Luke II - review & first string problem?

**Candyfan** · 03-02-2010, 05:01 AM

Hi all! I am now an ex-lurker

I'm a lifelong Luke fan and bought a black second hand MM Luke II about 14 months ago.

I am in awe of the workmanship and esp. how well it stays in tune

OTOH: even though I don't have particularly large hands, they just don't seem to fit the neck and I can hurt myself on it... (happened once by playing too long and I had to quit playing for months). I also have to watch out more to not make string noises. I don't blame the guitar, it's just bad luck that my fingers don't fall right on it (and I've given it plenty time)..., but it's awesome enough to keep and I'm still playing it a lot, but I take pause in time now.

I was also surprised by the heavy fret wear though, especially since it was the guy's backup guitar. Does it wear more quickly than general? Anyway...

My main complaint / question is this:

I didn't notice it when I bought it, but afterwards it started bugging me at times and seemed kinda weird. People who I don't tell beforehand often hear it as well...: the first string seems to come through less loud than you would hope to. The guy who sold it to me had another Luke and told me they all have it. Do they? It's on all pickups and I have changed strings of course (using 009). I see no damage on sadles, nut, etc.

It's no daily bummer anymore, but I will always be puzzled by it. Is it by design or some weird failure...?

It might be difficult to demonstrate in a recording, cause maybe inconsciently I'll hit the first string harder...

Looking forward to your input... Thanks

**threeminutesboy** · 03-02-2010, 05:11 AM

I don't know where to start from with your post

Maybe a welcome and congrats is appropriate

Now about your string issue, I have a Luke and my band mate also has one and neither him or me notice any problem

is that happen with all PUPs? is that happen also when the guitar is not plug?

you mentioned some fretwear, maybe a proper setup can solve this issue

sorry but it's really hard to help you from the distance

**Candyfan** · 03-02-2010, 05:20 AM

TY and yes, all pickups. Acoustically, you wouldn't say there would be something wrong. The guys that spotted it as well prove to me I'm not imagining it.

I believe if it was due to frets, it would not happen on every fret.
The frets look relatively worn, but not enough to have filed down or replaced yet, I think. It's just weird...

I forgot I have 3 clips here (still POD

but have Axe-FX now

) :
YouTube - iRacr's Channel
I think I probably compressed these a bit. And anyway, if you don't know it, you probably won't hear it (probably even if you do know it, in these instances). But it's still quite striking to play with it, it just seems to lack the last few percents in volume which gives an unsatisfying reaction...
I might try and make a clean recording tomorrow to see if it translates after all.

It probably isn't the battery either, cause it was low when I bought it and replaced soon after.

Maybe I should try a 009,5 but my fingers have enough difficulty as is.

BTW: pickup placement seems normal to me as well.

**glockaxis** · 03-02-2010, 05:47 AM

I think I know what you're talking about as far as the strings go, as I've had that problem on another manufacturer's brand I own, but I've never experienced this on my Lukes or any other EBMM. Take it in to a luthier and have them check it out.

Also, the frets are low profile as it is so maybe your confusing that with wear? The low profile frets are part of the appeal with the Luke for me.

Anyway, congrats on the Luke, and welcome to the forum!

**Big Poppa** · 03-02-2010, 06:30 AM

welcome...That s all I can say.

**jcm900** · 03-02-2010, 12:11 PM

welcome. majbe your first string is too close to the fretboard->the action is too low.

if it is present acoustically, without being plugged into an amp, than it should be set up.

**Smellybum** · 03-02-2010, 12:38 PM

Welcome Candyfan,

I have a luke - plays like silk, no issue, from your text I presume you bought this used?

my advice is get a decent setup on a it from your friendly local guitar tech, then re-examine the problem if it still exists....

**brownpants69** · 03-02-2010, 03:23 PM

You aren't by yourself! I get the same issue (Emphasis on issue- not problem!)- also on my Silo, 9s or 10s- not my ASS though. Its a strange issue- went and tried lots of other brands of guitars and it happens on lots of those too.

BUT.....

Like I say it isn't a problem for me.

Plugged in, the compression of the amplifier means it isn't noticeable. I think the fact is it's the thinnest of all the strings therefore less energy.. Also as JCM 900 points out- the action may be a bit low on that string.

Another idea... Back to the ASS- that has solid block saddles (more mass). The Luke and Silo have bent steel- maybe you could try some other saddles? Just an idea.

**JaketheGreat** · 03-03-2010, 08:38 AM

I had the same problem with my Luke when I first got it. The strings were buzzing, and when I raised the action, it just felt goofy.I could not get it the way I wanted. It bugged me becuase I have been able to set up all of my guitars the way I want for ages. I gave in and took it to 12th fret (Toronto guitar shop) and told the guy my problem. He sorted it out in about 3 minutes. I dont know what he did differently, but it fixed the problem.

Maybe it was just mental, im not sure..but it plays great now.

hope that helps..