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Average Price: $2,150

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$1001+

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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH electric guitar is a testament to the artistry of Steve Lukather, blending his diverse influences into an instrument that delivers precision and power. Crafted with a contoured alder body, this guitar offers a well-balanced tonal palette, delivering equal doses of lows, mids, and highs. The custom-wound Music Man humbucking pickups are designed to provide a versatile sound, from creamy rhythms to searing leads. Complementing these pickups is an active preamp featuring a +12dB boost, allowing you to push your sound to new heights with ease.

The roasted maple neck is a standout feature, offering a smooth playing experience thanks to its gunstock oil and hand-rubbed wax finish. With 22 frets and a 12-inch radius, the neck is built for speed and clarity, making it feel like a natural extension of your hand. The double-cutaway alder body ensures unrestricted access to the entire fretboard, perfect for intricate solos and complex chords.

Equipped with a vintage-style floating tremolo system and Schaller locking tuners, the Luke III HH promises stable tuning and effortless string changes. The chrome-plated, hardened steel construction of the tremolo adds durability, ensuring your performance stays pitch-perfect even under the most intense playing conditions.

For those seeking a guitar that offers both reliability and an expansive tonal range, the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH is a powerful choice that stands out in any musical setting.

Key Features:

  • Contoured alder body for balanced tone
  • Roasted maple neck with a smooth gunstock oil finish
  • Custom-wound Music Man humbucking pickups
  • Active preamp with +12dB boost
  • Vintage floating tremolo with chrome-plated, hardened steel
  • Schaller M6 locking tuners for tuning stability
  • Double-cutaway design for full fretboard access

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Luke III HH
Finish Black, Bodhi Blue, Buttermilk, Firemist Purple, Fuschia Sparkle, Gasoline, Ocean Sparkle, Olive Gold, Olive Pearl
Year 2012 - 2022
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Orange, Purple, Teal, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH have?

The Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH features DiMarzio humbucking pickups, paired with a custom Music Man active preamp for versatile tonal options.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH have a feature for boosting volume?

Yes, the Luke III HH includes a push/push switch on the Volume control that provides an adjustable 12db Volume boost.

What is the neck profile like on the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH?

The guitar features a 22-fret full rosewood neck with a 12-inch radius, providing a comfortable and smooth playing experience.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its robust build, versatile DiMarzio pickups, and active preamp with a volume boost, the Luke III HH is well-suited for live performances.

What type of bridge does the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH use?

The Luke III HH is equipped with a Music Man Vintage tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation.

Can the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH handle a variety of music genres?

Yes, the combination of its humbucking pickups and active preamp makes it versatile enough for genres ranging from rock to jazz and blues.

Ben Eller

Ben Eller

Lukather NAILED IT! The Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III w/Ben Eller

Video thumbnail for Lukather NAILED IT! The Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III w/Ben Eller by Ben Eller

Lukather NAILED IT! The Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III w/Ben Eller

Ben Eller

Ben Eller

Video thumbnail for Music Man Luke III HH Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Music Man Luke III HH Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III BFR HH - Hazel Burst Flame by N Stuff Music

Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III BFR HH - Hazel Burst Flame

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Music Man Luke III HH Cherry Burst Quilt Figured Roasted Neck by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Music Man Luke III HH Cherry Burst Quilt Figured Roasted Neck

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Music Man Luke III HH Cherry Burst Quilt Figured Roasted Neck by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Music Man Luke III HH Cherry Burst Quilt Figured Roasted Neck

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship with renowned Music Man attention to detail

  • Versatile tonal range from EMG pickups, covering various musical styles

  • Gunstock-oiled neck offers a lively, resonant sound even unplugged

  • Tremolo system with locking tuners provides excellent tuning stability

  • Unique Carbon Blue Pearl color is visually striking

  • Comfortable playability and inspiring feel

  • High-quality roasted neck enhances overall performance

  • Swiss Army knife of guitars, suitable for studio use

  • Whammy bar allows for extensive pitch range when properly set up

CONS

  • Soft v-shaped neck profile might not suit everyone

  • Neck narrowness at the nut may be uncomfortable for some players

  • Ass-heavy feel can affect balance when using a strap

  • High price point despite evident quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH.

Features and functionality

  • The Luke III HH can sonically resemble both a Strat and a Les Paul, maintaining volume consistency in the 4th and 2nd pickup positions.

    Source
  • The EMG pickups on the Luke III HH are noted for their unique versatility, differing from standard EMG models, enhancing flexibility across musical styles like classic and prog rock.

    Source

Build quality

  • The guitar features a flamey birdseye roasted maple neck, highly praised for its aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • Some neck joint cracks are reported, often hidden with wood dust and super glue, raising concerns about long-term durability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Ernie Ball Music Man guitars, like the Luke III, often have lower resale values, offering great deals on the used market.

    Source
  • The limited availability of specific editions like the 50th anniversary Phantom Black makes them highly sought after, influencing market price.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the tremolo system on the Luke III to be exceptionally smooth, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • One owner noticed a hairline crack in the neck pocket, suggesting potential quality control issues.

    Source
  • An employee mentioned a high turnover rate in production, potentially impacting consistency and attention to detail.

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  • After long-term ownership, the guitar remains a favorite, emphasizing its lasting appeal and reliability for continuous use without needing modifications.

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Comparisons

  • Some owners find neck joint cracks common in EBMM guitars, similar to issues seen in other brands like Fender and Ibanez.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An owner recommends adding strap locks for better security during gigs, highlighting the importance of maintaining the guitar's integrity while performing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Luke III HH is favored for its adaptability, making it a strong choice for cover and wedding bands needing a wide tonal range without compromising on quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH Review | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

Music Man's Luke III HH is a triumph of design and playability, offering an impressive range of tones and superb ergonomics. The roasted maple neck and versatile pickup configurations allow for everything from bright rock tones to rich bluesy sounds. While the review praises its smooth playability and flawless finish, it lacks any significant drawbacks, making it a stellar choice for guitarists of any style. If you're seeking a versatile, high-quality instrument, the Luke III HH is hard to beat.

positive

Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Steve Lukather's Music Man Luke III HH guitar combines exceptional playability with a versatile tonal palette, making it a standout for soloists. Its active preamp offers impressive boost options, while the build quality is top-notch. However, the premium price tag might deter some potential buyers. If you're willing to invest, this model could elevate your playing experience significantly.

positive

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