Luke BFR vs Luke III

[cyndicate]

Deciding currently between the Luke BFR and Luke III HSS at the moment. Anyone have experience with both? Thoughts? Also what is a good price to pay for a used Luke BFR?

Currently own a JP6 BFR, and Axis FR Each are special in there own way. Looking to add the Luke to add some Single coil tones and versatility.

 

[yellowv03]

For me the rosewood neck and passive pickups of the LIII make it an easy decision. IMO the rosewood neck makes the LIII as special as a BFR in it's own right.

 

[mtrejo]

I've owned/own both. The BFR neck did feel incredibly smooth, had a beautifully figured top an played like butter. For me, the EMG pickup didn't quite suite my playing style.

The Luke III rosewood neck is again, extremely smooth but the pickups make all the difference. In my opinion they seem to have more character and the volume boost is a really useful option.

I also prefer solid colors to figured tops. Especially some sparkle action like the Olive Gold. It's subtle but very nice on the eyes.

Both have the best vibrato bridge setup to float and stay in tune perfectly. I don't dive bomb on it but some nice easy vibrato doesn't come any easier than with these bridges set to float. It's effortless.

So, just consider your playing style and the type of finish you are happiest with and this might help you in making your decision.

 

[DrKev]

Nice post, Mario. Thanks! See? He's not just a handsome face!

 

[Stu-Pendus]

Best to try both at a shop really.The EMG'd powered Luke 11 has a completely different sonic feel in comparison.On overdrive the Luke111 will have a more earthy thump to the sound but on full fart drive the EMG's have a wonderful edge with great harmonic presence especialy on solos.Both fantastc guitars but different in sonic terms due not only to the pups but the neck material too..Oh the choice....

 

[agt]

I have 3 Lukes, one regular, one BFR, and one koa BFR. No Luke III (yet!). It may be idiosyncratic to my three particular pieces of wood, but for single coil tones, the regular alder/maple neck Luke has the advantage. Nothing wrong with the BFRs, but the regular is absolutely incredible for single coil tones. For the humbucker tones, all are great in their own way. Something you might want to consider if the single coil tones are a priority.

For single coil tones, there is the Albert Lee too!

 

[mikeller]

I have a Luke 2 (and a Luke III HH) and briefly had a Luke III SSH last weekend. I did a quick A/B between the Luke 2 and L3 SSH - the L3 pickups seemed to have slightly less output but were also a bit clearer. The balance between the pickups for me was better on the L3 (there is an internal trim switch to control that on the L3) and the push/push booster is killer as is the rosewood neck. I have never played a BRF, but I am extremely impressed by the Luke 3's...

But as Stu-Pendus said EMG's have a fantastic harmonic content and are smooth as silk when pushing some gain.

 

[cyndicate]

I appreciate all the responses! It's hard finding both at one store to try out. Going to go try a few Luke III's this afternoon at the local GC. I have a current lead on a used Luke BFR for $1800, so the pricing will be comparable.

 

[mtrejo]

Make sure and crank the amp so you can get a nice feel for how awesome those pickups sound. Forgot to mention, the sustain on my Luke III seems to never end!

 

[mtrejo]

And play "Stairway" while you're at it. Lol

 

[cyndicate]

So have finally made decision. Played a Luke III H/H at a local GC, the necks are nice! Ended up ordering an Olive Gold Luke 3 in HSS config. Can't wait to get it!

 

[mtrejo]

Nice choice! You will not be disappointed. Winning color and config.

 

[cyndicate]

Nice choice! You will not be disappointed. Winning color and config.

Thanks! Luke III just arrived! Had to come home during lunch to make sure it wasn't sitting outside all day. Had about 30mins with it, need to adjust the spring tension at the back since the bridge is diving forward at the moment, but it stays in tune.

The neck is awesome, feels great and plays quick! Pickup selector is still a little stiff for my liking and I am finding that the unfinished neck is very dry at the moment. Must have dryed up a lot during transport, any recommendations on what I should use to oil the neck a little?

 

[Jorge ven]

pics??

 

[cyndicate]

pics??

Will get pics of the family up tonight

 

[Icedlatte]

Hello Cyndicate, about the trem diving forward and staying in tune, I believe that the LIII's vintage trem comes set to float like that from the factory so it's not setup incorrectly. Of course if you prefer it flat against the body like I do you can change the spring tension to suit your preference. Hope to see those pics! Congrats and enjoy your new LUKE!

 

[cyndicate]

Hello Cyndicate, about the trem diving forward and staying in tune, I believe that the LIII's vintage trem comes set to float like that from the factory so it's not setup incorrectly. Of course if you prefer it flat against the body like I do you can change the spring tension to suit your preference. Hope to see those pics! Congrats and enjoy your new LUKE!

Thanks for the info, i'm so used to setting it up flat against the body so it looked odd to me. Is there any specifics to why they set it up from the factory like that? Is this what Steve prefers?

Will

 

[mtrejo]

It does look a little odd at first but I find the floating trem to be incredibly easy to wobble on. If you haven't already set the bridge flush, I'd give it some play time and see if it suits you (even though it may not be what your used to yet). You may just be pleasantly surprised!

 

[Icedlatte]

You're welcome! Yes, as far as I know it is because that is they way Steve likes it set up but if you find it more comfortable flat also works just as brilliantly. Here is a solo of Steve working the trem

 

[LilSteve]

Floating trem is a personal preference. I have come to like my trems setup this way as it offers more musical options. Some guys are real heavy handed and need it locked. I find, actually light strings and floating trem takes more muscle memory than big strings argument...