Luke or axis FOR ME?

[aalexcp]

I have REALLY small hands, and I read that the axis guitars have really small necks, and that they feel very nice. But, I want to play many genres including progressive rock, progressive metal. I will also play softer stuff like hard rock. maybe even jazz. But I'm worried that if I get an axis I will not be able to play progressive metal, rock with it.

I've read that the luke is a very nice guitar for progressive stuff. But I don't really know if the neck is as comfortable and small as the axis one. The neck is one of the main reasons I will, might buy one of these guitars.

So, what are the differences between the luke and the axis, regarding to the neck.

Will I be able to play progressive metal, rock on an axis?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: I CAN NOT try these guitars out, because the only decent music store is 5 hours from where I live, and I think they don't even have music man guitars.

 

[Stevie]

I have not played an Luke, however you should also consider a ASS, 5 way pickup selector gives you plenty of choice.

 

[aalexcp]

I have not played an Luke, however you should also consider a ASS, 5 way pickup selector gives you plenty of choice.

What is the difference between the ASS and the Axis, only the 5 way pickup selector and the tremolo?

 

[doesitmtter]

The Axis is GREAT for rock!

I took mine to a jazz session where we played a lot of classic rock and some metal and grunge. It sounded amazing with some slight gain.

 

[metalmarty]

If I recall correctly (been a while since I last played an Axis) the Luke is by far the more "petite" neck-profile. Only EBMM neck that's actually too small for my big ass hands . I do know the Axis will do Rock excellently

 

[Astrofreq]

Axis

 

[aalexcp]

Axis

Why?

 

[Spudmurphy]

I don't have very big hands.
I love the profile of the Axis/AL and even though it's completely different the JP6.
The Luke isn't a "baseball bat" either.

The Axis is a great guitar - I have an EVH which is similar.

 

[Spudmurphy]

An old thread of mine gives an indication of neck profiles
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/mus...ckleheads-volunteer-neck-profile-project.html

 

[gtrman66]

The Luke does have a bit of a smaller feel imho (although the overall fingerboard widths are the same) w/ a soft v shape and 12" radius.The Axis and ASS have sortof an offset c shape with a 10" radius.The axis ss and luke have a 5 way switch and tone control for more tonal possibilities while the axis has a floyd tremolo,single volume knob and a 3 way toggle.You may also want to consider a silhouette or silo special.They have more of a standard c shape neck but i haven't played a bad EBMM model yet imho!They all have merit depending on the kind of player you are.BTW the vintage-style trem system EBMM uses is pretty killer!One of the best in the industry.Thank you Mr Ball
Hope this helps!

 

[agt]

I don't have large hands.

The EVH is the smallest neck if you can find one.

The Axis/ASS neck is obviously similar and good for smaller hands. It is narrowish side-to-side and relatively substantial front-to-back. Think of a U-shape, except it is assymetrical in its contour. Very comfortable.

I don't own a Luke, but from the times I've played one, it feels similar to the Axis if the Axis neck were sanded to a V-profile. To be more precise, similar thickness front-to-back but with some mass removed from the sides of the contour due to the V-profile. Of course the radius is a bit flatter.

The JP6 neck is slightly wider but thinner front-to-back. Great for smaller hands. Flatter radius, of course.

I would say that an EVH/Axis, Luke or JP would be the way to go given what you have said. The JP6 is my favorite with the Axis close behind, ... maybe tied depending on the day you ask me. The Albert Lee is also very comfortable. Can you hold out for a humbucker AL?

To me, the Silo, Silo Spec, SUB, and 25th necks feel the chunkiest, and I say that in relative terms because they are still extremely comfortable and playable compared to the competition. Maybe this is only because, compared to the Axis family, they do not seem as assymetric in contour.

Those are my impressions. Hope that helps.

 

[Headstock]

Both of them will make you happy, both are awesome guitars.

I find the Luke neck feels "smaller". If you are not familiar with V shaped necks(the Luke has what I call a soft V) you may not like it, but conversely you may love it, and it may become the neck by which all others are judged! Truly something you have to feel to understand. Some people love em, some hate em, and for some they are just right

 

[glockaxis]

I have small hands as well and the Luke is the way to go. It's my favorite guitar both feel wise and sound wise. After playing the Luke exclusively then going back to my Axis (since sold) the Axis felt huge.

 

[slanderous666]

The axis has an asymmetrical neck I believe which would probably be comfortable for you.

 

[DrGonzo5150]

Apples and Oranges... You honestly can't compare the two.

The Luke has a soft v shape neck. The neck shape is most comparable to a f*nder clapton strat if you are looking for general comparisons. I have small hands and the Luke neck shape is by far the smallest and comfiest for me.

The Axis took a while for me to get used to... My initial thought was 'this isn't as small as i expected' haha it's not that it's big, its that the luke is so small it makes everything seem big haha... That being said, the Axis is a rock machine!! My main gig axe at the moment, easily capable of hard rock/metal. Just look at DJ Ashba with Nikki Sixx and G'N'R or any of Steve Stevens stuff.

But for versatility it would have to be the luke or axis super sport... None of that jazz stuff on the axis for me, it's too rock haha not even a tone... Luke is super versatile.

I know you've said trying is not an option, but the models are so far apart in terms of sound and vibe I would strongly encourage going out of your way to try before buying... They're both awesome, but every ones hands are different and something as little as your thumb position could make or break the model you choose.

 

[dwells]

dude ive had both and the Axis neck is smaler and feels amazing But the Luke is a better guitar i think anyway

 

[lukather101]

I’ve got both and to play them side by side they feel completely different.

Try and play both to see which feels most comfortable for you.

 

[aalexcp]

I’ve got both and to play them side by side they feel completely different.

Try and play both to see which feels most comfortable for you.

So, which neck is smaller?

 

[agt]

So, which neck is smaller?

How do you define "smaller"?

Narrower side to side? Thinner front to back? Least overall volume/mass?

Even for the same width or thickness, contouring (less wood in certain spots) can give the impression that the fingers/thumb can reach further.

Different hand/finger proportions may perceive things differently. One person may have a large palm but shorter fingers. Another may have a small palm and longer fingers. Even for the same sized hands, one person may have a better stretch between two particular fingers. Et cetera ...

I own two Axises plus an EVH and no Lukes, but from the times I've played Lukes, I'd give the advantage to the Luke based on the "least volume" criterion. Similar width and thickness, but the Luke probably has less overall mass due to the V-profile.

Having said that, of the two, I prefer the Axis for my own smaller hand size and shape. Go figure. I actually feel most comfortable on the JP6 neck which is wider but significantly thinner front to back.

A person really needs to play each of them to make a comparison.

Sorry that this does not answer your question, but it is more involved.

The good news is that any Ball neck is going to be great.

 

[agt]

It may help to describe what is it that you would like to be able to do that you feel is limited with more traditional necks.

Is it fingering chords that require big stretches? Wrapping the thumb over the top of the neck to fret the lower strings? Speed? Leverage while bending strings with the thumb over the top of the neck?

Do you typically favor the thumb over the top of the neck playing position or the more "classical" thumb in the center of the back of the neck position?

All of these are things to consider.