Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,433

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III is a testament to craftsmanship honed to perfection, offering musicians a blend of versatility and precision. Designed with the discerning guitarist in mind, this solid-body electric guitar boasts a roasted figured maple neck that provides an exceptionally smooth playing experience. The gunstock oil and hand-rubbed wax finish make it feel like an extension of your hand, ensuring that dreaded stickiness is a thing of the past.

Equipped with two custom-wound Music Man humbucking pickups, the Luke III delivers a tonal palette that's as wide as your imagination. From searing leads to rhythm tones drenched in creaminess, its active preamp with a +12dB boost empowers you to take your sound to new heights. The double-cutaway alder body not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures easy access across the fretboard for seamless playability.

Precision is further emphasized with a vintage floating tremolo and Schaller locking tuners, offering tuning stability that can withstand the most aggressive pitch bends and dive bombs. Whether you're performing in intimate settings or on the grandest stages, the Luke III is built to handle it all with grace and reliability. It’s a guitar that doesn’t just play music; it makes a statement.

Key Features:

  • Contoured alder body for balanced tonal output
  • Roasted figured maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Vintage floating tremolo with bent steel saddles
  • 22 low profile, wide frets for fast playability
  • Two custom-wound Music Man humbucking pickups
  • Active preamp with +12dB boost for enhanced tones
  • Schaller M6 locking tuners for stable tuning
  • Extensive electronic shielding to minimize noise

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

The Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III features a roasted maple neck with a comfortable 12-inch radius, offering smooth playability and easy bending, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III?

The Luke III is equipped with dual humbucking pickups that deliver a versatile range of tones, from warm, rich cleans to aggressive, high-gain leads, suitable for a variety of genres including rock, blues, and jazz.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III suitable for beginners?

While the Luke III is a high-quality instrument favored by professional musicians, its comfortable neck profile and versatile tone options can also benefit dedicated beginners who are serious about improving their skills.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Luke III features a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects, enhancing its versatility for various playing styles.

What body material is used for the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III?

The body of the Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III is made from alder, which contributes to its balanced tone with a strong midrange presence and excellent resonance.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: Luke III Maple Top in Luscious Green Walkthrough

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man: Luke III Maple Top in Luscious Green Walkthrough by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: Luke III Maple Top in Luscious Green Walkthrough

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

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 Ernie Ball Music Man: Luke III Maple Top Cherry Burst Walkthrough by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: Luke III Maple Top Cherry Burst Walkthrough

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HSS - Bodhi Blue by N Stuff Music

Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HSS - Bodhi Blue

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

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 Ernie Ball Music Man: Steve Lukather Presents the Luke III in Olive Pearl by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball Music Man: Steve Lukather Presents the Luke III in Olive Pearl

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

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 Music Man Luke III HSS Cherry Burst Flame Figured Roasted Neck by The Peach Boutique

Music Man Luke III HSS Cherry Burst Flame Figured Roasted Neck

The Peach Boutique

The Peach Boutique

Video thumbnail for Steve Lukather Made the PERFECT Electric Guitar || Ernie Ball Musicman Luke III HONEST Review by Zack Seif

Steve Lukather Made the PERFECT Electric Guitar || Ernie Ball Musicman Luke III HONEST Review

Zack Seif

Zack Seif

Video thumbnail for Musicman L II & L III by Sam mojolab

Musicman L II & L III

Sam mojolab

Sam mojolab

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship, showcasing renowned Music Man attention to detail

  • Versatile tone range, from clean rhythm to powerful leads

  • Impressive tuning stability with locking tuners and compensated nut

  • Comfortable gunstock-oiled neck enhances playability

  • Eye-catching design and colors, including unique options like Carbon Blue Pearl

  • EMG pickups provide clean single coil tones and aggressive humbucker sound

  • Roasted neck and V-neck profile add to the premium feel

  • Whammy bar offers great range and stability when set up properly

  • Ideal for studio work due to its adaptability across different musical styles

  • High-quality build justifies its premium price point

CONS

  • Soft V-shaped neck profile may not suit all players' hand preferences

  • Neck can be too narrow at the nut for some

  • Ass-heavy feel when strapped, affecting balance for certain players

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.

Features and functionality

  • The Luke III can transition sonically from Strat to Les Paul without losing volume at intermediate pickup positions.

    Source
  • The Luke III includes a push/push +12db boost under the volume knob, enhancing its versatility for live performances.

    Source
  • Resonance issues similar to those seen on Fender basses can affect the Luke III, particularly for B notes.

    Source

Build quality

  • The flamey birdseye roasted maple neck is a standout feature, admired for its aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • The neck profile is a soft V, similar to a Clapton Strat, with a 1 5/8 inch nut, which some players find polarizing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Buying used, especially from non-guitarists, can lead to significant savings; one owner acquired a virtually new instrument at half the price.

    Source
  • It's possible to find used Luke III models for around $2,000, with diligent searching recommended for budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

User experience

  • The tremolo system is praised for its smooth operation, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • An owner noted the guitar's comfort and playability, highlighting its suitability as a top choice even for players transitioning from Telecasters.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Luke III maintains volume consistency in 2nd and 4th positions, unlike some guitars that experience volume drop-offs.

    Source
  • Owners compare the Luke III's neck to the ESP Horizon, noting a slightly thicker profile than a Schecter Omen.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Dead notes around A-B frequency might benefit from headstock mass loading to alter resonant frequency.

    Source
  • Possible high/low fret issues could cause dead notes; checking fret levels suggested before other adjustments.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III impresses with its extraordinary playability and tonal versatility, making it a standout choice for guitar enthusiasts. Its distinctive midrange voice and onboard boost function cater to soloists, while the range of finishes and pickup configurations adds to its appeal. However, the premium price point may deter budget-conscious buyers. Overall, it's a high-quality instrument that reflects Steve Lukather's expertise.

positive

Music Man Luke III Review - Guitar Planet Magazine

guitarplanet.eu

The Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III is hailed as a game-changer, outclassing its Fender and Gibson counterparts. Praised for its stunning aesthetics, superior build quality, and versatile sound—ranging from warm tones to metal prowess—this guitar is a session player's dream. The setup offers flawless playability with a silky smooth action. At £1800, it's a steal considering its premium performance and craftsmanship.

positive

Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HH Review | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bjohannesson

Solid build

Incredibly versatile and solid feeling guitar. The attention to detail is unmatched by other brands in my opinion. This is THE superstrat in my eyes. EBMM for life now

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Lukather uses Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III

Steve Lukather

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Metallic Green

This is the new 'Luke' model, made by Music Man. It is the third model that Steve Lukather has designed with them.

In his own String Theory, he play along with his signature Luke III in Emerald Green Sparkle finish!

See how Roger Hodgson uses Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III

Roger Hodgson

Singer, Guitarist

Supertramp

...
Verified via Photo

Roger Hodgson can be seen with a Luke III.

See how Kiko Pereira uses Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III

Kiko Pereira

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Kiko uses thia guitar basically in all Roupa Nova concerts, we can see him using this in the DVD "Roupa Nova 30 anos". He has modified this guitar putting EMG pickups and a Floyd Rose bridge

See how Sébastien Chouard uses Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III

Sébastien Chouard

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Seb avec une Luke 3 durant la tourne 2024 de Cali.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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marcelo_roascio_ok

marcelo_roascio_ok

Gear IQ 128

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