Question: Cutlass vs Albert Lee
- Thread starter JimB2
- Start date
TripHazard
Well-known member
Necks are different shapes - C on AL, V-C on Cutlass. Sounds different pickup wise. Feel against the body is certainly different though both feel good. Different finish on the neck - light satin on Cutlass, Oil on AL. Weight balance is different
mistercharlie
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2016
- Messages
- 69
I’m also interested in this. Which is lighter? I have a St Vincent. The neck shape same in that as on the Albert Lee, right?
Neck is the same shape as an AL on the STV. Cutlasses sound a little more stratty (but hotter than a strat IMO) but AL's have their own distinct voice.
we have two comparison videos on our youtube/MM website:
AL:
Magic Jason
Well-known member
The cutlass is a MM strat.
The AL is the best axe ever. Perfect mix between a strat and a Tele with its very own personality. Mojo for ages.
The AL is the best axe ever. Perfect mix between a strat and a Tele with its very own personality. Mojo for ages.
kimonostereo
Well-known member
I have both and they both sound different. I just played both to see.
Differences I have noticed:
- Al is more compact/shorter from bottom of guitar to top of the neck. Same scale length.
- Neck on the Cutlass is like a brand new strat with hard fingerboard edges. The Al has smoother, rounded edges.
- Cutlass neck profile is different also has a finish that isn't really noticeable. The Al is the classic oil/carnauba finish.
- Headstock is longer on Cutlass
- Electronics are different on the Cutlass
- Cutlass sounds more like a strat, Al sounds more like a different kind of strat. It's hard to describe.
- Cutlass allows a little more access to higher frets but I haven't found it difficult to adjust
- Cutlass bridge plate is larger
- Cutlass body is thinner than the Al by about 1/4". My guess is to cut down on the weight since the body is larger overall. Al has same thickness as a strat.
- Cutlass sounds darker overall but it may just be electronics and the rosewood board vs. Maple neck.
To me, the Al is lighter and more comfortable to play but it doesn't sound exactly like a strat. I like the neck shape of the Al better that the Cutlass.The Cutlass feels like it's meant for someone looking for a nicer strat with lots of creative improvements. The neck is so "new" and has an unplayed feeling. If I were to guess, it's because EBMM wants you to break the neck in yourself. Play it for a lifetime and roll the fingerboard edges with a lot of gigs.
I've always wondered why the Al doesn't sound like any strat I've owned, and it may be because of the headstock length and shape of the body, but that's just a guess. I'd love to hear others chime in about this.
Here's a comparison overlay of the two guitars so you can see the differences.
Differences I have noticed:
- Al is more compact/shorter from bottom of guitar to top of the neck. Same scale length.
- Neck on the Cutlass is like a brand new strat with hard fingerboard edges. The Al has smoother, rounded edges.
- Cutlass neck profile is different also has a finish that isn't really noticeable. The Al is the classic oil/carnauba finish.
- Headstock is longer on Cutlass
- Electronics are different on the Cutlass
- Cutlass sounds more like a strat, Al sounds more like a different kind of strat. It's hard to describe.
- Cutlass allows a little more access to higher frets but I haven't found it difficult to adjust
- Cutlass bridge plate is larger
- Cutlass body is thinner than the Al by about 1/4". My guess is to cut down on the weight since the body is larger overall. Al has same thickness as a strat.
- Cutlass sounds darker overall but it may just be electronics and the rosewood board vs. Maple neck.
To me, the Al is lighter and more comfortable to play but it doesn't sound exactly like a strat. I like the neck shape of the Al better that the Cutlass.The Cutlass feels like it's meant for someone looking for a nicer strat with lots of creative improvements. The neck is so "new" and has an unplayed feeling. If I were to guess, it's because EBMM wants you to break the neck in yourself. Play it for a lifetime and roll the fingerboard edges with a lot of gigs.
I've always wondered why the Al doesn't sound like any strat I've owned, and it may be because of the headstock length and shape of the body, but that's just a guess. I'd love to hear others chime in about this.
Here's a comparison overlay of the two guitars so you can see the differences.
Norrin Radd
Well-known member
Norrin Radd
Well-known member
Greg:
Your playing is just great. Just bluesy stuff but your phrasing is tasty and perfect. I enjoy the hell out of watching your clips. Good show.
Oh man - that's not me! That's Brett Kingaman (Burgs). He IS awesome. I am NOT! But I love guitar and playing, and lately I've been into assembling. But I digress. I only WISH I had Brett's chops. I'm a very mediocre player. Doesn't bother me though - I still love playing!
Astrofreq
Well-known member
The AL has so much more midrange, which gives it that tangier sound. Both sound amazing.
kimonostereo
Well-known member
Not sure about more recent models, but the original release does not have rolled edges. I think maybe EBMM was going for authentic / classic for these guitars as they aren’t signature models with someone’s name on it. You can make this your own and either smooth it out yourself of or play the crap out of it until it’s worn down in all the areas you play the natural way.
