Re-hi, and a question also (AL coinnaiseurs, please read)

[Mark-NL]

Hello guys,

after an extensive period of not visiting this forum, I'm happy to have rediscovered this great community. So: HI again!!

But enough with the pleasantries, we got's to talk Balls!

I have the chance to buy a very nice sunburst Lee (Lee's are kinda hard to get by secondhand over here, so great opportunity) to keep my ASS and Luke company.

There's only 1 thing 'wrong' with it: The original PU's have been replaced. The owner also told me he had a Humbucker in there once (for bridge PU) and that the PU-cavity had been enlarged to house it.

My questions:
-Would the new routing have any effect on tone/sustain (that I would notice)
-Are the original PU's (which come with the deal) easy to put back in? (I can't find the wiring diagram and I don't know how the silent circuit is connected..)
-Should I be concerned about the discoloration around the switch (rust???)
-From the pics I gather that the PU's are pickguard mounted. Is this correct?

 

[Ripper]

I bet I have seen this AL somewhere in ebay before.

A larger cavity? Maybe more resonance since the pups are mount onto the pickguard = more airspace vibration?

 

[envy-guitars]

I'd go for it, i have never seen an EBMM routed out before but I have owned many strats that have had that mod done and couldn't notice any difference whatsoever, noted that they also had humbuckers in place of SC.

In regards to the discolouration, whats the worst that can happen - you get a new EB switch and new pickguard made. Hardly a bank breaking effort.

Gotta make sure the price is right though

 

[Mark-NL]

I bet I have seen this AL somewhere in ebay before.

Hmm interesting. Was this a while ago or recently? I don't have any history on this axe..

A larger cavity? Maybe more resonance since the pups are mount onto the pickguard = more airspace vibration?

Possibly, too bad I don't have too much reference.. The AL's are not that widespread here in the lowlands.

@Envy-guitars : yes, the price seems right. But perhaps I can convince the seller to get it 'even more right' (OHC is not included )

 

[beej]

Nice axe!

The stock p'ups are easy to put back in. It is not difficult to wire up the Silent Circuit. EBMM customer service can provide a wiring diagram for you if you ask nicely

I've seen that same discoloration happen to tons of guitars, not just EBMMs. I've got an old AL pickguard or two that have the same markings.

I doubt you'd notice any sonic difference from the routing.

 

[fbecir]

EBMM customer service can provide a wiring diagram for you if you ask nicely

I am sure that if CS does not provide the diagram, Beej can do it
The guitar seems to be in good shape. Do you have the serial number ? With, CS can provide you the DOB and the first destination.
You can also google the serial number : it can help if you want to trace the guitar's history.
But in any case : if the price is right, buy it or you will have remorse all your life !

 

[Mark-NL]

..buy it..

That, Sir, might well be the best advise anyone has ever given me

Additional question: these will fit the standard EBMM hardcase?? (are these available for purchase seperately?)

 

[Smellybum]

I love the burn marks ont he pickup selector, somebody switches neck to bridge so fast it causes sparks!

 

[Spudmurphy]

You sure know how to get my attention - just mention AL in the thread title.

I've not much to add to Beej's comments. If it has been routed then I would probably not notice the sonic difference. it's ok to talk about second hand values here so with this in mind I've seen AL's going for £750 + in the UK - more for a Piezo trem etc, so I guess that would equate to the price you would also have to spend in your neck of the woods.

Regarding the discolouration - it happens on the white pearloid and it has been attributed to rust but I personally think it's different"chemical" reaction.

You will be very welcome to join the ALOC on it's purchase.

Finally what colour is that - is it the same as mine - Black Cherry Burst?

 

[Mark-NL]

Hi

I'm not sure about the color. It's advertised as " sunburst" .
I'm still hoping to get the serial, so I can get some more info.

Asking price is 800 Euro (no OHSC mind you) so that's about same as the GBP amount you mentioned..not too bad considering the price you have to pay new.

I'm hoping to test the Al soon, and hopefully become a ALcoholic (one that actually OWNS one that is)

 

[threeminutesboy]

go get that Axe restore original pups and setup and you will become an Al-addict for sure

 

[agt]

That AL is calling your name ... don't think, just do it ... fulfill your destiny.

 

[spkirby]

The colour is tobaccoburst and looks lovely on the Al...a lot lot better than those pics suggest! I have a tb Al with black guard...very nice.

Anyway I say go for it but try to negotiate something off the price due to lack of the case, the mods, no original pickups included in deal, stained pickguard etc.

I also agree that the routing will not be noticable from a tone point of view...after all, all silhouette specials are HSS routed even for the SSS models straight from the factory!

 

[DrGonzo5150]

... fulfill your destiny.

 

[Mark-NL]

Well, I got the serial, G14200, and I've asked the good folks over at CS if they would be so kind as to give me some info on it.

It would be amazing if they would, don't think I know of any other manufacturer that would.