Photo Request and AL Qusetions

[Jim7895]

Hello All:

I am getting close to getting a new electric, and the Albert Lee with MM90s is on the short list.

Have a couple of questions.

1) Anyone own one in Pacific Blueburst w/ a pearloid pickguard? I'd LOVE to see it.

2) I'm considering the piezo option. Can the piezo and electric signals be blended?

3) Can AL owners describe the neck feel.

4) I'd like to add a switch to include either the neck pup in any switch position, This would allow all three pups on, and the neck/bridge combo. Anyone done this yet?

I'm also considering a Reverend Warhawk model with 3 x p90s. I'm guessing I'm looking at ~$1500 USD guitar in the EB Albert Lee.

Why should I choose an EBMM? Thanks in advance!!

 

[roburado]

1) Anyone own one in Pacific Blueburst w/ a pear pickguard? I'd LOVE to see it.

I don't own an AL, and I'm not sure what you mean by pear pickguard. Do you mean pear-shaped?

2) I'm considering the piezo option. Can the piezo and electric signals be blended?

I don't know about the AL, but you can on the Petrucci. I imagine it's not too different, but I'm sure an AL/piezo owner will be able to tell you soon.

Why should I choose an EBMM? Thanks in advance!!

Your question makes it sound like you haven't been around here very long. One very good reason to own an EBMM is the company itself. I think EBMM provides customer service that is unparalleled in among the ranks of guitar companies. Just look at all the threads where someone posts about a problem. Then, they're referred to customer service, and we never hear about it again except when they post to say how great EBMM CS is. There are also little things like when you post your serial number here, and they take the time to go through their data to find out the date of birth of your guitar, sometimes telling you which distributor in which country first bought it. If you're looking for a particular model of guitar in a particular configuration, well, EBMM CS can and will help you with that too.

Got a technical problem? Well, you can also ask for help here to find out how to fix it yourself. We have repair guru jongitarz here on the board. Sometimes, Dudley Gimpel comes by to tell you a llittle about the history of the design of some EBMM product.

Of course, the instruments themselves speak volumes. It's been said by people who don't even frequent this board and don't even own EBMMs that EBMM offers instruments that are custom-shop quality at a regular line instrument price.

Plus, if you're a member of this forum, you get invited to events like the Open House where EBMM opened up the San Luis Obispo factory so we could see how they make the instruments we love. Then, Sterling Ball pays for our food, drink, and entertainment. Then, there was also our recent Dallas party. Just search for pics and videos here on the forum, and you'll see how special those events are. Who else does these things for their customers?

 

[Jim7895]

I don't own an AL, and I'm not sure what you mean by pear pickguard. Do you mean pear-shaped?



I don't know about the AL, but you can on the Petrucci. I imagine it's not too different, but I'm sure an AL/piezo owner will be able to tell you soon.



Your question makes it sound like you haven't been around here very long. One very good reason to own an EBMM is the company itself. I think EBMM provides customer service that is unparalleled in among the ranks of guitar companies. Just look at all the threads where someone posts about a problem. Then, they're referred to customer service, and we never hear about it again except when they post to say how great EBMM CS is. There are also little things like when you post your serial number here, and they take the time to go through their data to find out the date of birth of your guitar, sometimes telling you which distributor in which country first bought it. If you're looking for a particular model of guitar in a particular configuration, well, EBMM CS can and will help you with that too.

Got a technical problem? Well, you can also ask for help here to find out how to fix it yourself. We have repair guru jongitarz here on the board. Sometimes, Dudley Gimpel comes by to tell you a llittle about the history of the design of some EBMM product.

Of course, the instruments themselves speak volumes. It's been said by people who don't even frequent this board and don't even own EBMMs that EBMM offers instruments that are custom-shop quality at a regular line instrument price.

Plus, if you're a member of this forum, you get invited to events like the Open House where EBMM opened up the San Luis Obispo factory so we could see how they make the instruments we love. Then, Sterling Ball pays for our food, drink, and entertainment. Then, there was also our recent Dallas party. Just search for pics and videos here on the forum, and you'll see how special those events are. Who else does these things for their customers?

Sorry, meant pearloid pickguard.

The Customer service issue is HUGE! It's good to hear that their CS is top notch. My experience in that area with another unnamed US manufacturer was not nearly as stellar.

Thanks for the reply

 

[fogman]

 

[Jim7895]

Wow, that looks better than I envisioned it!

Thanks for the photo!

 

[roburado]

When I get my AL, it's quite possible that I'll order one just like that one unless I go with a LE with rosewood board.

 

[mbgreene]

1. You've seen the picture

2. The piezo can be blended with the magnetics. The AL does not have a piezo switch, only a volume nob (similar to the Silo's ). It can be brought in in combination or solo. Although to maximize the sound quality you probably want the piezo signal to go to a different amp ( accoustic amp - direct to PA etc.).

3. The neck is a comfortable C shape. The specs can be found on the MM website, or if you use the search function there is a diagram posted by spudmurphy which has been put into several threads and gives sectional dimensions at several positions.

There is nothing comparable to the feel of a musicman oil/wax neck - no finished neck can touch it.

4. I've not nor do i know of anyone that added the switch you mention. I'm sure its possible.

I also own an American Reverend had a great experience with the company and really like it- AL's are better guitars. I also don't know how the Reverends have changed (if any) now that they have gone to overseas manufacturing , but I don't imagine it would be an improvement over what they were doing in a small US shop ewith the owner/designer on site.

You may also try the AL with 3 MM90's - Musicman's in-house version of a P90 for that vibe also.

 

[robelinda2]

mate i just got an AL, it has the best neck feel out of all 9 Ernie Ball guitars i own, really its sensational. Awesome clean tones too, best single coil tones ive ever heard.

its the guitar ive been waiting for my whole life. cannot wait for my 2nd AL!

 

[Norrin Radd]

When I get my AL, it's quite possible that I'll order one just like that one unless I go with a LE with rosewood board.

WHAT!?!?!? Can you get the LE with a RW neck?!??!??! Is this true????????

 

[fogman]

Not unless it's a 2006LE as far as I understand it!

 

[robelinda2]

i thought the LE 2007 was available on an AL with rosewood board.......

edit- i could be VERY VERY wrong though!!!!!!!!

 

[Norrin Radd]

i thought the LE 2007 was available on an AL with rosewood board.......

WHAT?!?!?!?! I need some confirmation - that could change a lot of things! Holy moly!

 

[Jim7895]

Sorry, though of another question.

Can the electronics be accessed from the back of the guitar (via a coverplate) or must the pick guard be removed?

Thanks.

 

[Larry]

Pickguard removal. All thats on the back is the silent circuit battery compartment, and the trem access if you got a trem that is.

 

[KungFu Grip]

The Albert Lee killed my 10-year telecaster addiction. It also made local music stores a lot less fun, since none of them here stock EBMM guitars.

Amazing instrument.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Jim - Make sure you ask as many questions as you like and we'll do our best here to answer them.
I was in the same position myself when i joined this forum.

My thread on neck profile that out Esteemed Leader MbGreen of the ALOC (Albert Lee Owners Club) mentioned is here. Oh btw for further info on what some may say isthe mythical ALOC can be found via the search facillity. So go to this thread for info on the neck profile.
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-guitars/15656-heres-view-albert-lee-neck-profile.html

So let me give my 2pence worth on your questions.

Can the piezo and electric signals be blended?
The AL when equipped with Piezo will have two output jackplugslike this

You can run one lead to say an acoustic amp and just have the piezo coming out of that amp.

Your second lead for the magnetic MM90's would then run to a separate amp.

The better way of doing it is to run one stereo cable (it'll be marked on the guitar) into a splitter box and then split the mags and piezo that way.
You can also just run one cable and get the mags and piezo comming out of the one amp, controling the volume of the two sets of pickups via the volume knobs on the guitar.

The normal (non piezo) AL has one tone and one volume control.
The AL with Piezo has one tone and two volume knobs like Fogmans excellent picture
Do ya see what I'm saying ? - please dont confuse the set up with the ridiculous (IMO) set up on the strat.
Take a look again at Fogmans pic - three knobs means that baby has piezo.

OK What's next.
Can AL owners describe the neck feel.
The neck has a great feel to it from the factory. This can change if you become overzealous with the wax when you reach the stage when you want to look after the neck by cleaning it. We can offer great advice on this on the forum when you get to this stage. The AL for me is the best neck I have EVER played and I have a couple of other nice guitars too! I have also now (thanks DaveB) played all the other EB necks and the AL (For me) is the best.
Look at the plaudits for the AL neck from Robelinda and he's got SOME BALLS !!!

Another fact - the guitar designer at EB Dudley Gimple makes no bones out of the fact that he loves playing his AL. I have heard it say that it's his favourite.

I'd like to add a switch to include either the neck pup in any switch position, This would allow all three pups on, and the neck/bridge combo. Anyone done this yet?

I think it can be done but I'd love it if "the Prince of Darkness" Beej would step in on this.
(Sorry Beej - it's a name given to an electrician guy on a UK TV DIY prog)

Pearloid guards ?
They cost more but look great!!
They are difficult to photograph, I think a photo of mine has come out ok viz:-

Sorry for the long answer but the questions you asked were all those that I needed answers to.
Get the AL get it with Piezo and get it with a trem too!
YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!!

 

[fogman]

That thing is just beautiful!!!!

 

[g_man]

Not that the AL needs to be talked up any more...but...

It changed my life

A sensational guitar.

 

[PugNinjas]

I have an AL with the unbelievable MM90's in it. It is easily the best sounding guitar I have ever owned. The MM90's almost come across as "our little secret" here in EBMM land. I've talked to several cats at local music stores and the reaction is always "I didn't know EBMM offers P90's?" The MM90's sound amazing regardless of distortion or clean tones.

I don't have the Piezo option by Spudmurphy handled all of your questions about it so you should be fine.

As for the neck, it all depends on personal preference, when mine arrived it literally felt like an old friend. Incredibly comfortable and the finish will leave you speechless.

There was a forum member who did some mods to his AL's and I believe one was the MM90 model, it's worth a search or one of the maniacs here will point you in the right direction.

 

[Spudmurphy]

As for the neck, it all depends on personal preference, when mine arrived it literally felt like an old friend. Incredibly comfortable and the finish will leave you speechless.

There was a forum member who did some mods to his AL's and I believe one was the MM90 model, it's worth a search or one of the maniacs here will point you in the right direction.

Pug
Is that the one on the January Knuckleheads Calendar with 2 pickups?
When I talked to him a long time ago, he was having a b bender installed.

Oh I shouldn't be talking to you!! meagre attempt at P shop huh !!!!

I think Smellybum deserves the Photo Shop Award for that AL he designed the other week!!!