Question Tonal differences btn Luke & Axis SS

[Stevie]

Howdy,

Just curious about the differences between the Luke with its Alder body and the ASS's basswood/maple body. How far do the differences in wood type play into the tonal characteristics of the two guitars? I'm appreciative of the differences in pups and i'm also assuming that both guitars would have maple necks, just wanting some feedback, comments as the Luke could be the next indulgence etc...

Thanks,

 

[robelinda2]

Hard to tell because of the vast differences in the pickups. The ASS in whatever configuration is brighter, but then the Luke only comes with rosewood board. Maple top on the ASS contributes a bit, the Luke is a more compressed tone, but how much of that is the wood I dont know. The neck on the Luke is the smallest feeling of the ball range. You own two great balls already, maybe the Silo Special is the same config as the Luke would be a better option/comparison?

 

[Slingy]

I'd say the Luke is like wearing a tuxedo and the Super Sport is more like jeans and a rock tshirt. No really, the Luke sounds pro and refined and the ASS is more of a raw power sound. Am I making any sense here?

 

[brasco68]

I think the Luke and A.S.S. are as about as different from one another as it gets (and I love that)....the only possible exception being if you threw a AL into the mix.

That being said...the Super Sport is my go to for some serious rock playing...the humbucker can be brutal (in a good way) more definition and fuller than the Luke IMO. The single coil tones are sweet and I tend to use positions 4 and 5 the most outside of the humbucker.

I always go to the Luke for more single coil stuff and the bridge pickup is just a joy for some blues ...it drips tone. The humbucker rocks on the Luke as well....just with a little more finesse. They are both very versatile guitars and cover a lot of styles from county, jazz, rock and metal.

The necks on both are super comfortable, with the slight edge for me going to the Super Sport in the neck dept. Very few people had trouble with the V shaped neck on the Luke from what I've witnessed here.

 

[phatduckk]

ya i have both and there's no way to compare them and base any conclusions on the body wood.

they're just different beasts. both great

they both have distinct necks as well. the axis has the asymetric thing going on whereas the Luke's got a V type feel. i love em both.

but ya - if you're looking for something different than what you've got a Luke's a great choice. I love mine

 

[threeminutesboy]

ya i have both and there's no way to compare them and base any conclusions on the body wood.

they're just different beasts. both great

they both have distinct necks as well. the axis has the asymetric thing going on whereas the Luke's got a V type feel. i love em both.

but ya - if you're looking for something different than what you've got a Luke's a great choice. I love mine

+1

I have both and those are different guitars. Both great both very versatile

I love the Axis Neck but the Luke neck is just so amazing you will love it

 

[Sub1 Zero]

That being said...the Super Sport is my go to for some serious rock playing...the humbucker can be brutal (in a good way) more definition and fuller than the Luke IMO. The single coil tones are sweet and I tend to use positions 4 and 5 the most outside of the humbucker.

I am actually very surprised by this, considering the reputation of the EMG 85!

 

[brasco68]

I am actually very surprised by this, considering the reputation of the EMG 85!

In the end...it's just one opinion and it's completely subjective. The EMG 85 is a fantastic pickup and it can hang in any rock setting....it's just one hits me differently than the other. Not better....just different.

 

[KoreyD]

The MM90 SS has an ash body - to further your tonal options.

 

[Dante]

if were talking moderate gain, than the 85 is just like any other bucker. if the eq curve doesn't fit the player, then it doesn't fit the player.