First noting that I currently have a lot of balls in the air, so I will be adding to this later.
Here is a front pic of my new Lead III.
Like the original Lead Series, it is a three piece body. Cosmetically my neck has one light colored 0.25 inch birdseye, perpendicular to the fretboard running thru to the back of the neck, just inside the low E string between the 13th and 14th frets. The birdseye is not perceptible when playing. The fit and finish are excellent according to my old eyes.
Comparing with my 1981 Lead II:
Lead III weighs 7.0 pounds
Lead II weighs 9.2 pounds
Based on photos/videos I was seeing an increase in the size of the armrest cut. While there is some, I would prefer more.
The III belly cut is wider and not as deep. This is likely the trade-off which limited the armrest cut.
It will take some playing time to form an opinion on the new belly cut.
I was impressed with the setup between the factory and the Sweetwater inspections. The neck sights straight with just the slightest amount of relief. There are no sharp fret ends. As for action, there is no fret buzz anywhere on the neck and none of my bends choked; although I'm not a big bender. I took some measurements to compare, but remember my Lead II is a mutt with the '72 Tele Deluxe neck.
Lead III, 9.5 inch radius, 0.009-0.042 strings is 0.080 inch for both low and high E strings.
Lead II, 12 inch radius, 0.010-0.046 strings is 0.100 inch for low E string and 0.070 inch for high E string.
Next I will get some playing time and see how they compare.
Here is a front pic of my new Lead III.
Like the original Lead Series, it is a three piece body. Cosmetically my neck has one light colored 0.25 inch birdseye, perpendicular to the fretboard running thru to the back of the neck, just inside the low E string between the 13th and 14th frets. The birdseye is not perceptible when playing. The fit and finish are excellent according to my old eyes.
Comparing with my 1981 Lead II:
Lead III weighs 7.0 pounds
Lead II weighs 9.2 pounds
Based on photos/videos I was seeing an increase in the size of the armrest cut. While there is some, I would prefer more.
The III belly cut is wider and not as deep. This is likely the trade-off which limited the armrest cut.
It will take some playing time to form an opinion on the new belly cut.
I was impressed with the setup between the factory and the Sweetwater inspections. The neck sights straight with just the slightest amount of relief. There are no sharp fret ends. As for action, there is no fret buzz anywhere on the neck and none of my bends choked; although I'm not a big bender. I took some measurements to compare, but remember my Lead II is a mutt with the '72 Tele Deluxe neck.
Lead III, 9.5 inch radius, 0.009-0.042 strings is 0.080 inch for both low and high E strings.
Lead II, 12 inch radius, 0.010-0.046 strings is 0.100 inch for low E string and 0.070 inch for high E string.
Next I will get some playing time and see how they compare.
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