Before I start, I am an Alex Lifeson fan, & I own the LP Standard AL axcess too . But I'll try to be objective and honest.
Finish: as the title says, this is a beautiful instrument, AAAA grade top & gold hardware big inlays in frets set it off.
Ergonomics: the guitar has scarfs in a couple of places for ...axcess. it has a slim neck too making in easier on your Paws & claws. Plays great.
Sound: it has usual 3 way pickup select, and three pots with push pull for splits & out of phase. All distinctive sounds. Sounds nice clean, but you're probably going to crank it up...that's good too..
Will it make you play like Alex Lifeson?
It might... The FR trem dive bombs the hell out of stuff. Pinch harmonics are a doddle on it
Now. It has no NanoMag pickup for that acoustic sound like the Standard with the graphtec FR trem, but you don't need it, it's a different guitar.
So...all good yes?... weeeell... I also own a Harley Benton LP custom with 1000 series trem, gold hardware too. And frankly, from materials to features it's the same guitar, with an ever so slight edge to the Harley Benton for value for money and action and playability, but that one only comes in matt black, where as the finish on the Epi is magnificent.
Probably a £500 difference.
I have both so...I'm OK..
Sum up: the AL Custom Axcess is a beautiful guitar and doesn't seem as tightly would as the Standard. It plays great looks stunning (really, your mates will be jealous) if, like me you can't afford £6000 for the Gibson (honestly! For wood wire and mild steel) then I recommend this fantabulous piece of musical memorabilia. Hope this helps.. 🤘
*Should have added, came with a beautiful hard case too.
