Sterling By Music Man Albert Lee Signature - Affordable Guitar Review
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- čas přidán 13. 07. 2024
- No accusations of plagiarism this week as we check out the highly original Albert Lee signature guitar and got our first ever play of a 'music man'... made possible of course by their highly affordable 'sterling' sub brand. Join us for pointy fun and to see what we think!
Here's a link to the JHS show volume pedal hacks video: • Why You Need a Volume ...
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If you don't like any of the talking or the playing bits in this video we've made it easy for you to skip along to the next chapter in case something more interesting is happening...
0:00 intro & coming up
1:27 something a bit different
4:58 body, neck, & other specs
6:20 some fret sprout
7:32 what does it weigh?
8:08 a fulcrum tremolo
9:25 searching for inspiration
11:20 pickups & switching
12:10 volume pedal attenuator hack
14:06 pickups & switching continued
17:57 pickup outputs
19:37 let's play something!
21:26 under the bonnet
25:14 truss rod adjustment
25:55 neck profile & measurements
26:38 let's play a bit more...
27:36 what do we think?
32:20 final thoughts
33:07 play out jam
Signal Chain Info:
Drive Pedals (when on): Klon KTR / RAT
Amp: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III With Celestion Creamback
Volume Pedal in FX Loop: Boss FV500L
Mics AKG C414 & SM57
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 into Protools
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#sterlingbymusicman #electricguitar #albertlee #guitaraddict #theguitaristas #guitarist - Zábava
I love the line “when you pick up a guitar you forget everything youve learned” lol, so true.
'Just put a bag over the headstock' had me in stitches! Funny especially since I've always wanted a nice MusicMan /because/ of the headstock. Think it was all years as a teenager seeing Steve Morse on the back cover of guitar magazines that has wormed its way into my psychic... and yes, Albert Lee is definitely pointy :-)
Cheers Richard, Yes I guess if Steve Morse was one of your guitar heroes that makes perfect sense... so thanks for being a good sport and not roasting me for that one man! :)
Just wrap black electric tape all over the headstock 🤓
This guitar is destined to be a classic, especially being an Albert Lee signature. He is one of the all time greats. Pick one up, while you still can. Great tribute to Albert. Enjoy it!
Theyve been making this model for at least ten years now, i dont know how long they been making the affordable sterling model for , but music man albert lees are here to stay , id imagine
Out of my researching for this guitar this is the most informative video I've found
Aloha and mahalo! The original signature model had 3 single coils. Albert Lee was famous for playing a vintage tele. Before the axis was renamed it was an Eddie Van Halen model. Good job! Thaks again
Thanks Victor, have a good weekend man! :)
I bought this as a used guitar at Sam ash in mint condition. It’s an amazing guitar and so comfortable to play live professionally. The only problem was that the fret edging was terrible. Three frets would catch my string while doing solos lol I had to buy a fret file and file them all down myself. Now, it’s a perfect guitar.
Remarkable guitar indeed, with some weird choices in terms of electronics. Kudos to your honesty about them. Your genuine approach and "I came almost prepared" kind of vibe are what keeps me coming back for more! Cheerio
Cheers Johan, thanks for the kind words and support! :)
Finaly someone plays clean, great bright sounding pickups.
I dig the outro jam. I look forward to these videos every week.
Cheers Justin that’s appreciated thanks for supporting! 👍
I like the channel. Thanks for the well made straightforward videos. I’ve been listening to “Naturally” this week myself. Amazing to think about how much influence that one record had.
Thanks Prof, absolutely right.... I only realise now it was always on rotation on the turntable alongside the other stuff I grew up listening to in the 70s.
My favorite video of Albert is, he, Danny Gatton and Vince Gill playing together on Vince' old show in Nashville, doing Liza Jane. Whoo! 2 minutes of singing, 6 minutes of solo's. Beautiful guitar.
I just got a Sterling Mariposa. It's got a similar, but not identical, shape and pickup configuration. I love it. The ergonomics of these Music Men are fantastic. I the pickups on the Albert Lee, seem like they may be a bit brighter, which I'd like, but the Mariposa has a roasted neck, which I also like.
Another nice review of a different shaped guitar. I can honestly say with over 50+ years of playing guitar, I have never desired a Musicman guitar. Keep up they great reviews.
I can honestly say your missing out , it’s a Work of Art , the headstock is the way it should be done. I have a early model John Petrucci and the playability is mind blowing. When you strum the strings the springy snap feels SOOOO GOOD and I’m playing a Sterling, it’s not even the Ernie Ball high end USA brand. Music Man was originally designed by Leo Fender and he is the one of the guys that designed that headstock and it was the best design from his experience .
@@larryfleming7295 the only product I use from Ernie Ball are the strings! All my guitars are strung with EBs. I just like them but can't say that about the guitar! We all play what feels good in our hands.
Good to see you again good sir! another great review vid! Have a great weekend mate.
Cheers Jeff... likewise! :)
Nice one, I remember a journalist interviewing Jimmy Page and remarked that at times his playing reminded him of Albert Lee. A pan faced Page replied Nobody can play like Albert....
Really entertaining video again👋 I love how in depth you go in these reviews, brilliantly done. I always wanted a Steve Lukather Music Man, then i played one and couldn't get on with the neck! This channel rocks🎸🤘
Cheers Hugh I appreciate the kind words and support! 😎👍
Hahaha, this was one of the most entertaining yet. Sorry, I'm late to the party because I only recently found this channel. Great review, the bag cracked me up...and now every time I see Albert Lee I think he does look pointy like his guitar. Thanks for the great content, you are a treat to watch.
Cheers man! 😆👍
Just catching up with some of your videos. Great tip about the Volume Pedal, Thanks!
Cheers. 😊😎🎸
Cheers Steven, yes that works a treat and my ears thank The JHS show for that tip! :)
"That would rip your tights completely" 🤣🤣🤣 Thank god for Friday morning, great as always Colin & Crew! - Funny you mention Clapton & Cale, I've been learning Clapton's lead this week on Call Me The Breeze from the Baloise concert - Rock on my friend.
Cheers man, I was listening to that very concert... doesn't seem like any it it sunk in though! :)
Cheers from Canada, enjoying the vids.
Thanks that’s appreciated 😎👍
Loved the playing great tone great review.Thank you.
Thanks that's appreciated! :)
What a superb looking guitar! Another excellent video, great licks and tone. Stop beating yourself up so much mate, you're a good player and I enjoy every video you do. Keep up the good work and stay safe, this video has caused a dilemma as to my next purchase! 😂
Thanks Jack, I appreciate the kind words and support as always! :)
wow this is a much different guitar than usual. Albert is such a great picker : )
Fantastic review as always
Cheers Alan! :)
I love the headstock, I don’t know but knowing it’s as good as it gets as in function gives me piece of mind in some strange way. The older I get, comfort and function seems to matter most to me more than what people tell me is cool.
😎👍
I am in the minority, for sure, but I love these headstocks. I think they are cool and interesting and well thought out. The headstock doesn't have to be all big and over designed.
You know what headstock I hate? The giant water-head lookin headstock on 70s Strats lmao. I love the 70s Strats a ton, the pickups from that era are so damn nice and the spankyness from them is nice and smoothed out but made toothier in a different way. When I had my 77 strat, it sounded and played like a dream, I felt like I was playing a guitar from heaven but the headstock was so big and just made me mad.
Very interesting guitar - thanks a lot for the review, Colin!
Greetings from Germany!
Many thanks!
Love that you're branching into different guitars! Please consider doing a Squier Cyclone next!
Cheers, mmm that’s a quirky little beast for sure! 🤔
Hey thanks for showing this off guys nice to see a different take on the old 6 string electric Spanish. Well put together video as always, great playing too.
Looking forward to the next guitar shoot out and return of the cool wall. how would this fair against a strat, tele or even sg of its equivalent price I wonder??
Cheers Alistair, thanks for the support and kind words. I reckon this will surface again before along in a shootout as you suggest... and finding an appropriate category for it on the cool wall is going to be a challenge!
Update on the Sterling by Music Man Albert Lee HH guitar. They have come out with a new model with 2 P90s for a different sound in 3 more finish colors. They are due out in early May 2023. I liked the first one I bought so much I bought a second one. It sound and plays great. Using a guitar with the right amp makes a huge difference too.
Never mind the headstock. Heh heh, funny, made me chuckle. Thanks for taking note of comments and mentioning what amp you're using and that volume pedal tip is great, I was trying to get my M80 quiet enough to play at home. Good one as usual.
Cheers Will, try that if it’s got an fx loop you’re laughing! The pedal I’m using is boss fv500l and it’s got a master volume dial as well as the rocker volume so loads of roll off... and it’s about £60 so bargain fix for peace with the neighbours! 🤣
@@theguitaristas thanks, I'll have a look, although I have just bought that valvetronix with variable power so ....
Another great video, cheers man! Just laid my hands on a 1998 Epiphone Gold Top 56 with hand wound T-bear (Swedish guy) P90:s. Lemon oil on the freatboard and soon a new set of 010 Ernie Ball slinkies while watching this. That’s my perfect Saturday night. Ooh, and a pint as well 🍻
Nice one! Thanks for supporting and enjoy your weekend jam with that new guitar! 😎👍
"Just put a bag over the headstock" made me laugh. Love this channel. (BTW - I think Revelation do some super interesting variants on classic guitars. Any chance of some of their models appearing on the show?)
Cheers man, thanks for supporting... good suggestion!
Hiya Colin! Happy Friday! Really enjoyed the review. Really nice playing as usual. What an odd looking Guitar. Not odd in a bad way..Its like a Strat on acid. I like it! Although even a mother couldn't love that head..what were they thinking? A blot on an otherwise nice looking guitar. I would cut its nose off. Looks comfortable and being small would suit my arms. I like Albert Lee. Im always impressed by his fingerpicking. Country Boy had me tapping. Actually some of the finest guitarists come from the Country music world. I know what you mean about Albert being pointy!
Its really nice to see you branch out into some different brands. Nice to hear all sides of the story so to speak..its a very big book with lots of chapters! Top show! :o) xx
Hey Antonia, it’s definitely nice to see something different with this guitar... you’re right there’s a lot of Strat DNA in it, and after a bad trip is a good description... certainly as far as that headstock is concerned! 😂 a good lesson for you... headstock really important part of the overall design plus get tone pots that work 😆👍 have a fabulous weekend x
Its why I admire your uploads so much and Fridays is a favorite day.
Generalized comments of yours in this review that are outstanding..
"Its quite appropriate that its a very pointy guitar as he's quite a pointy person"
"Its just different in a fairly ugly way"
"If you got shorter arms shall we say this could be perfect for you"
"This week its not looking good"
"Just put a bag over the headstock"
BTW...your playing is great even if its the same every week so take the pressure off yourself. Babbling is good and highly encouraged.
Cheers Gary, thanks for the kind words man it’s massively appreciated ☺️🙏 😎👍
I've always liked guitars with larger headstocks. I've got an old 70s Dean ML and I've always bought Fenders with the CBS necks. I was tempted a while back to buy the St. Vincent MM, by Sterling Signature (but similar to yourself) I've always thought that their teeny-weeny sized headstock's looked daft. I'm pretty sure that if brands like the aforementioned Dean can bring out an alternative design to their either, love it or hate it V headstock in order to sell more units, then surely Ernie Ball and Music Man can. Plus the majority, if not all their guitars are bolt on. They're definitely missing a trick, especially if they offered straight-swap EB MM qaulity necks for their cheaper Sterling brand.
Cheers Robert, likewise I am a fan of the Fender CBS headstocks... Dean is the other end of out the scale and I haven't ventured there yet! :)
The late great Aspen Pittman, founder of Groove Tubes offered the Fathead; basically a plate to be installed on the back of the headstock to add weight to it. I remember he offered those for Fender style instruments; cannot recall if it was offered for other brands. His theory, which I believe is true, is that large headstock instruments have more sustain.
Colin, thanks for another great video! Albert Lee, a UK rocker singing country songs is very cool, I did see his interview with the Captain and it was entertaining. Kind of funny,, he does look like a pointy guy and this shape fits him well.
Cheers Tom, yes he’s really cool and still rocking at a grand old age now and looks better than most of us! 😆 I wish I had his chops that’s for sure!
Another great video. Something a bit different. Keep up the good work.
Cheers Stevo!
Hey, new subscriber here, loving your content! My only request would be to see some Fender/PRS for some variety and to hear what you think of these brands' recent output!
Hey Patrick, thanks for sub and support... I'm certainly planning to take a look at some of those soon!
I have a sub Silhouette, got it for a steal a few years ago. It's my main guitar. People constantly want me to sell it to them. Did a pickup upgrade and a tuner upgrade, its incredible
Man is this guy great or what.One of my favorite channels on the CZcams.
Thanks for the kind words man that's appreciated! :)
I’m so thankful that you are so honest. Even when I disagree with your opinion on something I know it’s the truth as you see it. The head stack is a little stubby but I don’t think it’s that bad but I loved the bag bit LOL. If I lived closer I would have you ship it over but I am in the states. Keep up the good work. Cheers
Thanks that's appreciated!
I have the sterling cuttlas sub 30, in charcoal frost metallic. A mouth full on the name, but a great guitar. I find myself reaching for it over my PRS Starla. It's the neck carve I really love about it. Worth trying one out, it's the more affordable out of the range. Think 350 ish here in the states. Great video as always, the bag over the headstock had me laughing.
Cheers man, I agree the neck is nice... just not sure about the headstock! :)
The bag over the HEAD stock was funny! Reminds of a date when I was younger.
Brilliant!... that's even funnier! :)
Motherlover headstock and pointy Albert lee. Two reasons I love your show. A vocabulaic extravaganza. You say what I'm thinking in a way I wouldn't have thought of.
Cheers Paul 😆... i couldn’t write this stuff if I tried it just seems to come out!
Mr Lee is a full on gentleman.
I had the luck to to work with him a couple of times.
The MM Signature he was using back then had 3 single coils.
I remember him being quite disappointed with F after blanking him for a Tele Sig, in favour of Arlen Roth, after being known as "Mr Telecaster" for years.
The big differences in the coil resistance readings are because you have Series and Parallel variations in the switching.
I'm totally with you on preferring two volumes for twin humbuckers, with maybe exceptions for heavy rock guitars where the subtleties of backing the neck pickup back a bit get lost somewhat.
That's what put me off so many of the PRS configurations,
Any headstock design with a straight pull over the nut is an improvement on earlier designs IMO. 😜
Nice one! 😎👍
Yes, the headstock definitely works tuning wise! 😁
Great vid as usual! I think the stars of the show here are you (for your likeable and thorough delivery of CZcams content, as per usual) and Albert Lee (need I say more - he’s a guitar god and a MAJOR influence 🙏) . That guitar however, is downright weird - the colour of the neck, the general shape, the overly bright tone, the coil splits, the headstock…. By comparison, Epiphone are knocking it out of the park at this price point. Sorry, rant over. I’m just a grumpy old sod with a large glass of red by his side 🤣
Cheers Paul, thanks for the kinds words and support man! 🙏☺️ you are dead right this one is all a bit weird and unsatisfying, and there’s such a lot of great competition we can afford to be a bit picky! Have a great weekend up there! 😎👍
Love the playing
Thanks man... appreciated! 😎👍
Thanks Colin. Friday morning smiles. Why are there so many manufacturers who can't build tone controls?
The bag over the headstock did crack me up.
Cheers Brian, I know... you'd think the clue would be in the word 'tone' written on it eh? :)
I bought one of these 3 days ago and I'm glad I did. The body is shorter and lighter than most guitars of the Stratocaster style. The body has contours in the front and the back. The neck has a comfortable profile and the radius is flatter than I was expecting, but it's one of the things I like about this guitar. The string scale is the same as most Fenders. The head stock doesn't bother me at all. In fact it's what keeps it in tune better than other guitars like Gibson. The break angle after the nut is pretty minimal. The way the tuners are placed there are no angles. The strings go straight through the nut to the tuning machines. I'll take a smaller head stock any day over a larger one that makes the guitar go out of tune. The pickups work fine and the 5 way control switch gives you a variety of tonal choices. For the quality of the construction, playability, sound and price it's very hard to beat.
It is definitely a great guitar to play! 👍
Wow the treble end is sweet. Bright & wiry but not unpleasant at all.
I had a Sterling axis. It was brand new snd the sound was like brittle glass shattering . It also had tthis funny vibration in the tremolo that translated onto the recordings i was making. I've since gone to real EBMM guitars . Theres a reason they cost $2000 .
You could also put a bag right over your whole head just in case the bag falls of the headstock. You'll never have the worry of seen that excuse for a headstock again. Yeah call your act Baghead as in Buckethead. Great no bullshit videos and the best most thorough guitar reviews on the internet. What I really like about The Guitaristas video reviews is the lack of everything I hate about all the other You Tube Guitar reviews. Especially the lack of a bloody Sure SM7B sticking in your face. Keep up the Great Work. Its a Magnum Opus!
Thanks man that's appreciated! 😆👍👍
Enjoyed this video. Albert wanted different but there's so many designs out there and he found that different design. Well done. I'm left handed so I like my Epiphones.
Cheers Lawrence! 😎👍
Another fun episode, thx…
Cheers for another great review! I was expecting the MM sterling to be much better tbh, given the high quality, playability and sound of the American counterparts.
Cheers man, yes likewise... it's not bad but then it's not exactly cheap either. Maybe I just got a duff one?
Entirely pissible (As Arthur Bostrom in ‘Allo ‘Allo would have put it). I mean; that bridge pickup - seriously? I hope it’s vids like these that encourage MusicMan to put more of a ‘sterling’ effort into their budget range 😉
Nice to see something a bit different. It certainly looks a like a well designed little guitar with some interesting tones, I really can’t understand why the poor tone control problem should ever have happened, a good guitar passive tone circuit is just a matter of the right choice of pot and capacitor and should cost no more than a bad choice. Good to see that the build quality looks good, about 30 years ago I owned a USA built Music Man Stingray which was an excellent guitar made from high quality materials, ( can’t remember why I sold it but regret it). That low wind bridge humbucker sounds great and would be ideal for county licks, I once played a late 50s Les Paul with a similar bright sounding bridge pickup which was amazing. Is the tremolo is a two point Fender-like affair ? After watching this video I had a quick look at other Music Man Stirling artist guitars, they seem to do some quite interesting instruments for someone that’s looking for something a bit different from the old 1950s design guitars we all seem to go for.
Cheers Henry, yes nice to see something fresh, yes it’s a 2 point tremelo same as fender as far as I can tell... that’s definitely where this guitars DNA can be found, has the same only one volume pot 'flaw' and without working tone pot it’s a bit of a mess but as you say there is at least one good sound to be had out of it! Cheers mate have a great weekend 😎👍
I’d really like to see you look at the SE line from PRS and how they stack up to the newer epiphones.
Yes definitely about time I got one in... 🤔
Like you, I have a lot of guitars. One of them is a Sterling Sillhouette. It cost under 200 pounds 4 years ago or so. It is HSS with trem. The tuners hold tune well but are stiff. Apart from that I find it faultless. I find that I play it more than any of my other instruments including my Gibsons or Fenders. I love I to bits.
Albert Lee played with Eric Clapton for a while back in the late 70's,saw them in concert.Very good show.Muddy Waters and band opened.When I first saw Albert plugging his guitar on Utube I thought it was UUUGLY!Later it started to grow on me.The tones are very unique and sound very good, which you demonstrated very well,. They are the lowest producing pickups I have ever seen,but they work.Albert put a lot of thought into this guitar!
Cheers William... yes I couldn’t believe how low that bridge bucker read! 😲👍
Met Albert at a guitar exhibition at the Barbican in the mid-80s - he’d just tipped up for a clinic, or some such. Just him with a Tele, in a gig bag, on his back - such an unassuming guy.
Sings well now… saw him do Jimmy Webb’s ‘Highwayman’, on keyboard/vocals, on the Andertons ‘Captain meets…’ series here - superb! Never heard someone, again so unassumingly (is that a word🤪?), drop SO many top names he’s been associated with in an hour and a bit interview. Remarkable!
Wonder why there’s no Sterling version of his main, SSS, instrument (in Fiesta Red, obvs!)?
BTW: I love JJ’s ‘less is more’ playing but, when I try to emulate his style, I always seem to squeeze in (or WANT to squeeze in!) too many notes, which really f*#ks up the laid back feel he so effortlessly creates. ‘Ard, innit 👍 (😬😂🤣).
Cheers Rob, I had a go at learning some JJ licks but the way he uses his notes so sparingly, and with such brilliant phrasing takes a bit of concentration!
I like what you said about the tone knob. Reverend has a Bass Roll Off knob that works really well. Even as a beginner I notice that it works pretty well. All the splitting and tapping is just confusing for me.
I ran into a similar issue with the Fender Mustang Amp I have, too many choices and I don't know what I'm looking for in the first place.
Excellent playing again! With or without the headstock bag. lol
Cheers man, bass roll off is a REALLY good idea 👍 as well as a tone nob that works that would be perfect. Exactly right what you say about those modelling amps... when I had them I too was just constantly clicking through and really there was only ever one setting that I needed. Have you ventured into the world of tube amps yet?
@@theguitaristas A tune amp will be my next amp. I bought a couple of Roland’s solid state amps, which I really like but the sound of a tube amp is calling to me.
@@pinkiewerewolf It's a different world... I promise you will appreciate the difference, but to your wallet also as they are not cheap!
@@theguitaristas I definitely want to make a good decision on a tune amp. 👍
Agreed - I like classic shaped guitars and or one that is less trying to not be symmetrical!
Another great video. I actually don’t mind the headstock. It’s the body shape that I’m not keen on.
I’m a big fan of the PRS headstock both shape and function. Straight string pull without the need for string tree
Cheers Dave, good to hear support for this it was getting a bit one sided on here! 😎👍
The first time I ever heard Albert Lee was on The Green Bullfrog album. I'm a huge Ritchie Blackmore fan so I just had to have it.
Ritchie and Albert on the same album... whooda thunkitt???
There's some great playing on that album. Blackmore fans and Lee fans should definitely check it out. Especially now that all you have to do is Google it. I had to search record stores high and low to find it back in the late '70s.
I am now imagining Albert Lee playing with Blackmore's Knights....😆👍
Uhhh, I've never liked the aesthetics of a strat but I'd love that guitar with the strat style pick up set up. Oh and I really like the headstock!!!
Thanks for the review. I was really excited about this guitar until i saw the nut is only 41mm.
Guess im sticking to the old prs’s for now.
I believe there's a practical reason for the babydick headstock. A lot of Music Man guitars are so damn light, any bigger headstock might give them a neckdive.
Amazingly this guitar started as a three single coil pickup instrument that very much sounded like a Stratocaster. Ironically Albert was known for being a killer Telecaster player and this instrument deviates quite a lot from that.
That fingerboard wood on this one looks very similar to the one on a ‘98 Squier Affinity Strat I have. Seems like Asian instruments have been using rosewood alternatives for a long time. Epiphones use some sort of a grayish hue rosewood alternative that turns darker as you use it and apply fingerboard oil over the years.
Cheers man, indeed I saw an interview with Albert where he says this humbucker version was a music man idea that he readily agreed to 'as they must know what the are doing'... so as you say it's quite a long way from what made the original single coil version work.
What a riot with that bag over the headstock!! LOL!!! 😂 Quick question: I noticed a "lip" or ridge at the bottom of the tremolo plate. Would you be able to get your fingers under that to use the trem without the arm? I like decking my strat bridges, and I'm not a huge fan of the trem arm dangling about, but it would be cool to add a bit of tremolo here and there. If you don't mind, would you try and see if your fingers will fit under that lip and make the trem work without the arm? Thanks for another great review!! Always look forward to your vids!! 🖖😉
Cheers man, yes in fact I already know that you can get the fingers under that lip as I did it before I 'engaged arm'... not sure exactly how much movement can be had but I expect a technique could be devised!
Not my cup of tea, but nice to see something a bit different. Modern guitar players are certainly spoiled with the option of high quality, moderate priced instruments. Glad we don’t have to rely on cardboard silvertone guitars like they had to back in the day! Great review as usual!!
Cheers man! 😎👍
Your right. It's cuts the fingers at the upper frets and the 2. position is almost useless because of the low output and the wiggle stick is not tight in the hole. Apart from that it's a killer guitar. I don't mind the headstock. Mine is the daphne blue version. Maybe I should put a pair og '57 humbuggers in it. Thank for the nice review😉👍🇩🇰
Cheers Jimmy! Yes a bit of work and some upgrades and this one would be great 😎👍
Great work again Colin. "Just put a bag over it head and you're good to gig." 🤣🤣🤣 Brilliant. Tommy Thayer Les Paul next? 🤞
Cheers man 😆👍
Have you played the 2020 epiphone Firebird?
@@Fretter18 Not yet... but soon I hope! ;)
I’m not too much fan of Sterling#MM headstocks, but if we look at the Teles they are quite on the same exquisite way. Still a nice brand to pay more attention 😊
MM has some interesting guitars ($$$ !!) So Sterling has a few that make MM designs affordable...
Have heard that the necks are quite nice on some of the AXIS model(s)...
Overall...have not pulled the trigger on either MM or Sterling because they haven't, in my view really come up with anything so innovative or priced that would earn my patronage...YET😉
Having two pups and one volume control and one tone control makes no sense to me at all.
That said, this review did bring to light a very useful design as far as the neck to body fit....
This design does bring the headstock closer to the player enabling arm and fretting hand to remain closer to ones body.
Of course making arm extensions much more in neutral positions.
Good idea for some folks that may feel uncomfortable reaching.😎👍
Very informative and greatly appreciated...Thanks Again 😎👍
What Clapton has done for J.J. Cale is amazing...Cale, great writer and deserves all the recognition that Eric steered his way. BRAVO😎👍
Thanks 😎👍
😎👍❤🖖
Love Brother
Cheers Richard, thanks for dropping in as always. The neck on this does feel nice so I can see the potential.. but the sum of parts on this budget version leaves it falling a bit short of expectations. There's a lot of competition in this price range nowadays so folk gotta raise their games! Have a great weekend man! :)
If it makes me play something different, or differently, it's a good guitar.
(Also: Please make a video about which of your SGs you would choose if you could only keep one.)
Hey Jeffrey, I agree with that sentiment 100%... however the thought of selling all my SGs except one... are you completely mad man? 😲 sorry that’s just not possible or ever going to happen! 🤣 Actually being serious I did sell my 61 SG Standard with Sideways Vibrola just this week... so I do it from time to time 😥 but it’s ok I have ‘several’ other left still 😁 cheers man have a great weekend!
Great review … do like the Music Man guitar and indeed this one but your spot on the headstock is a sight ! Always thought it made it stronger !!… nothing wrong with the Albert Lee sound, but it’s trying to be a one stop shop in the mix and that’s the downfall … it’s just a good average … luv the body and the vibe but got the music man vibe of 3/4 size guitar and headstock that just never looks the part
Cheers Gerry, yes it really does look like a 3/4 size that’s a good description 👍😎
amazing review, except you were super mean with the headstock layout! I think it's kinda charming
Saw this at guitar center yesterday.I stopped when walking by and looked at it. It caught my eye. But i didnt Pick it up and play it. Your video's are next best thing. Lol, I Enjoy your reviews. I have Owned The USA made AXIS super sport before and was a beautiful looking and playing instrument. The neck feel was not for me.
Cheers Steve!
The headstock on those is for intonation straight to the nut, look at classical stringed instruments violins, cellos, bass's they go direct into the nutt classical guitar same hundreds of years can't be wrong 🎉
My god thats a bloody good point about the volume pedal. i feel like a right dumbo for not thinking of that lol. This was i think the first guitar i ever 'reviewed' on my channel too haha
It’s an instant master volume! 😆👍
Best head stock & best neck heel in the industry!
I remember shocking my parents by taking a saw and drill to the guitar they got me when I was 10, an encore strat copy, by the time I was 12 I tried "customising" it, and what I came up with was chopping the curvy bit off the top and drilling holes for the top B and E string on the other side, which looked a bit like this guitar. It was ugly then and I still think it looks ugly now!! I think I did that a couple of years before the Axis came out (I personally wasn't aware of the Axis until about 2002) my one chance at a patent I could have made, missed! However, the stress it made my strings put on the nut used to routinely mean the nut would snap in the middle of the night every time I repaired it!
Great story man!... it seems after Music Man stole your idea they managed to stop the nut from snapping but yes sadly it still is a bit ugly! :) Cheers that's appreciated :)
Lovely review, I have been interested in checking one of these out, never played a music man....yet. I do like some of the design issues you pointed out. Love the English slang, takes me back to when I lived in the UK! Do you use a looper pedal? If so, I have been trying to decide what to get and wondered what you like?
Cheers Peter, thanks for the support! Yes all the jams are done using a looper direct through the amp. I currently use Boss RC5 but it’s way to complicated for my liking... even trying to save a loop has you reaching for the instructions manual 🤷♂️ best looper ever is the original simple DITTO and it’s dirt cheap so get one of those first and then see what else you need to do before spending more. Happy looping it’s great for practicing 👍😎
I would love to have a USA one if I had the money. Ernie Ball is so underrated.
Still don't get why people don't like the headstocks on these beautiful instruments? They look soo perfect to me. The bass guitars look killer also.
I understand that... ‘beauty in the eye of beholder’ etc, my main criticism I think is it doesn’t really seem to gel with this body shape so well?
@@theguitaristas That body shape is a odd one for sure. I've got a Sterling Cutlass CT50 HSS and a Sterling Stingray Ray34 bass. Both in firemist silver with the roasted maple necks and fingerboards. The colors and shapes are complementary to each other.
John petrucci loves them.
Cool guitar. The bridge pup DC resistance reading seems weird. I wonder if there's something wrong with it. The headstock is a 2-bagger. One where you bag your head too in case the headstock bag falls off. Actually, I have a Sterling Cutlass HSS. It's a really good guitar for the money. I think it punches well above it's weight.
Angular would be a better description of Albert! Guitar looks reasonably well made but the pickups are very bright and a bit brittle but could be a good modding platform. I prefer some of the other colours such as the trans walnut. I also think they are a bit overpriced for what they are.
Cheers Tony... Angular is a much better description! :)
I really like the Sterling 3 minihumbuckers St Vincent , that kind of different.
I acually like the headstock 😀
Cheers Michael 😎👍
This Headstock is in the same Galaxy as the PRS Headstock. It's very difficult to Love. The recent Reissue of the Kalamazoo Headstock is a 10/10. The 5-Way Switch is too fussy compared to a standard Epiphone 3-Way. I would prefer the £400 Epiphone Casino Worn, than this Guitar, or the £570 Riviera. I enjoyed Your Review. Thank You for showing us this MusicMan. You're a Star.
Cheers Andrew, funny you say that as I did film a bit (cut from final edit) saying that nobody seemed to be able to create a 'new' 3+3 headstock design that was attractive and PRS and Heritage were failures I mentioned. Epi Kalamazoo and Gibson (in that order) are the bar that no-one reaches. Thanks for support man have a great weekend! :)
@@theguitaristas The Gretsch Streamliner, and the Fret King Headstocks.....are Old Skool Gorgeous. Cheers Colin. Thanx Mate.
@@andrewjameswyng7919 Ah yes Gretsch of course is great... probably going to remember loads of other now! :)
Guild acoustics have nice 3+3 head stocks also.
I'm a fan of the MM Headstock, the 3+1 on a stingray is classical looking to. certainly no bag on headstock?
mmm... looks much better proportioned on the stingray, I think we could leave the bag off that one? :)
Albert is a God. I've never played an actual Music Man, but in a way I kind of have the feel. I do Own 3 EVH guitars. Basically the birthplace of the design that Eddie liked and it followed him to Peavy as well as Fender. The feel on them are just awesome. They do look smaller yes. It's quite an optical illusion. I'm really liking this Albert Lee machine. Truthfully I never even knew of it's existence. Good show Colin. Cheers mate. 🍻
Cheers man! :)
it's a jotoba's witness. I love MMs and the albert lee is the best of em. WANT!!
😆👍
You owe it to yourself to try a Music Man proper if this Sterling is impressing you. I love the '93 Silhouette that I bought in '95 so much that 20 years after selling it I bought another. Love this one too.
Cheers Paul, I can see a lot to like about these guitars.... I shall definitely be checking out some more and maybe an actual MM - although it is getting harder to justify spending the big bucks these days. Have a good weekend!
Thank you Colin for your infos & demo. I'm naturally interested since I own one.. and I'm fond of the powerful clarity of it.. I'm thinking about buying another AL40..could it be enough space inside then to swap the neck pick-up for a P90 to get nearer of a single coil tone ?
Hey Simon, I think you'd have to rout it to fit a standard P90 as they are longer, but a variety of humbucker size versions are available that would do the job nicely!
I love Music Man guitar. Pricey though. I bought a Sterling Cutlass and after a few modifications it’s a great player. Make sure to buy a -CT50 and not the CT30 models. CT30 line is not great.
Cheers Paul, I shall check out these lines are they different levels?
Yea they are strats with locking tuners and soft v neck shape I have an Olympic white one.
I had a blue one like this as I like Country-Rock...Eagles...Linda Ronstadt...Emmylou Harris. I admit I hated the sound of the pickups. The real Music Man Albert Lee costs a lot of coin, but it is a very great guitar. The Sterling is better for rock players.
Cheers Freddie! 😎👍
What do I know? Colin, I'm a fan of the James Tyler headstock......(huge fan of the late, lamented, Michael Caswell , noted Tyler player, not least because he went to school with my late brother)
Is that what this design is called?... do you James Tyler the boutique builder or have i missed something obvious 🤔
Great videos !!!!!!! But why do you crank the Clean channel and not use the Drive channel of the amp?
Cheers! my take on it is there's more headroom so further to go with a cranked clean... you can add pedals for drive and more pedals for more drive! 😆👍
Never being a fan of music man guitars, however I like G&L guitars. Sterling by music man they really are and feel a bit to cheap, not everyone taste. Here in the USA you can get a G&L starting at $450 & up.
Cheers J J... seems like your right it's my first guitar of this brand and expected a bit more. I shall check out G&L soon!
@@theguitaristas G&L / You'll Love it!
I totally agree. I've almost bought this guitar several times but that ugly headstock has impeded me doing so.