NGD - belated post

[JasonT]

Hey all!

Just wanted to share my new to me Koa Luke. I actually got it about a month ago but haven't had time and good weather to photograph it well enough to post. I picked this up used from that Pete DuBaldo fellow. Pete makes buying MMs so easy! I think he said it was a trade-in from a knucklehead, which should make two happy people now!

I actually drove up to visit Pete to play this and a HH AL. I was leaning towards the HH AL before playing either because I love rosewood necked guitars, but as you can see I ended up with the Koa.

I even brought my BFR Luke up to A/B the Koa at Beller's (got to meet Nick, too!). To my ears, the tone of the Koa was a little warmer, rounder, thicker, but still had some bite, probably due to the ebony fretboard. Pete can chime in with his thoughts. I was afraid it would not be different enough in tone to the BFR, but it was and I had to get it! To my surprise, the finish on the neck did not bother me.

Anyway, enough chatter, here's some pics!

 

[Coffeemug]

Absolutely awesome...! IMO Koa looks best on a Luke. Congrats!

 

[browndog]

Absolutely Gorgeous!

I could look at that all day. Big Congrats on that beauty.

 

[Sweat]

Very nice Jason, KOA is killer, great score on that one, you have a nice collection now, congrats

 

[megaroel]

very nice...

 

[guitfiddle]

Very nice Luke. Big congrats Jason.

 

[bkrumme]

I hate to tell you this, but that top sucks. It's hideous. Totally ugly.

Send it to me and I'll dispose of it properly.

 

[Headstock]

That one sure is a stunner. Congrats!

Great snag there Jason ! I'm the former owner of that one. Swapped it out for the one I got a few weeks back.

I too felt the same way about the tonal differences of that guitar.
I have no qualms about owning a RW Neck Luke, Koa Luke, and a BFR Luke as I feel that all three sound and feel unique.

I think the finished necks on the KOA are phenomenal and wicked fast feeling. Most people dont realize that the Koa Luke has an all Mahogany neck and body.

 

[DrKev]

Beautiful!

 

[catdaddy]

Beautiful wood Jason! Congratulations!

 

[JasonT]

Thanks all! I'm definitely digging it.

I haven't had as much time to play lately as I have baby #2 on the way shortly. When I have time, I've been playing this bad boy and it inspires me. Lovin' the tone.

A few quick comments:

Browndog - Your mockup of the HH AL in black with black pearl pickguard had me set to order once I'd played one. So thanks for that! Although the HH AL was a real nice guitar, this Koa slayed me.

fingbeagles - thanks, Keith. You've owned some fantastic guitars - many I've drooled over! lol.

bkrumme - funny, I feel the same way. But I think I'll keep it.

Headstock - cool. I agree with you twice - they really do sound different, and the finish does not bother me, either. Having been playing the BFR Luke with rosewood neck exclusively for awhile and only switching it up with the 25th, I was afraid I couldn't go back to finished. But it's very smooth like you said. Anyway, thanks for trading it in!

 

[brasco68]

Koa's never cease to impress.....what a looker!!

Congrats!

 

[Slav123]

Nice!

That's a stunning Luke! Congrats on getting a work of art Jason!

Slav

 

[Roubster]

Congrats! That is absolutely wicked!

 

[azazael]

Thats just gorgeous.
Some wooden tuning pegs would really add to it.

Love the gold hardware.
Does MM gold hardware wear as quickly and easily as say... every LP i've played? lol

 

[threeminutesboy]

congrats that's a gorgeous piece

 

[Heeboja]

Thats just gorgeous.
Some wooden tuning pegs would really add to it.

Love the gold hardware.
Does MM gold hardware wear as quickly and easily as say... every LP i've played? lol

I've seen a couple of 2006 LTD JPs that have had little wear on the bridge where your hand rests and a couple which look immaculate. I don't think they wear off that easily, but it's just a coating. It's bound to come off some point.

Really nice looking Koa. I guess that's one of the later ones? I don't think that's the island burst finnish. And yeah, some rosewood tuning pegs would look really good on that.

 

[JasonT]

I've seen a couple of 2006 LTD JPs that have had little wear on the bridge where your hand rests and a couple which look immaculate. I don't think they wear off that easily, but it's just a coating. It's bound to come off some point.

Really nice looking Koa. I guess that's one of the later ones? I don't think that's the island burst finnish. And yeah, some rosewood tuning pegs would look really good on that.

The gold finish was one thing that held me back a little. I generally don't like it and imagine it will wear eventually. But everything else was so good.

This one does not have the island burst finish. Wish it did, but it looks fantastic the way it is.

Thanks again, all. Seriously enjoying this one.

 

[agt]

Congrats, Jason! She's a beauty. Enjoy!

 

[A.J.]

What a great top!