Why no Sterling Albert Lee?

[Johnny Alien]

I saw an older thread about this where Pat professed his love for the shape. While I am sure the Albert Lee isn't the most popular model I actually see more of them in the wild than the Axis. One of my local GC stores like to stock the Albert Lee because they seem to sell pretty well. So I think it would be wicked cool for a Sterling Albert Lee to exist.

 

[Bryan]

The JP seems to be the only sig model in the Sterling line.

I'd also like to see a Luke in that line too.

 

[Geetarfreek82]

I think a Sterling JP7 and a Y2D would be astoundingly popular. And an Albert Lee as well.

 

[Morganbucks]

Yes!

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I am sure it would turn a lot of people on to the AL shape!

 

[SBMM]

Well - we could certainly kick it around and see what happens!

 

[musikarero]

I'm against it.....can't really say why other than the guitar (for me) just needs to remain what it is. It is a unique body shape and the guy who's name is on it has changed how I play so much. I'm sure there are hundred valid reasons if it were to happen but I hope it stays what it is.

 

[SBMM]

I'm against it.....can't really say why other than the guitar (for me) just needs to remain what it is. It is a unique body shape and the guy who's name is on it has changed how I play so much. I'm sure there are hundred valid reasons if it were to happen but I hope it stays what it is.

I don't understand your point here, so help me out.

Introducing a unique body style to a legion of players that may otherwise not even give it a second chance because of their economics at that time (or just the limited availability), especially to younger players, is wrong???

That would be like keeping the Strat a secret except to a select few after seeing it on the cover of "The Chirping Crickets" Buddy Holly album, or, because of the way it blended into John's clothes, mistaking a Rickenbacker for a Vox teardrop (as I did in my youth!).

I'm not saying that we are or are not going to make any Albert Lee style of guitars or basses, but, the mere fact that I don't understand the seemingly elitist attitude that some musicians seem to have regarding things like this escapes me. Regardless of shape, feel, look, color, etc..., remember that the tone comes from your fingers, from within. That board with strings on it is your vehicle, your tool, to do what you will do with it, and where you allow it to take you, not where you will take it.

I'm open to whatever we can bring to the masses, at a high level of quality, and at a fair price point for the particular level of instrument. That's all, and input, positive or negative, is always welcome.

 

[skerwo]

A Sterling AL would be a very cool tool, also a Sterling Luke. BTW good thing to use the US pups in the new series.


Rainer

 

[ScoobySteve]

I think it'd be pretty rad to see kids rockin Albert Lee/Luke style guitars. That'd be so awesome, not only for the wonderful SBMM instruments they'd be, but another kid listening to some Luke and Albert Lee? I'm all for that!

I did some guitar teaching before I moved abroad, and the SBMM does something that I didn't fully realize until I taught and just met with some of the local guitar "up and comers" which is....

It takes a $15 record for a teenager to pick up a Dream Theater record and be hooked. That record can make an impression and may even push them to pick up the guitar. (I've met a few like this, and I'm sure others have as well, and not necessarily DT per say) Having them spend another $15 or so per year for a new record, and another $20 for a t-shirt, and $60-80 on a show every once in a while is one thing..... but a EBMM JP, even in the used bracket, ranging from $1,200-2,400 is a totally different ball game. There are TONS of JP fans out there, but the vast majority of them can't afford a EBMM JP off the bat, and some won't be able to save their pennies and dimes for the foreseeable future. I've been in those shoes forever.

The SBMM stuff really helps to bridge that awesome GAS until they're in a financial position to make an EBMM investment.

The SBMM does a lot for those players, and then some for people who need sturdy, close, and reliable backups, but can't afford another EBMM.

I really dig the SBMM stuff, and hope to see it succeed and expand a lot!

 

[musikarero]

I don't understand your point here, so help me out.

Introducing a unique body style to a legion of players that may otherwise not even give it a second chance because of their economics at that time (or just the limited availability), especially to younger players, is wrong???

That would be like keeping the Strat a secret except to a select few after seeing it on the cover of "The Chirping Crickets" Buddy Holly album, or, because of the way it blended into John's clothes, mistaking a Rickenbacker for a Vox teardrop (as I did in my youth!).

I'm not saying that we are or are not going to make any Albert Lee style of guitars or basses, but, the mere fact that I don't understand the seemingly elitist attitude that some musicians seem to have regarding things like this escapes me. Regardless of shape, feel, look, color, etc..., remember that the tone comes from your fingers, from within. That board with strings on it is your vehicle, your tool, to do what you will do with it, and where you allow it to take you, not where you will take it.

I'm open to whatever we can bring to the masses, at a high level of quality, and at a fair price point for the particular level of instrument. That's all, and input, positive or negative, is always welcome.

I'm not trying to be "Elitist" when I say I'm against the idea or that it would be wrong......I never even said that. I did say there would be a 100 good reasons why and you pointed out several excellent reasons. I can't put my finger directly on why I oppose the idea. But it certainly isn't as you say want to deny others or that it is a "attitude" thing. Albert Lee pretty much changed everything for me when it comes to guitars. I only met the man once but I am deeply connected to the guitar he plays. Other than that I'm not sure I can help anyone understand my opinion. My post wasn't intended to rub anyone the wrong way, and you couldn't be any further off the mark with the elitist comment.

 

[GWDavis28]

Brian and Pat, I personally think that adding the AL to the Sterling line is an awesome idea, whether it be the SSS or the HH configuration. Hope it happens.

Thanx, Glenn |B)

 

[RJKANEAO]

Well - we could certainly kick it around and see what happens!

Pretty please!

 

[RJKANEAO]

As a proud owner of a EBMM Albert Lee HH and 3 SBMM line guitars (Ax30, Silo30 and the Jp100 and soon a jp70) I can honestly say I think this would be awesome.. The Luke was a great idea and I think the AL would be equally or even more impressive.. Maybe do a different P/U set-up then the normal HH,MM90s or Singles to give it a different edge.. HSH or even a SSH.. I've played guitars professionally for about 19-20 yrs as my full-time employment (from world-international tours to playing on the white house lawn) and I can honestly say hands down without any second thoughts when it came to preference of what piece (brand) I prefer to play I didn't really find a home for my playing etc until I played EBMM/SBMM.. just my 2 cents

 

[RJKANEAO]

I think it'd be pretty rad to see kids rockin Albert Lee/Luke style guitars. That'd be so awesome, not only for the wonderful SBMM instruments they'd be, but another kid listening to some Luke and Albert Lee? I'm all for that!

I did some guitar teaching before I moved abroad, and the SBMM does something that I didn't fully realize until I taught and just met with some of the local guitar "up and comers" which is....

It takes a $15 record for a teenager to pick up a Dream Theater record and be hooked. That record can make an impression and may even push them to pick up the guitar. (I've met a few like this, and I'm sure others have as well, and not necessarily DT per say) Having them spend another $15 or so per year for a new record, and another $20 for a t-shirt, and $60-80 on a show every once in a while is one thing..... but a EBMM JP, even in the used bracket, ranging from $1,200-2,400 is a totally different ball game. There are TONS of JP fans out there, but the vast majority of them can't afford a EBMM JP off the bat, and some won't be able to save their pennies and dimes for the foreseeable future. I've been in those shoes forever.

The SBMM stuff really helps to bridge that awesome GAS until they're in a financial position to make an EBMM investment.

The SBMM does a lot for those players, and then some for people who need sturdy, close, and reliable backups, but can't afford another EBMM.

I really dig the SBMM stuff, and hope to see it succeed and expand a lot!

Well said.. I could not agree more..

 

[SBMM]

UPDATE ON THIS

Albert actually approached me about this on Sunday at the NAMM show. He asked about our success with the John Petrucci Signature Series, Price Points, etc.

It's now something that has been taken under careful consideration. We'll keep you posted!

 

[RJKANEAO]

UPDATE ON THIS

Albert actually approached me about this on Sunday at the NAMM show. He asked about our success with the John Petrucci Signature Series, Price Points, etc.

It's now something that has been taken under careful consideration. We'll keep you posted!

This is wonderful to hear.. I own a Albert lee HH model and its a great guitar.. And something that should be shared even with those that really can't reach that higher price point.. It's definitely worth a look at..

 

[GWDavis28]

UPDATE ON THIS

Albert actually approached me about this on Sunday at the NAMM show. He asked about our success with the John Petrucci Signature Series, Price Points, etc.

It's now something that has been taken under careful consideration. We'll keep you posted!

Brian, wow man that's excellent news!! Can't wait to see what you guys come up with.

Glenn |B)

 

[edhalen]

In my humble opinion the longer SBMM continues to ROCK the world (pun intended) with the great line up of instruments in the mid-range price point the greater the chances are for more signature models to be made. Might be capt. obvious here but that's my .02.

 

[Rockman]

UPDATE ON THIS

Albert actually approached me about this on Sunday at the NAMM show. He asked about our success with the John Petrucci Signature Series, Price Points, etc.

It's now something that has been taken under careful consideration. We'll keep you posted!

That's sounds wonderful! I would prefer the HH-model!