Change EMG's in Luke

[Lucidology]

Though I like the slightly over-wound sound of the original Luke two SLV EMG's... they simply were not clean enough for a pristine funk rhythm sound (i.e. high note definition)

I've since changed them to EMG-S... and the Luke has took on a whole new personality... much more of a clean Strat sound... the attack is much pronounced when distorted.. and overall, I cut through a loud funk band or a fusion band much easier ...

Was wondering if any other Luke users out there have switched to another model of single coil EMG's?

 

[Toto Head]

I have been contemplating changing the pickups also. I really love playing the guitar. My tonal ear has been changing lately though and I find I like the sound of more traditional low peak pickups. I have been thinking about installing Suhr V60LP and DSV humbucker but I am not sure if the guitar would need modifications. If it does need modifications, I may look into something else in the EMG line.

 

[Lucidology]

To install passive pickups in a Luke, you would certainly have to modify the pots, jack and such... however, you might want to check out the other EMG models.

They might work for you without having to change anything but the pick-up's themselves.... (they have about 4 different versions...)

I also tried the EMG-SA's... (made famous by both Larry Carlton and David Gilmore) They are very smooth and sustaining but somewhat dark... actually they sound very sweet & soulful, but not quite snappy enough for my particular desires... (though a lot of folk swear by them...)

I prefer a little more spank....

In other words, I was yearning for that neck and middle 2nd position quack... So by installing the EMG-S version (sometimes marketed under Vince Gill's name)... I now have all that wonderful Strat quack in a Luke... (not to mention that the EMG-S neck pickup is excellent all by itself...)

I'm even of the opinion that more people would buy this guitar if it came with cleaner pickups... it would probably come off as a little more versatile of an axe ...(IMHO)

The Luke simply has to have one of the most playable necks in the world of guitars (and believe me, I've had almost all of them at one time or another...)

 

[tommyindelaware]

there are ways to put passive pickups in a luke .......w/o routing the top.
if interested..let me know......

 

[kbaim]

Welcome Lucid,
Nice to have another Luke player aboard.

I might have to give those pups a try in one of mine.

Does the humbucker get split when added to the middle in those??

 

[Dcareaga]

I have been contemplating changing the pickups also. I really love playing the guitar. My tonal ear has been changing lately though and I find I like the sound of more traditional low peak pickups. I have been thinking about installing Suhr V60LP and DSV humbucker but I am not sure if the guitar would need modifications. If it does need modifications, I may look into something else in the EMG line.

I believe you can order V60LPs without "Tabs" on them so you would not have to route for them. The DSV will fit with no modifications.

DC

 

[Lucidology]

Thanks so much Keith for the kind Welcome... I actually feel foolish after all these years as a professional guitarist not knowing the details behind the Luke ... I can't get over the neck in comparison to all my other axes (as I have hands somewhat on the small side...)

Anyhow, to answer your question; EMG makes an humbucker that does split called the 89..

I'm just about to order a EMG-HA that is totally an alnico single coil, only in a humbucker housing for my Luke... very excited about this...

You can check it out here if you're curious..

http://www.emginc.com/displayproducts.asp?section=Guitar&categoryid=6&catalogid=9

 

[kbaim]

Thanks so much Keith for the kind Welcome... I actually feel foolish after all these years as a professional guitarist not knowing the details behind the Luke ... I can't get over the neck in comparison to all my other axes (as I have hands somewhat on the small side...)

Anyhow, to answer your question; EMG makes an humbucker that does split called the 89..

I'm just about to order a EMG-HA that is totally an alnico single coil, only in a humbucker housing for my Luke... very excited about this...
You can check it out here if you're curious..

http://www.emginc.com/displayproducts.asp?section=Guitar&categoryid=6&catalogid=9

This sounds like something I'd be interested in. I'm rarely playing the hum these days. Please report back as to results.

BTW I'll be up around central coast 5/29-6/1, Any open jams you know of??

 

[Toto Head]

there are ways to put passive pickups in a luke .......w/o routing the top.
if interested..let me know......

Yes I am interested in how I would accomplish installing Suhr V60LP without routing the top.

I love the guitar for its playability, I even like the EMG's but I am more into the sounds of playing and tones of Mike Landau, Scott Henderson, and Robben Ford. Landau and Henderson use the V60LP's and I believe Landau uses the DSV humbucker.

If this is not the place to discuss this topic, please feel free to contact me off the board.

 

[kbaim]

^ Well, Luke loves Landau like a brother so it's prolly okay.

And scott's tone is gorgeous.

 

[tommyindelaware]

fralin , & lollar have in the past been willing to wind some of their pickups on an emg shaped baseplate.....but i have never talked to suhr about it. u could call them & ask.....

i think suhrs are all a little on the hot side. the more u overwind a pickup....the more highs & lows get lost.
some of the lollars have a more pristine tone.particularly the lollar tweeds , & the blondes. they definitely quack better. depends on what yer after tone wise. we sell tons of both at our shop.they are both top shelf. i prefer the lollars though for both tone & ruggedness.
p.s. suhr's new hum canceling strat backplate is dynamite !!! it requires all yer pickups to be non rwrp though......

Yes I am interested in how I would accomplish installing Suhr V60LP without routing the top.

I love the guitar for its playability, I even like the EMG's but I am more into the sounds of playing and tones of Mike Landau, Scott Henderson, and Robben Ford. Landau and Henderson use the V60LP's and I believe Landau uses the DSV humbucker.

If this is not the place to discuss this topic, please feel free to contact me off the board.

 

[Lucidology]

Keith, where are you actually going to be located when you come to the Central Coast?

I agree with Tommy that the Shur pickups are usually quite hot (at least in my experience they've been)... one really has to ride the volume pedal with those and I'm just not one of those kind of players... rather use pedals and have a pickup that stays totally clean, even at full volume... thus the reason why the single coil EMG's often work for me on many of my guitars...

I too love some of the same players Toto Head mentioned... especially Henderson when he plays fusion (Tribal-Tech days)... and of course, Robbin Ford, when he plays anything...not to mention Alan Hinds, who fits in there somewhere ...

Tommy.... is there a website for your store? Sounds like a very knowledgeable establishment)... and have you succeeded in combining the styles of Steve Morse with Michael Breaker...? (great goal-would love to hear some of that ...)

 

[kbaim]

Keith, where are you actually going to be located when you come to the Central Coast?

Big Sur mon-tues-wed.
SLO Thurs 6/1 Hello Ernie Ball
Bringing a Luke.

BTW Talked with forum member JDOUGLEE who's on holiday. He brought 3 guitars with him!!! Big trunk prolly.

 

[Lucidology]

Keith... there's an actual jam happening on Cannery Row at a place called Sly McFly's the wed. night you'll be down in Big Sur. However, that's a good 45 minute drive into Monterey...

I used to host this jam for about two years (as I live in Monterey, just a few blocks up from Cannery Row) ... but after I left, it's turned into more of a vocalist's gathering then a guitarist's 'for fun' jam ...

Don't know if it's worth leaving the beauty & serenity of Big Sur...

As you probably know, there's nothing like being in Big Sur...

 

[DaveB]

As you probably know, there's nothing like being in Big Sur...

Amen to that - my day spent driving down from San Fran to meet up with Keith, Koogs and Mobay was a phenomenal start to the Open House weekend.

The Big Sur River Inn provided excellent food and a great location.

I was one happy "limey" having chosen not to fly into LA!

Dave

 

[Lucidology]

Good for you David....

I've gigged often at the River Inn and know the folk who own it very well...

In fact, my forum picture (or avatar) is one of me actually playing at the River Inn in Big Sur..,

 

[guitrr]

I frequent The Gear Page, and John Suhr is a member there. He has stated several times that he will overwind, underwind, reverse wind, etc. to whatever specs a buyer wants. Lindy Fralin will do the same thing. All you have to do is call either of them; just have your questions ready, as they both stay pretty busy - they will answer questions, but don't have to time to just yak.

Kane

 

[guitrr]

One other thing; if you stay with EMG, try the model 60 'bucker, it's got a great sound, and is like an over wound single.

 

[Lucidology]

By the way... since my Luke is black, I put "White" EMG's in it and it created a great contrast in the way it looks..

A very Yin-Yang-ish look (if you can picture it)... the contrast creates strong
emphasis upon the shine of the black finish... a very cool look...

(I'll post some pics as soon as I get some..)

 

[kbaim]

Keith... there's an actual jam happening on Cannery Row at a place called Sly McFly's the wed. night you'll be down in Big Sur. However, that's a good 45 minute drive into Monterey...

I used to host this jam for about two years (as I live in Monterey, just a few blocks up from Cannery Row) ... but after I left, it's turned into more of a vocalist's gathering then a guitarist's 'for fun' jam ...

Don't know if it's worth leaving the beauty & serenity of Big Sur...

As you probably know, there's nothing like being in Big Sur...

Hmmn. This sounds very tempting. Any chance you'd be there? Click on your Private messeges