People with Luke guitars - Question RE: Fret Size

[GilzBilz]

Hey all,

I have a quick question for those of you that are lucky enough have to have a Luke model from the Ernie Ball lineup.

I've been in the market for a new guitar for years now and have come across a Luke that's for sale. The problem is, I've never played one and am a little concerned about the fret size. The website lists them as "Low Profile". Just how low are they?

Any trouble bending or manipulating the strings? For reference, I've played Les Pauls (which I guess could be considered "medium...or medium jumbo" and other guitars which possessed jumbo frets and have had no problems/issues.

I cannot try this guitar out before I make the purchase so I do not want buyers remorse once it arrives. I live in rural Canada so trying one out at a store is out of the question.

Thanks very much for any insight that you have!

 

[beej]

I've had a few Lukes over the years and I can't say the fret size was ever the issue. Given the size & shape of the neck, it's really a breeze to play. They suit it very well. It's the kind of guitar you just grap and start ripping away on.

That said, the neck shape on the Luke is a little different (smaller) than most, so it's usually advisable to try before you buy. (I know it's difficult for you in this case.) It's on the small side and very worn-in feeling. It's really a breeze to play. But just to set your expectations, it's going to feel very different if you're used to LPs.

 

[GilzBilz]

I've had a few Lukes over the years and I can't say the fret size was ever the issue. Given the size & shape of the neck, it's really a breeze to play. They suit it very well. It's the kind of guitar you just grap and start ripping away on.

That said, the neck shape on the Luke is a little different (smaller) than most, so it's usually advisable to try before you buy. (I know it's difficult for you in this case.) It's on the small side and very worn-in feeling. It's really a breeze to play. But just to set your expectations, it's going to feel very different if you're used to LPs.

Thanks Beej. When I bought the LP I thought it was going to be amazing. Again I couldn't really try before I bought so to speak. After getting it I was pretty disappointed. The neck felt bulky and just too "thick". Definitely felt slower than what I was used to. I ended up selling, I just couldn't get past the neck and the finish that was applied to it. If it's smaller than the LP we're already off to a great start!

Thanks for the fret comments, my fear about low frets probably stems from my fathers old El Degas (LP rip off from 30 years ago). The frets were absurdly low and wide which made playing, in my opinion, difficult. To this day whenever I see "Low profile" frets listed, all I can think of is the El Degas

It's just ingrained in my head...even low profile is probably twice as high as these frets were but I thought I would get the communities opinion on it.

Thanks again!

 

[Slingy]

The frets are low but the fretboard is flat enough(12 inch radius) for big bending without having the notes fretting out. If you don't like painted necks you are in for a real treat. The waxed EBMM necks are legendary!

 

[Roubster]

It's a very different guitar from many other, but as Beej said it is really comfortable and a joy to play. There are some people that dont get along with the neck though...so it's really hard to say if you will specifically like it or not. The low profile frets are great...you feel more rosewood under your fingertips, but nothing to slow you down or restrict you in any way. I cant wait to get another one soon!!! Foolishly sold one, but I am happy that I got the Silo Special in exchange. Now waiting for another LUKE hehe .

 

[gerry d]

I feel qualified to speak about this....

my Luke guitar is probably my most used guitar and has had 2 refrets...

the stock fretwire is too small for me, I needed something taller... so I got a taller fretwire in stainless steel installed and it was better for me, recently I've had the guitar refretted with Dunlop 6100 jumbo wire in nickel alloy and its now just astonishing...

having said all that... my friend has the most used and abused Luke ever with standard fretwire and its stunning...

my friends..

mine...

 

[GilzBilz]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Every response is very insightful.

 

[GoKart Mozart]

my friends..

mine...

Holy cow!! How old is that thing? Looks like it could tell plenty of stories.

 

[gerry d]

Holy cow!! How old is that thing? Looks like it could tell plenty of stories.

that Luke is from 1998 I believe, it has been on literally thousands of gigs...

the guy who owns it is a great player, he is very physical and his guitars take a beating... the Luke may look in bad shape but it functions perfectly and sounds amazing....

it really is proof (if any were needed) of the build quality and durability of EBMM guitars.

 

[glockaxis]

I love the low profile frets. I also have guitars with medium and jumbo frets and I tend to gravitate towards the Luke.

 

[jamie_au]

I've got two Luke's...And I love the fret size. i do a lot of big blues bends etc. etc, and it's never been a problem.

That being said, jumbo frets give me the ****s.

 

[GuitaRasmus]

I feel qualified to speak about this....

my Luke guitar is probably my most used guitar and has had 2 refrets...

the stock fretwire is too small for me, I needed something taller... so I got a taller fretwire in stainless steel installed and it was better for me, recently I've had the guitar refretted with Dunlop 6100 jumbo wire in nickel alloy and its now just astonishing...

Wow - 2(!) refrets since 2005, and one of them stainless? You must play A LOT. I've probably played about 150 gigs on my axis in 2 years, and it has only very very slight fretwear.

 

[gerry d]

Wow - 2(!) refrets since 2005, and one of them stainless? You must play A LOT. I've probably played about 150 gigs on my axis in 2 years, and it has only very very slight fretwear.

I didn't have the guitar refretted because the frets had worn out.... I was trying to get the guitar to feel the way I needed it to.... the first refret with stainless steel was fine for a long time but the tone changed and I then got the second refret because I wanted even bigger fretwire so I got normal Dunlop 6100 wire instead... the stainless had NO fretwear but I found I didn't like the tone so I changed it.

I have to say that the guitar now plays beautifully and is exactly what I was looking for all along, I played a Petrucci a while back and I loved the way the frets felt so I decided to have my Luke done the same way.

on a side note about stainless steel frets.... and I know the debate is still running on this.... at first I liked them but now I'm of the opinion that nickel is better for tone... I remember BP saying he didn't like them on this forum a long time ago... and my favourite other builder James Tyler also dosen't like them... at first I didn't understand this but now I think I do....

I'm back to normal fretwire and couldn't be happier.

 

[GilzBilz]

Thank for your replies everyone. If I go ahead with it I'll be sure to post pics! I'll know shortly.

 

[GHWelles]

that Luke is from 1998 I believe, it has been on literally thousands of gigs...

the guy who owns it is a great player, he is very physical and his guitars take a beating... the Luke may look in bad shape but it functions perfectly and sounds amazing....

it really is proof (if any were needed) of the build quality and durability of EBMM guitars.

The intonation looks weird

 

[gerry d]

The intonation looks weird

maybe.......

but it sounds in tune to my ears and plays great.