Luke 3 vs Luke 4 pickups?

[PeterVV]

I used to have a Luke 3 with the transition pickups. I am toying with the idea of buying another Luke, but wondered how the Musicman pickups in the 4 compare to the Transition pickups in the 3?, in particular the HSS version.

 

[PeterVV]

Anyone?

 

[beej]

I would love to know as well. The MM Luke 3 pickups are different than the Transitions but I've yet to try the 4.

 

[Paulg1980]

I asked Music Man a few weeks ago the same question as I noticed quite a difference from my L3 to my L4. Bear in mind my L3 had the old version Music Man pickups in. I was quite surprised especially with the bridge pickups. The L3's have an Alnico pickup in (they didn't say which one) and has an output of 13.8k and the neck in those are ceramic and have an output of 11.7k.

The L4's have a slightly higher output which I really like and prefer. Bridge is Ceramic and has an output of 16.8k and the neck is also ceramic and has an output of 12.2k.

I seem to remember the Dimarzio Transitions bridge pickups have an output of roughly 11k and are ceramic also. I did find those slighty darker sounding, the Music Man pickups were a lot more open sounding to my ears if that makes sense! Not sure on the single coils in the HSS. They are more than likely ceramic as well, probably around 6-7k if I had to guess. Probably worth emailing customer service about that.

I recently sold my L3 and bought another L4. It's back with my dealer at the moment because of an issue with its volume pot. They are fixing it for me. You've probably seen my post about that on here!

I hope that helps!