Question BFR Owners, tell me about the tone block!

[KoreyD]

How much does it effect the tone? Is there any reason (besides price) to pass on the BFR? Say for example, you have a JP6. Then you got a BFR JP6. Has your original been banished to its case to never see the light again? Or are there qualities about the non-BFR that might make some prefer them? I'm dreaming of a JP for my next Ball, and it seems with the new model out, there's some good deals to be had on the NOS that are out there. BUT, can you pass on the BFR??? Your wisdom is appreciated!

 

[Gywhard]

How much does it effect the tone? Is there any reason (besides price) to pass on the BFR? Say for example, you have a JP6. Then you got a BFR JP6. Has your original been banished to its case to never see the light again? Or are there qualities about the non-BFR that might make some prefer them? I'm dreaming of a JP for my next Ball, and it seems with the new model out, there's some good deals to be had on the NOS that are out there. BUT, can you pass on the BFR??? Your wisdom is appreciated!

well, the mahogany tone block affects quite much the tone.
Personally, I prefer the standard JP model,
first of all because it has the unpainted neck (I have paited necks)
and because it har more a harsh, crispy tone. While the BFR has more a puffy tone.
but hey, it's not a les paul, it's still that killing shred tone.

Anyway, the BFR has gorgeous color, and it's a wonderful guitar.
i only personally like more the standard, but it's up to you.

Check out maibe these clips from one of our AMAZING forumites
[ame="http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=PWQzcAq8Yag"]YouTube - Sceletor-MusicMan BFR Petrucci vs. standard models part I.[/ame]

 

[whitestrat]

The tone of the BFR is an absolute killer, and a fantastic reason to pick one up. But I have a JP6, and I much prefer that neck. Also, I have 3 20th Silos, with the mahogany tone block, so I'm not missing out on tone. heh...

But if they made a BFR with the JP6 neck and scoop, I'd be in trouble...

 

[Colin]

I hope the BFR doesn't make people think that the original versions are in-superior. In actual fact they are both superior in many ways. To the trained ear they are different enough to warrant the price and sound difference. But to the untrained ear (beginner, weekend gigger etc) they are both wonderful professional instruments. The mahogany tone block does sound great and warrants further inspection.

 

[spkirby]

I have a regular and a BFR Luke, both are really amazing instruments, although I'd easily give the BFR the top spot for tone...and the looks are killer too!

Either way though, you can't lose with a Musicman!

 

[D.K.]

I've had both the standard JP6 and the BFR JP6 and they were two high-end instruments that sounded signifficantly different. So, to answer Your question - no, the BFR JP6 does not put the JP6 to shame, tonaly it goes more into the direction of an LP with incredible 3-dimensionality, while the standard JP is a "super strat". Both sound tremendous through a good amp, that's why I'd rather buy two standard JPs (the older model with the custom wound and the newer D-Sonic Model) than one BFR JP.

And, as already mentioned, the true tone of the mahog tone block comes alive in the 20-th silhouette even more than in a BFR JP (probably due to the pickup tone of the JP), that' s why my BFR is gone.

On the low side - I didn't like the painted neck at all, it pretty soon got sticky in my sweating hands. BTW, I do not have this problem with the finished neck on my old silo - go figure...

 

[kneeoh]

Its good to have variety. I love all my standard JP's and my BFR. Tone-wise they sound different, but that's a good thing... why buy a load of guitars that all sound the same. Try both, see which is more your style and buy that one. As for the painted neck... I've never had the stickiness problem people seem to talk about, and thus it has no effect on my speed. Maybe its because only my thumb touches the back of the neck... a hold over from classical technique.

 

[KoreyD]

Thank you all very much for the info. Just the kind of stuff I was looking for. I do want to try and find a place that has both to check them out. I was curious what some takes on the 2 guitars. I'm off to watch those YouTubes!

 

[kbaim]

One thing I've noticed on my BFR as compared to my regular Lukes is that on the BFR I tend to roll off some of the tone control...and a hair on the volume knob

On my standard Lukes its full on.

 

[Warg Master]

I love my bfr!! Love the tone! Love the painted neck! To each his own. I just love the warmth of the guitar and it's beautiful! STUNNING!

 

[MusicManJP6]

The BFR is thick, fat, rich, and focused. The standard is a little tighter, smoother and a little less rich sounding -- almost sounds like it has less output, but it really doesn't. My standard has the SS pup not the D-Sonic by the way.

I still think the BFR leans more toward a Les Paul and the standard leans more toward a super strat. Of course with better looks, quality, and tone!

Some argue that the difference between the BFR and standard can be obtained through EQ adjustments on the amp. I disagree!!!! An amp's EQ responds MUCH differently than a change of tonal woods...

 

[73h Nils]

I wish I had both...But I'm not disappointed in the least with my 2 "ol' skoo'" JPs. In fact, I still want more "normal" ones!

 

[Smellybum]

How much does it effect the tone? Is there any reason (besides price) to pass on the BFR? Say for example, you have a JP6. Then you got a BFR JP6. Has your original been banished to its case to never see the light again? Or are there qualities about the non-BFR that might make some prefer them? I'm dreaming of a JP for my next Ball, and it seems with the new model out, there's some good deals to be had on the NOS that are out there. BUT, can you pass on the BFR??? Your wisdom is appreciated!

Dude, please read this carefully as the toneblock is a MUST -

go play one, then you'll hear the difference and suddenly those useless bits of paper in your pocket (Some call it money?) - will need to go to a ball retailer....

Seriously - the tone block is AMAZING.

 

[Eboman]

Luke BFR vs Luke

I now have the BFR and sold my standard Luke.

They do sound different but are both great sounding.
The BFR sounds crunchier (towards a Les Paul/ like you eat musli) and as mentioned before in the forum
I also tend to roll of the tone control a little. (because it's richer in the high frequencie range).

With a ton of effects and soundmodelling devices you probably prefer the standard Luke.
It sound a bit smoother.
When plugging into a good amp you'll prefer the BFR. It sounds richer and more focussed.

I'll keep the BFR and in the future I'll buy a standard. They need to have company.

 

[Astrofreq]

Buy an Axis

 

[petruccirocks02]

Buy an Axis

Haha.

-Phil

 

[petruccirocks02]

Korey, by the way, I had an original Petrucci (Mystic Dream) and the got the BFR JP (Ruby Burst). I played both of my JP's through my rig and immediately noticed the difference. I then handed my BFR to my friend to let him play through my rig and he too noticed the difference. His response was what I was thinking in my head, "Beefier sounding, more focused low end, nice rounded highs, and an all around tone monster". I think the BFR JP flat out kills the regular JP in terms of sound and playability, but to each his own. The mahogany tone block definitely improves the tone and is magical I think. I've found that I love the painted neck, and now anytime I play a JP with the unfinished neck, I don't like it. I guess the BFR has really spoiled me and now I can only ever see me playing BFR JP's. Haha.

Try one out if you get a chance. I think you'll be thoroughly impressed.

-Phil

 

[whitestrat]

Actually, the toneblocks in the BFRs are only one component of the equation. The other bits are the different tonewoods used. All these give a very tonal character to the end result, and the resultant tone is a pretty complex creature.

I used to have 2 identical pup sets in the JP6 and the Silo 20ths... The Silo was a little less"big", but sounded far more elegant and complex. The lows were focused, and the mids were really sweet. The highs were audible but not jarring...

I can't wait to have an SSS Silo Spec BFR when it's available...

 

[KoreyD]

Korey, by the way, I had an original Petrucci (Mystic Dream) and the got the BFR JP (Ruby Burst). I played both of my JP's through my rig and immediately noticed the difference. I then handed my BFR to my friend to let him play through my rig and he too noticed the difference. His response was what I was thinking in my head, "Beefier sounding, more focused low end, nice rounded highs, and an all around tone monster". I think the BFR JP flat out kills the regular JP in terms of sound and playability, but to each his own. The mahogany tone block definitely improves the tone and is magical I think. I've found that I love the painted neck, and now anytime I play a JP with the unfinished neck, I don't like it. I guess the BFR has really spoiled me and now I can only ever see me playing BFR JP's. Haha.

Try one out if you get a chance. I think you'll be thoroughly impressed.

-Phil

Phil, thanks for your input!
I'm avoiding trying one out for now, cuz I can't afford one!!! But I look forward to it, for sure. I'm definitely leaning towards BFR just to have the diversity in my personal (small) collection. I can't afford a bunch of guitars right now, so I gotta' make 'em count! I'd like to add a semi hollow to the collection some day too (hint, hint BP)!

 

[robelinda2]

I can't wait to have an SSS Silo Spec BFR when it's available...

We are definitely on the same wavelength there bro, BRING IT ON! SSS Silo Special is where its at.