Steve Lukather is one of the most documented guitarists in the hit-making biz. He grew up as an L.A. teen with a crew of fellow musicians who would go on to make their livings at the top of the session scene. By the time Lukather and his pals formed Toto, they were already experienced chart-toppers. The band went on to success with hits including the rockin’ “Hold the Line,” breezy, bouncing “Rosanna,” and the timeless “Africa.”
As a session player, Lukather’s reign in the ’70s and ‘80s extended from Olivia Newton-John to Herbie Hancock to Michael Jackson. And alongside Michael McDonald—whose “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” included Lukather’s distinctive rhythm riffage—Daryl Hall and John Oates, Kenny Loggins, Peter Cetera, and Christopher Cross (among many others) he may have earned the title of yacht rock’s number one guitar player.
On this episode of the 100 Guitarists podcast, we’re talking about our favorite Lukather tracks, from his best rhythm parts to his most rippin’ solos. And even though he spends most of his playing time with the biggest names, we’ve managed to call up a few deep cuts.
This episode is sponsored by EMG Pickups.
Use code EMG100 for 15% off at checkout!
Learn more: emgpickups.com
Steve Lukather L4 Maple Top 30th Anniversary
Featuring a Steamroller Walnut Burst satin finish, this anniversary edition combines a beautiful flame maple top seated in an exotic Black Limba body with a figured roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The Ernie Ball Music Man designed HT HSS pickups deliver an incredibly dynamic and responsive playing experience and can achieve an ultra-high-output, powerful low-end response while retaining a distinctively clean, clear tone at lower volume levels. Also unique to this limited edition model is a Music Man double locking tremolo.
This anniversary L4 HSS shares many of the standard specifications of the previous Luke guitars, including a double-cut contoured body, a roasted maple neck with 22 nickel frets, 5-way switching, an adjustable 12dB boost, and Music Man's double locking tremolo. Each guitar includes a tremolo cover personally signed by Steve Lukather, a certificate of authenticity, and a Mono case.
L4 HH Maple Top
- Lightweight Okoume body and maple top double-cutaway design with polyester finish
- Crafted with a roasted maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and 22 nickel frets
- Equipped with an adjustable 12dB push push boost and 5-way switch for more tonal diversity
- HT humbucking bridge and custom neck pickups
- Premium roasted maple neck featuring a comfortable soft "V" neck profile
- Schaller Locking Tuners
L4 SSS
- Roasted alder body double-cutaway design with select hi-gloss polyester finishes
- Crafted with a roasted maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and 22 nickel frets.
- Equipped with an adjustable 12db push push boost and 5-way switch for more tonal diversity
- HT single coil pickups
- Silent Circuit
- Premium roasted maple neck featuring a comfortable soft "V" neck profile
- Schaller Locking Tuners
Ernie Ball Music Man: Steve Lukather 30th Anniversary L4 Guitar Collection
This very special limited edition anniversary model will be limited to only 150 instruments.
The Steve Lukather L4 Collection is available for purchase starting today. The HH and SSS models are available from authorizied Ernie Ball Music Man Dealers. The 30th Anniversary L4 is limited to 150 units worldwide, and is available from both authorized dealers as well as directly from the Ernie Ball Music Man Vault.