I'm considering replacing one of my Axis's with a Luke. Is an SBMM almost as good?

[phillybri]

I'm curious about the difference in build quality between the EBMM and SBMM Luke models. The SBMM has the features I truly want (locking tuners, push-push boost, Transition pickups), but I'm wondering what I'd be giving up if I opted for the SBMM model.

Thanks!

 

[Markx]

The SBMM guitars are really well made. I have 5 EBMM Petrucci's and bought my wife the Sterling JP100D. It is a great instrument for what it costs. It sounds and plays great. The fit/finish/hardware isn't on par with the EBMM guitars but you get a great instrument at a good price. I'm considering getting her the Sterling Majesty too.

 

[Alistair Taylor]

They are well built guitars and, for the price, hard to beat. The only thing I would say is that, to me, the Luke's USP is that amazingly comfortable, love it or hate it, neck. The SBMM version I tried just didn't feel the same to me. Nice guitar but a little less Luke like. Might have just been the one I found. The main difference seemed to be round the headstock joint. The SBMM felt bulkier and the actual V felt less pronounced. Try both, but don't worry about build quality.