g&l asat classic vs alnico

[Philippe Elskens]

Can someone explain me the difference (in sound) between the Asat Classic and the Alnico version??
Thanks!

[suave eddie]

The ALNICO pickups are an attempt to recreate the classic sounds of a Fender Telecaster. I don't know if you've had a chance to hear the Asat Classic MFDs, but here's a sample of the Alnicos.
There are many more samples on Youtube for both.

[Craig]

Can someone explain me the difference (in sound) between the Asat Classic and the Alnico version??
Thanks!

See this post from a member who has both: ASAT Classic & ASAT Classic Alnico.

Hope this helps.

[Nubs]

Having had both, I can honestly say I really like both very much. I think the Classic's pickups are louder and clearer than the Alnico. They have a very strong tone to them which produces a very clear, defined sound. Now that's not to say the Alnico doesn't exhibit these qualities. I just feel the Classic's pickups have a more fuller sound with a decent low-mid range scoop on them.

The Alnico's pickups have the more traditional chimey twang you can expect from a tele. They are still clear and defined, they just have more top end to them. I actually prefer the Alnico over the Classic. The MFDs are no doubt excellent pickups. But with my setup, I prefer the Alnico.

Hope that helps a bit.

[lefty_major]

I agree with everything Nubs states, except I prefer the Classic over the Alnico. Today, that is. You can go back and forth on these things.... It kind of depends on what you're playing and your mood. Both are great guitars and you would not regret either.

[mapleleaf14]

I just today picked up an ASAT Classic Alnico after owning my ASAT Classic for several months now. I started off with a couple of Tribute models and liked them enough to give a USA model a go...ended up loving it so decided to get another one and went with the Alnico model this time.

Both have the same neck profile (although one is satin clear and one is vintage tint) and options I went with are the control plates reversed and the graph tech string trees.

As of right now, I like the bridge MFD in my "older" ASAT and the neck Alnico in the new one!

Of course, the older one is Alder (Emerald Green Metallic) and the new one is Ash (Blonde) so that will factor in as well.

Both are awesome!

[suave eddie]

Something about those black numbered knobs looks so wrong to me on a Tele style guitar.

Other than that -- rock on!

[mapleleaf14]

Something about those black numbered knobs looks so wrong to me on a Tele style guitar.

Other than that -- rock on!

Good thing it's not your guitar then I guess!

I personally hate the chrome dome knobs usually found on Teles and usually replace them right away. I need more for the green ASAT.
In fact, out of my 11 Teles, other than the green one only my Ritchie Kotzen model has the stock dome knobs on it.

[Fumble fingers]

both look good to me ..... I wouldn't mind having some black knobs on my Fallout over the chrome ..... when I do have chrome knobs I strategically have the set screw placed where I can see the set screw on the tone adjustment .... my Fallout and new Blues Boy both like the tone knob rolled back close to a 1/2 turn so I have the set screw aimed at the bridge when the tone is rolled off by that amount

[mapleleaf14]

both look good to me ..... I wouldn't mind having some black knobs on my Fallout over the chrome ..... when I do have chrome knobs I strategically have the set screw placed where I can see the set screw on the tone adjustment .... my Fallout and new Blues Boy both like the tone knob rolled back close to a 1/2 turn so I have the set screw aimed at the bridge when the tone is rolled off by that amount

I've played a Tribute Fallout, but have never played a USA Fallout yet. One of my two Tributes is a Bluesboy Semi-Hollow that I dig.

I see you're in Dayton...I'm down closer to Cincinnati (West Chester) - both of my USA G&L's came from Centerville Music up near Dayton - I've known the owner Tim for years!

Back to the original topic - I think if I didn't have any kind of Tele, I might opt for the Alnico ASAT for a more "Tele type" sound, but would go for the MFD's if I already had a Tele or two. I'm enjoying having both.

[blargfromouterspace]

That's a super see through blonde - was that done on request or is this the way they do it now. I like it!

[tbonesullivan]

Yeah, I gotta get myself an ASAT Classic AlNico. Just need to decide whether I want to get one custom or to pick up a used one. Hmmmm.

[mapleleaf14]

That's a super see through blonde - was that done on request or is this the way they do it now. I like it!

That's just how it came from the factory. I was glad it's a one-piece body since the finish is translucent!

[Fumble fingers]

I see you're in Dayton...I'm down closer to Cincinnati (West Chester) - both of my USA G&L's came from Centerville Music up near Dayton - I've known the owner Tim for years!

I'm roughly 16 miles north of Kings island off of I-71 in Waynesville , I have received quite a few from Tim too , I've had Mark re-fret or set them up and Larry service my amps ...lol

[tbonesullivan]

Well, I ended up going back on what I thought I wanted, and picked up a used 2011 Fender Tele. I talked to some local friends and they were like "so basically you want the exact same thing as an Am Std Tele but not actually one", which is kinda dumb when you think about it. I also tried to love the boxed bridge, but I just can't deal with it. So having to search, custom order, modify an ASAT vs just picking up a used one, well I took the easier cheaper route. It is a really nice guitar though. I just hope it doesn't get into fights with my G&L and MusicMan instruments.

[NickHorne]

I've somehow got to this party a bit late, but would just like to say that I think MapleLeaf's blonde is fantastically pretty!

And I personally agree with his numbered knobs. I like to see numbers for tone, though often a knurled knob for volume. Numbered knobs have respectable provenance, too, having been used by Muddy Waters quite some decades ago on his Tele, and of course Will Ray today.

[fianoman]

I don't know how they look in person but it looks like someone swapped the necks at the factory! That ash body is a keeper for sure. Good looking guitars. Keep on knobbin'.

[tbonesullivan]

Numbered knobs have never really appealed to me. I go by sound, not by number.

I have noticed that both used G&L Legacies I have came with the knobs pretty much set up for someone who wasn't playing the guitar to be able to see the numbers. I had to pull them off and put them back how they belong.