Considering a 2017 Luke 3 HSS - Blueberry BFR

[zerolight]

I'm looking at a nice Luke 3 HSS. I can't try before I buy, nor can I try any other L3s locally. I did once own an Axis that I loved if that helps.

Currently have an EVH Wolfgang Stealth USA and a Knaggs SSC. Looking for an HSS to add to those. The Luke 3 ticks a lot of boxes. I have read that it has a small neck and small frets. What's everyone's experience with the L3 please? How small are the small frets on the Luke, say in comparison to the EVH Wolfgang which has vintage SS frets, or a Custom Shop Strat? How's the neck?

Thanks!

 

[nervous]

In my experience the L3 felt very similar to the Axis Sport and Super Sport I have had, maybe just a tad beefire but not enough that I couldn't easily changeover as often as I liked. I considered them interchangeable. But I am not that sensitive to those small differences.

 

[ohbugger]

I tried a few Luke models (one II and a couple IIIs) throughout the years, and really wanted to vibe with them. For me, the frets were just too small. You are going to be feeling that fretboard underneath your fingers, especially when bending strings. The neck had a decent thickness but not overly thick, and I could feel the soft V shape.

For reference, my sweet spot for playability is a Silhouette.

Good luck with the decision! Worse case you buy it and don't like it, you can always re-sell or have larger frets installed if you think that would make it just right for you.

 

[ruger9]

It does have a small neck and small frets. Smallest neck I've ever held I think. That's a preference thing; I find I am a little faster on the Luke (I also have a LIII BFR Bluesberry) than on my Fenders. I'm 55 and I am just starting ton get some arthritic symptoms, IDK yet if the small neck will be problem with that as time goes on or not. But I love the guitar.

On the flip side: the FINISH on the neck (gun oil or whatever) is the BEST I've ever felt. I wish all my necks were roasted maple finished with gun oil. It's perfection.

The small frets are a non-issue for me, altho I find they don't capo well (if you use capos). I was worried about them because I like bigger frets- even jumbos- but they were no issue at all.

 

[beej]

I wouldn't call it a small neck, really. It's very comfortable. The frets, however, are small- at least for what I'm used to. I had both of my Lukes refretted with larger wire.

That said, the Luke is an amazing guitar. My L3 HSS is my main gigging guitar and I don't see it being unseated by anything.