Music man luke stress cracks.

[alpinestudio]

Hello, all! First time poster here. Just had a question if stress cracks on the joint are common with the Luke models. I had the opportunity to check one out and it seems to be just the paint, but wasn't sure if it's really cracked deep into the wood. I can feel the crack. It's on both sides of the joint. I'd say the crack is about half an inch long on the upper horn of the heel joint and half the size of that on the other side of the joint. Thanks!

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

They are typically cosmetic cracks that can happen on any bolt-on guitar (they don't affect the stability/integrity of the neck joint). Out of the dozens of LUKE guitars we have had come through the shop I have only seen 2 maybe 3 with stress cracks, so I wouldn't say it is common by any means. They are caused by rough handling, either during shipping or the take-it-off-the-wall-and-beat-on-it phase at a shop.

 

[alpinestudio]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'm gonna debate if I'm going to go with it or a different one. Those Luke's sure are sweet!!!!

 

[straycat113]

I have never heard of stress cracks in the neck joint being more common with a Luke then any other bolt on guitar before. I can remember one of my first posts here after last winter, was me finding them on both sides of my 85 62 re-issue Tele after taking it out of the case for a string change and set up.It was the first time I ever had that happen to any of my guitars and I am rough on necks. Seriously don't believe a lot of stories that you hear! I have had that guitar 27 years and it happened while it was stored away. Am I supposed to say don't buy a Tele because it will get stress cracks in 26 years.

 

[WHOFAN]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'm gonna debate if I'm going to go with it or a different one. Those Luke's sure are sweet!!!!

i bought my first Luke a few weeks ago... love the thing! the neck is so nicely shaped i want a few more Lukes... mine is in Silver... i'm eyeing getting 2nd one in a Blue or Red finnish in the future... i think they look best with a painted headstock

 

[LilSteve]

i bought my first Luke a few weeks ago... love the thing! the neck is so nicely shaped i want a few more Lukes... mine is in Silver... i'm eyeing getting 2nd one in a Blue or Red finnish in the future... i think they look best with a rosewood neck

fixed

 

[WHOFAN]

fixed

lol... ya the rosewood neck version i have never seen... but i love the rosewood necks on other MM's models i've tried out

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Silver LUKEs rock. Silver LUKEs with rosewood necks rock even more!

Hold this pic in front of a mirror and all will be right with the world...

 

[WHOFAN]

Nice...

 

[alpinestudio]

the neck is so nicely shaped i want a few more Lukes...

I love the V shape. Although it specified as a soft V, the one I tried out had a more prominent V, which is probably one of the most if not the most comfortable neck I felt.

 

[WHOFAN]

I love the V shape. Although it specified as a soft V, the one I tried out had a more prominent V, which is probably one of the most if not the most comfortable neck I felt.

ya i love V shapes and i do have to say my Lukes V shape is quite Prominent for sure... I normally love necks with larger frets then the LUKE has to offer, but the back shape is so nice the medium frets is something that was not going to stop me from buying it... and after using it for the last 3 weeks i'm super happy with the fret work! nice job!

 

[alpinestudio]

ya i love V shapes and i do have to say my Lukes V shape is quite Prominent for sure... I normally love necks with larger frets then the LUKE has to offer, but the back shape is so nice the medium frets is something that was not going to stop me from buying it... and after using it for the last 3 weeks i'm super happy with the fret work! nice job!

I decided to go for it. I don't want to miss out on another great guitar. Totally agree with you on the thicker necks, and the Luke V neck is an exception to my thicker neck only rule. The stress cracks I will not worry about it as it's only cosmetic and I'm convinced that it is not cracked down to the wood. Thanks for all of your help, guys!

 

[crazymind]

Hello, all! First time poster here. Just had a question if stress cracks on the joint are common with the Luke models. I had the opportunity to check one out and it seems to be just the paint, but wasn't sure if it's really cracked deep into the wood. I can feel the crack. It's on both sides of the joint. I'd say the crack is about half an inch long on the upper horn of the heel joint and half the size of that on the other side of the joint. Thanks!

I have the same question. I bought a Silhouette Special and the neck cracked at the body after a few days. It was returned and refunded by dealer with some delay. I bought another Silhouette Special (G20617) and after some years it has also developed cracking at the neck. On a few ares the finish has bubbled. I record and will bring it in to the luthier. Maybe just finish ? Any problems with cracking ? This is the best sounding guitar I have owned. Thanks

 

[Spudmurphy]

^
it isn't just EB guitars that sometimes has the problem of cracks appearing at the neck socket. It happens on most bolt on necks designs.
It happened to me and I got it fixed under warranty.
The cracks are usually in the finish coat and not in the wood itself. Now if you saw my 60's Watkins Rapier guitar, you may be worried at the cracks that have appeared - however they are all in the finish and just makes my 50 year old guitar look like a 50 year old guitar.
A lot of people buy guitars for "keeps" and are not put off by it - usually the buyer can negotiate a discount on the buying price.

If the guitar is one that you can't live without then keep it and in 50 years time you will still love it, with the cracks, as much as I love mine!