Pickup | Impedance | Found In These Models |
| Seymour Duncan SSL Vintage (flats) | 6.6K | Legacy (1992 - 94) |
| The Seymour Duncan Vintage series pickups are voiced to produce vintage Strat tones using modern materials and designs. The polepieces are not staggered as on a vintage pickup, but instead are flush (level or flat). This allows a more balanced sound with the flatter 12 inch radius fingerboard found on the Legacy. The neck and middle pickups have excellent vintage Strat tone while the bridge pickup is on the "thin" side. The in-between tones (positions 2 and 4) have an exaggerated "rubbery" tone that some call "quack". | |
| G&L Vintage Style Alnico V | 6.4K - 7.0K | Legacy (post-1994), neck and middle pickup of Legacy Deluxe, Legacy Semi-Hollow, George Fullerton model, neck pickup of ASAT HB, Tribute Legacy, Tribute Legacy "Leftie", neck and middle pickup of Tribute Legacy HB (2004-2007, after 2010), middle pickup of ASAT Classic 'S' Alnico |
| By 1995, G&L began hand winding its own vintage style alnico pickups for the Fullerton Signature model and they were eventually fitted to the Legacy as well. Like the Duncan SSL pickups, the G&L units have flush polepieces. The G&L pickups produce bright and glassy Strat tones. The bridge pickup has richer tone than the Duncan counterpart. The in-between sounds do not have as much "latex" to them as the Duncans. | |
| Gotoh Dual Blade and Power Blade Humbuckers | 5.1K (neck, middle); 7.5K (bridge) | Legacy Special, Invader, Invader Plus |
| These units are Strat-sized ceramic bar magnet humbuckers made for G&L by Gotoh in Japan. They are noiseless, yet more powerful than the vintage style alnico single coil pickups. The bridge pickup ("Power Blade" unit) is especially hot and is is excellent for lead guitar. The tone is distinctly humbuckery, but not as warm or dark as a traditional size Gibson style pickup. The Dual Blade/Power Blade units are bright yet smooth. These are very versatile; a more "vintage" type tone can be obtained by rolling back the bass control. | |
| G&L Magnetic Field Design Strat style single coils | 4.1K - 5.0K | S-500, S-500 Deluxe, S-500 Semi-Hollow, SC-3, Nighthawk, Skyhawk, Invader, Interceptor, ASAT III, GbL LE, ASAT Classic 'S' middle pickup, Tribute S-500 |
| The G&L MFD Strat style pickups use a powerful ceramic magnet for increased output with fewer turns of wire. They are rather quiet for single coils and can easily overdrive a tube amp way before a guitar with alnico pickups could. These are harmonically rich pickups, but the overall tone varies greatly depending on the guitar that they are in. Early style S-500s and all SC-3s tend to sound bright while these pickups sound darker in Nighthawks, Skyhawks, Invaders, Interceptors and later style S-500s. Rolling back the treble control on the early S-500s and SC-3s will yield a more conventional sound while rolling back the bass control will do the same for the other models. | |
| G&L Magnetic Field Design soapbar style single coils | 4.4K - 4.9K (pre-1992); 4.7K - 5.4K (post-1991); 4.8K-5.3K ASAT Junior; 4.8K-4.9K 20th Anniv; TBD ASAT Classic Custom neck; 5.4K-5.7K ASAT Super; 6.5K for the neck, 7.25-7.3K for middle RW/RP, and 7.25-7.3K for the bridge on the ASAT Trinity Special Edition; 4.7K-4.8K CLF Centennial ASAT | SC-1, SC-2, Broadcaster, ASAT, ASAT Special, ASAT Junior, ASAT S-3, ASAT Special Semi-Hollow, 20th Anniversary Model, ASAT Classic Custom neck pickup, ASAT Classic Custom Semi-Hollow neck pickup, ASAT Super, ASAT Trinity Special Edition,Tribute ASAT Special, Tribute ASAT Special Semi-Hollow, Tribute ASAT Special Deluxe Carved Top |
| These pickups have given G&L its enviable reputation for great tone. The soapbars have higher output than the Strat style MFDs and are "ballsy". They have more midrange than Gibson P-90 alnico soapbars while reproducing the P-90's well-known harmonic complexity. They are great for cutting through a mix. The bass response is strong and well focused. In the neck position, the soapbar MFD produces fine blues tone. In the bridge position, it has excellent spank and clarity for lead work. The ASAT Junior, 20th Anniversary Model, ASAT Super (neck over-wound with 42 gauge wire; bridge over-wound with 43 gauge wire), ASAT Trinity Special Edition, and SC-2 (2008-bridge only) pickups are over-wound. The ASAT Classic Custom and ASAT Classic Custom Semi-hollow neck pickup pole piece bushings are longer than the standard ASAT Special pickup. An extra 200 windings were added, but they stack up entirely differently and the magnet is further down under as well. They are warm and fat but still have tonal characteristics of the standard MFD single coil. | |
| G&L Magnetic Field Design Tele style single coils | 3.9K - 4.5K (neck, middle); 4.8K (bridge, pre-1993); 5.6K (bridge, post-1993) | ASAT Classic, ASAT Classic Semi-Hollow, ASAT Commemorative, ASAT Classic III, bridge pickup in ASAT Classic Custom and ASAT Classic Custom Semi-Hollow, bridge pickup in ASAT Classic Bluesboy and ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi-Hollow, bridge and neck pickups in ASAT Classic 'S' (built before February 2011), Tribute ASAT Classic, Tribute ASAT Classic "Leftie", Tribute ASAT Classic Semi-Hollow, bridge pickup in Tribute ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi-Hollow, ASAT Classic Solamente |
| The small MFD neck pickup is far more versatile than an alnico Tele style pickup. The MFD is brighter, more powerful and most importantly, much clearer sounding. The bridge pickup has all the twang, spank, and cluck that a Tele lover could want. It is not as smooth on top as an alnico style Tele bridge pickup and has a harder, more immediate attack. The ASAT Classic III has a reverse-wound neck pickup for the middle position. | |
| G&L Magnetic Field Design ASAT Classic Custom single coil | 3.9K - 4.5K | Neck pickup in ASAT Classic 'S' built after January 2011 |
| Pickup has the same wind/polarity as the G&L Magnetic Field Design Tele style single coil bridge pickup. Thus it cancels hum in positions 2 and 4 and gives you that “in between” or “pseudo out of phase sound” that is characteristic of Legacys and S-500s. This pickup can be distinguished by the yellow and red wires as opposed to the white and black wires of the Standard ASAT Classic neck pickup. | |
| G&L Magnetic Field Design "Z-coils" | 4.5K-4.7K; 7.5K-7.7K (Will Ray Signature Model Bridge pickup) | Comanche V, Comanche VI, Comanche reissue, Comanche Semi-Hollow, ASAT Z-3, ASAT Z-3 Semi-Hollow, Will Ray Signature Model, Tribute Will Ray Signature Model, Tribute Comanche |
| This is a split-coil type single coil pickup based on Leo's venerable post-1957 P-Bass pickup. The two halves have opposite charges that are hum cancelling. Yet the Z-coil produces a very familiar bell-tone single coil sound with a very flat, neutral response. These pickups allow the player great flexibility for "coloring" the sound with effects, amps or playing style. As with all MFD type pickups, the Z-coils are high output. The bridge pickup on the Will Ray Signature Model is over-wound with 1400 extra windings using extended length pole pieces for wider bobbin aperture. | |
| G&L Magnetic Field Design large humbucking | 6.9K - 7.3K (F-100 1980-1986); 7.5K - 7.9K (G-200 1981-1982); 9.9K (neck) 15.6K (bridge) | F-100, G-200, 25th Anniversary, F-100 Return Edition, F-100 (2009), 30th Anniversary F-100 |
| This was the first guitar pickup that Leo Fender designed at G&L. It has a coil split design so the pickup can be switch from humbucking to single coil mode. | |
| G&L Magnetic Field Design GHB humbucking | 4.3K - 4.4K | HG-1, HG-2, ASAT III (optional bridge pickup) |
| Leo designed this small humbucker to fit the same size route as an ASAT pickup. It has the smoothness associated with all hum cancelling pickups, but this unit is much brighter than traditional style humbucking pickups. In fact, this unit has the brightness and chime usually associated with single coil MFDs. However, its brightness also makes it less versatile and the GHB works best for rock. | |
| G&L Magnetic Field Design HG-2R "Angled-Offset" humbucking | 4.3K - 4.4K | Cavalier, Interceptor |
| Like the GHB MFD unit, the slant humbucker is the same size as an ASAT neck pickup. It is a little warmer sounding (though still bright as far as 'buckers go) than the GHB unit and has a "woodier" tone. As such, it is more versatile and works well for jazz, blues and rock. | |
| Schaller humbucker | 7.9K | Invader, Superhawk, Interceptor, Rampage |
| These pickups were wound to Leo's specifications by Schaller. They have an extra wire for coil splitting, but oddly, Leo never used this option on any of his "Superstrat" type guitars. These pickups are typically dark sounding humbuckers and are best suited for overdriven tone. | |
| Seymour Duncan '59 humbucker | 7.4K | Neck position of ASAT Deluxe, ASAT Deluxe Semi-Hollow, Invader reissue, Invader Plus, Invader XL, Legacy 2HB, F-100 (2009) with SD pickup set option, neck position of Superhawk Jerry Cantrell Signature Model and Superhawk Deluxe Jerry Cantrell Signature Model |
| This pickup is patterned after the famous Gibson PAF humbucker from the late 1950s which is known for its warm, smooth tone and sustain. | |
| Seymour Duncan JB Model TB-4 humbucker | 16.4K | Bridge position of ASAT Deluxe, ASAT Deluxe Semi-Hollow, Legacy HB, Legacy 2HB, Invader reissue, Invader Plus, Invader XL, F-100 (2009) with SD pickup set option, bridge position of Fallout, bridge position of Superhawk Jerry Cantrell Signature Model and Superhawk Deluxe Jerry Cantrell Signature Model |
| This is a very high output humbucker that doesn't get too dark or muddy while retaining harmonic richness. | |
| Seymour Duncan Seth Lover humbucker | 7.2K | Neck position of ASAT BB, ASAT BB Semi-Hollow, ASAT Classic Bluesboy, ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi-Hollow |
| This pickup is an exact recreation of the very first Gibson PAF humbucker designed by Seth Lover in 1955. It has a warmer tone than the Duncan '59 Humbucker. | |
| Seymour Duncan APTL-3JD Alnico single coil | 7.8K | Bridge position of ASAT JD-5 |
| Punchy and exceptionally well-balanced. | |
| G&L AS4250B Alnico humbucker | 8.3K | Neck position of Tribute Invader XL, ASAT Classic Bluesboy Special Build, Tribute ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi-Hollow (before 6/2012), ASAT Deluxe (2008-2009) and ASAT Deluxe Semi-Hollow (2008-2009) |
| This is a slightly hotter PAF/Vintage type neck pickup. | |
| G&L AW4370B Alnico humbucker | 13.4K | Bridge position of Tribute Invader XL, Tribute Legacy HB, ASAT HB, ASAT Deluxe (2008-2009) and ASAT Deluxe Semi-Hollow (2008-2009) |
| This is a high output bridge pickup with a clear midrange and smooth top. | |
| G&L AS4255C Alnico humbucker with Chrome cover | 8.4K | Neck position of Tribute ASAT Deluxe Carved Top, neck position of Tribute Ascari GTS, neck position of Tribute ASAT Classic Bluesboy solid and semi-hollow body (after 5/2012) |
| This is a bit hotter than the AS4250B and a bit more warm sounding because of the Chrome cover. | |
| G&L AS4255B Alnico humbucker | 8.4K | Neck position of Tribute Fiorano GTS |
| This is a bit hotter than the AS4250B. | |
| G&L AS4368C Alnico humbucker with Chrome cover | TBD | Bridge position of Tribute Ascari GTS, bridge position of Tribute ASAT Deluxe Carved Top (after 5/2012) |
| TBD | |
| G&L AS4368B Alnico humbucker | TBD | Bridge position of Tribute Fiorano GTS, bridge position of Tribute Legacy HB (beginning in 2011) |
| TBD | |
| G&L AW4370C Alnico humbucker with Chrome cover | 13.4K | Bridge position of Tribute ASAT Deluxe Carved Top (before 6/2012) |
| This is a high output bridge pickup that is similar to the AW4370B but with a warmer tone because of the Chrome cover. | |
| G&L AS4250Z Alnico humbucker | 8.3K | Neck position of Invader XL Standard |
| This is a slightly hotter PAF/Vintage type neck pickup. | |
| G&L AW4370Z Alnico humbucker | 13.4K | Bridge position of Invader XL Standard |
| This is a high output bridge pickup with a clear midrange and smooth top. | |
| Tribute overwound Alnico V humbuckers | 9.7K (neck), 13.5K (bridge) | Tribute ASAT HB, bridge pickup of Tribute Legacy HB (2010) |
| TBD | |
| Tribute dual rail humbucker | 13.2K | neck and middle pickups of Tribute Legacy HB (2010) |
| TBD | |
| Seymour Duncan JB humbucker wound to Jerry Cantrell's specs | TBD | Pickup in the Rampage Jerry Cantrell Signature Model |
| TBD | |
| Custom Wound Jerry Cantrell Alnico V humbucker | TBD | Pickup in the Tribute Rampage Jerry Cantrell Signature Model |
| TBD | |
| Cantrell-designed Motor City humbucker | TBD | Pickup in the Custom Creation Jerry Cantrell "Blue Dress" Rampage Limited Edition |
| TBD | |
| EMG Active 81 humbucker | 10K | Neck position of F-100 with EMG pickup set option (2009) |
| Utilizing powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils, the tone was designed with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut and fluid sustain. Traditionally used in the bridge position, this pickup will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix. (description from EMG's website) | |
| EMG Active 85 humbucker | 10K | Bridge position of F-100 with EMG pickup set option (2009) |
| Featuring close aperture coils loaded with Alnico V magnets, the 85 is a powerful pickup with exceptional tone and versatility. Most often used in the rhythm position, the alnico magnets of this model provide a muscular growl and smooth lead tones to enable you to play the muddiest of blues to the most extreme metal. (description from EMG's website) | |
| G&L P-90 type | 6.4K (neck-42 gauge-9K turns), 8.6K (bridge-42 gauge-10.8K turns) | Korina Collection ASAT Junior II, neck pickup of ASAT Classic Bluesboy 90, neck pickup of Fallout |
| TBD | |
| G&L AP4285CR P-90 single coil | TBD | Neck position of Tribute Ascari GT90 |
| TBD | |
| G&L AP42105CR P-90 single coil | TBD | Bridge position of Tribute Ascari GT90 |
| TBD | |
| G&L Alnico V Tele style single coils | TBD | ASAT Classic Alnico, ASAT Classic Alnico Launch Edition, ASAT Classic 'S' Alnico, ASAT Classic Solamente Alnico |
| The neck pickup has a chrome cover. | |
to get the printable chart.
List of pickups used in G&L guitars
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