Luke - Anyone experience HAND PAIN when playing a Luke? (because of low frets?)

[moanjam]

Hey guys. I just wanted to know if anyone else experience hand pain when playing a Luke? I own 3 Music Man guitar (a Luke, Axis and Silhouette Special) and I've been playing my Luke recently and have been experiencing hand pain only when playing it. I *think* it's because of the really low-profile frets. I like to do lots of bends and really big bends and when I do, I find that my fingers kind of get caught up on the fretboard.

Also, has anyone re-fretted their Luke with bigger frets? If so, did you find it easier to play or did you prefer the original frets? I was thinking of putting my Silhouette Special neck on the Luke just to see if it will make a difference. Does anyone know if it's a simple swap or will the necks not fit? I just love the way the Luke sounds and want it to work for me!

 

[TNT]

Hey Moan,

Kinda unusual thing going on there. Could be you have a sensitive hand and the configuration may "hit" the muscles/nerves the wrong way???

As far as neck swaps, just keep in mind that if you are going to do this correctly you need to (should) have some experience/expertise. There are "countless" concerns that you need to be aware of when pulling necks. Don't let anyone tell you differently!

 

[DrKev]

Honestly I'd be surprised if the frets have anything to do with hand pain. I've never heard of strat players having hand pain going from a vintage reissue neck to a modern deluxe. Some people here have said the v-neck profile took time to get used to though. That's more likely to be your problem, in my humble opinion. It may just take time to get used to.

Of course, maybe since getting it you've just been playing a lot more than your hand is used to? Just don't keep playing through the pain. Look after your hands and muscles, ok? When it hurts, stop, take a rest, come back to it later.

 

[spkirby]

The Luke neck shape just might not work for you. I've only had this with one guitar in the past (not an EB fwiw) and I found it bizarre...no other guitar / neck profile gave me the symptoms that this one exception did. Since sold it on! I do find my preference is for larger necks these days, a lot more comfortable but perhaps a tad slower... speed isnt everything

 

[mikeller]

I agree with others - could be size /shape of the neck.

I had a guitar years ago (also not a EBMM) that gave me tendinitis in my elbow because the neck shape didn't work for me.

 

[R and R]

The only pain I've experienced is a heartache because I don't have more Luke's!

 

[ErnieJohn]

The only pain I've experienced is a heartache because I don't have more Luke's!

I feel your pain!

 

[ZeroFivefour]

It's all about ergonomics and your compatibility. Like anything that the human interacts with there are so many variables at play. With the guitar it's...hand size, finger size, finger strength, neck size, radius, width, fret size, height, width, playing style, relief, action, etc...

You are either in the adjustment phase where your body, hands fingers, etc are assimilating, or you are incompatible.

Sometimes a guitar just doesn't work for me,( I could list several), and I suppose for you and others.

fwiw, I have 2 lukes, and had another luke in the past, getting used to the V and the small profile neck took me a short period of time to adjust to, however absolutely no issues after a small assimilation period, (week or so).

I wish you luck.

Cheers,

Tom

 

[Bob123]

I can't agree that fret wire size makes your hand hurt. If anything, incorrect form or over pressing of the frets may be the culprit. As a rule, large frets are easier to play on, but if your hand doesn't work with the neck, refretting it is like putting nice tires on a car you really don't like.

The luke and silo models are incredibly similar, spec wise, perhaps trading your luke in for a silo and some new pickups may be more prudent for you!

 

[Craiguitar]

The first time I tried my Luke 1 in the shop the day I bought it, the neck seemed like it was made for me, it just felt so right. When I got my Luke 2 I initially though the neck was too clubby for me, but after a few weeks I got used to it. Other players who are used to properly clubby necks might grave the opposite experience.