johnnyqb wrote:Certainly the "Phyllis" model is a pretty looking Legacy. And evidently it has a push pull pot for some additional sounds. But other than that, I am not clear what it is about the guitar that makes it so expensive. Yes, I know it has Mrs. Fender's signature, which is very cool.
Beyond what Craig wrote I would like to add my thoughts. Of course, the question is very subjective. Why would one shell out mega-$$ for a Gibson LP Jimmy Page whereas one could buy a reissue or an 'ordinary' model? With certain manufacturers I can understand that people would prefer models from their Custom Department since, unlike their 'common' models, a lot of personal attention is paid to custom instruments. This would be less true for G&L given the way they produce their models in a smaller shop. But even for G&L there is still something special in each and every Custom Creations Department (CCD) model produced.
I own a recently acquired 'Blondie' (#53 of 100) of which the existence will be proven thus:
Among my guitars, it is one of the lowest output guitars. But the tone is incredibly sweet. The PTB system allows an enormous amount of flexibility. The push-pull tone control also adds some unique sonic options with a little more low-end cream on the top when bridge and neck pickup are combined together or with the middle pickup for a triple whammy. Compared to my George Fullerton, it is less bright in the bridge position.And understandably so, since on the GF the tone controls are by-passed for that pickup. Compared to my Legacy Special, there is some more noise but it has more of that vintage Strat sound to it. And it loves Overdrive pedals! I get my Texas sound through the Overdrive of a Carl Martin Quattro through the clean channel of my Mesa Express 5:25 head and the sound is delicious.
Yes, the PTB control system is available on all Legacies, and craftsmanship is impeccable no matter what G&L you go for (especially US built). Hence, an ordinary Legacy certainly would have sufficed. In my case it was merely a choice informed by other models I have collected. Since I already owned many of the CCD models, a Phyllis Model seemed to be a 'logical' choice. No qualms whatsoever. And I have seen second hand specimen for a very reasonable price at different outlets and eBay.
- Jos
Edit: fix image link after album was lost.
Last edited by yowhatsshakin on Sun Dec 18, 2011 11:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.