Dumb question about BFRs v Standard models

[DavidOfOz]

Hi guys

Apologies if this question is dumb, ignorant, or subjects you to my obsessive-compulsive drive to understand the universe in minute and useless detail…I’m just curious…

I’m saving up for my first ever EBMM…probably a Luke, though I’m considering a Petrucci as an alternative. I could probably order a standard model today, but those BFRs have me drooling. So my choice is: buy a standard model soon, or keep saving for another quarter-lifetime to get a BFR. (I am so jealous of you guys who have EBMM collections!!)

The problem for me is that EBMM guitars are extremely hard to find in stores around Melbourne (Australia), especially in the south-eastern/peninsular suburbs. Seems like no one stocks them. It’s hard enough to get hold of a standard Luke or Petrucci to try let alone a BFR model. So comparison is impossible for me, which leads me to my question…

Do the BFR models sound any different to the standard models? I mean, I'm far from an expert, but the construction of a guitar and the timber it is made from affect things like tone and sustain. The maple top on a BFR is (obviously) a different construction and timber to the standard models, so it seems logical that the overall sound might be different. Is there anyone out there who has been able to compare a standard model with an almost identical BFR model, and make an observation/comment on the sound? I really don't expect that there would be a noticable difference, but I'm very curious to know!

I warned you my question was dumb and ignorant!

Cheers and thanks

 

[colinboy]

howdy friend from downunder.its not a stupid question at all fella.im new to musicman myself.got my BFR JP6 in a beautifull bahama blue over a month ago now.a good friend of mine who was on hols in the usa picked up astandard JP6 and he reckoned its the most versatile guitar on the market(well all musicman guitars actually).i was mad to buy one after seeing his and feeling the neck.last march i had adecision to make like you.i was going to buy the standard model and then i heard about the BFR,s so i went with one.my advice to you is if your going to spend that kind of money and your serious about guitars then id go the extra mile and get the BFR model.mine is amazing and i cant get enough of it.theres a chap called colin aswell on this forum who is from oz and sell musicman guitars.im sure he,l look after you.
anymore question feel free to ask.
cheers

 

[colinboy]

the guy colin i was telling you about is aregistered musicman dealer.i got his webpage for ya so check it out
My Website

 

[colinboy]

sorry bro.this is his website
Music Man Guitars Australia - Authorised Ernie Ball and Musicman Dealer

 

[roburado]

Yes. BFRs sound different. The BFR Luke has a tone that has been called more "focused" than the standard one.

The JP BFR is a totally different body shape from the regular JP. It sounds fantastic in concert. I don't know how it's going to compare to my regular JP when I get them together in the same room. We'll see.

 

[DavidOfOz]

sorry bro.this is his website
Music Man Guitars Australia - Authorised Ernie Ball and Musicman Dealer

Thanks for this! His prices look pretty good too!

(Man, it's depressing seeing Luke BFRs selling for under $2,700 AUD in the US, but $6,000 AUD here!! )

 

[DavidOfOz]

Yes. BFRs sound different. The BFR Luke has a tone that has been called more "focused" than the standard one.

Okay...so maybe I'm not quite as dumb as I thought. But here's a followup Dumb Question...can you explain in more detail what's meant by a more "focused" tone? More mids? More highs? I know, finding words to describe sound can be tricky (like trying to describe the colour "blue"), but I'd appreciate anything along those lines you guys can offer! Thanx

 

[Colin]

Thanks for this! His prices look pretty good too!

(Man, it's depressing seeing Luke BFRs selling for under $2,700 AUD in the US, but $6,000 AUD here!! )

Hi David, drop me an email or call and I'll help you out. It's great to see another Aussie here.

 

[colinboy]

go to YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. and put (john petrucci BFR F-1) into the search box and watch the man himself talking about his new model.

p.s i paid alot for my BFR in europe too,alot more than the usa but it was worth it.
enjoy

 

[Oldtoe]

I really think there are no regrets in buying the standard model Luke.

Honestly, it's an amazing guitar.

 

[Dante]

i just heard him say the body itself is different... hmmm.

 

[kbaim]

My take...after spending a week (and a couple of solo gigs) with my new Luke BFR (and lots of weeks with my other Lukes) is that the BFR seems richer and deeper in sound than the standard Luke. And it also seems to resonate with a tad more sustain. Also really focused in alternate tunings (assuming you add some springs to lock down the bridge as I did.

I have yet to use it with distortion so this is all with clean sounds in mind. But I'm just glad I have both (as the BFR Luke does not as yet come with piezo option which I've always loved).

My suggestion would be to try and track down a used Luke on EBAY or somewhere (here maybe), and also save up for a new BFR. I'd guess that used BFR's are going to be extremely rare and very difficult to find.

If you absolutley have to have one now, and you find a Luke you can play before buying, and can't put in down in the shop...I say get it and save up for the BFR.

 

[DavidOfOz]

go to YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. and put (john petrucci BFR F-1) into the search box and watch the man himself talking about his new model.

p.s i paid alot for my BFR in europe too,alot more than the usa but it was worth it.
enjoy

Thanks for this! Great clip. Now I'm really struggling to choose!! (Anyone know of any clips like this where Luke talks about the "Luke"? Haven't been able to find anything on YouTube yet.)

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I can see the answer for me is to get three extra jobs and sell a couple of the kids so I can get a collection of Lukes and Petruccis!

Hi David, drop me an email or call and I'll help you out. It's great to see another Aussie here.

Thanks Colin...done...email sent...looking forward to your reply!