Help! EBMM Luke mystery serial numbers

[RextheWonderDog]

Greetings All,

I acquired a Luke BFR in a trade about 7 years ago. I contacted Ernie Ball before I completed the trade because I had concerns about the guitar's authenticity due to the non-standard serial number and the location of the serial number on the guitar. I sent photos to a rep at EB rep and talked to him about the guitar. He believed that the guitar was legitimate, but had no idea about the serial numbers. He speculated that it may have been an early prototype, but had no way to confirm.

Interestingly, I saw this ad for a Luke prototype, purportedly owned by the man himself. It also has a G-series serial number, except that the serial number is in the normal location:
Music Man Luke Prototype, Played by Lukather for 6 years, | Reverb

I'm hoping someone might recognize this guitar or have some information about the serial numbers. Any details that could help solve the mystery would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Rex

 

[jones4tone]

That’s really interesting. Gorgeous Luke!

 

[DrKev]

Great guitar! Nobody here on the forum will be able to tell you anything better than what EBMM have already told you. Personally, I don't recall stamped serial numbers on of a headstock on any guitar made after 1990. So yours is really unusual!

 

[tbonesullivan]

Looking at the guitar you have, it looks like there is finish missing in circles around the screw holes under the plate? Maybe it was a prototype for a no neck-plate joint like you see on Ibanez guitars?

 

[RextheWonderDog]

I noticed that as well, but didn't know what to make of it. Thank you for your suggestion.

 

[tbonesullivan]

I noticed that as well, but didn't know what to make of it. Thank you for your suggestion.

Another thing I noticed: the wood grain the neck cavity. It looks like there is some kind of "tone block" of a different wood in the body.

 

[Jamie M]

Did anyone put serial number into search? It seems to come up with a JP guitar???

 

[DrKev]

Another thing I noticed: the wood grain the neck cavity. It looks like there is some kind of "tone block" of a different wood in the body.

Yes, the tone wood cocktail. Alder body, maple top, mahogany block, slightly wider than the pickups, from the bridge to the neck pocket.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Yes, the tone wood cocktail. Alder body, maple top, mahogany block, slightly wider than the pickups, from the bridge to the neck pocket.

I guess since it is a BFR, things like that are pretty standard.

I have no doubts that it's a legitimate EBMM, but the question is, what IS it? Definitely not a run of the mill Luke BFR.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

There's always a chance that the original neck plate was damaged and a replacement was put on with no serial.

Cool find!

 

[xjbebop]

There's always a chance that the original neck plate was damaged and a replacement was put on with no serial.

Cool find!

I've got an AL with a cracked plate, and CS told me they could send a replacement, but it would have no S/N...