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Description

Experience the pinnacle of guitar craftsmanship with the Music Man Luke III HSS BFR, a masterpiece born from the celebrated partnership between Steve Lukather and Ernie Ball Music Man. This solid body electric guitar is a testament to precision and performance, designed for the discerning musician who demands versatility and comfort in every note. The Luke III boasts an elegant alder body with a mahogany tone block, topped with exquisite figured maple—offering not just visual allure, but a balanced, resonant tone.

At the heart of this guitar are the DiMarzio custom pickups, configured in an HSS layout, delivering a dynamic range of tones from searing leads to mellow rhythms. The roasted maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, complemented by 22 low-profile frets, offer an effortless playing experience, making it ideal for intricate solos and smooth chord transitions. A 5-way switch expands your tonal palette with coil-splitting options, while the 15dB gain boost provides an extra edge when needed.

The Luke III BFR also features a floating vintage vibrato system, ensuring both fluid pitch modulation and rock-solid tuning stability, thanks to the Schaller M6 locking tuners. Whether you're a session player or a touring artist, this instrument is engineered to elevate your performance to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Contoured alder body with mahogany tone block and figured maple top
  • Roasted maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • 12" fingerboard radius with 22 wide, low-profile frets
  • MM chrome-plated, hardened-steel vintage floating vibrato
  • DiMarzio custom HSS pickups with 5-way switching
  • 15dB gain boost for enhanced output
  • Schaller M6 locking tuners
  • Includes hardshell case

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Music Man Luke III HSS BFR?

The Music Man Luke III HSS BFR features a comfortable "Music Man" neck profile with a hand-rubbed maple neck, designed for ease of playability and smooth transitions across the fretboard.

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

The guitar features a custom HSS pickup configuration with DiMarzio pickups, offering a versatile range from clear, articulate single-coil tones to powerful, warm humbucker sounds, suitable for various music genres.

Is the Music Man Luke III HSS BFR suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Music Man Luke III HSS BFR is designed with professional-grade features like a floating tremolo, locking tuners, and a push/push volume boost, making it ideal for advanced players seeking high performance and versatility.

Does the Music Man Luke III HSS BFR have a coil split option?

Yes, the guitar includes a coil tap feature that allows players to split the humbucker for single-coil tones, enhancing its tonal versatility.

What is the scale length of the Music Man Luke III HSS BFR?

The Music Man Luke III HSS BFR has a scale length of 25.5 inches, providing a familiar feel and tension for many electric guitar players.

What type of wood is used for the body of the Music Man Luke III HSS BFR?

The body of the Music Man Luke III HSS BFR is made from alder with a maple top, offering a balanced tone with a combination of warmth and brightness.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III HSS - Bodhi Blue

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 HSS - Hazel Burst | N Stuff Music by N Stuff Music

Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III BFR HSS - Hazel Burst | N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

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 2014 Music Man Luke III HSS Bodhi Blue Roasted Neck | Guitar Demo by Ten Guitars TV

2014 Music Man Luke III HSS Bodhi Blue Roasted Neck | Guitar Demo

Ten Guitars TV

Ten Guitars TV

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The HSS pickup configuration is praised for its versatility, accommodating various musical styles from classic to prog rock.

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  • EMG pickups in this model are noted for their unique versatility compared to standard EMGs, contributing to a broad tonal range.

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  • The Luke III maintains consistent volume across pickup positions, particularly in the 4th and 2nd, an advantage for players seeking seamless tonal transitions.

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  • The compensated nut on the Luke III is praised for its effective intonation, especially beneficial for maintaining tuning stability across the fretboard.

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  • The Luke III features a push/push +12db boost under the volume knob, enhancing its versatility for dynamic sound adjustments during live performances.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend adding strap locks for security during gigs, highlighting their importance for performance reliability.

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User experience

  • One owner reports the Music Man Luke III HSS BFR as their main guitar for nearly all applications, emphasizing its long-term satisfaction and reliability.

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  • The tremolo system is noted for its smooth operation, contributing to the guitar's overall playability and appeal for players who frequently use vibrato techniques.

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  • Owners transitioning from heavier guitars notice the Luke III's lighter weight and balance, significantly enhancing playing comfort and reducing fatigue.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar excels in flexibility, making it an excellent choice for cover bands and wedding gigs where diverse sound options are needed.

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Build quality

  • The flamey birdseye roasted maple neck is visually striking, appealing to owners who appreciate unique wood aesthetics.

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Value and pricing

  • Buying used from bass players can yield excellent deals, as some guitars may be in nearly new condition despite being sold at half price.

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  • Some users report finding Luke III models for around $2,000 on the used market, making them more accessible than their usual retail price.

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Comparisons

  • The neck profile of the Luke III is a soft V, similar to a Clapton Strat, but with a 1 5/8 inch nut, providing a unique feel that some players prefer.

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  • Players often compare the Luke III's comfort and playability to high-end models from brands like PRS, highlighting its superior ergonomics and fret access.

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Critic Reviews

Ernie Ball Music Man Luke III review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

With its incredible playability, top-notch build quality, and innovative features like the onboard boost, the Music Man Luke III HSS BFR impresses. Steve Lukather's signature guitar offers a distinctive midrange voice and a wide tonal range that suits soloists perfectly. While the price point is high, the guitar's exceptional craftsmanship and versatile sound justify the investment for serious musicians looking for a high-performance instrument.

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Genre Usage

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