Would you recommend me the AL?

[Charles]

Hey guys,

Well, it's been a while since I've had my Musicman BFR Petrucci. I love it more than all of my other guitar gear put together, but I feel like it's time to add to the Musicman collection (But hey, when is it ever not time to add? )

So, I'm thinking that the Albert Lee would be a good thing to pick up. The single coils would provide a nice contrast to the dual humbuckers and would allow me to reach more sonic territory in my cover band. I also play country, jazz and blues as sort of a fun on-the-side thing (my main gig is prog metal and neo classic, Yngwie style stuff)

Other things I'm considering are a Petrucci fully loaded 7 string, fully loaded Mystic Dream and an Axis BFR....

 

[pseudo1]

Having just picked up an AL, I would definitely recommend one.

I've got a JP6 and JP7, but am trying to sell the 7 string because it's a waste since I prefer the feel of the 6. Having something completely different in the arsenal is personally more fun.

 

[travs]

as a member of the Albert Lee Owners Club I can honestly say that it is amazing. they are fun to play,cool to look at, and a great value.

ask guys like Fings,Spud,Rob,Headstock..those dudes know!

 

[mbgreene]

It's really just a fine overall guitar. Light, well balanced and has great ergonomics and playability to go along with a great sound. It will get you the single coil sounds your looking for and act as compliment to the JP.

Try it - you'll like it

 

[banjoplayer]

+ 1 to all said above.

It is sooo comfortable that you won´t believe. You can´t imagine that this strange shaped body fits like a glove when you play it.

The SC-sounds will satisfy you too

 

[TheBassGuy]

+ 1 to all said above.

It is sooo comfortable that you won´t believe. You can´t imagine that this strange shaped body fits like a glove when you play it.

The SC-sounds will satisfy you too

Banjoplayer, You own both a AL and a Silo. How do those 2 guitars compare when it comes to comfort in body shape and neck?

 

[jamminjim]

Hey guys,

The single coils would provide a nice contrast to the dual humbuckers and would allow me to reach more sonic territory in my cover band.

Charles, I think you really hit the nail on the proverbial head with the above statement. The Al would definitely do that. And the true single coils are of a different nature than one half of a humbucker. There is just no way to make the true and accurate single coil sound with a hummer. So, to cover all bases either an Al or SSS Silo/Silo Spec or a HSS Silo Spec would be great choices, one would think.

 

[banjoplayer]

Banjoplayer, You own both a AL and a Silo. How do those 2 guitars compare when it comes to comfort in body shape and neck?

The neck of the AL has much more meat than the silo´s. I tried to capture it here:

The body of the silo seems to be VERY small, because of it´s SG-ish shape around the horns and a pronounced forearm-contour. In the middle it´s as thick as my Morse (no contours) but seems to be small. I´m used to letting rest my right forearm on the body, but there is not much body to let it rest. It feels not very comfy to me. But this is personal taste and what I´m used to. I think many silo owners love this shape, so it can´t be that wrong.

The body of the AL seems not to be that small. The contours are not that pronounced. I can´t say more, than it fits like a glove. I don´t have a problem to play a guitar without contours (Morse, Tele), but the AL feels just perfect.

I didn´t weight them, but the AL feels lighter than the silo. This might be an individual variation. Music-man.com says 2,86 kg for both.

All in all it´s just a matter of taste, you can´t go very wrong the one way or the other.

There was a thread about the comparison silo/AL, but that was more soundwise: http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-guitars/34463-please-help-me-compare-silhouette-sss-al.html

 

[Sweat]

Charles,

An AL rules period. For you my friend I recommend a BFR AL, tone heaven in a pink package

 

[Spudmurphy]

The AL re ignited my interest in guitar playing.

I love it and think that it's the best guitar that very few people know about.

The neck is just sublime and the SSS pickups do a great job and "dirty up" nice when you overdrive a good tube amp.

Love 'em - that's why I have an SSS and an MM90 (luckily with a rosewood neck).

 

[MrMusashi]

the al gets this bassplayers thumbs up!
it is the coolest looking guitar on this side of the moon, the neck is a perfect fit when you wrap your thumb around (you still feel some wood inside your hand.. no pun intended ) and the sound is mean and twangy

MrM

ps: now if they would just make a bass with the al body.. id buy that one too

 

[mb99zz]

I'd say go with the AL. It rocks! If you get a chance, try the MM90's.

 

[Charles]

Will they distort well? A lot of single coils I've played have had deep issues when gain was piled on.

 

[banjoplayer]

Will they distort well? A lot of single coils I've played have had deep issues when gain was piled on.

They sing. I see no problem using the AL with distortion. I like to use it for songs that are miles away from what Albert is playing (f.e. Rage against the machine - killing in the name of/bombtrack)

 

[TheBassGuy]

The neck of the AL has much more meat than the silo´s. I tried to capture it here:

The body of the silo seems to be VERY small, because of it´s SG-ish shape around the horns and a pronounced forearm-contour. In the middle it´s as thick as my Morse (no contours) but seems to be small. I´m used to letting rest my right forearm on the body, but there is not much body to let it rest. It feels not very comfy to me. But this is personal taste and what I´m used to. I think many silo owners love this shape, so it can´t be that wrong.

The body of the AL seems not to be that small. The contours are not that pronounced. I can´t say more, than it fits like a glove. I don´t have a problem to play a guitar without contours (Morse, Tele), but the AL feels just perfect.

I didn´t weight them, but the AL feels lighter than the silo. This might be an individual variation. Music-man.com says 2,86 kg for both.

All in all it´s just a matter of taste, you can´t go very wrong the one way or the other.

There was a thread about the comparison silo/AL, but that was more soundwise: http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-guitars/34463-please-help-me-compare-silhouette-sss-al.html

Thanks Banjo!

 

[Spudmurphy]

It's like saying will a Strat's single coils distort well?

Yup the AL's SSS will get ya a nice overdriven sound. It's not a one trick pony.

I was amazed at how clean the MM90's are too and how they take on a whole different character with the volume and/or tone rolled back.

 

[Shadowbox]

Which pickups do you all find to be more versatile? The singles or the mm90s?

 

[Ripper]

I wouldnt wanna sell those pickups on the AL, since tone is all about individual's preference.

But hell I gonna tell you - you will LOVE that shape and neck of the AL. Totally unconventional, yet still belong to the mainstream, sleek and cool. Go get one. I got one without even looking at the real thing.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Which pickups do you all find to be more versatile? The singles or the mm90s?

I love the SSS but have to say that the MM90's are more versatile. A bit more ooomph but still have the clarity quack of the sss.