
Photo #4 - I'm looking at the area around the truss rod wheel and again can't tell from that, but if the neck wasn't sitting properly in the pocket then the saddle adjustments would look completely different when you compare one guitar to another. Obviously it's one that should be sorted by S & T /CS, but hey, I'm sure healthy discussion is ok.
MMmmmm - the plot thickens!
 
Last edited:

mr.b

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The neck is sitting tight into the pocket. Its perfectly stable and plays beautifully. No issues with intonation and tuning and the dealer carried out a full setup.

This is more a query to S&T for my piece of mind. Photos have been sent so we will see what they say.

The trem bar tip feels like chrome metal to me. Certainly not plastic as I suspected.
 

Spudmurphy

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I have to say that the guitar looks great!!

Interesting about the "chrome" knob. Now ... ....
if you were to try unscrewing (just the knob), and indeed it did screw off, you could tell 100% what it is? ahhhh don't worry :) .. (note to self - "get a life!")

But in all honesty, there's nothing better than a metal knob - I love the gold one on my LE Albert Lee ;)
- see sig.
 

pentaspan

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my 2006 silo spec has a "step" in the same area...only mine is the opposite way (the body part protrudes). It's only about 1mm and doesn't bother me at all.

Fact is, the neck is perfectly snug in the neck pocket (no gaps) and the guitar resonates like crazy. I'd only be concerned if there were big gaps between the neck and pocket on the front of the guitar (like some strats I've had)...and that's more cosmetic than anything.
 

tlasol

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Congrats on the beauty! :) My Neptune Blue Silhouette Special came with a neck joint like that, perhaps a little less pronounced. And like you said, mine plays beautifully as well so I guess (and hope) that it's normal. Let us know when you get a reply.
 

mr.b

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Comforting to know other knuckleheads have similar situations. As suspected, its just the way it is. Nothing wrong and still plays amazingly. Cannot complain at all.

Spud. Good to speak to someone as into the little details as myself. I'll indulge you and have an 'unscrew' when I get home. :D
 

mr.b

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Thanks Tollie.

The Emerald Green was bought fresh from EBMM through Strings & Things in the UK. I think it was one of the last green's produced and was lurking around in the depths of their stock cupboard. :)
 
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