The Morse or the Albert Lee for me?

[Charles]

Alright, here's my situation, I'm running a JP BFR right now, but I'm looking to spread out in the tonal sense of things. I want a guitar that sounds convincing single coiley and can quack, but also can rock because it'll serve as a semi-backup to the BFR. However, I need the guitar to be able to pull off a convincing Robert Cray/Stevie Ray Vaughn/whatever single coil blues tone.

Which one would you go?/what other guitar would you recommend?

 

[wolfbone07]

If the blues tone is what you are mainly after, I would suggest the AL, and I would also be so bold as to suggest the Silhouette Special with ssh configuration or an AL with MM90 pickups. For me nothing beats an AL through a low wattage tube amp + tube screamer type pedal in front for stinging blues tone.

 

[tommyindelaware]

i have both models.........& i take both models to most gigs i do.
based on what you need robert cray , & srv wise........i'm sure you would be happier w/ the al.
funny. it truly murders strats at it's own game.

 

[Shadowbox]

If you want to have a backup for your BFR, you might want to consider the Morse or the Silo Special. I'd go to someplace like Dubaldo's and demo each of them through whichever amp is closest to what you have at home. I guitar with a 'bucker in the bridge might be a wise decision for a backup.

Not to knock the AL, it's great. You will probably fall in love with it if and when you play it.

 

[RocketRalf]

I would consider the Silo and SS models. The Silo is the closest you'll get to the JP while still having the quack tones: it has two humbuckers, two different parallel single coil sounds and 24 frets. Now if you want a neck single tone, then get the special or an AL.

 

[banjoplayer]

I guess you need both, as I have
The Morse for backup and the AL for singlecoil-tones.
Morse has nice SC´s but not compareable to the real thing, the AL. I guess using the Morse as a Singlecoil-guitar will not satisfy you. It is mainly a Humbucker-guitar which offers a nice alternative sound with it´s SC´s

 

[mbgreene]

The Morse can serve as a jack-of-all-trades back up and get you anywhere. But as a true single coil compliment to the JP the AL (or Silo Special) would be the choice.

 

[Ripper]

No contest here, really. You need both. 2 different but essential beasts you talkin' bout here my fren.

 

[dannymusic]

The AL can flat out rock into a marshall

Quack like a duck.

sting like a chickenpicken parade.

I have a JP6 and feel its the perfect compliment.

AND (very important to me) has PIEZO option.

 

[balance]

You could go the AL MM90 route. P90's will provide a lot of punch, but also have a great single-coil-like tone when played clean as well. If I'm not mistaken, you could always swap the P90's for some SC's and order a new AL pickguard for SC if you're not happy with the P90 vibe.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Check out my sig and you can see why I would suggest the AL.
However, after seeing and hearing a morse at the Music Live exhibition, I was really surprised at the versatility of the Morse.

The AL will definitely cover the Robert Cray and SRV bases ( I do a Robert Cray and SRV cover in my repertoire).

I fell in love with the AL and I'm sure you will too.

Please tell us what you decide on?

 

[travs]

what a fun choice. We knuckleheads are so spoiled with options and advice its sick. just buy the Al, join the ALOC, share your new guitar day happiness with photos.

 

[Sweat]

Charles,

Either would work for what you ask, the AL more traditional, while the Morse is full of tonal possibilities, my recommendation is the AL, just a great guitar plus as stated you can order a complete PG set with either the p-90's or 3 single coils and switch them out with ease, I love the tones from a Morse just do not get along with the neck or body which is why mines in the for sale sticky

 

[robelinda2]

You cant switch the pups in the AL between SSS and MM90, it isnt routed like that.

 

[Sweat]

You cant switch the pups in the AL between SSS and MM90, it isnt routed like that.

Yea, brain fart

 

[balance]

You cant switch the pups in the AL between SSS and MM90, it isnt routed like that.

If it's routed for P90's, meaning you purchase the AL MM90, then you should be able to swap to SC's, correct? I know the SSS AL is routed only for the SC's though.

 

[robelinda2]

I tried, the slanted bridge pup wont fit in the MM90 rout.

 

[balance]

I tried, the slanted bridge pup wont fit in the MM90 rout.

Well, in that case, everyone just needs one of each

 

[robelinda2]

Indeed, works for me!!!!